Bill Could Solidify Power of 2 Mexican TV Giants

BILL COULD SOLIDIFY POWER OF 2 MEXICAN TV GIANTS
[SOURCE: Los Angeles Times, AUTHOR: Marla Dickerson]
Mexican lawmakers are poised to overhaul the nation's broadcasting laws this week, a move that opponents say will ensure that two dominant companies retain their lock on the country's airwaves. The legislation would in effect grant new broadcasting spectrum to media giants Grupo Televisa and TV Azteca to launch high-definition television and other digital services without expressly requiring them to pay for it. Experts describe the proposed move as a massive giveaway of public assets that will cost the Mexican treasury billions and block new players from the market. In the midst of a heated presidential race, the bill has provoked accusations of backroom dealing by the two corporations. And it has underscored the enduring power of Mexico's business oligarchies, which critics say are shortchanging Mexican consumers, retarding economic growth and stunting the nation's democracy.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fi-mextv29mar29,1,4...
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