Media and Journalism in Argentina: Politics, Money and Technology

Abstract

Argentina has a robust media structure. There are many newspapers throughout the country. Radio and television have nation wide coverage through a system that privileges licenses to the private commercial sector. State radio stations and television channels also have a nationwide presence, but with very small audiences. In 2005, non-profit community radio and television was authorized to broadcast. Access to communication services has high penetration rates. Pay-TV (cable and satellite) has maintained a wide penetration since the 1990s and currently reaches 70% of households. News programming holds a relevant place. Mobile telephony, which developed in the 1990s, is used by the entire population. It is the main access route to the internet, especially in popular sectors. The penetration of internet services in households is lower than that of mobile telephony. Only in recent years has the introduction of fiber optic to home begun to take shape, although for now itis only available in some large urban centers. Regarding the market structure, one of the characteristics of the media system in Argentina is the high concentration of ownership. The Clarín Group is the mainplayer in the communication system, with dominant positions (first or second largest player in each market) in print media, radio, open and paid television, fixed and mobile telephony, and home internet distribution. It is an unprecedented case, even at the level of Latin America, of dominance in content production markets and content distribution at the same time. Historically, Argentina has shown significant development in its cultural industries, especially when compared to the region. The media has had high rates of consumption. However, in recent years, analog media has lost importance. This situation is more evident in the print press and is beginning to impact television and radio. On the other hand, digital media, especially information distribution through platforms, is gaining space.