European conference on public-service media in the digital age

On the 17th and 18th July 2008, the presidency is organising a conference on public-service media in the digital age in Strasbourg with a view to stimulating debate and contributing to achieving a consensus between the Member States of the European Union on these issues. The aim is particularly to identify some key principles liable to inspire policies for developing public service in the digital age, so that the European model of public broadcasting - with its wealth of national traditions being fully realised in an organisation adapted to the cultural and social issues specific to each country - can continue to adapt to both the diversity of national circumstances and the emergence and dynamic evolution of technologies, services, distribution platforms and practices.

For this purpose, five specific areas will be examined in workshops chaired by a moderator and recorded by a reporter. Several speakers will present their viewpoint and participants will be able to comment and ask questions. This will allow a deeper look at issues relating to:

• requirements specific to the definition of public service (are there specific cultural requirements?)
• the purpose of public-service media in a global media environment
• funding for public-service media in the face of the advent of paying services
• the accessibility of public-service media
• competition between public-service and commercial broadcasting
  
  The European nature of this conference, an integral part of the European Commission's working calendar, is emphasised by the choice of location: the city of Strasbourg, home of the European Parliament and ARTE. The results of the conference could also provide material to be examined by the Ministers of Communication at the informal meeting of the Ministers of Audiovisual Affairs at Versailles.

 

• Updated: 29.10.2008

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