Argentina: Puzzling interference to broadcast media

Television stations Canal 13, and Todo Noticias (TN) and frequencies of Radio Mitre and FM 100 - belonging to Artear, the broadcast arm of the country’s leading press group Clarin - have all suffered mysterious interruptions to their programmes over the past few days. The interference has also hit cable channels owned by the same group.

Deputies and senators have called for an investigation and the Federal Broadcasting Committee (COMFER) referred it to the federal justice system on 27 March 2009.

No Argentinean media has previously experienced this type of incident and it is fuelling speculation.

The interference comes at a time of heightened tension between the government and the Clarin group, whose future is uncertain as a new broadcast law, sought by President Cristina Fernandez, is under debate in Congress. The law will replace one adopted under the military dictatorship in 1980, and also aims to curb media concentration.

Related story:
Argentina’s president seeks to reform broadcasting law

Source: Media Network, Reporters Without Borders