Public Service Media as a Political Issue: How Does the European Parliament Approach PSM and Communication Rights?

Abstract

Platform dominance, threats to media freedom and disinformation are some of the key phenomena that are shaping the current media environment in Europe and threatening citizens' communication rights. Within this context, Public Service Media (PSM) could have an important role to play, although explicit political support is needed. This article studies the main communication and PSM topics that have been discussed in the European Parliament during the past term (2014–2019) as well as the proposals drafted by political parties for the 2019 European election. The results show that the main proposals linked to PSM involve their independence and the need for increased collaboration, including the establishment of a European public service platform that would enhance the development of a European public sphere.

A Successful Strategy of Political Party Campaign Ahead of Election in Developed Countries

“…Voters know the importance of the Internet, especially social networks, as an instrument of facilitating political participation; it is important to learn the importance of the Internet for communication and political participation, especially during election campaigns (Loureiro & Ribeiro, 2017). However, while platforms dominate the threats to media freedom, the most common of which is disinformation, disinformation is one of the main phenomena shaping the current media environment (Rodríguez-Castro et al, 2020). When the media begins to function as the vanguard of opposing parties, the impact is twofold: the loss of an important public watchdog and the deepening of social rifts (Evans & Kaynak, 2015).…”