Italy

RAI (Radio Audizioni Italia) was created in 1946 (RAI TV in 1952)

By 1975 there were 3 national (public) stations--

RAI UNO

RAI DUE

RAI TRE

In 1976 RAI had a monopoly on national broadcasting, but private broadcasting ON THE LOCAL LEVEL was permitted.

In the early 1980's Silvio Berlusconi bought up local stations and provided a common schedule in localities throughout Italy.

By 1984 Beslusconi owned 3 linkages that IN FACT amounted to 3 national channels--

CANALE 5

RETE 4

ITALIA 1

The Broadcasting Act of 1990 allowed him to retain the 3 national channels and placed the limit on the number of networks that could be privately owned at 3.

Three months before the national election of 1994 Berlusconi formed the totally new political party, Forza Italia (the soccer cheer, "Go Italy"). His party won the election and he became Prime Minister. His government collapsed in 8 months.

In the run-up to the 2001 election, Berlusconi mailed a 128 page glossy magazine to every Italian household ("An Italian Story").

He won the general election in May 2001 and is the present Prime Minister.

Controversies:

Conflicts of Interest

The media and business empire

Corruption Charges

laws passed that protect him from prosecution

Constitutional Court decision overruling the law

Controversial Statements

Islamic Culture

On Mussolini

"Nazi" remark as the incoming 6 months, rotating President of the EU

Free Press Issues

Media control

Resignations and firings

Libel suits

Popularity and press coverage