Political party buys media properties

Imagine the GOP buying up newspapers

The foundation which publishes Estonia’s Centre Party’s weekly newspaper has purchased the largest Russian-language daily newspaper Vesti Dnja. The publisher of Vesti Dnja Andres Tõnisson said the newspaper was sold due to financial considerations.

Recently, two businessmen who are long-term supporters of the Centre Party have also bought holdings in media firms. Centre Party financier, shipping industrialist Vjatcheslav Leedo, recently launched the newspaper Oma Saar. Leedo also owns Radio Kadi on the island of Saaremaa. Businessman Oliver Kruuda’s confectionery plant Kalev bought the magazines Ärielu and Sporditäht and a nineteen-percent stake in the newspaper Põhjarannik. Kruuda says he may purchase even more media properties, as he wishes to have a more “democratic” press.