- label
- Media Distribution Exclusion
- category
- Structural / Market
- code
- TC-41
- definition
- State-aligned actors or compliant market operators remove independent media from distribution platforms — satellite networks, cable bundles, streaming aggregators — dramatically reducing audience reach without direct censorship or legal prohibition. The exclusion operates through commercial or technical decisions that are formally deniable as business choices. Creates structural audience fragmentation: loyal viewers who relied on broadcast access lose contact with independent journalism while remaining reachable by captured media on the same platforms. Distinct from TC-38 (Corporate Capture of Independent Media), which targets ownership and editorial control; TC-41 targets distribution infrastructure and audience access.
- detection signal
- Independent media removed from satellite or cable packages while pro-government channels remain; sudden 'technical' or 'commercial' justifications for removal during political pressure periods; reduction in broadcast reach forcing digital-only distribution; simultaneous removal of multiple independent outlets from same platform.
- instrument type
- Structural
- needs review
- false
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