Press release
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The Media Ownership Authority has decided not to intervene against the regional newspaper Trønder-Avisa AS’ acquisition of the local newspaper Steinkjer-Avisa AS.
In January 1999 Trønder-Avisa bought all shares in Steinkjer-Avisa, the local newspaper in the town of Steinkjer. In 1998 the newspaper had a circulation of 3 160 copies, and it has one weekly edition. Trønder-Avisa is also published in Steinkjer. The regional newspaper is sold throughout the whole Nord-Trøndelag county, and has the highest coverage in the municipalities of Steinkjer, Levanger and Verdal. In 1998 Trønder-Avisa had a circulation of 23 956 copies. The newspaper has a pluralistic ownership, and is independent from the major national newspaper owners.
The Media Ownership Authority has concluded, after some doubts, that the legal requirements to intervene are fulfilled. The doubt is partly based on the fact that broadcasting and other newspapers has a relatively broad coverage of Steinkjer, and that these media have no ownership relations to any of the parties. Elements in the Authority’s overall considerations which has led to the conclusion not to intervene, are that there were doubts whether the requirements to intervene are fulfilled, that Trønder-Avisa has a pluralistic ownership and that an intervention may lead to economic problems for the newspaper.
The Media Ownership Act shall promote freedom of expression, genuine opportunities to express one’s opinion and a comprehensive range of media.
The Authority’s decision (in Norwegian) is located on the Internet under http://www.eierskapstilsynet.no. Copies will also be forwarded on request.
Press contact: Director General Sigve Gramstad, tel +47 22 47 68 80, e-mail sg@eierskapstilsynet.no.
Last modified 2005-04-13 03:27