Hot topics click link for more
There are ugly places for independent news media and then there is Belarus. All authoritarian rulers continue to grind their axes into the backs of those who might criticize or report misdeeds. This list, sadly, just gets longer. In that regard, Belarus is not particularly special, just another satellite of a bigger repressive regime.
A court in Belarus has sentenced two editors with now-shuttered TUT BY to long jail terms. Former general director Lyudmila Chekinia and editorial director Maryna Zolotova will serve 12 years, pay fines and will be restricted in professional activities, reported state news agency Belta (March 17). The trial of the two began January 9 after nearly two years incarceration. (See more about media in Belarus here)
There are no independent news outlets in Belarus. After dictator Alexander Lukashenko “claimed” the presidency in 2020 more editors and reporters were arrested, outlets closed. Belarusian authorities have been intent on retribution, exacerbated by the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine. (See more about press/media freedom here)
More than 400 media workers have fled Belarus since Mr. Lukashenko claimed election victory, reported the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), noted VOA News (January 30). The Belarusian State Security Committee named BAJ an “extremist formation,” at the end of February. Many have media workers up the pieces in Lithuania and Poland. Former TUT BY employees established exile online news portal Zerkalo (Mirror). “So far our efforts have not helped you get free,” its editors wrote after the sentencing verdict was read (March 17). “It hurts us, but it hurts you a lot more. I would like to believe that you are proud of us - people who have not betrayed your ideals and continue your great work. Remember: in this upside down world, no matter how much we are separated, there will always be a place for you, honest and worthy people.”
Media awards are always important celebrations. Colleagues gather with friends and family to salute good deeds. These are especially significant where conflict is the historical normal.
Last Saturday (March 11) in Mazar-i-Sharif, northern Afghanistan about 100 media workers gathered for an awards ceremony marking Afghan Journalists Day. Opening the ceremony, a group of children began singing an anthem. Moments later a parcel bomb exploded. A security guard was killed outright with 16 others injured, including three children, reported Al Jazeera (March 11). Two of the injured died the following day; Ava Press agency reporter Sayed Hussain Naderi and journalism student Akmal Tabian. (See more about media in Afghanistan here)
“When the bomb went off, we all fell to the floor and began scrambling for an exit,” said photojournalist Atif Aryan, quoted by Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF) (March 14). “But we were in a basement, it was hard to get out, and the security measures were non-existent. We are still in shock.” (See more about conflict zones here)
Local Taliban security services interviewed those attending, collecting cameras and other equipment. “Security agencies should know that questioning and interrogation is a practice that can be done only according to the laws of the country,“ said Afghan journalist advocate Arif Karimihe. “Journalists should not be considered suspects and questioned at the same time as they are victims.”
Two days later Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a rival of the Taliban, claimed retribution. "The blast targeted a rally held inside a Shiite center to reward several journalists working in agencies involved in the war and instigation against IS,” said its statement. The most recent RSF Global Press Freedom Index ranks Afghanistan 156th in the world, just below the Russian Federation.
Media mergers and acquisitions have been fraught by complications in recent months. Putting deals together is more and more difficult. Competition authorities seem not to like any of them. Yet, some investors never give up.
Vivendi owner Vincent Bolloré has invested considerable time - not to forget money - sealing the acquisition of Lagardère assets. It has been dragging out so long nobody can remember when it started or what is involved. Essentially, the French government strongly favored any deal that bailed out Arnaud Lagardère, a favorite member of the Paris establishment. The French Competition Authority has a mind of its own. Last year it torpedoed the proposed merger of big TV operators TF1, subsidiary of conglomerate Bouygues, and M6, subsidiary of RTL Group. Fallout from that continues. (See more about media in France here)
The European Commission (EC) made clear it has a problem with publisher Editis, owned by Vivendi, taking over publisher Hachette Livre part of Lagardère. Both publishers are beloved because they are French. With assets held in different sectors - publishing and broadcasting - there was no possibility of M Bollorè simply delivering a large bag of money to M Lagardère, both parties calling it a day. The EC decided, as they will, that for Vivendi to acquire Hachette Editis would need to be spun-off. (See more about Vivendi here)
Now in its third year the increasingly complicated deal now falls to Czech energy billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, a francophile who already owns several French magazines, including Elle and Marianne. Through International Media Invest, subsidiary of Czech Media Invest, he has set a price for Editis, said Les Echos (March 14), of about €700 million. That happens to be about €200 million less than Vivendi paid for the publisher in 2019. Vivendi is the principle owner of television broadcaster Canal+. Both parties announced “exclusive negotiations,” reported Le Monde (March 14).
The mini-drama, not to be confused with melodrama, in the UK over suspended BBC football host Gary Lineker seems to have reached a rather calm end. Mr. Lineker will “soon” return to the TV screens as BBC general director Tim Davie apologized for the inconvenience. Social media usage by BBC employees or contractors will certainly be examined. There will be an investigation into events leading up to the suspension, perhaps beyond. Details of that, when completed, will be held by the BBC board, controlled by Conservative Party appointees.
Apparently Mr. Davie scurried back from the US Sunday night to get a handle around the mess or, at the very least, to prepare statements comfortable to the political masters. Early Monday the official statements were read out, implying not much else will be revealed over the next few days. Conservative Party luminaries - including a spokesperson for prime minister Sunak - congratulated themselves for beating up on the BBC, suggesting funding even more likely to be contended and that Mr. Davie’s job could be at risk. (See more about the BBC here)
Mr. Lineker popped out mid-morning, appearing relieved. However, on social media he made nods about immigration sure to irritate the politicians. Opposition politicians are gleaming at a new opportunity to shred the Conservative Party on that issue, now in a public sphere that includes football fans. BBC supporters are also overjoyed at having a cudgel in any debate on BBC independence, including political appointees and funding.
|
