Cullen International published a new benchmark showing in the selected countries whether a separate media plurality assessment of media concentrations exists in national legislation.

Because of the economic and cultural roles of the media, concentrations (mergers) in the media sector do not only have an impact on competition, they can also affect the diversity and pluralism of opinions and views. For these reasons, some member states have established media plurality tests.

The benchmark also shows if there is any information/ plan on the implementation of article 22 of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) which requires member states to set up such a media plurality test.

Different plurality assessment models exist

The benchmark shows that the approach taken to assess pluralism in media market concentrations varies widely among the countries surveyed.

In particular, it reveals that separate media plurality assessments exist in seven out of the fifteen countries surveyed. 

Implementation of EMFA

Although the EMFA does not require implementing national legislation per se (as it is a regulation), most legislative frameworks will probably require amendments.

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