Concentration of media ownership and its impact on media freedom and pluralism

Concentration of media ownership and its impact on media freedom and pluralism was brought into focus at a recent regional conference, organised by the South-East European Network for Professionalisation of the Media (SEENPM) and the Media Division of the Council of Europe. The conference took place in Bled, Slovenia, from 11-12 June 2004. One of the central controversial topics in the region was thoroughly examined and discussed by numerous public officials, parliamentarians, media professionals, experts and non-governmental organisations from South-Eastern Europe and new EU member countries.

At its final session, the Conference adopted a set of conclusions and recommendations, underlining the democratic, social and cultural significance of the media, and calling for specific measures to protect and promote media pluralism.