Are Public Service Media Innovative? Developing a Tool for Assessing Innovation in Production Processes
JOURNAL
Are Public Service Media Innovative? Developing a Tool for Assessing Innovation in Production Processes
Mónica López-Golàn, Azhara Cañedo & Olga Blasco-Blasco | International Journal of Communication
As society is going through a time of fast technological evolution, especially when it comes to platformatisation, public service media (PSM) have to rethink their public service mission to include the new needs and demands of their audience while keeping up with technological and digital innovation. However, their independence and their cornerstone role to support a democratic society should not be undermined by this transformation. In this study, the authors looked into the case of the Spanish PSM to assess the state of innovation in PSM production processes and concluded that in a context where PSM corporations are redefining their public value innovation should not be seen as an option but as a reality and that is should go beyong the technological aspect of innovation.
Neither private property nor public service: Critical reflections on the conceptual framework of public service media
JOURNAL
Neither private property nor public service: Critical reflections on the conceptual framework of public service media
Des Freedman | European Journal of Communication
Public service media has long been seen as a counterweight to the market model, with broad ambitions that involve civic participation, social improvement and knowledge acquisition. This paper, however, argues that at their very best, PSM have improved an otherwise anaemic commercial landscape. But at their worst, they are simply an accessory to state actors and contaminated media markets that reproduce elite power, with structural imbalances built in.
Programming Queerness? PSM Remits, Metarepresentational Discourse, and LGBTQ+ Portrayals
JOURNAL
Programming Queerness? PSM Remits, Metarepresentational Discourse, and LGBTQ+ Portrayals
Florian Vanlee | International Journal of Communication
Public service media (PSM) are often seen as key actors in ensuring greater representation of LGBT+ voices in society. They are also seen as having a role in instigating and shaping domestic depictions of sexual and gender differences through their public remits. But in a critical examination of these remits at three European public broadcasters, this paper argues that these remits have instead discouraged the production of queer-themed (fiction) content in favour of programming with “universal appeal.” It also highlights how their pluralism delegitimises “harmful” portrayals and requires PSMs to actively engage with changing representational norms.
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.
Different diversities: Policies and practices at three European public service VoD services
JOURNAL
Different diversities: Policies and practices at three European public service VoD services
Cathrin Bengesser & Jannick Kirk Sørensen | Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies
Diversity has inherently been linked to public service media (PSM) due to their fundamental ideals of universality and pluralism. PSM have a duty to serve all members of a society and to have a pluralistic and diverse programme offer.
This article explores the expression of the different perception of diversity in PSM’s legal and policy requirements, in the audits they issue, and more particularly, how diversity is presented on PSM’s VoD platforms. The research looked into the diversity strategies of three major European PSM SVoD, namely BBC iPlayer, the Danish public broadcaster’s DRTV and Germany’s ARD Mediathek. It showed how differently diversity could be conceptualised and exposed in these VoD services. It also uncovered the conflicting relation between public service ideals and the notion of identity-based ‘branded diversity’ of SVoD.
How public service media are changing in the platform era: A comparative study across four European countries
JOURNAL
How public service media are changing in the platform era: A comparative study across four European countries
Marius Dragomir & Miguel Túñez López | European Journal of Communication
2024
The platformisation of the public sphere has profoundly reshaped the media landscape, exerting particular pressure on public service media (PSM).
The imperative to uphold PSM’s core values—universality, independence, excellence, diversity, accountability, and innovation—has become increasingly complex amid the shift to digital ecosystems. These principles, essential to PSM’s role in democratic societies, now face additional strains as digital platforms alter traditional models of content distribution and audience engagement.
This article seeks to examine the evolution of PSM in response to these pressures in four European countries: Austria, Romania, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
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
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.