Our weekly round-up of public service media related stories and headlines from around the world
Public media is in peril and facing many challenges. Social media platforms are presenting an existential crisis to public service media. Governments are trying to extend their control and influence on the editorial output of the broadcasters. Funding systems for many are up in the air. Journalists are facing threats, attacks and harassment, both online and in-person. But it’s also an exciting time for public service media – digital platforms provide new opportunities to reach audiences, technology means public broadcasters can be innovative in how they provide a public service.
Every week, PMA compiles all the latest news from the public media and media freedom industry. Have a story to feature? Get in touch!
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What we're watching...
How Myanmar’s journalists keep reporting, despite military rule
NHK World Japan: As Myanmar’s military holds elections that have been widely condemned, the junta has also tightened its grip on the media. NHK World’s Kitai Genki follows those still reporting despite great personal risk.
What we're listening to...
More diversity of voices in the debates! Who gets a voice in the media (German)
Deutschlandfunk: Deutschlandfunk listener Hans Pfleiderer wants to see more people given a voice in the media. He believes greater diversity would enrich debates. Pfleiderer discusses this with Anna Mayr from Die Zeit and journalism professor Annika Sehl.
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GHANA: Media Levy Proposal: Context, implications and impact
The Business and Financial Times: In early January 2026, President John Dramani Mahama announced that his administration is considering reforms to Ghana’s outdated TV licence regime, proposing to replace it with a broader public media levy to strengthen funding for public broadcasters.
RSF: Press freedom in Guinea has rapidly deteriorated since the 2021 coup d’état and the rise to power of transitional president Mamadi Doumbouya, who has just been elected President of the Republic. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is presenting him with a ten-point plan to restore press freedom in the country and ensure that it lasts.
GUINEA-BISSAU: The Journalists’ Union denounces restrictions on “press freedom” by the junta (French)
RFI: In Guinea-Bissau, the Journalists’ Union (Sinjotecs) is protesting the ban on press conferences and unauthorized public statements imposed by the authorities who seized power in a military coup on November 26, 2025. ” All of this shows that there is no freedom of the press,” says the president of Sinjotecs.
MALAWI: Regulator Initiates Major Telecommunications Tower Expansion
Broadcast Media Africa: This year, Malawi is set to enhance its telecommunications infrastructure by constructing additional towers nationwide to improve coverage.
MALI: Mali bans Jeune Afrique weekly, citing threats to public order
US Muslims: Authorities accuse Paris-based magazine of bias, defamation, destabilizing reporting as tensions with France continue to shape Mali’s media landscape
MAURITIANIA: Journalism in Mauritania: Behind the Facade of Press Freedom Indicators (6 January)
Al Jazeera: Mauritania holds the top position in the Arab world in the Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders. However, behind this favourable ranking, the media and journalists face significant challenges, chief among them the ambiguity surrounding the definition of a “journalist” and the capacity of media professionals to fulfil their roles in accountability and oversight
NIGERIA: NCC unveils new spectrum roadmap, opens GHz bands
FRCN: The Nigerian Communications Commission says the Spectrum Roadmap for 2026 to 2030, alongside plans to open the lower 6 gigahertz (6 GHz) and 60 gigahertz (60 GHz) bands, will support faster and more reliable connectivity nationwide.
NIGERIA: VON Digital Media Boss Calls for Responsible Unionism
VON: The Deputy Director of Digital Media at Voice of Nigeria (VON), Dr. Qasim Akinreti, has emphasised the importance of responsible and responsive unionism as a cornerstone for achieving organisational goals.
SOUTH AFRICA: A new broadcasting tax could replace the SA TV licence, but South Africans aren’t convinced
Joburg ETC: For years, the SA TV licence has felt like a relic from another era and now government has effectively confirmed it.
SOUTH AFRICA: Plans to crack down on podcasts in South Africa
MyBroadband: The South African government is considering a move to regulate podcast content in the country as it works to finalise the Draft White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services and Online Safety.
UGANDA: Uganda maintains social media ban after election
The Hindu: Uganda said on Sunday (January 18, 2026) it would maintain a ban on social media platforms, while lifting a nationwide internet block hours after longtime ruler Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner of national elections.
