Restriction of access to news distribution media

Restrictions on access to distribution media may be for political or commercial reasons, in the form of media monopoly or direct government control or censorship, the refusal of licences, harassment or confiscation. It may serve to maintain existing exploitation, injustice and inequality and to facilitate indoctrination and strengthen dictatorship and repression, by inducing apathy and ignorance; or it may encourage subversive activities resulting from alienation.