Policy Changes to Strengthen the Protection of Media Freedom and Media Pluralism in the EU

27 Pages Posted: 2 Nov 2020

See all articles by Pier Luigi Parcu

Pier Luigi Parcu

European University Institute - Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies (RSCAS); Centre for a Digital Society

Maria Alessandra Rossi

'Gabriele d'Annunzio' University of Chieti-Pescara - Dipartimento di Economia

Date Written: October 2020

Abstract

Access to news and information has undergone profound changes in connection with the digitization and platformization of the economy. Diverse policy concerns emerge both from the supply-side of news production and distribution and from the demand-side of news consumption. The apparent richness of information sources conceals serious threats to the quality and diversity of online news, available on global platforms devoid of editorial responsibility and interested solely in maximizing advertising revenue. In this paper, after pinning down what we believe to be the most salient market and system failures in this regard, we summarize the range of policy proposals advanced to address the crisis of traditional media outlets and the unaccountability of platforms. Our own conclusion suggests three preferred lines of possible intervention in defense of media pluralism: regulated transparency, a novel form of EU-level direct financing and enhanced market power oversight.

Keywords: Media pluralism; quality of information; digital platforms; competition; public policy.

Suggested Citation

Parcu, Pier Luigi and Rossi, Maria Alessandra, Policy Changes to Strengthen the Protection of Media Freedom and Media Pluralism in the EU (October 2020). Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies Research Paper No. RSCAS 2020/70, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3721958 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3721958

Pier Luigi Parcu (Contact Author)

European University Institute - Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies (RSCAS) ( email )

Villa La Fonte, via delle Fontanelle 18
50016 San Domenico di Fiesole
Florence, Florence 50014
Italy

Centre for a Digital Society ( email )

Via Boccaccio 151
Florence, FI 50133
Italy

Maria Alessandra Rossi

'Gabriele d'Annunzio' University of Chieti-Pescara - Dipartimento di Economia ( email )

Via Kennedy 6
Parma, 43100 - I
Italy

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