USA

During natural disasters, public media organisations can serve as vital sources of critical and lifesaving information, as demonstrated when Hurricane Ida hit the US in August.

The US House of Representatives passed a bill that secures federal funding for public broadcasting in 2024.

Approval could lead to a 27% jump in funding for US public media in 2024 compared to current levels.

News deserts have continued to grow, leaving a number of communities without access to local news outlets. But initiatives across North America are aiming to change that.

$175 million in COVID-19 related assistance has been greenlit for the nearly 1,400 public radio and television stations across the US.

In this commentary article published in the Toronto Star, Catherine Tait, CBC/Radio-Canada President and CEO, writes in her capacity as Chair of the Global Task Force for public media about the dramatic increase in both the frequency and the intensity of harassment and intimidation faced by journalists.

Ces dernières années, les journalistes font l’objet de manœuvres d’intimidation et de harcèlement en ligne dont le nombre et la gravité ne cessent d’augmenter.

Swedish Radio CEO, Cilla Benkö, and Programme Director, Björn Löfdahl, write about the importance of impartial media in light of the polarised debate we have seen in the US in recent times, and in connection with the recent US election.

COVID-19 has been described as an "extinction-level crisis" for some media organisations, with serious implications for media pluralism. But there is hope, as initiatives in the US, Australia and Canada show. 

Public radio has a long history of creating content that meets the changing needs of society while informing, educating, and entertaining listeners. But how is it adapting to provide public service podcasting?