Audiovisual Services Law No. 26.522: Cultural Practices, Power and Communication

Abstract

On October 10, 2009, the Audiovisual Communication Services Law Number 26.522 was introduced in Argentina in order to limit the economic monopolization of communication. This law originated in the 21 points presented by a social project called Coalition for a Democratic Broadcasting, which was created in 2004 by more than 300 social, union and human rights organizations, all concerned by the monopolistic and oligopolistic situation in the commercial media sector. The law was made possible because of its popularity, the support of the majority of the population and the political will of President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. President Kirchner is a part of a movement of Latin American popular governments, which, in the twenty-first century, are attempting to reverse the neoliberal policies that previously devastated the region.