We have extremely strict libel legislation, and an independent press ombudsman. State funding is not a factor in the finances of the major papers who pushed for the measures mentioned in this article

Nothing in the article suggests they are at all. What made you say that?

Regulation can be a form of oppression. Press freedom index. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Press_Freedom_Index

State-funded? Not really at all? Regulated, not very.