Oireachtas

Monopoly of Independent Newspapers questioned

The Government should seriously consider asking Independent Newspapers to divest itself of some of the MMDS re-broadcasting licences…

Thu Jun 25 1998 - 01:00

The Government should seriously consider asking Independent Newspapers to divest itself of some of the MMDS re-broadcasting licences they now hold, according to Mr Des O'Malley (PD, Limerick East).

Mr O'Malley, a former Minister, said he always felt it was inappropriate and inopportune that the group should have been granted or allowed to acquire the majority of MMDS licences, because of the substantial proportion of national and local newspapers which they already owned or controlled.

He said the Independent Group should not be allowed to acquire any further interest in television in any form in this country or in local or national ownership. "There is very little tradition of compulsory divesting in this country, but because of its special sensitivity the concentration of media ownership deserves more attention than any other dominant position or monopoly."

Mr O'Malley was speaking on the second day of the debate on a Labour Party Bill to restrict ownership of the media to 25 per cent and to ensure that major sporting events remain available to Irish television viewers without having to pay-per-view.

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"In considering Independent Newspapers' ownership position it is necessary for the House and the Minister to bear in mind the fact that this group has been known to use its editorial policy to further its own commercial interests," he said.

"They are not necessarily unique in this but so strong is their grip that I have noticed a reluctance by some in public life or in public positions to voice in public any criticism, or indeed even reservations, about that dominant position."

Mr O'Malley said he welcomed the principle of the legislation but it was "slightly crudely put together" and would be open to a variety of challenges if passed.

He suggested that to restrict media monopolies, an Order could be made under 1978 legislation in relation to broadcasting along with an inquiry by the Competition Authority into a dominant position.

He said any dominant position was dangerous if abused. "A dominant position which is not abused at a given point in time can very quickly become abused when its owners see the power they have and want to flex their muscles," he said.