Bulgaria's Media Pluralism in Deep Crisis - Experts

Experts have warned that the media freedom situation in Bulgaria is deteriorating.

The unclear media ownership, coupled with the concentration of media in the hands of powerful oligarchs and politicians were among the key problems addressed by experts during a discussion dedicated to media pluralism in Southern and Southeastern Europe.

Francesco Martino, an Italian a journalist and Balkan expert for Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso, noted that, unlike print media, electronic media in Bulgaria are not obliged to disclose their ownership.

Martino also observed that Bulgarian media have been used for manipulation during election campaigns.

Christian Spahr, the head of the KAS Media Program South East Europe, warned that media pluralism in Bulgaria is under a threat. He pointed out that the media’s lack of financial independence makes them vulnerable to political dependencies, the BGNES news agency informs.

Bulgaria reached the shameful 87th place in the latest Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, down 7 spots in comparison with 2012.

Last year, EU Digital Agenda Commissioner Nellie Kroes has sent a letter to then Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov urging him to protect media freedom in the country.

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