100 Yearsof PSM
On 18 October 2022, the BBC celebrates its 100th Anniversary. This centenary marks a milestone not just for the BBC, but for public service media worldwide.
Public service media (PSM) provides an invaluable service to society and democracy. This centenary is a fitting time to recognise and celebrate this contribution, and how many citizens across the world benefit from truly independent, public service media.
“The BBC’s centenary marks the birth of public service broadcasting. It set in motion the establishment of the notion that access to quality information, entertainment, and education was a public right, and those who provided it were doing a public service. The notion caught on, and the BBC set a precedent for public service media around the world.”
Kristian Porter, CEO, Public Media Alliance
“In Aotearoa-New Zealand we are in the process of building a stronger public media entity that will be better equipped to respond to the needs of our citizens. The BBC’s enduring relevance, high standards, and independence show what can be achieved.”
Paul Thompson, CEO, Radio New Zealand, & President, Public Media Alliance.
“As we celebrate the first 100 years of public service media, we must also be wary of those who attack the free media. We must stand up to them together. We are also facing new challenges, from global giants that try to capture most of the audiences’ attention. We must make sure that we develop to take on this challenge, in order to continue to play an important role in society. We do this best together, and by exchanging views, ideas and cooperation.”
Cilla Benkö, Director-General, Swedish Radio
“I stand for a ZDF that strengthens social cohesion and for “a ZDF for all”. We want to make an offer for the whole of society. This is the core of our public service programming mandate, and for this to succeed, ZDF needs to be deeply and sustainably rooted in our society.”
Dr Norbert Himmler, Director General, ZDF
“Throughout this past century, our democratic societies have always developed better when the public service has been able to fully play its role. Let us really hope that this will be the case for the next 100 years, even if this is in no way incompatible with the critical analysis of what the public service produces.”
Gilles Marchand, Director-General, SRG SSR
“Public service media is an essential symbol of a democratic society, a society in which mutual respect and coexistence with diversity flourish”.
Dr Wilasinee Phiphitkul, Director-General, Thai PBS
“Over the years, public service media has been the most trustworthy and dependable friend of the public. It is the window to knowledge and insight, and a benchmark of quality content. A nation is bound together by the value we promote.”
Cindy Shyu, President, PTS Taiwan
“Today, when public media is more vital than ever before in offering trusted news to counter rampant misinformation and disinformation and in bringing us together despite growing polarization, the BBC still stands as a giant of public broadcasting. Its centenary is a moment to reflect on the achievements of public broadcasters — and to renew our efforts to promote the value of public media worldwide.”
Catherine Tait, President and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada
Media UNCOVERED
Listen to our podcast ‘special’ which looks ahead to the future of public media, and its relationship with technology.
100 Years of PSM: Messages from PMA’s members & supporters
Watch and read messages from PMA's members and supporters, who speak about what Public Service Media means to them.
100 Years of Public Service Media: As relevant as it has ever been
As the BBC celebrates 100 years, PMA's CEO considers how much public service media has changed, and its continued importance.
100 years of radio in Switzerland | Le radio a 100 ans en Suisse
The CEO of Swiss public broadcaster SRG SSR reflects on 100 years of radio in Switzerland, and looks forward to the century ahead.
Journalism Makes a Difference – World News Day 2022
This World News Day, PMA is proud to showcase a selection of news stories from our members to highlight how "Journalism Makes a Difference".
Celebrate 100 years of public service media with us!
PMA will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of public service media on 18 October 2022, and we want you to get involved!
Podcast Collaborations: The positives, the pitfalls, and the public interest
Top podcast executives discuss the benefits and complications of collaborations, and how they can help meet public service obligations.
Image credit: LONDON- APRIL, 2019: The BBC or British Broadcasting Corporation headquarters building on Portland Place. Credit: Willy Barton/Shutterstock.com