Our weekly round-up of public service media news stories from around the world.

16-22 May

Africa

Africa’s big TV markets step up digital efforts

From the BBC. Evidence of progress in digitization of broadcast networks since last year’s deadline – especially in Nigeria.

Growth in local content for South African broadcaster

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has announced that 90% of its radio music content will be sourced locally.

One year after coup attempt, journalists still gagged in Burundi

From Reporters without Borders. Burundian Government maintains tight grip on news and information during ongoing crisis.

New Director General for Tanzania’s TBC

From TanzaniaInvest.com. Tanzanian government announces top-level change at its public broadcaster.

Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific

Eurovision song contest 2016: SBS says we proved the ‘haters’ wrong, plans expanded role

From The Sydney Morning Herald. Australia’s success in this year’s event may lead to Asia spinoff.

Europe

BBC Online to be a high-quality, distinctive service

From the BBC. The White Paper has dominated PSM news in the UK. Here the BBC outlines some of its proposed online cuts.

BBC climbdown over online recipes after public outcry

From The Guardian. Changes start to take place at the BBC following the launch of the UK Government’s White Paper.

EU,OSCE Watching Changes at Serbia Regional Broadcaster

From ABC Online. Accusations of government pressure on Serbian regional PSB after replacement of senior journalists and editorial team.

Mapping Media Freedom: Week in focus

From Index on Censorship. A great weekly resource tracking threats, limitations and violations against the media across Europe.

PSM Investment in European Content

From the EBU. This in-depth report reveals that EU public media invest more in original content than Netflix and Sky.

Ukraine moves from state to public broadcasting despite conflict

From the ECPMF. Ukraine bucks the regional trend and makes strides towards improved media freedom and greater media independence.

North America

CBC applies to change broadcasting licenses, extend right to air national radio ads

From the Financial Post. CBC applies for two of its radio stations to continue to air paid national advertisements.

If you have any suggestions for our weekly round-ups, email PMA at editor@publicmediaalliance.org. 

These stories are provided for interest and relevance to public service media issues, they do not necessarily reflect the views of the Public Media Alliance.

All headlines are sourced from their original story.