OSCE media watchdog concerned about ownership deregulation in USA

VIENNA, 29 May 2003 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Freimut Duve, expressed concern today over the effect that media deregulation in the USA, the most symbolically important country for the culture of press freedom, might have on many OSCE participating States.

On 2 June, the United States Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is scheduled to vote on whether to approve changes to a 28-year-old ban that prevents newspapers from buying television stations in the same city and on allowing broadcasting companies to acquire additional television outlets.

"I am closely following the public debate in America on the proposed deregulation of media ownership. If passed, these changes may affect the pluralism of opinion that characterizes the media scene in the US.

"However, my main concern is with the precedent this sets for other OSCE participating States where democratic counterbalances to authoritarian rule, including a free media, are still weak," said Mr. Duve.

The OSCE Representative hopes that in the end, the media in the United States will find a fair balance between business interests and those of the public, enshrined in the spirit of the First Amendment. Still, the overriding consequences for freedom of expression in many other countries may be detrimental, so allowing business conglomerates, through cross-ownership schemes, to stifle open debate.

"Media concentration at national and transitional levels is an issue that should not avoid public scrutiny. In today's era of globalization any information monopoly may pose a serious threat to democracy. That is why my Office will conduct a study of this new phenomenon in 2003," he added.