[Working Paper for the RIPE@2018 Conference]
This paper seeks to contribute on debates about the universal relevance and impact of public service media, specifically in terms of (1) how disinformation and the broader information disorder adds a new dimension to the universalist mission, (2) how it provides new opportunities to collaborate with audiences and co-creators, and (3) how it could impact media policy today.
The discussion is based on a policy brief for the Council of Europe and a related White Paper for the Central European University, Center for Media, Data and Society, on shared challenges of public service broadcasting around the world, and an overview of the role of PSB/PSM institutions in Europe in countering disinformation and distrust of audiences. It is obvious that “fake news” is not only a European phenomenon. It is also clear that public service media in different European countries differs greatly, as do manifestations and the scope of information disorder. At the same time, the issues that emerge in the current media ecosystems in Europe illustrate broader dilemmas of universalism today for PSM organizations, as well as opportunities for new kind of universal relevance and impact.
Public service media (PSM) institutions around the world exist in challenging conditions: not only do the commercial counterparts claim that PSM is distorting the market, governments are increasingly meddling with content and tightening financing for these institutions. This is an alarming trend in times of viral misinformation, filter bubbles, distrust of media, and global political and economic turbulence.
Minna Aslama Horowitz 