O papel do Estado no sistema de media

Abstract

The core objective underpinning this research is to try to understand the relationship between media systems and political systems, and thereby reveal the dimensions and variables associated to the presence of the State in the Portuguese media system. The research is based on the assumption that the State’s role within this system must be gauged in function of its tripartite function as media owner, financer and regulator. In terms of the role of the State as media owner, we provide a thorough analysis of the issue of public radio and television, categorising the various prevailing schools of thought on the appropriate scope of the public service mission, using a specific typology that has been developed within the context of this thesis. Concerning the situation in Portugal, we found that the State's role as a media owner is significant, in particular due to the significant public funding provided to the public broadcaster, RTP, and funding for publicinterest services provided by the state news agency, LUSA. In relation to the role of the State as a financier of the media, we found that the Portuguese State plays an active role in supporting regional and local media, although there is a clear trend towards continuous reduction of public funding in this field over recent years. Regarding the various frameworks of public regulation of the media system, or in other words, hetero-regulation of the media, we conclude that this should primarily serve the public interest and uphold fundamental rights and freedoms. We believe that regulation of media has to be comprehensive, inclusive, and address the entire media ecosystem. We recognize that hetero-regulation is not a complete system, and conclude that it necessary to ensure the co-existence of self-regulatory and co-regulatory initiatives.

Date of Award	Sept 2012
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Rogério Santos (Supervisor)