ZIMBABWE: Government Allocates US$10 Million For Local Content Development
Broadcast Media Africa: The Zimbabwean government has set aside US$10 million for local content production, part of an initiative to enhance services under the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and promote heritage-based broadcasting.
BANGLADESH: Bangladesh Betar to air special programme on referendum, election Thursday
The Business Standard: The programme will be held at 11:30am on Thursday (14 January) at the auditorium of Chandana High School and College in Gazipur Chourasta, said an official handout.
BANGLADESH: Bangladesh journalists fear heightened threats ahead of 2026 polls
Journalism Pakistan: Journalists in Bangladesh are bracing for increased physical and digital risks as the country approaches its 2026 national elections, according to a study released January 18 that examines newsroom preparedness and reporter safety during politically charged periods.
CHINA & AFGHANISTAN: China Expands Its State Media Footprint In Taliban-Run Afghanistan
RFE/RL: Since the withdrawal of international forces and the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan’s once-diverse media landscape has collapsed under a lack of funding and restrictions — and Chinese state media is looking to fill the void.
HONG KONG: Action stations as RTHK taps mainland expertise
RTHK: Director of Broadcasting Angelina Kwan said Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) would deepen collaboration with mainland broadcasting organisations in areas such as programme content, production technology and talent training.
INDIA: Scientific, datadriven journalism key to fight disinformation, says N. Ram
Press Reader: ‘India still has diversity in media ownership, but we also fare poorly in the World Press Freedom Index’, says the veteran journalist
INDONESIA: Indonesian govt ensures free public viewings of 2026 World Cup
Antara News: Indonesia’s Ministry of Law said on Friday it would allow residents, community groups and businesses, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to hold public viewings of the 2026 FIFA World Cup through state-run broadcaster TVRI, underscoring the government’s push for broad public access while upholding intellectual property rules.
MALAYSIA: Malaysia, Indonesia become first to block Musk’s Grok over AI deepfakes
IPR: Malaysia and Indonesia have become the first countries to block Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s xAI, after authorities said it was being misused to generate sexually explicit and non-consensual images.
MALAYSIA: RTM, Bernama chiefs appointed to Malaysian Media Council
New Straits Times: The Malaysian Media Council (MMC) has confirmed the appointment of Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) director-general, Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer, Datin Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, as government representatives on its board.
TAIWAN: KMT, TPP vote to bar PTS board from longer terms
Taipei Times: The legislature has passed amendments that abolish provisions allowing Public Television Service (PTS) board members to remain in office after their terms expire.
TAIWAN: PTS’s international reporter program boasts on-site reporting from 14 major cities worldwide, providing live coverage of global news events! (Chinese)
PTS: Focusing on geopolitical shifts and Taiwan’s international relations, Public Television Service (PTS) is committed to enhancing the depth and breadth of its international news coverage.
TAIWAN: Public Television Board of Directors Post-Meeting (Press release – Chinese)
PTS: Regarding the extension of the term of the 7th Board of Directors and Supervisors of the Public Television Service (PTS) Foundation, the PTS Board of Directors issued a public statement last November, urging the Executive Yuan to expedite the reshuffling of the Board of Directors and Supervisors.
THAILAND: For 18 years, Thai PBS has declared its stance as “A media outlet for everyone,” passionately committed to its role as a media company for a quality society. (Press release – Thai)
Thai PBS: Thai PBS will continue its role as “the media for everyone,” moving forward with dedication, enthusiasm, and the heart of public broadcasting, to be a media outlet that everyone can trust and to work together with all sectors to drive Thai society towards a better future.
THAILAND: Thai PBS engages local media to ask questions, providing a platform for Chiang Mai parliamentary candidates to showcase their visions. (Press release – Thai)
Thai PBS: Thai PBS, in collaboration with a network of media outlets in northern Thailand, is holding a forum inviting parliamentary candidates from Chiang Mai to present their policy proposals and answer questions from local media, seeking solutions to the economic crisis, quality of life, and environmental issues in the area.
