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...
Indonesia’s under-16 social media ban goes into effect
NHK World Japan: Indonesia has banned anyone younger than 16 from having social media accounts on eight platforms, including X, YouTube and Instagram. NHK’s Jakarta Bureau Chief Yosimoto Akinori has more.
What we're listening to...
“Paranoid Moscow”: Paul Gogo, a French journalist in Putin’s Russia (French)
RFI: After nine years in Russia, freelance journalist Paul Gogo has published *Paranoia in Moscow *, a book recounting the behind-the-scenes realities of his work as a correspondent in the country.
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Global Headlines
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ANGOLA: Disinformation and the Escalation of Protests in Angola
Modern Ghana: Recent unrest in Angola has raised concerns not only about economic hardship but also about the role of disinformation in amplifying tensions.
CHAD & RUSSIA: Propaganda Machine: Inside Russia’s drive to shift Chad from Western influence
RFI: Russian operatives worked in Chad in 2024 to pull the country closer to Moscow and away from Western influence, internal documents reviewed by an international media consortium reveal.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: In eastern DRC, it is becoming increasingly difficult to practice journalism (French)
RFI: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) published a report on Thursday, March 26, on the state of journalism in the Great Lakes region. Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania… In all these countries, the observation is the same: it has become increasingly difficult and dangerous to practice journalism.
GHANA: When reporting becomes a risk: The growing digital war on journalists in Ghana
MyJoyOnline: In Ghana these days, journalism is no longer only threatened in courtrooms or conflict zones. Increasingly, the most dangerous frontline in the battle against press freedom in Ghana is digital.
KENYA: Kenya’s Broadcasting Industry Faces Shake-Up as Regulator Tightens Licence Crackdown
The Kenyan Wall Street: A deepening standoff between the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and major broadcasters is testing the balance between regulatory enforcement, commercial survival and constitutional protections on press freedom.
MOZAMBIQUE: ‘Notícias’ aims to remain a cornerstone of national journalism after 100 years on the newsstands
Club of Mozambique: The newspaper Notícias, the oldest daily in Mozambique, wants to continue being a school of communication as it celebrates 100 years, focusing on improving working conditions for journalists and on the publisher and printing company’s project to thrive in the market.
NIGERIA: Media Collaboration Crucial for Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Efforts – ICPC
Voice of Nigeria: The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says strong collaboration with the media remains central to advancing Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, as it seeks to deepen transparency, accountability, and public trust in governance.
SOUTH AFRICA: SABC STATEMENT ON SABC NEWS CHANNEL PROGRAMMING STRATEGY AND SCHEDULING REVIEW. (Press release)
SABC: The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) notes the ongoing public discourse regarding recent programming changes on the SABC News Channel.
UNESCO: UNESCO has brought together journalists in South Sudan to strengthen reporting on crises, including climate change and displacement, as media professionals continue to face challenges such as limited access to information and training.
UGANDA: NITA donates laptops to Uganda Media Centre to Boost Digital Communication
SoftPower News: The National Information Technology Authority-Uganda has provided a boost to government communication systems after officially handing over a set of laptops to the Uganda Media Centre to enhance digital content production and information dissemination.
ZAMBIA: ZICTA Suspends Four Radio Stations Over Threats To Aviation Safety
Broadcast Media Africa: The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has taken decisive action by suspending four radio stations in the Copperbelt Province due to significant interference with aircraft communication and navigation systems.
ZIMBABWE: Zimbabwe Government Shifts Strategy on Online Media Content
iHarare News: The Government has unveiled plans to introduce a co-regulatory framework aimed at bringing greater accountability to online media platforms, as concerns mount over the spread of misinformation and harmful digital content.
REGIONAL: AI Ready But Unregulated: Industry Executives Calling For Structured And Clear Regulatory Guidance
Broadcast Media Africa: While Artificial Intelligence is already fundamentally reshaping broadcast newsrooms across Africa, a critical gap in institutional policy and national regulation threatens the credibility of the media landscape.
