13.3 Public service broadcasting and its role in democracy

Public service broadcasting plays a crucial role in democracy by providing impartial news, diverse programming, and a platform for public discourse. It aims to inform, educate, and entertain citizens while promoting social cohesion and democratic participation.

Globally, PSB models vary in their effectiveness and challenges. The BBC, Nordic systems, and Germany's decentralized approach showcase strong democratic contributions, while developing countries often struggle with government control and resource limitations.

Public service broadcasting

Definition and core principles

Top images from around the web for Definition and core principles

• 

  #opengov (publicity, accountability, transparency) venn di… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  PBS - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  PBS - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  #opengov (publicity, accountability, transparency) venn di… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  PBS - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Definition and core principles

• 

  #opengov (publicity, accountability, transparency) venn di… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  PBS - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  PBS - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  #opengov (publicity, accountability, transparency) venn di… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  PBS - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Public service broadcasting (PSB) is a system of media organizations publicly owned, funded, and operated to serve the public interest rather than commercial interests
• Core principles of PSB include:
  • Universality of access ensures all citizens can access PSB content regardless of their location or socioeconomic status
  • Diversity of programming reflects the plurality of voices and perspectives in society, promoting social inclusion and cultural understanding
  • Editorial independence from government interference and commercial pressures is ensured through governance by independent boards or trusts
  • Distinctiveness from commercial media in terms of content, format, and values sets PSB apart as a unique and valuable service
  • Direct accountability to the public through mechanisms such as audience feedback, public consultations, and oversight by representative bodies
• PSB aims to inform, educate, and entertain citizens while promoting social cohesion, cultural diversity, and democratic participation
• Funding for PSB typically comes from public sources such as government grants, license fees (paid by households owning a television set), or taxes, rather than advertising revenue

Role in democracy

• PSB provides citizens with accurate, impartial, and comprehensive news and information to enable informed political participation and decision-making
• Offers diverse programming that reflects the plurality of voices and perspectives in society, promoting democratic dialogue and cultural understanding
• Serves as a public sphere where citizens can engage in rational-critical debate about issues of common concern, holding those in power accountable
• Contributes to the formation of an informed and engaged citizenry through educational and cultural programming, essential for the functioning of a healthy democracy
• Provides dedicated platforms for marginalized or underrepresented groups (ethnic minorities, indigenous communities, people with disabilities) to express their views and experiences, enhancing the representativeness and legitimacy of the democratic process

Fostering democracy through broadcasting

Providing a shared public discourse

• PSB facilitates a shared public discourse by offering a common platform for the dissemination and discussion of news, information, and ideas
• Creates a sense of national identity and social cohesion by providing cultural content that reflects the diversity of the population and promotes mutual understanding
• Helps to build consensus around key issues and values by presenting multiple perspectives and encouraging dialogue across different segments of society
• Counteracts the fragmentation and polarization of public opinion by exposing audiences to a wide range of viewpoints and experiences beyond their own echo chambers

Holding power to account

• PSB acts as a watchdog on government and other powerful institutions by providing in-depth, investigative journalism that scrutinizes their actions and decisions
• Gives voice to the concerns and grievances of citizens, amplifying their ability to hold those in power accountable through public opinion and electoral processes
• Provides a platform for opposition parties, civil society organizations, and social movements to articulate their critiques and alternatives to government policies
• Contributes to the transparency and openness of democratic governance by shedding light on the workings of public institutions and the conduct of public officials

Challenges for public service broadcasting

Maintaining relevance and distinctiveness

• The proliferation of commercial media outlets and online platforms has intensified competition for audiences' attention and resources, challenging PSB to demonstrate its unique value proposition
• The fragmentation of audiences across multiple devices and platforms (smartphones, tablets, streaming services) makes it harder for PSB to fulfill its universal service mandate and reach all segments of the population
• The rise of online disinformation, echo chambers, and algorithmic personalization poses risks to the shared public discourse and consensus-building functions of PSB
• Declining public trust in media institutions and increasing political polarization complicate PSB's task of providing impartial and credible news and information that is widely accepted as authoritative

Adapting to the digital environment

• PSB must adapt to changing audience expectations and media consumption habits (on-demand viewing, interactive features, user-generated content) while preserving its core values and public service ethos
• The shift towards online and mobile platforms requires significant investments in digital infrastructure, content production, and distribution capabilities, putting pressure on PSB budgets
• The global reach of the internet challenges PSB's traditional national boundaries and regulatory frameworks, raising questions about its role and jurisdiction in the digital age
• The collection and use of audience data by PSB organizations raises concerns about privacy, surveillance, and the commercialization of public service media

Ensuring independence and sustainability

• Budget cuts, government interference, and commercial encroachment threaten the editorial independence and financial sustainability of PSB organizations
• The appointment of PSB executives and board members by governments or political parties can undermine the perceived impartiality and credibility of PSB content
• The reliance on public funding makes PSB vulnerable to political pressures and budget fluctuations, while the pursuit of commercial revenue streams (advertising, sponsorships, merchandising) can compromise its public service mission
• The need to justify PSB's continued existence and funding in a competitive media landscape requires ongoing public and political support, which can be difficult to sustain in times of economic hardship or ideological opposition

Public service broadcasting models vs democracy

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

• The BBC in the United Kingdom is often considered the archetypal PSB model, with its strong tradition of independence, universality, and high-quality programming
• The BBC's Royal Charter guarantees its editorial autonomy and public accountability, while its license fee funding model ensures a stable and sufficient revenue stream
• The BBC's impartial and comprehensive news coverage, along with its diverse and distinctive programming, contributes to a well-informed and engaged citizenry
• However, the BBC faces challenges such as accusations of political bias, competition from commercial broadcasters, and debates over the fairness and sustainability of the license fee system

Nordic countries' public service broadcasting

• The Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden) have robust PSB systems that are deeply embedded in their democratic societies and enjoy high levels of public trust and support
• The Nordic PSB organizations (DR, Yle, NRK, SVT) are funded primarily through license fees or taxes, with limited or no advertising, ensuring their independence from commercial interests
• The Nordic PSB model emphasizes universality, diversity, and democratic participation, with a strong focus on regional and local content, children's programming, and minority language services
• The high levels of public funding, autonomy, and audience trust in Nordic PSB correlate with high levels of political participation, social cohesion, and democratic satisfaction in these countries

Germany's decentralized public service broadcasting

• Germany's PSB system (ARD, ZDF) reflects the country's federal structure and pluralistic political culture, with regional broadcasters catering to local needs and fostering democratic deliberation at multiple levels
• The German PSB organizations are funded through a combination of license fees and limited advertising, with strict rules on the separation of editorial and commercial activities
• The decentralized structure of German PSB ensures a diversity of voices and perspectives, while the strong public service ethos and journalistic standards contribute to a well-functioning democratic public sphere
• However, the German PSB system faces challenges such as the need to adapt to the digital environment, competition from commercial media, and debates over the legitimacy and efficiency of the license fee system

Challenges in developing countries

• In many developing countries, PSB struggles to fulfill its democratic potential due to government control, lack of resources, and competition from commercial or foreign media
• The absence of independent and sustainable funding models, along with the lack of political will to support PSB, undermines its ability to provide impartial and high-quality news and information
• The dominance of state-owned or partisan media, often serving as propaganda tools for ruling parties or elites, distorts the public discourse and hinders democratic accountability
• The limited reach and accessibility of PSB in developing countries, particularly in rural or marginalized areas, exacerbates social and political inequalities and hinders inclusive democratic participation
• These challenges highlight the importance of institutional and financial independence, as well as international support and solidarity, for effective PSB in developing democracies