VIETNAM: Prime Minister urges VTV to enhance professionalism, worthy of core national media agency
Vietnam Plus: PM Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that amidst complex and unpredictable global developments, Vietnam has continued to achieve comprehensive and notable socio-economic results, to which VTV has made an important contribution.
AUSTRALIA: ABC TV and Radio in Bendigo region expected back later this week (Press release)
ABC: Communities in the fire-affected Bendigo region can expect ABC TV and radio services to be gradually restored from the end of this week, following an assessment of damage at the Mount Alexander transmission site.
The Guardian: More than 180,000 people follow the Bush Legend’s accounts across Meta platforms, but its Aboriginal host is a work of digital fiction
AUSTRALIA: Social media platforms removed 4.7 million accounts after Australia banned them for children
AP: Social media companies have revoked access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children in Australia since the country banned use of the platforms by those under 16, officials said.
AUSTRALIA: Social media posts could fall foul of new hate speech laws
The Sydney Morning Herald: Experts argue the omnibus bill goes well beyond what is required to respond to the atrocities at Bondi.
Vox: The Union of Albanian Journalists has reacted to Prime Minister Edi Rama’s announcement to close the Albanian Public Radio Television.
BELGIUM: Public consultation on amendments to provisions in the Media Decree for radio broadcasting organisations (Dutch)
Flemish Department of Culture, Youth and Media: The Department of Culture, Youth and Media is organizing a public consultation on the preliminary draft decree amending the decree of March 27, 2009, on radio and television broadcasting, specifically for radio broadcasting organizations.
BELGIUM: VRT has to make further cuts, unions speak of a “breach of promise” (Paywall – Dutch)
De Standaard: VRT must make additional savings, trade unions speak of ‘broken promises’. The Flemish government is imposing additional savings of 644,000 euros on VRT.
CANARY ISLANDS: Fierro criticises the new Canary Islands Audiovisual Law as the “Clavijo Law” aimed at controlling Radiotelevisión Canaria
Tenerife Weekly: On Wednesday [14], Nira Fierro, President of the Socialist Parliamentary Group, reiterated her criticism of the Bill on the regulation of public audiovisual communication services in the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands.
CZECH REPUBLIC: Coalition to abolish media fees, says Okamura. Government adjusts funding change timeline (Czech)
iROZHLAS: According to the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Tomi Okamura (SPD), the coalition council has agreed to abolish fees for Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio.
CZECH REPUBLIC: The plumber is considering abolishing concession fees. ‘Czech Radio would be different, truncated,’ Zavoral responds (Czech)
iROZHLAS: Minister of Culture Oto Klempíř of the Motoristů party will look for possible ways to finance public media. He admitted, among other things, that Czech Radio and Czech Television could receive money directly from the state budget instead of from concession fees.
DENMARK: Can Bjarne Corydon explain DR’s new strategy in just 1 minute? Get the answer here (Press release – Danish)
DR: The other day, DR’s Director General Bjarne Corydon presented DR’s new strategy ‘Different together’ with DR’s strategic guidelines towards 2030 – both to DR’s employees and in a series of interviews in a wide range of media.
DENMARK: DR Minisjang’s huge language box is on its way to 4,000 daycare centers (Press release – Danish)
DR: DR will be sending Minisjang’s huge language box to all nurseries and kindergartens in week 4. The language box is a free and research-based educational tool that, through play, storytelling and recognizable characters from DR Minisjang, is intended to strengthen the language development of the youngest children.
FRANCE: France Télévisions supports the emergence of screenwriters from overseas territories (Press release – French)
France Télévisions: France Télévisions’ Overseas division, the European Conservatory of Audiovisual Writing (CEEA) and producer France Zobda are joining forces for the third edition of the Auteurs Talents d’Outre-mer competition to enable young overseas talents who wish to become screenwriters to acquire comprehensive professional training.
GEORGIA & UK: Georgian Dream Says It Filed Complaint with BBC Over Camite Investigation
Civil Georgia: Georgian Dream has filed a complaint with the BBC over the investigative report that suggested that Georgian authorities used toxic chemical compound camite to disperse protests in late 2024, disputed Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili announced on January 15, citing “grave, damaging, and categorical” allegations in the report.
