I announced my campaign for the President of Iceland 21 February.
Morgunbladid did not send a journalist to meet with me at this opportunity, but sent a photographer who took copy of my Press Release. Most of the content, and important parts of my press release were not featured in the newspaper. They only printed a tiny 18 column centimeter article hidden on page 9. On the other hand Morgunbladid has printed several items the last few weeks about my person and candidacy obviously in an attempt to ridicule my campaign.

A totally different coverage is given to the current President of Iceland Mr. Olafur Ragnar Grimsson who announced yesterday he will run again for office. Morgunbladid dedicates almost ½ of its front page to his announcement and 1/1 page inside the newspaper, total of 264 column centimeters or almost 15 times more space than was given to my campaign.

The newspaper goes into details of each point the President raised at his press meeting about his upcoming campaign. I have on the other hand not been given any opportunity to introduce my campaign points to the readers of this largest and most established newspaper in Iceland.

There has been a lot of discussion in recent months about ownership of Icelandic media, following the purchase by Baugur Ltd, our strongest retail company, of newspaper, radio and TV Company last year when Baugur saved these independent media services from becoming bankrupt.

Prior to the creation of these new independent media services general debate in Iceland was mostly controlled by above mentioned Morgunbladid and by the State Radio & TV Company. These companies have frequently through the years been misused and been controlled by the conservative party that also have had majority control in our parliament and government the past decades.

Democracy in Iceland is under an immediate threat due to the misuse of traditional media as described above, and by attempts by the government to impose law against the perfectly normal ownership of new media companies.

I appeal to you Dear Mr. Secretary to let the world know that you will be watching for a democratic Presidential Elections in Iceland and that all candidates should be given equal access to the media. Also please warn against any lawmaking that will threaten the existence of free media.

Yours truly,

Thor Magnusson (Ástþór Magnússon)
Presidential Candidate in Iceland ? Website in English: www.althing.us