Transferable Media Pluralism Policies from Europe

The chapter will first look briefly at press and broadcasting subsidies comparatively across Europe, identifying general patterns and trends, before considering the significance of digital convergence for the question of subsidies for press, broadcasting, and new online content providers. It then turns to some transferable lessons from Europe, the aim being to relate to the future development of UK policy in the era of converged digital media. Specific case studies of transferable policies will include, from France, mechanisms for supporting national content production, notably the levy on all distributors of broadcasting content (including new mobile and online media operators). It is argued that this could provide the mechanism for funding a revived Public Service Publisher, in the shape of a ‘Channel Four for the Digital Era’, commissioning digital content from independent producers, whether from broadcasting, press, or online sectors. In the digital and internet era, with its converged media markets, and less scope for traditional structural and behavioural regulation, public intervention should focus on supporting diverse, quality media content production and distribution in order to maintain media pluralism. Yet, this innovation should not come at the expense of existing support for established public service broadcasters (PSBs) whose adaptation into public service media (PSM) institutions will be crucially important.