REGIONAL: New BMA Report Highlights AI’s Transformative Role In Modern Newsroom Operations
Broadcast Media Africa: …The report provides critical insights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping newsroom structures, workflows, and editorial responsibilities across Africa and globally.
REGIONAL: The information frontline — Press freedom and the security crisis in the Sahel
International Press Institute: Military regimes in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are widening crackdown on independent journalism, risking an information gap with regional and global consequences
BANGLADESH: Govt to preserve SBBK, build a museum: Minister
Daily Sun: Cultural Affairs Minister Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury stated that the government has launched initiatives to preserve the historic Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (SBBK) at Kalurghat and honour the legacy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
BANGLADESH & TURKEY: BTV, Bangladesh Betar, BSS to collaborate with Turkish media: Information minister
The Daily Star: Bangladesh and Turkey have reached a decision in principle to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for knowledge sharing, information exchange and technical cooperation in modern information management.
The New Indian Express: The Election Commission of India on Monday said that it has allocated digital vouchers to recognised national and state political parties, granting free broadcast and telecast slots on ‘Doordarshan’ and ‘All India Radio’ (AIR) ahead of assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
The Hindu: Communist Party of India (CPI) Kerala State secretary Binoy Viswam on Friday (March 27, 2026) accused Doordarshan of censoring a part of his election programme which was critical of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
JAPAN: A message from NHK for those starting a new life. (Press release – PDF – Japanese)
NHK: For everyone experiencing changes in their living environment, such as entering higher education, starting a new job, or moving
JAPAN: NHK ends Radio 2 broadcast after 95 years, merges channels
The Mainichi: NHK merged its three radio services into two channels, the “NHK AM” and “NHK FM,” to save around 37 billion yen ($231 million) over the next 20 years, the broadcaster said.
NEPAL: Media Action Nepal slams UML attack on press
The Himalayan Times: Media Action Nepal has denounced the grave act of harassing and assaulting journalists on duty today in Lalitpur.
PAKISTAN: Federal Constitutional Court stays trial in Radio Pakistan attack case
Dawn: The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) on Thursday stayed the special judge of the Anti-Terrorism Court-III (ATC), Peshawar, from proceeding in a case relating to the May 10, 2023 attack on Radio Pakistan Peshawar, in which Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is also among the accused.
SOUTH KOREA: Confirmation Hearing Set for New Media Regulator Chief Nominee Next Week
KBS World: A parliamentary confirmation hearing for the inaugural chair of the Korea Media Communications Standards Commission is scheduled for next Wednesday.
SOUTH KOREA: Kim Jong-cheol says committee preparing to set up Korea Broadcast Media Communications Promotion Institute
Digital Today: The Broadcasting Media Communications Commission (BMCC) will begin preparing to establish the Korea Broadcast Media Communications Promotion Institute (KBMCPI).
TAIWAN: The 12th Taiwan International Children’s Film Festival will grandly open in 2026. The inaugural festival will feature two venues and post-screening discussions at each event, showcasing nearly 100 high-quality children’s films from around the world. (Press release – Chinese)
PTS: The 12th Taiwan International Children’s Film Festival 2026 (TICFF), organized by Public Television Service, will be held from March 27 (Fri) to April 3 (Fri) at Vieshow Cinemas Xinyi and Miramar Cinemas in Taipei.
Money & Banking: The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) office revealed that the outlook for the Thai telecommunications market in 2569 remains positive, driven by digital services and AI, with an estimated value exceeding 8 billion baht.
AUSTRALIA: ABC boss’s ‘utterly offensive’ comments condemned as broadcaster comes back online after strike
The Guardian: Staff urge managing director to retract comments after he describes industrial action as ‘playing games’.
AUSTRALIA: BBC and NWA: the day ABC staff went on strike – and left Aunty looking ‘a bit different’
The Guardian: Triple J signed off with the hip-hop anthem Express Yourself while other radio and TV networks filled the air with BBC broadcasts, re-runs and soothing music.
AUSTRALIA: ‘Fight will continue’ without change, say ABC workers amid 24-hour strike
ABC: Unions representing ABC staff have signalled the possibility of further strike action if a dispute over pay and conditions at the broadcaster isn’t resolved.
