Public Service/Interest Journalism in Transition: Greek media professionals’ perceptions of broadcasters’ mission in the platform era

Abstract

Since the mid-1990s, the evolving digitalisation of communications has given rise to new challenges for public service broadcasters (PSBs) and privately owned broadcasting organizations (POBOs), which have turned into media platforms by extending their services beyond traditional radio and television broadcasts. Considering several transformations, instigated by the platformisation of communication, this study raises the question concerning to what extent is there a policy defense of legacy broadcasting media in Greece against a background of growing competition, thriving in an environment dominated by technology-led companies (e.g., Meta) and Over the Top (OTT) subscription-based models of television content’s distribution (e.g., Netflix). Taking as a case study the Greek media market, this paper aims to discuss the wider operational challenges faced by contemporary broadcasting organizations attempting to serve the public service/interest journalism mission. The research draws on traditional and newly established theoretical concepts - like public interest/service journalism (Europe), public or civic journalism (USA), and ongoing platformisation of communication - and its findings are based on a questionnaire survey, conducted through the online participation of media professionals from the Greek media market.