While controversy continues in France after the takeover of the Sunday Journal (JDD) by billionaire Vivencent Bolloré’s Vivendi group, which already owns Canal Plus, CNews or Europe 1, Brussels is also concerned about increased media concentration in Europe.
Media pluralism indeed presents a European challenge that goes beyond France alone. At his end Annual report In a ruling published on July 5, the European Commission considers there is a “high risk” of news media concentration across the EU.
After all, since last year there has been no development towards pluralism, even if it is the duty of member states.
Assessed on the basis of media pluralism, political influence, economic pressure or journalists’ working conditions, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Slovenia and Malta are considered to be at “high risk”. Also “very high risk” in Bulgaria, Poland, Romania and Hungary.
France has also been critical
France is being retaliated against for lack of transparency in media ownership. In contrast, progress was noted in Ireland, the Czech Republic and Lithuania.
So Brussels wants to legislate. The European Commission has proposed a regulation to guarantee adequate and sustainable funding in editorial taxes from political or industrial power but also in the transparency of owners or public media.
The text is now in the hands of the European Parliament, which will have to decide before the next European elections scheduled for June 6 and 9, 2024.
Cedric Guigon/lan
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