Five clear qualities set public service media (PSM) apart from private conglomerates, European Broadcasting Union (EBU) President Jean-Paul Philippot said in a debate broadcast on Italian television.

Illustrating the indispensable role that EBU Members play in the Digital Age, President Philippot said their role was fundamentally different from that of large private media groups.

The five key differences he identified were:

• Technology: PSM help people access new technology
• Security: PSM offer protection, especially to children, in the digital space
• Information: PSM guarantee independent information to enable opinion forming
• Creativity: PSM invest in new content, spurring the European creative industry
• Engagement: PSM make active citizens of their audiences

President Philippot’s remarks at the 64th Prix Italia in Turin, coincide with announcements by several EBU Members that they are building public service strategies around the EBU’s Declaration on the Core Values of Public Service Media.

This Declaration, unanimously endorsed by the EBU membership at the summer General Assembly, identifies six core values shared by public service media (PSM):

• Universality: to reach everyone, everywhere
• Independence: to be trusted programme makers
• Excellence: to act with integrity and professionalism
• Diversity: to take a pluralistic approach
• Accountability: to listen to audiences and engage in meaningful debate
• Innovation: to be a driving force for innovation and creativity

EBU Members in Croatia, Austria, Algeria and Finland have already launched programmes to use the document to underpin their public service missions.