MILAN (Reuters)
- Artist Drags
TV by Ear in Protest
British performance artist Mark McGowan dragged a television roped to
his ear through Milan on Wednesday to protest against what he called excessive
political control over the media in Italy and other countries. His head
bandaged to hold the rope, he said he was heading for the headquarters
of Fininvest, the holding company of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
"I'm going to bring it down to Silvio," said McGowan, who scooted
along on his backside through a central square, attracting puzzled looks
from passers-by. He said he had covered one km (a half mile) and had another
three to go. Berlusconi, Italy's wealthiest man, owns Mediaset, the largest
commercial broadcaster, through Fininvest. As prime minister, he also
influences programing at state broadcaster RAI. McGowan's other exploits
have included pushing a nut with his nose through London to the prime
minister's residence at 10 Downing Street to protest against high education
costs.
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