Conformity of public policy and citizens’ attitudes towards the public service media
JOURNAL
Conformity of public policy and citizens’ attitudes towards the public service media
Deimantas Jastramskis | European Journal of Communication
2024
This study takes a look at the structure of public service media (PSM) – ownership, management, funding and accountability – and how it matches with the involvement and perception of citizens on public media. The authors focus on the Lithuanian PSM, LRT, as one of the public media organisations in Europe which has the best conditions for editorial independence. This research shows that there is a disparity between what public policy is aiming for and what citizens want. This study also unveils the fact people want more influence in PSM management and for PSM organisation to be more accountable to society
Accountability and platforms' governance: the case of online prominence of public service media content
POLICY BRIEF
Accountability and platforms’ governance: the case of online prominence of public service media content
Krisztina Rozgonyi | Internet Policy Review
2023
Public discourse has shifted online, with platforms becoming crucial sources and distributors of information. Public Service Media (PSM) increasingly depends on these platforms to reach a wide audience. However, these platforms control how PSM content is shared and engaged with, using their own algorithms and laws.
This paper explores the need for protections to ensure PSM content is delivered effectively on digital platforms, as part of maintaining media diversity. It examines current and potential policies for giving public value content, or “due prominence,” a special status online. This study also looks at whether current accountability measures are adequate for promoting media pluralism and offers recommendations for future policies focused on public-interest platform governance.
Public Service Media in Northern Ireland: Prominence and Vulnerability in a Small Media System
REPORT
Public Service Media in Northern Ireland: Prominence and Vulnerability in a Small Media System
Phil Ramsey | Journal of the European Institute for Communication and Culture
2024
This study examines the politically and culturally divided society of Northern Ireland through the lenses of Public Service Media (PSM). PSM, such as the BBC NI, remain at the heart of the small media system of Northern Ireland, along with local media and other media offers from the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. This research reveals that although public broadcasting is at the centre of the public sphere in Northern Ireland, its status remains vulnerable in relation to the political and cultural situation of the country.
A public value typology for public service broadcasting in the UK
JOURNAL
A public value typology for public service broadcasting in the UK
Tom Chivers, Stuart Allan | Cultural Trends
2024
The role and importance of public service broadcasting (PSB) are being questioned in today’s digital society. Through the lenses of six values – social, cultural, economic, industrial, representational and civic – this research looks at how PSM create different forms of public value that benefit the audience, policymakers and the creative industry.
It examines the challenges and opportunities for maintaining these values and offers a framework to guide future cultural and media policy discussions about PSB in the UK and beyond.
Funding Democracy: Public Media and Democratic Health in 33 Countries
REPORT
Funding Democracy: Public Media and Democratic Health in 33 Countries
Timothy Neff, Viktor Pickard | The International Journal of Press/Politics
2024
This study explores the relationship between public service media (PSM) systems and the strength of democracy. The authors focused on 33 countries around the world and identified different models of public service media, creating a spectrum ranging from systems with low independence from the state to PSM with strong and secure funding models and a high degree of independence. This research shows the existing correlation between healthy democracies and public media systems which boast high levels of secure funding and strong structural protections for their political and economic independence.
Future-Proofing the UK’s Public Service Media
POLICY BRIEF
Future-proofing the UK’s public service media
Catherine Johnson & Dan Martin | PSM AP
2024
The rise of global platforms has brought new challenges that have threatened the legitimacy of public service media and broadcasters. In this context, PSM-AP has carried out a large-scale comparative research project, studying media laws, broadcast contracts and licences, annual reports, and current policy debates. This brief presents the core findings, analysis and recommendations to better support public service media in the UK.
Towards a Future-Proof Public Service Media?
POLICY BRIEF
Towards a Future-Proof Public Service Media?
Tim Raats, Catalina Iordache & Catherine Johnson | PSM AP
2024
Social and technological advances that appeared in the last few years have brought new challenges for public service media. Radical changes in media use, the advent of streaming services and the dominance of big tech as well as the increasing diversity and polarisation of societies have led to the erosion of trust in traditional media. This policy brief results from the comparative research project analysing ‘Public Service Media in the Age of Platforms’ (PSM AP). It outlines key discoveries and conversations regarding Public Service Media (PSM) and platformisation in several markets in Europe and Canada. Among the recommendations made by the authors, was the emphasis on adopting a digital-first approach while ensuring universality and bridging digital and socio-economic divides.
Democracy and Public Service Broadcasting
REPORT
Democracy and Public Service Broadcasting
European Broadcasting Union
2023
In a world with increasing challenges to democracy and a market-driven landscape, public service broadcasters are increasingly being asked to justify their value to society.
But how can public service media’s role as a reliable and stable source of information that plays a vital role in a healthy democracy be measured? This report from the EBU attempts to answer this question and offer broadcasters a way to respond to challenges.
Shifting TV Audience Expectations in the UK during Covid-19
JOURNAL
Public Service TV in the Age of Subscription Video on Demand: Shifting Audience Expectations in the UK during COVID-19
Catherine Johnson and Lauren Dempsey | Media, Culture and Society
2023
During the Covid lockdowns in the UK, television viewing surged, driven primarily by a doubling in the number of hours people spent watching subscription video on demand (SVOD) services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. If anything, lockdown appeared to catalyse the adoption of SVODs.
This paper, based on empirical research, examines how these changing behaviours might alter the cultural meanings people attach to television, and what this fast-changing dynamic may mean for public service broadcasters.
Addressing AI Intelligibility in Public Service Journalism
JOURNAL
AI ‘Everywhere and Nowhere’: Addressing the AI Intelligibility Problem in Public Service Journalism
Bronwyn Jones, Rhianne Jones, and Ewa Luger | Digital Journalism 10(10)
2023
Based on document analysis and interviews with 14 journalists, this paper explores how artificial intelligence is deployed at BBC News, and the level of literacy and understanding that those who are using AI for journalism have of the technology.
The rising prevalence of AI and algorithms has prompted concerns about how journalists understand and engage with the technology, without compromising their professional judgement and accountability.
Ultimately, the authors recommend better strategies for organisations and better AI literacy for journalists so public service organisations can uphold their norms and values.