GERMANY: ARD and ZDF – is that one channel too many? CDU wants to discuss a merger (German)
Mitteldeutsche Zeitung: A position paper from the CDU parliamentary groups of Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony proposes a merger of the two public broadcasting channels. Here’s what that would mean.
GERMANY: Citizens’ forum on the future of media: Clear demands regarding social media and AI (German)
Badische Neueste Nachrichten: A citizens’ forum in Stuttgart is calling for age limits on social media, more transparency in broadcasting, and better funding for local journalism.
GERMANY: Media landscape at risk? Bundestag debates how to deal with streaming platforms (Listen – German)
Deutschlandfunk Kultur
IRELAND: Departure of RTE’s chief financial officer ‘a big loss’ – Media Minister
The Standard: The resignation of Mari Hurley as RTÉ’s chief financial officer is a “big loss”, the Media Minister has said.
IRELAND: Report recommends new broadcaster in event of united Ireland
RTÉ: A new public service broadcaster should be considered in the event of a united Ireland, researchers have said.
IRELAND: RTÉ marks 100 years of Irish radio with GPO broadcasts
RTÉ: RTÉ radio is marking 100 years of public service broadcasting in Ireland with a series of broadcasts from the GPO.
LATVIA: Russian language radio should be left to wither away in Latvia, says senior official
LSM: The broadcasting of Russian-language radio stations in Latvia should be gradually discontinued, said Ivars Āboliņš, Chairman of the National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP), on the Latvian Radio program “Krustpunktā” (At the Crossroads) on January 14th.
MOLDOVA & JAPAN: Public Broadcaster will modernize equipment with 21 million lei Japanese grant
Moldova 1: The company Teleradio-Moldova (TRM) will upgrade its audiovisual equipment through purchases funded by a grant from Japan.
THE NETHERLANDS: Tackling public broadcasting cuts (Dutch)
NPO: Together with the broadcasters, the NPO is working to create a future-proof public broadcaster that remains relevant for new generations.
NORWAY: NRK introduces digital integrity register for journalists and managers (Norwegian)
M24: NRK has been working for two years to create a register of impartiality. They have now acquired a supplier.
POLAND: The Provincial Administrative Court repealed the resolution of the National Broadcasting Council regarding reporting obligations for public media (Polish)
Press.pl: The Provincial Administrative Court in Warsaw repealed the resolution of the National Broadcasting Council of February 12 on defining the principles of reporting by public media on the expenditure of funds for the public mission.
POLAND: What happens if broadcasting is cancelled? (German)
Die Zeit: For years, public broadcasting in Poland was virtually non-existent: only journalists loyal to the government were hired. But the media have recovered.
ROMANIA: IPI calls for impartial investigation as coordinated smear campaign targets journalist Emilia Șercan
IPI: Investigative journalist faces online harassment and death threats following reporting on Justice Minister.
SLOVAKIA: STVR enters the implementation phase of modernization measures, which also include mass layoffs of employees (Press release – Slovakian)
STVR: Slovak Television and Radio is entering the implementation phase of modernization and organizational changes, which are based on an in-depth audit of human resource management and the functioning of the organization, the results of which were announced to the public in November 2025.
SLOVAKIA: ‘The last remnants of resistance will disappear.’ Slovak STVR to lay off workers en masse, government to bear the consequences (Czech)
iROZHLAS: The management of the Slovak public television and radio station STVR has announced that there will be mass layoffs in February. Five percent of the staff, or approximately 80 people, will be laid off.
SPAIN: RTVE’s report on ‘Mañaneros 360’ and ‘Malas Lenguas’ pits journalists, panelists, and viewers against each other (Spanish)
PR Noticias: While some believe this report highlights the need to strengthen the independence and credibility of public television, others argue that movements like this only aim to silence critical voices or limit debate.
SPAIN: The LaLiga free-to-air match returns to RTVE a decade later (Spanish)
Diario de Navarra: The Spanish First Division football league returns to RTVE after a ten-year hiatus. Thanks to an agreement with DAZN , the Corporation will once again broadcast LALIGA EA SPORTS : each matchday, fans can watch the only free-to-air game on Teledeporte.
