The role of Bulgarian media in public life came under
scrutiny after several media outlets were used as
an instrument for triggering political crises and for
political engineering (2013 – 2014). At that time,
the Bulgarian media market was experiencing the
impact of two negative trends. On the one hand, the
economic crisis of 2009 – 2013 had cut advertising
revenues by half. On the other, the old models of
media financing were diminished by the use of digital
technologies and the explosive growth of social
networks and mobile communications. The loss
of financial sustainability by the media presented
unique opportunities for Bulgarian oligarchic
groups. By accumulating a significant share of the
media market, they reached an unprecedented
level of political influence (including direct influence
on the legislative, executive and judicial powers).
The media was used as an instrument for state
capture that could present severe security and
economic risks.
