What is the role of public service media in the Information Society?

Technological developments and convergence have led to a change in consumer habits: consumers use a multitude of platforms that allow them to receive the content they want, when, and where they want it. 

However, they still expect to be able to follow their favourite programmes, and turn to public service broadcasters (PSBs) for varied, trusted and quality content.

PSBs have to continue to respond to these audience expectations in the future.

Think back … 

In the 1970s did we discuss whether or not video content should be delivered via cable or microwaves? The answer is “no”.
The debate today should not be about delivery mechanisms or what kind of screen is being viewed, but about content. It is part of our public service mission to guarantee that the widest possible audience has access to our content across all platforms, be they television,  radio, or online.

Fibre optic delivery, or ease of multiplatform production should not cause these principles to change.

Key messages

• The mission of public service broadcasters should be defined in relation to the needs of society, and not in relation to the market; 
   
• Every Member State is different, and can best decide what kind of content their broadcaster should produce to reach their citizens;  
     
• Public service broadcasters must be able to evolve with new technology to meet audience expectations.                              

Click here for background information on the Broadcasting Communication.

Contact: Nicola Frank (EBU Brussels).