SWITZERLAND: Professors at Swiss universities are collecting signatures against halving the SRG (Swiss Broadcasting Corporation) budget. (German)
Watson: A “public statement” emphasizes that the 200-franc proposal threatens public media services in the four national languages.
SWITZERLAND: Switzerland’s security and the role of the media (Opinion)
Swissinfo.ch: Switzerland’s information space is increasingly being targeted by influence operations. Strong, independent media and a high level of media literacy are key to strengthening a population’s resilience to disinformation, says Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister.
UK: BBC to show programmes on YouTube in landmark deal
The Financial Times: The BBC is set to announce a major content deal with YouTube to make programmes for the platform for the first time, marking a landmark shift in the broadcaster’s relationship with a US tech platform stealing its audiences.
UK: Channel 4 leads young viewers into streaming future as fastest-growing major streamer among adults (Press release)
Channel4: Channel 4 led the way in converting youth audiences to streaming in 2025, while growth among adults outpaced the biggest streamers and a slate of original, talkable hits drew in new audiences.
UK: S4C and BBC agree new BBC iPlayer partnership (Press release)
BBC: The new agreement is set to become the new cornerstone of the 44-year-old partnership between S4C and the BBC
UK: Trump may have to disclose details about assets as part of BBC lawsuit
The Guardian: President Trump is expected to come under pressure to make rare disclosures about his properties and business interests as part of his $10bn lawsuit against the BBC, the Guardian understands.
UKRAINE & JAPAN: Representatives of Japanese public broadcaster NHK visited Suspilne Ukraine (Press release)
Suspilne: The Japanese colleagues were presented with the work of the newsrooms, told about the hyperlocal network and correspondents abroad, as well as about the digital platforms and modern technological solutions that Suspilne uses in its daily content production in wartime conditions.
REGIONAL: EBU says the 2009 Broadcasting Communication is “fit for purpose”
EBU: On 19 January, the EBU published its response to the European Commission’s consultation on the evaluation of the 2009 Broadcasting Communication (BComm). In it, we note that the core architecture of the BComm remains fundamentally fit for purpose.
REGIONAL: EFJ publishes its position on the revision of the EU Broadcasting Communication
EFJ: The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) participated to the public consultation launched by the European Commission on the evaluation of the 2009 Broadcasting Communication (BComm), which provides guidance on how public service broadcasting may receive state funding.
REGIONAL: Public media in Europe under unprecedented strain
The Straits Times: Public media in Europe is facing a series of new threats, including scrutiny by a resurgent far right, budget cuts and fierce competition in a changing media landscape.
CHILE: Bill to create national public radio stations and expand the radio spectrum introduced in the Chamber (Spanish)
Diario Constiucional: The initiative proposes to amend the General Telecommunications Law to recognize public broadcasting as an essential service for democracy, create a national system of public radio stations, expand the FM band, and establish new rules for authorization and use of the spectrum.
COLOMBIA: RTVC announces legal action against harassment, persecution, defamation, and political violence (Spanish)
RTVC: The Colombian State Public Media System and its manager, Hollman Morris, announce that they will take legal and disciplinary action to protect the entity and its employees from attacks by Mr. Daniel Briceño, candidate of the Democratic Center, due to the systematic accusations he has made against RTVC, which seek to discredit, damage the credibility and reputation of the entity.
JAMAICA: Jamaican gov’t to use ‘receipts’ to combat ‘misinformation’ – Info Minister
The Gleaner: The Government will be producing “receipts” as part of its new approach to combat the spread of “misinformation” in the public domain, says Information Minister, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon.
MEXICO: Eduardo Verástegui denounces censorship on Mexican public television for not broadcasting the interview he gave to Sabina Berman (Spanish)
El Pais: The Ombudsman for Viewers justified its decision not to broadcast the program, in which he spoke about abortion and the family, given that the far-right activist and former presidential candidate promotes “a political notion contrary to women’s rights.”
