Public Service Media and Policy in Europe [Hardcover]

An in-depth account of EU policies in the area of public service broadcasting, focusing mainly on the application of the European State aid rules. The book discusses when, how and with what impact the European Commission deals with public service broadcasting.List of Tables List of Figures Introduction, Aims and Methodology From Public Service Broadcasting to Public Service Media Perspectives on Public Service Media A Framework for Public Service Media EU Market Integration in the Broadcasting Sector EU State Aid Rules and the Broadcasting Sector There and Back Again: A Chronological Perspective on the State Aid Control of Public Service Broadcasting 'Europe Decides': Evaluating Public Broadcasting Schemes Germany Flanders The Netherlands Conclusion References Index

'Karen Donders investigates the transition from public service broadcasting to public service media, focusing especially on multi-stakeholder negotiations between the European Commission and the EU Member States. Her evaluation of the impact of State aid policy on public service broadcasting finds that the European Commission's positions have fostered accountability and responsiveness to the requirements of a digital era. She concludes that the Commission has a holistic view of public service media and is not overly driven by competition policy and market failure arguments. This is a major contribution providing insight into the dynamics of change in a controversial policy area. This book will spark a productive debate among scholars and policy makers.'

- Robin Mansell, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK

'Public service media are key to the European democratic project. Good public service is based on editorial independence, high ethical standards, sustainable funding and the freedom to adapt the organization and its editorial services to the audience's needs in a digital world. Karen Donders stresses the need for a coherent EU policy and legall™