Cultural Diversity

Cultural diversity and media

Cultural diversity and media pluralism have always been the touchstones of Europe's public service broadcasters, and they continue to be the driving force across all our services. It is part of our public service mission to foster cultural diversity in all our programmes, television, radio or on new platforms.

Cultural diversity is not about nationalism and it is not about protectionism. Audiovisual policies in favour of cultural diversity and media pluralism give citizens access to a wide variety of quality programmes. These include domestic programmes which reflect the cultural, social and political realities of each society, and programmes which improve the understanding of other cultures and societies. 

EBU action on cultural diversity 

Technological changes and globalization are increasing the need for policies and regulations which promote cultural diversity and pluralism at the national, European and global levels. 

The EBU has created a number of tools to promote exchanges and sharing of experience. The Radio Day of European Cultures organised jointly with Prix Europa and held under the patronage of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe takes place every two years on the third Sunday of October. The third edition will be held in October 2007. On average between 87 and 95 public service radio channels take part, creating one full day of pan-European cultural space. 

The action of the EBU in this field however goes beyond programmes as it is also involved in coordinating, raising awareness and promoting the exchange of experience and training. The EBU's International Training  organized a training workshop entitled “Cultural Diversity” in March 2006 for heads of programmes (radio and television) and a conference organized by the EBU Human Resources for HR heads of EBU members took place in Paris in June 2006 on the theme of dultural diversity. For upcoming events, please refer to the calendar below.

Cultural diversity events