Controversial Media Bill

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President Cristina Fernández has moved forth with her plans to overhaul laws governing media and broadcasting, with a reform bill having been passed in parliament in mid-September. For the bill to succeed it now has to be approved by the senate. The rationale promoted by Fernández is one of 'democratizing' the media landscape, which has been shaped by legislation passed back in the early 1980s when the country was under military dictatorship. However, opposition forces have accused the president of harbouring other ulterior motives, including a curtailment of the clout of the powerful Grupo Clarin media conglomerate, which has been critical of her policies.