The Shift in Media Power: How Media Capture Is Changing the Game

The alarming trend of media power consolidation in recent decades has resulted in the instrumentalization of the media, with owners using their outlets to further their business interests or support specific politicians and parties. This poses a significant threat to democracy, as it hinders the public’s access to unbiased information necessary for making informed decisions about governance. More recently, a new form of media control known as media capture has emerged in various countries, where government authorities and private entities collaborate to exert influence over the media sector. This form of control, which encompasses public and private media outlets as well as media regulatory bodies, poses even greater risks to independent journalism and democratic processes. This chapter analyzes the repercussions of media capture on the integrity and independence of journalism, the competitiveness of media markets, and the overall quality of the infosphere. By examining the impact of media capture on these key aspects, it aims to offer a better understanding of the threats capture poses to democracy and the importance of safeguarding independent and unbiased journalism.