LISBON KEEN TO REDUCE STATE'S MEDIA INTERESTS.

Portugal's Prime Minister Pedro Santana Lopes expressed support on November 20 for a reduction in the State's influence in media outlets controlled by the Portugal Telecom group. "As Prime Minister, I would be better pleased if the State had nothing to do with press outlets that lie outside of the ambit of the public service", said Mr Santana Lopes, quoted by the Lusa press agency. The Lusomundo Media group, controlled by Portugal Telecom via PT Multimedia, notably controls two leading national dailies, the Jornal de Noticias and Diario de Noticias, the popular daily 24Horas and radio news station TSF. An erstwhile public monopoly, Portugal Telecom has been privatised but the State retains a golden share in the group. Mr Santana Lopes notably raised the possibility of "reducing PT's stake" in media outlets. He indicated that the cabinet will shortly consider "the State's role in the media".

Portugal's media authority (AACS) recently recommended that media outlets controlled by Portugal Telecom should be transferred or fall under its ambit regarding the appointment of directors. Following changes at the head...