The role public service media (PSM) play in helping citizens make informed choices during electoral periods is the focus the sixth Polis Journalism Conference at the London School of Economics (LSE).  

Around 800 journalists, postgraduate students and members of the public are attending the conference produced in partnership between Eurovision Media Online, the BBC and Polis, the journalism think tank of the LSE.

Speakers include Andrew Marr of the BBC, Sky News presenter and political editor, Adam Boulton, the Director-General of Swedish Radio, Cilla Benkö, RNE’s London correspondent Jordi Barcia and the Head of the Euronews Greek Service, Vasilis Bitsis.  

During a panel discussion, Mike Mullane, Head of Eurovision Media Online said reaching and engaging young audiences, and especially first-time voters, was one of the toughest challenges for Public Service Media. All the research shows us that young people are not interested in traditional, broadcast politics or current affairs programmes."

"They were online and PSM were reaching them on social networks, and with interactive, fun tools. A good example was a Swedish Radio app that made politicians familiar to youngsters by turning their speeches into rap songs."

Mr Mullane said another challenge was to provide audiences with balanced electoral coverage.  “Journalists have an obligation not only to scrutinize politicians, but to also provide their audiences with the widest possible diversity of voices and political opinion,” Mr Mullane said. “PSM need to ensure ample and all-inclusive coverage to enable people to make informed decisions.

Elections are taking place in a number of European countries during 2015, including Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK, among others.

Eurovision Polis Fellow

Congratulations to Kristin Granbo, a video journalist / producer at NRK who has been selected as this year's Eurovision Polis Fellow.

Kristin's month-long fellowship will allow her to carry out a short piece of original research into an aspect of contemporary news media practice.

She said of her research topic: "Journalists working with news for children strive to explain news in words children understand, and in ways that will dampen fear around current events. However, in an ever increasing competitive publishing climate, is the need for continuous updates and live news coverage making us less able to tailor news stories for children?"