The Levels of Thematic Overlap in the Editorials of Five Chilean Mainstream Newspapers in a Context of Concentrated Media Ownership

Abstract

This investigation2 analyzes whether the concentrated ownership of Chilean mainstream newspapers implies a homogenization of topics and issues addressed in their editorials. The research tests the thesis that several media hold by few owners become ideological monopolies which impoverish the public debate and make socially relevant content invisible. The study empirically examines editorials, published in nine months over three years, from El Mercurio, La Segunda, La Tercera, El Sur de Concepción and La Discusión de Chillán. Overall, a thematic concentration was observed, but also a greater dispersion when considering the discussion on specific issues.