I have focused heavily on Italy throughout my blog posts simply because I find the media in Italy so incredibly one-sided. Prime Minister Berlusconi manipulates his control of the media to suit his interests, often blocking out opposing views. By doing this, the italian public simply doesn’t get the chance to make an informed decision.
Berlusconi is now being investigated for allegedly pressing media watchdogs to block a talk show critical of his government, in the run-up to the March 27-28 regional elections. Read the full story or listen to the podcast here.
The ongoing saga of media partiality in Italy continues…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/libertycentral/2009/dec/17/italy-internet-freedom-attack-berlusconi
His manipulation of every media in Italy to promote himself has stretched to the internet – just a few months ago, the guardian published this story.
For more on internet and freedom of speech go to our blog, bapfreedom.wordpress.com
Berlusconi’s influence over both public and private broadcasting in Italy is undeniable. His Mediaset empire operates the country’s top private TV stations. Not only is it wrong for one person to have control over most of a country’s broadcasting, it’s even more worrying when he happens to be both Italy’s president and wealthiest man. Keeping in mind that 80% of Italians get their daily information from television, how on earth can they develop their own opinions if only one view is being heard?
To make matters worse, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp secured a virtual monopoly of the pay-TV sector when it launched Sky Italia in July 2003. I’m sure you’re all aware that the Australian media mogul is not renowned for ensuring that his news channels are fair and balanced.
Rather inevitably, Berlusconi and Murdoch’s influence over the Italian Media has triggered a heated debate over press and broadcasting freedom within the EU.