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Italy: Controversy as small TV network sale may have big political implications

By  |  March 5, 2013

Italian media are buzzing about a recent decision from Telecom Italia Media to sell the nation’s smallest television network, La7, to Cairo Communications, pending antitrust authoritative review. In the midst of a political battle for Italy’s next prime minister, reports say the deal is concerning as Cairo Communications’ owner has close ties with Silvio Berlusconi, a media tycoon who already owns three of Italy’s seven national networks and who is also in the running to become prime minister. Analysts are now questioning whether the relationship between the two men could compromise editorial neutrality for the network’s news programs. According to reports, the sale was made for about $1.3 million and includes Cairo’s agreement to recapitalize the network.

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