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Articles in this category:  25.03.2008 / Media concentration and ownership under scrutiny again
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The dominance of Silvio Berlusconi over Italian media and politics, as well as the perceived notion that European media is controlled by a clique of media barons and bohemoths, prompted the European Parliament into action over the last years. A stream of parliamentary questions were posed and various papers produced, calling on the European Commission to act. While some MEPs would like EU-level legislation for media ownership and concentration matters, until now this has been ruled out the Commission – the sole body who can propose EU legislation.
Nonetheless, yet another process has recently begun in the European Parliament with an own-initiative report on Media Concentration and Pluralism being worked on by Estonian socialist MEP Marianne Mikko. In the early stages of drafting and so far focuses exclusively on broadcast media and the internet, the report considers that media pluralism covers both ownership and diversity of content. The draft also considers that user-generated content could have a harmful impact on quality editorial content, and, somewhat worringly, asserts that public service broadcasters require additional safeguards and stronger funding. Mrs. Mikko is hoping for her report to be adopted in June this year.
In parallel, but with a longer time-frame, the European Commission has just ordered a major study to define and test concrete and objective indicators for assessing media in the different EU member states. The study, being carried out by a consortium of academics and consultants, will be presented in late 2008 and will be followed by a Communication in early 2009. The fact that the spotlight is once again on this subject will require vigilance from publishers and FAEP will be making any necessary input into both EU initiatives.
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