Nikkei/FT: towards a EU-Japan FNA (Free News Agreement) ?

“Thursday’s surprise announcement by Nikkei Inc. that it’s buying the London-based FT Group, one of the world’s most respected and influential media groups, immediately raised questions about whether the Japanese company can successfully manage such a highly regarded news company. The Nikkei group, Japan’s most powerful financial media group, said it will buy the Financial Times publisher from Pearson PLC for about ¥160 billion ($1.3 billion) by procuring all outstanding stocks.” (Japan Times)

Yes, independance of the Press and, in particular, of the FT Editorial Team is a key concern.

However, on the bright side, in the context of the EU-Japan FTA negotiations, we hope that this high profile acquisition will enhance collaboration in the EU-Japan news/media sector and boost sharing of Industrial and Financial News/Information on both sides (EU and Japan).  Business News sharing would definitely  support Free Trade!!

The GBMC team

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Nikkei/FT: towards a EU-Japan FNA (Free News Agreement) ?