Press release
The Media Ownership Authority will not intervene against Sunnmørsposten AS’ acquisition of the local newspaper Fjordingen
The Media Ownership Authority has decided not to intervene against the regional newspaper Sunnmørsposten AS’ acquisition of Fjordingen AS. Fjordingen is a local newspaper which covers Stryn and Hornindal in the county of Sogn og Fjordane. The acquisition was fulfilled 1. july 2003. The Authority has concluded that the acquired enterprise is of little significance in relation to the purpose of the Act.
After the acquisition Sunnmørsposten AS also becomes the largest media-owner in Fjordtrykk AS, which publishes the local newspaper Fjordabladet. The acquisition also includes a 38.79 percents ownership in Radio Stryn AS, and 26 percent of the stocks in the local newspaper Fjuken.
Despite the conclusion that Sunnmørsposten AS has a significant ownership position in the relevant market (Stryn and Hornindal), The Media Authority nevertheless has concluded that the acquisition is not contrary to the purpose of the law. The purpose as set out in Article 1 is "to promote freedom of expression, genuine opportunities to express one’s opinions and a comprehensive range of media".
In accordance with the guiding principles to the Media Ownership Act the Authority should refrain from intervention if the acquired enterprise is of little significance in relation to the purpose of the law. The local newspaper Fjordingen is among the smaller local newspapers in Norway. It covers a limited geographical area (two municipalities) which have a low number of citizens (approx. 7500). In addition an unusual large amount of the copies (almost 50 percent) is distributed out of Stryn and Hornindal. On this background the Media Ownership Authority had concluded that the acquisition is not contrary to the purpose of the law.
The Authority’s decision (in Norwegian) is located on the Internet under www.eierskapstilsynet.no. Copies will also be forwarded on request.
Press contacts: Director General Sigve Gramstad (email sg@eierskapstilsynet.no) or Deputy Director General Gudbrand Guthus (email gg@eierskapstilsynet.no), tel. +47 22 47 68 80.
14.10.2003
Norwegian Media Ownership Authority
Last modified
2005-04-13 03:27
