Public Service Broadcasting
Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) is broadcasting that is created, financed and controlled by the public, for the public. It is neither commercial nor state owned, free from political interference and pressure from commercial forces.
Through PSB, residents are informed, educated and entertained. If guaranteed by pluralism, program diversity, editorial independence, appropriate funding on TV & Radio, accountability and transparency, public service broadcasting can serve as a foundation for democracy.
UNESCO’s work in public service broadcasting focuses on:
- increasing the use of PSB as a vehicle for education and culture, especially for the underprivileged
- promote best PSB practice and professional standards and contribute to the revision of relevant national legislation
- strengthening PSB as a gateway to information and knowledge for all
- promote the quality of original content and improve public service broadcasting technology
- encouraging innovative and creative improvements in programming to appeal to a larger audience
- uphold discussions between media professionals, decision makers, and other stakeholders on key issues related to PSB.
In the future this program will focus on:
- retain independent editorial broadcasters in the substantial fulfillment of their cultural, educational and social roles
- contribute to capacity building and provide training in modern broadcasting, particularly on issues related to ICT.
- Encourage media professionals to reduce unnecessary exposure to violence in television programs and to focus on delivering unbiased information to all citizens
- stimulate international debate on important issues related to PSB and its impact on education, culture and civil society
- strengthen partnerships with professional media organizations and forge new alliances with key stakeholders To strengthen media pluralism, UNESCO promotes public service broadcasting and media editorial independence in both the private and public sectors.