The Public Service Media, RTP and the challenges of the Digital Era

Abstract

In a context of economic crisis and depression in the advertising market – and therefore with increased difficulties for private television broadcasters –, the complementary and “regulatory” function of Public Service Media (PSM), particularly in free-to-air television, is inevitably strengthened. In this context, PSM is expected not only to have a strong commitment to quality programming that reflects the identity, diversity and the European cultural heritage in general, but also to guarantee rigorous, pluralistic and independent news, focused on the diversity of voices, from politics to economy and culture. The role of the public media should also focus on the issue of new media literacies and new digital skills in the current network context, thereby contributing to fulfill the democratic, social and cultural dimensions of society in their own online platforms.