Argentina: Judge stops Macri’s attempt to dissolve Media regulator

Mauricio Macri, Argentina’s new president’s attempts to wipe away his predecessor’s Media law have been blocked by a federal Judge who struck down the presidential decree which earlier that day had dissolved the country’s sector regulators, AFCSA and AFTIC.

Both regulators, in charge of both competition and content, had been forcefully dismissed and their offices evicted by the incoming administration. The agencies were created in 2009 alongside a new media law, introduced by then-president Cristina Fernandez.

Judge Luis Arias ordered the government to “abstain from suppressing or affecting the rights acquired, and/or from granting new rights, regarding the working and mandate of the AFCSA.”

Mrs. Fernandez’ Media law had been widely seen as an attempt to force dominant media groups to sell off their assets. The law had caused a long-standing struggle between the government and the Clarín Media Group, Argentina’s market leader. Macri’s new administration has sought to overturn the law, presenting their drive as “an end to the War on Journalism.”

Full content: Milenio

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