FIJI: AI and misinformation pressure climate journalists
FBC: Rapid advances in artificial intelligence and the growing spread of misinformation are putting new pressure on journalists reporting on climate change.
FIJI: Media trust declines — Singh
The Fiji Times: PUBLIC trust in Fiji’s mainstream media has significantly declined, a journalism expert has told the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, citing decades of political upheaval, censorship and institutional pressure.
NEW ZEALAND: A small country with a big chance to hit social media platforms where it hurts
Newsroom: The fact Meta dispatched one of its most senior global executives to the end of the world to make the case against NZ’s social media ban is exactly why we should be pushing for a regulator
NEW ZEALAND: Parliamentary committee calls for under 16s social media ban
Stuff: A parliamentary committee investigating online harm has recommended that the Government ban children from using social media. The committee, made up from MPs from across Parliament, said New Zealand should adopt the regulations of the UK, European Union and Australia, to become a “fast follower” in the space of digital regulation.
NEW ZEALAND: Pressure mounts over proposed Māori media funding cuts as Government defends position
Te Ao News: Pressure is mounting over proposed Māori media funding cuts, with iwi radio leaders warning of significant impacts and threatening legal action if the changes proceed, as the Government defends its position and Labour calls for increased support.
NEW ZEALAND: TVNZ cuts – Good Sorts 6pm news segment, Re: News youth brand in firing line (Paywall)
The NZ Herald: Several new operational cuts are brewing at TVNZ as it invests heavily in digital technology, and amid a challenging advertising market.
AUSTRIA: Complete transparency: Thurnher establishes ORF transparency advisory board (German)
Der Standard: The advisory board is tasked with identifying necessary consequences following the allegations. Bettina Knötzl, CEO of Transparency International, heads the board.
AUSTRIA: Majority in favor of Thurnher as ORF head, doubts about the government’s willingness to reform (German)
Der Standard: A STANDARD survey on public opinion about the ORF after the resignation of the ORF Director General shows: The events were damaging, but trust in ORF journalism remains high.
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA: EBU: Extending the Deadline for Settling BHRT’s Debt would prolong Uncertainty
Sarajevo Times: The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) called on the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to urgently find a solution to ensure the financing of the BHRT public service and protect its future.
CANARY ISLANDS: The RTVC law puts the Canary Islands in the spotlight and opens the door to protests (Spanish)
Atlantico Hoy: The processing of the new law regulating the audiovisual sector in the Canary Islands has raised alarms among workers, who do not rule out protests if the text continues in its current form.
CZECH REPUBLIC: Changes in fees will be disastrous for television, warns the Chairman of the Czech Television Council (Czech)
iDNES.cz: The proposed changes to the payment of the television fee, which are being proposed by the governing coalition MPs, would be liquidating for television in its current form, according to the Chairman of the Czech Television Council, Karel Novák.
CZECH REPUBLIC: Editors-in-chief called on Babiš and other politicians to respect critical journalism (Czech)
Media Guru: More than 20 Czech editors-in-chief today called on Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) and other politicians to respect free, independent and critical journalism.
CZECH REPUBLIC: The European Broadcasting Union and major international media and journalist organizations express support for Czech public service media (Press release – Czech)
Czech Television: Changes in the financing of public service media in the Czech Republic may threaten their stability and independence, according to international media and journalist organizations.
FINLAND: The change and cost-saving programme had a extensive impact on Yle’s operations in 2025 (Press release)
Yle: Yle aims to adapt its operations so that the company’s finances remain balanced in the coming years, despite the reduced net funding.
FRANCE: Commission of inquiry into public broadcasting: FMM defends “its independence” and its “pluralism of opinions” (French)
RFI: In France, following the hearings of Radio France and France Télévisions executives, it was the turn of those at France Médias Monde (FMM) to be questioned on Thursday, March 26, by the parliamentary commission that has been investigating the operations of public broadcasting companies since November 2025.
