Kirchner appeals in bid to break up media corps

Published on 08/12/2012 00:00

President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has appealed to Argentina’s supreme court in a bid to enforce a legislative deadline for breaking up Grupo Clarin, a media company that has become her leading critic.

Deadline was due to pass at midnight last night for media companies to announce how they will sell off properties that exceed anti-monopoly limits imposed by the Argentine congress three years ago.

Judges on Thursday evening ruled a stay of execution, despite efforts by ministers to have the law implemented. The judges’ decision to extend an injunction guarantees that the two forces commanding the largest audiences in Argentina won’t stop fighting until the supreme court rules on limiting the power of private media, which Mrs Fernandez has made a centrepiece of her presidency.