MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Mrs. Kirchner fits velvet gloves and takes on the press

TN (Todo Noticias), meant actually “Todo Negativo” (everything negative) according CFK

In the midst of an escalating conflict between President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and the Argentine media, the government ordered a change in the channel grid of cable-TV companies.

By decree the Argentine government imposed the implementation of a new channel grid for private cable television networks, which will imply the relocation of Todo Noticias (TN) from its current position in channel 11 â€" between two high rating free-to-air TV channels (Telefé and Channel 13) â€" to the less valued Channel 6. The decision has raised public concern, as it took place amid an increasing dispute between the government and the media over the contents of broadcasting and freedom of the press. Within a 30-day period all cable companies must relocate "all news channels between Channels Two and Six" stated the decree. State-run ATC will be moved from number 16 to eight, and the Education Ministry's Encuentro, from six to seven, but what many consider the most significant aspect of the measure, is the relocation of TN, the news channel of the Clarín media group, in a measure which may affect its rating. The conflict between authorities and the media ignited weeks ago, when President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner slammed a drawing published by Clarín in which cartoonist Hermenegildo Sábat pictured President Kirchner with her mouth shut with band aids. Mrs. Kirchner said she considered the drawing to be "a mafia-like message." Days later, Mr. Kirchner held banners at a political rally, bearing a message stating that TN (Todo Noticias), meant actually "Todo Negativo" (everything negative) as the government argued that the main news network in the country should acknowledge the strong points of the government instead of focusing excessively on damaging criticism. Pro-government picket Luis D'Elía went even further, accusing Clarín of "putting a gun to the head of democracy" Local media has reported that Mr. Kirchner's ex-chauffeur, Rudy Ulloa Igor, has made a multi-million offer to buy Telefé â€" Clarín's main rival channel â€" in what could be considered a move by Kirchner to take over the media. Other government measures have also raised the stakes. A week ago, the government launched the implementation of a Media Discrimination Monitoring Agency, which the opposition believes could be a euphemism for censorship, given the ambiguity of the tasks of the agency. The Kirchner administration plans also include an amendment to the Broadcasting Law, claiming it wants to open up the market, turning the conflict over the broadcasting law into "the mother of all battles". Cabinet Chief Alberto Fernandez claims the amendment would "improve and guarantee objectivity", adding that "objectivity should prevail before the interests of business". The Cabinet Chief said the Broadcasting Law is a subject long delayed in Argentina for many years: "It's a law approved by the dictatorship and hasn't been treated for several reasons... In a modern society, the media works as a link between the information and the people". (BAH).-