As in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, public service broadcasting (PSB) in Morocco suffers from the existence of authoritarian forms of governance that hinders PSB performance. Technology is also a factor. TV and radio stations still rely on analog terrestrial and digital satellite broadcasting and their online presence are extensions of their analog versions, rather than new digital multiplatform distribution systems. In Morocco, the wave of political liberalization and democratization that marked the second half of the 1990s resulted in major media reforms especially in the broadcasting sector. The High Authority for Audiovisual Communication was created in 2002 as an independent public institution to establish the legal framework for the liberalization of the audiovisual sector and to oversee the PSB sector in the country. The paper analyzes the legal environment to assess the extent to which PSB is safeguarded from political influence. The study found that the overall non-democratic cultures within Morocco and the countries of the MENA region are the main determinants of performance. In some MENA countries, the legal framework and the institutional structure were created to provide the conditions for public service to materialize. PSB performance in this region remains weak, however. The study argues that unless there is political will at the highest level, a public service system will be nothing more than a pseudo 'public' system bouncing back and forth between milder and stronger forms of authoritarianism.
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As in Latin America generally, public service media (PSM) has struggled in efforts for development in Mexico due to a lack of editorial independence, economic precariousness and absence of widespread availability as well as popularity. Nevertheless, Latin American social, political, economic and technological landscapes have changed significantly in the last two decades. In this context, the paper addresses the question of what this has meant for PSM development in the region. The study focuses on the case of Mexico, drawing on official data, interviews with experts, and providing specific examples of the situation in the country. This paper offers an overview and update of the state of PSM in Mexico and argues that despite challenges, problems and complications, improvements have been achieved and there is hope that development will continue.
This study explores the advances made by the Department of Communications (DoC) in transitioning South Africa's communications sector from the Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) to a Public Service Media (PSM). The changes are caused by disruption from evolving technologies and evolving political influences. The study documents efforts to secure the public service approach in South Africa, but also clarifies why practical progress has been difficult. It shows that despite its shortfalls PSB remains crucially important for democratic advancement in this region. Efforts for digitization are underway, however, the process is slower than hoped. The author explains the reasons and presents South Africa as an important case for examining the development, and identifies problems in development, for the public service model in the region. The article reflects on the prevailing position of PSM as advocated by the African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC). The results indicate promise for the development of public service broadcasting in the region, and especially in South Africa, but also demonstrate persistent problems keyed to the influence of commercial funding, political insecurity, and difficulties in maintaining editorial independence that is crucial for popular trust in PSM as a public enterprise.
Public broadcasting in Taiwan was originally one over-the-air with generalist channel characterized by the impartiality, diversity and knowledge-driven programming the channel has provided. Although the fixed-amount of state appropriation limits what is possible to achieve, today the Public Television Service Foundation (PTS) seeks every opportunity to transition into public service media (i.e. not only broadcasting, but also online). This project has gained momentum through a national Special Budget for bridging the digital gap, and supports accountability of Taiwan's media system to the public. The National Development Fund has been a sustainable funding mechanism that is intended to extend to 4K Ultra HD programming. This paper shows that despite the external challenges still to be overcome, the internal reform of PTS highlighted several management issues. PTS introduced international standards for operations and practice in governance, journalistic ethics, worker participation, and the nomination process for its governing body. In the conclusion, we offer recommendations for optimal reform that will ensure Taiwan PSB as a distinctive approach in the landscape of East Asian public media, with the potential to be a useful model elsewhere too.
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