The interactivity and participation of the public in the media is not a novelty, but has increased significantly with the adaptation to the digital convergence process. The possibility for audiences to share content through social platforms or generating its own is raising new ethical and legal issues. In this context, the public service…

The relationship between the television broadcast industry and the film industry in the European Economic Community is primarily characterized by the commissioning or coproducing of films by the television organization. This relationship is discussed in light of the Treaty of Rome and decisions of the European Court of Justice in Luxemburg. (JMF)

Examines the fragmentation, political control, and paternalism involved in communications policy making in Western Europe. These characteristics are evident in broadcasting, the postal service, telecommunications, and the press. (JMF)

Briefly surveys emerging broadcast policy issues in Western Europe, citing the erosion of the "spectrum scarcity" foundation for broadcast policy by technological advances in electronic mass media distribution techniques, as well as legal principles justifying traditional national broadcast services. Comparisons are made with the…

Presents an overview of the history and trends of the broadcasting industry in Western Europe during the 1970s, particulary national television, cable, and radio. Briefly outlines the growing conflict between centralization and decentralization and the effects of foreign influences. (JMF)

Provides an overview of the local radio phenomenon in Western European countries. Examines opportunities for access, control, and economic realities for three types of local radio (national, independent, and community), each of which was influenced in some fashion by illegal pirate stations. (KEH)

Discusses the issue of public accountability in broadcasting as shown in new legal strictures, in the creation of councils by the media themselves, and in such mechanisms as public inquiries, research and audience polling, and access experiments. Concludes that access and participation are means for demonstrating accountability. (JMF)

Discusses evolution of communication satellite use and its effect on the commercial television industry in Western Europe to illustrate the pitfalls of misunderstanding telecommunications and aerospace technology. Three stages of progression in European broadcasters' misinformed thinking about television and satellites and their current attitudes…

This discussion of the audience for European television argues that satellite television has taken an upside-down approach, i.e., it has begun by focusing on the hardware, and then the software, before checking to see if there would be a user at the end of the line willing to pay for the whole operation. "European television" is then…