The pivotal role of television in supporting
democracy in Europe is under threat. Public service broadcasters are
compromising quality to compete with commercial channels, and many of
them depend on Governments or political parties. Meanwhile, ever-larger
concentrations are developing in the commercial sector, often with
clear political affiliations. These developments jeopardise
broadcasting pluralism and diversity, with the new democracies of
Central and Eastern Europe most at risk.
These are the main findings of the monitoring report Television across Europe: regulation, policy and independence,
released on 11 October 2005 in Brussels. The report covers 20 European
countries - EU members, candidates and potential candidates - from the
UK to Turkey, and from Romania to France. At 1662 pages, it is the
largest ever comparative survey of its kind. The report analyses
broadcasting across the continent and addresses policy recommendations
to national and international authorities and groups.
A 2001 article on the history and contributions of grassroots community radio to the independent media movement.
Author:
Marty Durlin and Cathy Melio
Description:
This article addresses
the history behind the grassroots radio movement and the philosophy and
struggles that have formed the Grassroots Radio Coalition. Presented at the Grassroots Radio Conference 2001, it provides an overview of how community radio continues to provide local access to mass media and how it plays a vital role keeping the public informed about bills and issues in national, state, and local government that directly effect them.
