Young Independents condemn state monopoly on TV news

The Association of Young Independents, known as SUS, has called it “absurd” that the state could become the only provider of television news in Iceland, following reports that Sýn will end its evening news broadcasts, mbl.is reports.

In a statement on the state of free media in Iceland, SUS said the development was particularly serious because it comes as the country marks 40 years of free broadcasting.

The association also criticised the state broadcaster RÚV, saying it had repeatedly been accused of bias in its news coverage while the public is required to pay a broadcasting fee.

SUS policy states that the government should neither operate media outlets nor provide subsidies to privately run media. The association said developments in recent years had moved in the opposite direction, with private media weakening while RÚV continued to expand.

“When new platforms emerge, whether podcasts, social media or other digital content, RÚV follows with billions from the state treasury to support it and competes with private operators,” the statement said.

SUS said it was unhealthy for Icelandic democracy that RÚV would soon provide the only regular evening television news. It called for swift action by Alþingi, Iceland’s parliament, and said the first step should be removing RÚV from the advertising market.

“It is indefensible for a state media organisation to compete with privately run media for limited advertising revenue while receiving billions from taxpayers,” the statement said.

The association also called for stricter limits on RÚV’s activities. It said the state broadcaster should not enter every new market, should withdraw from competition in podcasting, face clear limits on its social media activities and focus on a clearly defined public service role.