Legitimidade do serviço público e media e relações de poder

: o caso português 2002-2014

Abstract

This research focuses on the issue of the legitimacy of public service media in Portugal. Empirical research (documental analysis and interviews with representatives from the political sphere, regulatory authorities, the media, and civil society) focuses on RTP - spanning three political cycles, between 2002 and 2014. The financing and governance models of the public service broadcaster are analysed, against the economic and regulatory context. We conclude that public service broadcasting is perceived by the political power as a regulatory agent in the market, either in economic terms, through the imposition of restrictions on commercial advertising in RTP, or at a more abstract and subjective level, as an agent which increases the overall quality of television programming and upholds high ethical standards of broadcasting in the communication space. We also note that political communication associated to the idea of privatizing RTP is used as a strategy of political affirmation, which mobilizes other references, in particular ideological options concerning the role of the State in society and the economy.

Date of Award	18 Jul 2018
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Rogério Santos (Supervisor)