FRANCE: French tycoon Bolloré denies political war against public broadcaster
Reuters: French media tycoon Vincent Bolloré told lawmakers on Tuesday that he had become the “perfect scapegoat” for what he described as a hostile elite, rejecting accusations that his conservative media empire was waging a political war.
GERMANY: DW joins German Culture Council (Press release)
DW: As Germany’s international broadcaster, DW contributes its distinct perspective and its special public-service mandate to the positions developed by the German Media Council.
HUNGARY: Hungary brings espionage charges against investigative journalist
444: Hungary’s government has filed espionage charges against investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi, in a case tied to reporting on alleged contacts between Budapest and Moscow.
ICELAND: Diversity and gender balance in RÚV’s programming (Press release – Icelandic)
RÚV: RÚV must reflect the diversity of Icelandic society in its programming and activities.
IRELAND: NUJ members in RTÉ vote no confidence in future strategy
RTÉ: The NUJ opened the ballot over what it described as “grave concerns” about the outsourcing of the production of programmes as part of RTÉ’s future strategy.
ITALY: Rai: Another anarchist attack on a journalist and TGR crew, firmly condemned. (Press release – Italian)
Rai: RAI strongly condemns the latest attack by anarchists on a TGR journalist and crew this morning during an unauthorized demonstration between Circonvallazione Tuscolana and Via Lemonia in Rome.
KOSOVO: IPI and international organisations urge government to reverse media freedom decline
IPI: Media freedom in Kosovo has experienced a period of decline since 2023 amidst a series of negative developments, which calls for immediate political action by the government, an international media freedom mission including IPI concluded today.
LATVIA: Public media has right, not duty, to write in Russian, says Constitutional Court
LSM: The Constitutional Court ruled on Monday, March 30th, that the regulations governing the production of content in minority languages by Latvian Public Media (LSM) are unconstitutional – however, it stopped short of providing any detailed recommendations on how to restore the “balance” which it said has been lost.
LITHUANIA: A new protest is being planned in April regarding the LRT amendments that have begun to be discussed in the Seimas. (Lithuanian)
15min.lt: After the Seimas began considering changes to the governance of Lithuanian Radio and Television (LRT) in early March, a protest is being organized in Independence Square in April.
LITHUANIA: EBU Executive Board expresses its serious concern over proposed changes to Lithuania’s public service media framework (Statement)
EBU: Members of the Executive Board of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have expressed their dismay to learn that the proposed amendments to the Law on Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) are currently scheduled to be discussed by the Seimas (Lithuanian Parliament) after Easter without any due consideration being given to recommendations from the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission, nor to the critical observations expressed by the Seimas’ own legal experts and both the national and international journalist communities
LITHUANIA: EC asks to explain how LRT amendments will ensure compliance with EU media freedom act (Lithuanian)
LRT: The European Commission (EC) has asked the Lithuanian authorities to indicate how the amendments to the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) will comply with the European Media Freedom Act.
POLAND: Over 270 comments on the new media law. What will change in the Sejm? (Polish)
TVP Info: Its goal is to depoliticize public media, ensure stable funding, and implement the European Media Freedom Act into Polish law .
INFOR: According to the Minister of Culture and National Heritage (MKiDN), the current system of financing public broadcasters contains numerous flaws that are inappropriate for current technological developments and furthermore, does not guarantee the stable financial situation of these broadcasters.
RUSSIA: Moscow internet blackouts: the Kremlin tightens its grip on Russia’s digital space
Chatham House: The outages are part of the Kremlin’s efforts to control Russia’s internet architecture and communication networks – but also reveal the regime’s growing anxieties.
SafeJournalists: During the local elections in Serbia on 29 March, multiple obstructions and physical attacks on journalists by unknown individuals were documented in 10 cities and municipalities, despite them being identified as press.
SLOVAKIA: STVR denies revenge and political reasons for dismissals (Slovak)
SME: Slovak Television and Radio ( STVR ) responded to media reports on organizational changes, personnel measures, and audit results. According to the public broadcaster, the organizational changes are a management decision and they stand behind them.
