Rationalisation of the news - How AI reshapes and retools the gatekeeping processes of news organisations in the United Kingdom, United States and Germany
JOURNAL
Rationalisation of the news – How AI reshapes and retools the gatekeeping processes of news organisations in the United Kingdom, United States and Germany
Felix M. Simon | New Media & Society
This paper surveys the usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the newsroom, along with the ways in which it has re-shaped journalistic practices. Through interviews with publishers based in the United States, UK and Germany, the authors found that AI is increasingly being used to automate basic tasks such as summarization, verification and transcription. This technology is also being used on the business side of newspapers, allowing companies to streamline audience analytics, targeted content and distribution of stories. The study reflects that while it doesn’t fundamentally change journalism, AI systems reshape the news environment, giving greater power to large tech companies such as Google or OpenAI as they control the infrastructure that powers newsrooms. While AI pushes organizations to more efficient practices, it also requires more transparency to avoid allegations of bias or inaccuracies at the hands of automated systems.
Projections: The Social Internet
REPORT
Projections: The Social Internet
Henry Cooke & Ian Forrester | BBC Research and Development
This report focuses on the BBC, examining how the public broadcaster can use social media to connect with increasingly isolated online audiences. The authors highlight a pronounced shift away from addictive and algorithmic social media platforms like TikTok towards smaller and more private group chats or social spaces. For PSM this means a digital movement away from a large presence on larger social media platforms, into a wider variety of smaller spaces. This shift requires a higher variety of content across more topics, along with embedding themselves into online communities and establishing an engaged and collaborative relationship with their audiences.
Framing Nordic public service media: Comparing policy discourses in Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark
JOURNAL
Framing Nordic public service media: Comparing policy discourses in Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark
John Grönvall and Kari Karppinen | European Journal of Communication
This article surveys the public service media (PSM) landscape of the four Scandinavian countries over the last 10 years to determine the ways in which the role of PSM have changed. The authors found clear national differences in the roles of PSM within each country, although they shared common problems, such as competition from private media companies, rising disinformation via social media and an increased difficulty in reaching younger audiences. However, Nordic PSM were most affected by expanded political polarization, with populist leaders advocating against the need for a well-supported public media apparatus and questioning their worth for society.
The rise and fall of European media: EU policy in the streaming era
JOURNAL
The rise and fall of European media: EU policy in the streaming era
Jean K Chalaby | European Journal of Communication
This article looks at European broadcasters, arguing that – despite the persistent efforts of the European Union – a trans-national media industry has failed to take shape on the continent. The author examine the development of pan-European media consolidation in the 1980s and 90s, with the 1989 Television Without Frontiers Directive ensuring the free movement of television content within the European market. Their research shows that this growth slowed dramatically in the 2010s, as digitization and the rise of major US-based streaming platforms led to revenue stagnation for legacy broadcasters. To prevent continued decline, Chalaby argues that European authorities need to increase their support for locally-based media platforms.
The European Media Freedom Act: media freedom, freedom of expression and pluralism
REPORT
The European Media Freedom Act: media freedom, freedom of expression and pluralism
Elda BROGI et al. | Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (CMPF), European University Institute (EUI)
This study analyses the European Media Freedom Act (EFMA) proposal, providing a political and historical overview of EU policies regarding media and information society at large. The authors looked into the debate around EMFA concerning the EU’s competences on media freedom and pluralism. Based on the analysis of each provision of the Act, the authors conclude with a set of policy recommendations to further strengthen the objectives of the EMFA.
The European Media Freedom Act Unpacked
REPORT
The European Media Freedom Act Unpacked
Mark D. Cole & Christina Etteldorf |European Audiovisual Observatory
2024 was a pivotal year in the European Union in terms of legal developments for the media, with the adoption of the European Media Freedom Act (EFMA) aiming to protect media pluralism and independence in the EU. In this report, the authors analyse and explain the intricacies of this new legislative framework, to make it more accessible to a wider audience. It offers an overview of the principal topics addressed in the EMFA and looks into the role of members states in ensuring the application of the new legislation.
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.