Argentina Puts Pressure on Media Firm

President Cristina Kirchner has set the stage for a showdown with Argentina's biggest media conglomerate, Grupo Clarín SA, in a dispute that some critics warn could undermine free speech.

President Kirchner, who contends Clarín is a coup-mongering monopoly, has given the company until Dec. 7 to divest itself of assets such as its cable-television unit or see them auctioned off by the government. The conflict could have implications for businesses, the media and President Kirchner, whose approval ratings have tumbled this year amid rising crime, high inflation and a weak economy. At stake for Clarín is its future as an influential, independent media company that offers popular news and entertainment programs to millions of Argentines via its cable-TV and Internet services. Clarín was the only TV company to provide full coverage of recent nationwide protests against the government. Its breakup could limit the public's access to information, analysts say.