Variety: RTVE is the latest broadcaster to join Disney+ in boosting European content with selected reality shows and scripted dramas available on Disney+ immediately after their linear broadcast
SWEDEN: How the News and Sports Division contributes to SVT’s cost reduction (Press release – Swedish)
SVT: In News & Sports, we will reduce our costs by SEK 80 million from 2027. This corresponds to approximately 6 percent of the total budget. Given the uncertain global situation, this is a relatively lower cost reduction than the program division, but at such a level that it will affect the offering for the audience and everyone in the division in different ways.
SWEDEN: How the Program Division contributes to SVT’s cost reduction (Press release – Swedish)
SVT: 220 million is a big saving on the program operations. This corresponds to about 10% of the program budget, and the changes we need to make will be noticeable to the audience.
SWITZERLAND: The SRG is embarking on a tour of Switzerland with a new interregional radio project. (Press release – German)
SRG SSR: On four special days, all SRG language regions will jointly explore the annual theme of “Transitions” from various perspectives. Each language region will take on the role of host, presenting live broadcasts from their respective regions, reports from the other language regions, and a concluding four-language evening program.
UK: BBC Annual Plan promises continued Value for All in crucial Charter year (Press release)
BBC: The priority for the year ahead is to continue to deliver on the three key roles: to pursue truth with no agenda, back homegrown storytelling, and bring people together.
UK: BBC expands North East commitment to back the best homegrown storytelling and deliver for all audiences (Press release)
BBC: As part of its Green Paper response earlier this month, the BBC has confirmed the North East creative cluster as an ongoing priority region during the next Charter period, subject to future funding.
UK: From YouTube to Trump: six urgent issues for BBC’s new boss, Matt Brittin (Analysis)
The Guardian: Pressing tasks for new director general also include an expiring royal charter, and finding a new top team.
UKRAINE: Protection against Russian kamikaze drones: RSF publishes a guide for journalists working in Ukraine
RSF: In partnership with the Kherson-based foundation “Union,” Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has published a practical guide for news professionals working near the front lines to help them better anticipate security risks.
UKRAINE: Suspilne Odesa buildings damaged in Russian attack (Press release)
Suspilne: On March 28, Suspilne Odesa buildings were damaged as a result of a Russian attack. One of the buildings was hit by a Shahed’ drone and cannot be restored. Other premises sustained damage, with windows blown out.
REGIONAL: Brussels renews support for exiled and relocated journalists in the EU
EUbusiness: The European Commission has published information on an upcoming call for proposals to support exiled journalists from Belarus and Russia, as well as journalists relocated from Ukraine.
REGIONAL: Can Europe’s public service media survive attacks by the far right?
The Guardian: From Italy to France, Germany to Hungary, far-right governments and politicians are targeting media with the same playbook
REGIONAL: MFRR’s vision for the European Centre for Democratic Resilience
EFJ: The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joined the partner organisations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) in calling on the European Commission and EU Member States to ensure that the governance and operational structure of the new European Centre for Democratic Resilience (ECDR) is anchored in a genuine whole-of-society approach, stronger coordination across existing EU instruments, and robust safeguards for fundamental rights, media freedom and democratic pluralism.
ARGENTINA: Workers at Radio Nacional Bariloche denounce an “information blackout” in Patagonia (Spanish)
Bache3000: On Press Workers’ Day, fifty years after the civic-military coup, the staff of the public broadcaster issued an open letter warning about the dismantling of the state media system under the management of La Libertad Avanza.
COLOMBIA: Breaking the Silence: #MeToo Colombia Shakes Caracol TV and Exposes a Deeper Media Crisis
Colombia One: In a society where women continue to face structural barriers to leadership, the growing visibility of workplace harassment reveals a deeper and more uncomfortable truth: Professional paths are often obstructed not only by inequality but by abuse of power.
COLOMBIA: Paloma Valencia demands action against Hollman Morris at RTVC after the departure of presenters from Caracol: “It’s worth comparing” (Spanish)
Infobae: The senator and presidential candidate is focusing on the handling of complaints in public media, while political and social pressure grows regarding the executive’s continued tenure.
