LONDON (AP) — He's dominated Britain's media landscape for decades, shaking Fleet Street to its foundations and dueling with the venerable BBC.

But Rupert Murdoch's latest move, an attempt to consolidate his family's sway over the British Sky Broadcasting Group PLC, may be a step too far. An unprecedented media coalition of newspapers and broadcasters has appealed directly to the government to take a close look at the buyout — which they say could have serious consequences for the way Britons get their news.

Rivals want Murdoch's effort to win a 100 percent stake in BSkyB to be vetted by Ofcom, Britain's media regulator, which can advise officials on the merits of the deal and whether it would jeopardise the integrity of Britain's media industry.

The 79-year-old Murdoch's British holdings are already extensive — and controversial. His stable of national newspapers reportedly account for 37 percent of Britain's national press by circulation. The Sun, Britain's biggest daily, boasts of being able to swing elections and The News of The World, The Sun's Sunday sister paper, has been accused of running a massive illegal eavesdropping operation, with reporters spying on politicians, sports stars, celebrities — and even members of the royal family.

His papers' power comes with a big political payoff. The News of The World's former editor, Andy Coulson, is now Prime Minister David Cameron's chief media aide, despite accusations that he knew about the phone hacking — charges he flatly denies.