Securing Core Elements of Public Service Media in African, Arab and European countries

Scarcity or inadequacy of public service media (PSM) frameworks is often linked to democratic deficits in transitional countries and beyond. What measures are needed to make the media serve all sections of society? PSM are by definition intended to meet the challenge of social and cultural diversity and political pluralism, in terms of content provision and coverage. In a period of political upheaval in several African countries, clampdowns on journalism in parts of the Arab world and recent rapid changes in demographics in Europe following large-scale forced migration, this event examines efforts and initiatives to support PSM in new environments and the obstacles they face. Bringing together academics, policy-makers, civil society and industry, this short workshop will reflect on specific examples of how and where models of PSM have contributed to media development in countries of the Global North and Global South. It will look in particular into:

• Political changes in Zimbabwe, how they impacted upon the PSM dimension and the need for urgent reforms;
• Openings in Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia and Lebanon that could increase the effectiveness of promoting PSM;
• How PSM in Europe have responded to the information needs of young European-born children and those from outside Europe who have recently arrived.

Speakers:

Mr James Deane, Director of Policy and Research, BBC Media Action

Dr Pierre François Docquir, Head of Media Freedom, ARTICLE 19

Prof. Naomi Sakr, former Director of CAMRI Arab Media Centre, University of Westminster

Dr Tarik Sabry, Director of CAMRI Arab Media Centre, University of Westminster

Dr Winston Mano, Director of CAMRI Africa Media Centre, University of Westminster

The debate will be chaired by Prof. Jean Seaton, the Official Historian of the BBC and Professor of Media History, CAMRI, University of Westminster

Venue: Room CG42 Chiltern Hall, University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road London NW1 5LS

Date and Time:

18 June 2019 (please note that the initial date of this event has changed)

16:30 – 18:00 panel debate and discussion with the audience;

18:00 – 19:30 networking drinks reception.

We look forward to welcoming you to this event!