COLOMBIA: RTVC and other media outlets will be visited by the Ministry of Labor, amid allegations of sexual harassment. (Spanish)
Portafolio: In addition to the inspection carried out this Thursday at Caracol Television , the head of the ministry assured that inspections will be carried out at the facilities of several media outlets, including the Public Media System (RTVC) and the RCN channel.
COLOMBIA: The Attorney General strengthens the investigation of the Colombian ‘Me Too’ movement in the media (Spanish)
El Pais: Luz Adriana Camargo announces a special hotline to receive reports of sexual harassment in the media, opens an investigation into the allegations at Caracol Television, and calls for a change of course in a case against a woman who accused the director of RTVC.
PERU: IRTP promotes cultural, regional and digital projects under the direction of Cinthia Ramírez (Spanish)
Notimérica: IRTP promotes cultural, regional and digital projects under the direction of Cinthia Ramírez. The National Institute of Radio and Television of Peru (IRTP) continues to develop strategies to strengthen the presence of public television and radio in the regions, with programming that combines information, culture and entertainment.
VENEZUELA: Venezuelan journalists warn of control risks from proposed registry of digital news outlets
LatAm Journalism Review: “Venezuela’s National Union of Press Workers (SNTP, by its acronym in Spanish) denounced on Sunday, March 22, that the creation of a registry of digital news outlets that ‘must fulfill commitments to the truth’ is based on a logic of control.
THE CARIBBEAN & CHINA: Ready-made content and paid-for press trips: How China is spreading its narrative in Grenada, Jamaica and Guyana
RSF: Over the past decade, China has significantly expanded its influence in the Caribbean, including within the media sectors of Grenada, Jamaica and Guyana.
IRAN & QATAR: Qatari TV station hit in Iran
Al Jazeera: Qatar’s Al Araby network condemns an attack on its office in Tehran, which injured at least 10 people, describing it as an illegal attack against journalists.
ISRAEL: Unable to shut down Kan, coalition maneuvers to control public broadcaster’s budget
The Times of Israel: Bill removing legal safeguards that are meant to shield outlet from political pressure is moved to Knesset committee headed by Netanyahu loyalist, in crusade to dismantle outlet
LEBANON: ‘Paradox’ for journalists in Lebanon: ‘High press freedom, extremely low safety preparedness’ (Watch)
France24: The conditions necessary to protect journalists remain dangerously insufficient, particularly in war zones, where targeting the press has become normalised.
LEBANON & ISRAEL: Three journalists killed in Israeli strike on marked press car in Lebanon
Al Jazeera: An Israeli attack on a clearly marked press car kills Al Mayadeen and Al-Manar reporters as WHO laments deadly day for paramedics.
SYRIA: Syria moves to enforce media licensing, suspends violating platforms
SANA: The Syrian Ministry of Information has issued a circular banning the operation of the “Hashtag” website and the “Jusour News” and “Al-Daleel” platforms within Syrian territory for failing to obtain the required official licensing from the General Directorate of Press and Media Affairs.
TURKEY: Turkey’s Media Landscape: More Outlets, Less Pluralism, Report Finds
PA Turkey: A new regional report finds that despite a growing number of media outlets in Turkey, genuine pluralism remains limited.
TURKEY & EUROPE: EU Urged to Ease Visa Regulations for ‘Isolated’ Turkish Journalists
Balkan Insight: In a joint letter to the EU, 18 Turkish and international media and rights groups call for a swifter and easier visa regime for Turkish journalists to relieve their ‘professional isolation’.
REGIONAL: BBC Arabic defended as lone voice in region for giving ‘Israeli perspective’
The Guardian: Exclusive: World Service director Fiona Crack says platform pursues stories ignored by the Gulf’s state-owned media.
REGIONAL: Global press freedom violations during the Iran war
Committee to Protect Journalists: The Committee to Protect Journalists is monitoring press freedom violations related to the ongoing military escalation between Israel, the U.S and Iran and its spillover across the Middle East, including its regional and global impact on journalists and media workers.
