Media ownership transparency in Europe: Closing the gap between European aspiration and domestic reality

Abstract

This article examines media ownership transparency through the lens of European human rights policy and evaluates media ownership transparency in over 30 European countries based on data returned to the Media Pluralism Monitor. Using these data, we examine the existence and quality of two types of disclosure, ‘upwards’, to public bodies and ‘downwards’, directly to the public, enabling both the monitory and informational functions of ownership transparency to be fulfilled. We conclude that regulation is patchy and variable across Europe and that a coordinated, multi-actor approach is necessary to give effect to internationally recognized standards in the field.

A Transparência Como Dimensão da Qualidade: A Propriedade dos Média e os Desafios da (In)visibilidade

“…This study underscores, as several authors have previously highlighted that transparency alone does not deliver the expected outcomes: it is necessary yet insufficient (Craufurd Smith et al, 2021;Meier & Trappel, 2022). By examining the data, it becomes evident that a role remains for regulation and public policies in an era of transparency.…”

“…Transparency is thus a complex and multidimensional concept, which can impact media production conditions such as ownership (Craufurd Smith et al, 2021), journalistic media production (Miranda & Camponez, 2022) and media distribution through algorithmic platforms (Diakopoulos & Koliska, 2017). It is also a principle and a challenge, given the numerous obstacles to its actualisation: intricate ownership mechanisms aggravated by the global movement of financial flows, the inefficiencies and resistance within journalistic institutions or the algorithmic platformisation of society and cultural production (Poell et al, 2022).…”

“…Transparency can be observed in two distinct dimensions: one of an administrative and legal nature and the other of a civic nature (Craufurd Smith et al, 2021). While the civic dimension makes the media accountable to civil society, investors and the general public, the administrative dimension involves companies being open to auditing and monitoring by regulatory bodies and other public agents.…”

“…These authors caution that transparency alone does not guarantee market competition or media pluralism. In the same vein, Craufurd Smith et al (2021) argue that while transparency is necessary, it is insufficient. This principle "can only ever be the starting point -and not the goal -in politics defending the normative ideals of news media in liberal democracies" (Meier & Trappel, 2022, p. 270).…”

“…On media transparency policies, Portugal stands ahead of most European countries, which have no specific requirements (Craufurd Smith et al, 2021). Several revisions to the media sector laws (including press, radio and television laws) have been introduced to enforce the public disclosure of the nominative composition of capital holders.…”