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20/04/2012
Government Concerned About Irish Media Ownership
The government is said to be concerned about the diversity of ownership and diversity of content in the Irish media, minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte has said.
Mr Rabbitte was responding to questions about the resignation of Gavin O'Reilly as chief executive of Independent News and Media, amid attempts by Denis O'Brien to take control of the company.
Rabbitte said: "The media is different. The media affects the character of our democracy.
"Our public affairs depend on a diverse media. And I don't mean diversity just in terms of content but diversity of ownership.
Mr Rabbitte said that upcoming competition legislation would bring responsibility for the issue to his department: "I hope the new legislation ... will be published as soon as possible, if not before summer, then immediately after it."
Asked if he was concerned that Mr O'Brien owned too much media in Ireland, he said that since he was likely to be the Minister with responsibility for all the media, he did not want to be seen to pre-judge the situation.
Adding: "But I can leave out personalities and say to you, that generally, Government is concerned about diversity of ownership and diversity of content, and it doesn't matter who the person is or what the undertakings are, that's our principled position."
(H)
Mr Rabbitte was responding to questions about the resignation of Gavin O'Reilly as chief executive of Independent News and Media, amid attempts by Denis O'Brien to take control of the company.
Rabbitte said: "The media is different. The media affects the character of our democracy.
"Our public affairs depend on a diverse media. And I don't mean diversity just in terms of content but diversity of ownership.
Mr Rabbitte said that upcoming competition legislation would bring responsibility for the issue to his department: "I hope the new legislation ... will be published as soon as possible, if not before summer, then immediately after it."
Asked if he was concerned that Mr O'Brien owned too much media in Ireland, he said that since he was likely to be the Minister with responsibility for all the media, he did not want to be seen to pre-judge the situation.
Adding: "But I can leave out personalities and say to you, that generally, Government is concerned about diversity of ownership and diversity of content, and it doesn't matter who the person is or what the undertakings are, that's our principled position."
(H)
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Ireland WeatherToday:Showers today, occasional north and west of Lough Neagh, but only a few isolated light outbreaks expected for Belfast and county Down where the best of the winter sunshine is expected. West to northwest winds brisk around the coasts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers focused across northern areas of the Province, with most in the south staying dry, with a frost developing for many here. Northwest winds fresh around the coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