CANADA: APTN marks National Indigenous Languages Day with launch of free YouTube content (Press release)
APTN: In recognition of National Indigenous Languages Day on March 31, APTN, in partnership with YouTube, is proud to announce that its YouTube channel is now home to over 1,200 hours of Indigenous-language content across 20 distinct Indigenous languages — all free, on demand, and available to viewers nationwide.
CANADA: CBC News expands in Hamilton with new morning audio program, podcast (Editor’s blog)
CBC: Expansion of local news service in Ontario city part of CBC’s 5-year strategic plan.
US: A quarter of US radio stations are religious, and most listeners aren’t tuning in for politics, study finds (Study)
Poynter: The Pew-Knight study shows religious programming is nearly ubiquitous in the U.S. and often blends faith with lifestyle content.
US: Colorado public broadcasters explore merger
Current: Rocky Mountain Public Media and the operator of KUNC have signed a nonbinding agreement to consider a merger.
US: KERA breaks ground on headquarters, prepares to launch local news show
Current: Funding from the station’s capital campaign is supporting the expansion and community outreach.
US: PBS partners with ITVS to launch the “PBS Documentaries” YouTube Channel
PBS: The launch is part of a broader effort to serve public audiences through increased accessibility, while building a centralized, scalable hub that elevates PBS’s nonfiction content, features the best in feature-length independent film, and strengthens the public media system for the future.
US: RSF and allies file second lawsuit to save public broadcaster VOA
RSF: Following courtroom victories in a first legal case to save Voice of America (VOA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has joined a second lawsuit against the Trump administration to protect the international public broadcaster’s journalism.
US: State leaders call for $80 million in public media funding in response to federal cuts
KPBS: San Diego elected officials, news organization leaders and media advocates announced a proposal Friday for $80 million in state funding to stabilize public and ethnic media outlets across California.
US: The FCC chair is openly cheering the weakening of the press
Poynter: In a speech, he ticked through defunded outlets, ousted journalists and looming ownership changes — then said the president is ‘winning’
US: Trump is remaking the US media in his own image – and smashing accountability with it
The Conversation: This is the point of absurdity we have reached: on March 15, US President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, asserted that American news organisations were running AI-generated Iranian propaganda, and should be charged with treason for the dissemination of false information.
Politico: The Trump administration will comply with a federal court’s order to reinstate hundreds of Voice of America staffers who were laid off in 2025. But it couldn’t do so by Monday, as the judge had initially ordered.
US: Voice of America journalists allege Trump is making news outlet a propaganda source
PBS: Some journalists at Voice of America charged in a lawsuit Monday that the Trump administration — while largely shutting down the government-run outlet that provides news around the world — has turned what remains into a voice for propaganda.
In an Asymmetrical War, Iran Seeks an Edge With Its Information War
The New York Times: The videos and posts relentlessly mock President Trump or vilify him as a bloodthirsty leader who strikes civilian targets indiscriminately.
Protecting Intellectual Property in a Changing Broadcast Landscape
ABU: This is not just a challenge for one broadcaster or one market — it is an issue faced by content creators and traditional broadcasters globally.
U.S. court cases create the opportunity for a new kind of conversation about social media use
CBC/ Radio-Canada: Jury found Meta and YouTube liable in social media addiction case this week
VRT on Supernova: how European media are reinventing themselves in the AI era (Press release – Dutch)
VRT: During the international tech and innovation event Supernova, VRT, together with international partners, looked ahead to how artificial intelligence is reshaping the European media landscape.
What will AI’s impact be on public-interest media? Ask an AI (Watch)
The Nerve: As an ex-Google executive takes the helm of the BBC, film-maker Beadie Finzi asks Claude about what the media will look like in 2030. The results are concerning
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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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If you have any suggestions for our weekly round-ups, please email PMA at editor@publicmediaalliance.org.
Header image: Babel’ by Cildo Meireles – tower of radios – Credit: Andrea de Santis, Unsplash.com
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