Public service media and public service internet as a counterweight to media concentration

Abstract

This article will discuss the question of whether and to what extent private ownership of media is the appropriate form for organising the infrastructures of social communication, or whether media oriented towards the common good and not profit-driven are better suited to the requirements of democratic communication in a pluralistic society. Starting from the dual character of media as merit goods and commodities, the connection between media concentration and democracy will be discussed based on concentration theories. In view of the fears that this connection might lead to negative excesses, media policy has long been attempting to curb media concentration. These efforts are shortly presented and discussed. Possibilities of balancing the dual character of the media within the framework of different ownership structures lead to the idea that public service media can form a counterweight to media concentration. This is as well an option for an internet oriented towards the common good. The suggestion of a Public Service Media and Public Service Manifesto that was published in 2021 and supported by more than 1000 subscribers from the academic and media community worldwide illustrates this possibility.