Country profile of Italy's media - Essay Example

Mediaset initially expanded its services outside Italy by acquiring 25% shares in a Spanish broadcaster called Telecinco in 1997 and increases the shares to 50.1% in 2003 (Mediaset a). In relation with the increasing demand for the use of the Internet, Mediaset decided to become active in managing web-based activities of Canale 5, Italia 1, Rete 4 and TGCOM6 by establishing the Mediaset.it (Mediaset.it b). Eventually, the media company decided to consolidate all of its digital activities under the Mediadigit before As part of analyzing the micro-environment of Mediaset, the total population in Italy including the number of households with television sets and the number of people who patronizes satellite, cable, or free TV will be thoroughly identified.

Eventually, the most important media players including the current trends behind television broadcasting will be tackled followed by discussing the role of AGCOM in the extent wherein the media’s freedom of the press in terms of content restrictions being practiced in Italy. Prior to conclusion, the extent in which American programming affects the home-grown programming in Italy will be examined. As of July 2008, the total population of Italy is 58,145,320 (Central Intelligence Agency). Considering that Italy is one of the countries with the most advanced economy (Central Intelligence Agency b), almost 95% of Italian households have television.

(Eurobarometer, p. 1) Back on November 2007; E-Communications Household Survey conducted an interview with a total of 1,039 research participants. Based on the results, E-Communications Household Survey revealed that as much as 79% of Italian household are dependent on the use of aerial television followed by 18% who has an access over satellite TV, 10% with access to cable TV network, and 8% on digital terrestrial television which is a