PERU: Peru will have a new free-to-air channel dedicated to sports: Canal D (Spanish)
Senal News: Peru’s National Institute of Radio and Television (IRTP) announced the launch of Canal D , its new free-to-air sports channel, which will bring free sports content to homes across the country. The announcement was made during a live interview on TV Perú , where it was confirmed that journalist Alberto Beingolea will host and lead the project .
PERU: What would Peru be without TVPerú? 68 years telling our story (Spanish)
TVPeru: Since 1958, TVPerú has informed, educated and preserved the collective memory of the country, accompanying generations of Peruvians throughout their history.
VENEZUELA: At least 24 journalists remain detained despite release announcements in Venezuela
LatAm Journalism Review: The National Union of Press Workers (SNTP for its initials in Spanish) has documented that the detentions are not based on proven criminal acts, but rather on the practice of independent journalism, the distribution of critical opinions or political activism.
VENEZUELA: Who are the journalists and press workers released on January 14th? (Spanish)
Efecto Cocuyo: After 4 pm, the release of Yorbin García was confirmed, following a day that began at 5 am, as reported by journalist Roland Carreño. By 2 pm, the National Press Council (CNP) and the National Union of Press Workers (SNTP) had reported the release of 18 journalists and press workers.
REGIONAL: Caribbean Culture Fund Partners with Caribbean Broadcasting Union for 37th CBU Media Awards (Press release)
CBU: The Caribbean Culture Fund (CCF) has announced its second year of sponsorship of the Excellence in Media Coverage of Caribbean Arts and Culture category at the 37th Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) Media Awards.
REGIONAL: Study links limited press freedom to higher use of access to information laws in Latin America
LatAm Journalism Review: Populist regimes in Latin America lead journalists to use access to information laws less. However, journalists in countries in the region with less press freedom are the ones who make the most use of these laws.
IRAN: Digital blackout hits public, spares some state media in Iran
Iran International: Iran’s nationwide internet shutdown has completely cut off public access to online platforms since January 8, while many state-linked and security-affiliated media outlets have continued operating on Telegram.
IRAN: Radio Farda Returns to Shortwave, Bypassing Iran’s Digital Blackout (Press release)
RFE/RL: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) has today resumed shortwave radio broadcasts into Iran following the imposition of an internet blackout by the Islamic Republic.
ISRAEL: ‘Public broadcasting is not a luxury’: Filmmakers defend KAN documentaries
The Jerusalem Post: Speaking out for public funding of quality documentaries.
TURKEY: President Erdoğan launches Türkiye’s youth channel TRT Genç
Daily Sabah: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday launched TRT Genç (Youth), Türkiye’s new youth-focused public television channel, pledging to continue what he described as a nationwide “struggle for truth” through public broadcasters.
TURKEY: Turkey’s media watchdog fines 3 TV stations over content deemed harmful to family values
Turkish Minute: Turkey’s broadcasting watchdog, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), has fined three national television stations over alleged violations related to content it claimed undermined family values, normalized “distorted relationships” or promoted violence, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.
TURKEY: Turkey’s state broadcaster announces anti-LGBTI+ documentary
Bianet: LGBTI+ rights advocates condemned TRT over the “Rainbow Fascism” documentary.
SYRIA: Journalists detained, barred in Syria as government regains Aleppo areas
CPJ: The Committee to Protect Journalists expressed concern after Syrian government forces detained three journalists and imposed restrictions on independent reporting in the Aleppo neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah following the government’s recapture of the areas following clashes with Kurdish units affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces.
CANADA: CBC News further expands local journalism, bureaus (Blog)
CBC: Historic investment in local journalism comes at critical moment, with local news in steep decline in Canada
CANADA: Douglas Smith appointed Executive Vice-President of CBC (Press release)
CBC/Radio-Canada: CBC/Radio-Canada today announced the appointment of Douglas Smith as Executive Vice-President of CBC, effective February 2, 2026.
CANADA: Former CBC employee in Yellowknife sues public broadcaster over alleged ‘toxic’ work environment
CBC: A former human resources employee at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation is suing the national broadcaster, alleging he was “subjected to a toxic working environment” while working in the Yellowknife bureau.
