Media Pluralism

Ten indicators of Risks to Media Pluralism aim to run a diagnostic on the health of the media sector in Sri Lanka by assessing three dimensions: economic, legal and political. How concentrated is the media market both horizontally (in each sector) and vertically (across sectors) in Sri Lanka? What are the greatest risks to Media Pluralism?

The information on this website is subject to regular review. In light of any relevant development in Sri Lanka, information displayed on the website is subject to change, accordingly.

Media Audience Concentration

HIGH

Media Ownership Concentration

NO DATA

Regulatory Safeguards: Media Ownership Concentration

HIGH

Cross-media Ownership Concentration

HIGH

Regulatory Safeguards: Cross-media Ownership Concentration

HIGH

Ownership Transparency

MEDIUM

Regulatory Safeguards: Ownership Transparency

HIGH

(Political) Control Over Media Outlets and Distribution Networks

HIGH

(Political) Control Over Media Funding

HIGH

Regulatory Safeguards: Net neutrality

HIGH

POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS

Greater stake, greater say?

Sri Lanka is currently ranked 131 of 180 countries in Reporters without Border’s World Press Freedom Index. Political control over media ownership remains a major concern, and contributes towards this relatively low ranking. Our findings discuss the issue of political affiliations of the media, and ask how such affiliations might undermine impartiality and pluralism

STATE AS OWNER AND REGULATOR

Who watches the watcher?

At a broader level, the lack of separation between the regulator and the regulated, has granted the state significant power to shape the media landscape in Sri Lanka, and occasionally, bend the rules in its favour. Its dual roles as owner and regulator – carried out simultaneously – enables the state to exert incredible control over the media landscape in Sri Lanka.

TRANSPARENCY

Process, Progress and the Public

The transparency of media ownership becomes a conversation of public interest against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan government’s expressed recognition of the importance of improved media freedom and access to information. While it is possible to access information on media ownership, there is a high financial cost when seeking greater transparency in this regard.