Public Service Media and the Commons : Crossing conceptual and institutional Boundaries

This chapter argues the value of the commons concept as a narrative for legitimating public service media in the digital age. The author outlines different institutional and conceptual boundaries that need to be crossed to realise this ideal in practice. After a short introduction of the concept as such, the chapter offers critical discussion of the approaches that have connected the commons notion to PSM. The essential contribution is a proposed framework consisting of five ways to look at PSM from a commons perspective. Each underscores vital challenges. The boundaries of particular importance are philosophical, structural and legal, as well as boundaries related to audience participation and the measurement of outcomes. The commons concept invites consideration of PSM as a civic alternative in an increasingly commercialised information environment. The Framework provides a systematic means for improved understandings of key challenges today.