CANADA: TVO Advances Media Literacy on International Day of Education (Press release)
TVO: TVO Media Education Group (TVO) is committed to fostering lifelong learning by equipping Ontarians with the knowledge and critical thinking skills they need to make informed decisions about the issues shaping our society.
US: December CDP Index: Giving driven by rescission shows signs of slowdown
Current: The numbers below illustrate that the system continued to experience great growth in revenue, new donors and gifts of $500 or more for the three-month period ending Nov. 30 compared to the same three-month period in 2024.
US: Judge dismisses pending CPB lawsuits as corporation dissolves
Current: With the departures of board members who were targeted by the Trump administration and CPB’s shutdown, two pending cases were dismissed as moot.
US: More Bob Ross paintings head to auction to benefit US public television
The Art Newspaper: Bonhams has revealed the next works by the beloved US television painter Bob Ross it will offer for sale, with auction proceeds going toward public television following devastating funding cuts by president Donald Trump’s administration.
CJR: The home of Hannah Natanson, a Washington Post reporter, was searched by the FBI. Her devices were seized. Runa Sandvik, whose life’s work is protecting journalists’ digital security, assesses the damage—and what news organizations need to know.
RSF: After winning re-election in 2024, Donald Trump promised to be a dictator “on day one.” When it comes to press freedom, he has kept his word, extending the war on the press he launched while running for his first term with grave attacks on access to reliable information worldwide.
US: Sacramento PBS station to keep local shows on air after funding cuts
CBS: Recent funding cuts to PBS have some asking about its future in Sacramento.
US: WBGU-TV to end PBS programming in June
Sentinel Tribune: Due to federal funding cuts and the closure of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, resulting in the loss of $1.1 million in annual funding for WBGU-TV, WBGU will stop airing PBS programming after June 30.
US: WOUB lays off some staff and is contemplating other cuts after losing federal funding
WOUB: WOUB Public Media has laid off three employees and will not be replacing three others who left for other reasons, a consequence of a loss of federal funding.
After 25 years, Wikipedia has proved that news doesn’t need to look like news
Nieman Lab: It’s not a news site. But there’s a lot to learn from how Wikipedia constructs shared knowledge about what’s happening in the world.
Beyond the hype: Three cultural traps blocking AI adoption
Journalism UK: Between 2023 and 2025, I worked on AI adoption with three Argentine newsrooms. The tools evolved. The need for cultural change remained constant. This is what I learned in the process.
Media outlets are cutting back on service journalism and focusing on investigative reporting. (Spanish)
El Economista: The adjustment involves cuts to service journalism, evergreen content, and general news—areas where chatbots already answer questions with guides and recommendations, and where reach no longer automatically translates into value.
RTBF: Public service media have historically been very present in Europe. Like private media, they are facing a series of changes: in information, in their infrastructure, in consumption patterns, and so on. But with their public dimension, they also face a number of additional challenges.
Technological comeback for linear TV without boxes and apps (Opinion – Norwegian)
Kom24: “Linear TV is becoming data-driven, without boxes, apps or new habits. What previously required decoders and closed ecosystems now happens directly in the TV set. When broadcasting is connected directly with IP, traditional free TV can also deliver personalized advertising and a fresh start. It challenges both business models and roles in the TV market,” writes Kristoffer Brandt, in this post.
The enduring power of journalism in a world of more media and less freedom
The Media Online: A vast amount of information has not necessarily meant more reliable information, writes James Rodgers, a former BBC correspondent who held postings in Gaza, Moscow and Brussels
Why newsrooms are taking comments seriously again
New_ Public: In the 2010s, news publishers couldn’t shut their comment sections fast enough…
World Press Trends Outlook: Rising ‘three-pillar’ revenue model fuels industry optimism
WAN IFRA: The structural decline of news media’s traditional business model – advertising and circulation revenue – has hovered like a dark cloud over publishing strategies for 20-plus years. But the continued focus and momentum of diversifying revenue streams over the last years is helping publishers to reach a more balanced and sustainable business model.
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All PSM Weekly stories are provided for interest and their relevance to public service media issues, they do not necessarily reflect the views of the Public Media Alliance.
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Header image: Microphone in radio studio stock photo. Credit: avdyachenko/iStock
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