Forum libero

http://www.freedomhouse.org/images/File/FotN/Italy...


The push to restrict internet freedom stems in part from the media ownership
structure in Italy. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi owns, directly and indirectly, a large
private media conglomerate, and his political position gives him significant influence over
the appointment of state television officials. Such financial and editorial dominance of the
broadcast media may give the country’s leadership an incentive to restrict the free flow of
information online, whether for political reasons or to influence the competition for viewers
arising from online video. Nevertheless, as of the end of 2010, the diversity of views and
degree of government criticism in online discussions was largely unrestricted and appeared
to be greater than in the broadcast and print media.