<b>Mediadem| Findings from the Mediadem Project: Supporting Free and Independent Media in Europe — Introduction</b>

Authors

  • Rachael Craufurd Smith University of Edinburgh

Keywords:

public service media, media freedom and independence, ethical journalism, employment terms, media governance

Abstract

This editorial introduces the four papers of this Special Section that draw on studies carried out for the European research project ‘European Media Policies Revisited: Valuing & Reclaiming Free and Independent Media in Contemporary Democratic Systems’ (MEDIADEM).  The project explored the factors that promote or hinder media freedom and independence in fourteen European countries.  The papers consider how the diversity of media markets and the independence of the media from political and commercial influence can be supported by legal and non-legal means at international (particularly European), national and sub-state levels.  In particular, they focus on three key themes that were central to the research project:  the future of journalism in Europe and, in particular, the position of the media and journalists in the post-communist states in Europe; how the established tradition of public service broadcasting in Europe is adapting to political and technological changes; and how well placed existing regulatory frameworks are to address the increasingly important regulatory role of private operators in Europe.

Author Biography

Rachael Craufurd Smith, University of Edinburgh

Senior Lecturer, School of Law 2016

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Published

2017-05-08

Issue

Vol. 11 (2017)

Section

Special Sections

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