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The Media Ownership Authority has reached an amicable solution with Adresseavisen ASA in the case of the company’s acquisition of Hitra-Frøya.
The amicable solution sets an upper limit of 49 percent ownership for Adresseavisen ASA in Hitra-Frøya, and it states that a council shall give a recommendation to the board of Hitra-Frøya before an editor of the newspaper is appointed. The council shall consist of two representatives from the owners, one representative appointed by the Norwegian Press Organisation and one member appointed by the Institution ”Free Word”. The board cannot appoint editor unless there is a majority view from the council.
Adresseavisen ASA shall reduce its shares from 66 percent to 49 percent within a time limit of one year.
Adresseavisen ASA acquired in 1997 66 percent of the shares in Hitra-Frøya, and had an option to buy the rest of the shares. The Media Ownership Authority has studied the acquisition. The Authority concluded that Adresseavisen ASA through the acquisition reached a significant ownership position in the local market. That position was contrary to the purpose of the Act on Media Ownership, which is to promote freedom of expression, genuine opportunities to express one’s opinion and a comprehensive range of media. Prior to carrying out an intervention, the Authority shall attempt to reach an amicable solution with the acquirer. Such an amicable solution was reached in this case.
Hitra-Frøya is a local newspaper for two local communities in the
The decision document in Norwegian is placed on the Internet www.eierskapstilsynet.no.
Last modified 2005-04-13 03:27