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EU Media Freedom Act: Independence of Public Media

29 October 2025
Access report

The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) sets out the best practices to ensure the independence of Public Service Media providers (PSMs), though it is toothless. 

PSMs play a unique democracy-sustaining role in the digital age by providing the population with balanced news coverage, thus combatting misinformation.

The UK’s BBC is the blueprint for the EMFA and the comparison with Czechia and France demonstrates how political forces challenge independence.

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Changing PSB funding models: precedents and outcomes

24 June 2024

Recently many countries, particularly in Europe, have moved away from funding their public service broadcasters via a licence fee.

Three main models have been adopted in its place: a state grant system, a ring-fenced income tax, and a premises levy—nowhere has chosen to fund PSBs solely by subscription or advertising.

Outcomes vary: Germany shows that a successful transition relies on years of deliberation and consensus, whilst Italy and France underline the perils of insecure funding arrangements.

Access report

  • Changing PSB funding models: precedents and outcomes

    24 June 2024

    Recently many countries, particularly in Europe, have moved away from funding their public service broadcasters via a licence fee.

    Three main models have been adopted in its place: a state grant system, a ring-fenced income tax, and a premises levy—nowhere has chosen to fund PSBs solely by subscription or advertising.

    Outcomes vary: Germany shows that a successful transition relies on years of deliberation and consensus, whilst Italy and France underline the perils of insecure funding arrangements.

    Access report