During the phase of rapid technological advancements and the ever-increasing digitalisation, public broadcasters encounter a new set of challenges. The evolving media landscape has profoundly impacted audience behaviour, strained funding sources, intensified competition from tech giants, and necessitated flexible operational approaches. Simultaneously, the pervasive nature of digitalisation has spurred discussions about the potential consequences of AI gradually eroding human agency in media and journalism, thereby raising concerns about its impact on the job market. Amidst these complex dynamics, public broadcasters also grapple with the escalating issue of disinformation. The emergence of the international video-on-demand (VOD) platforms, digital channels, cyber insecurity, cybercrime, and digital inequality has also triggered the severity of the disinformation problem.
However, embracing digitalisation not only presents challenges but also offers unprecedented opportunities for public broadcasters. Some public broadcasters are harnessing digital tools to deliver high-quality and cost-effective content while remaining committed to catering to the needs of the public. Especially the public broadcasters who have adapted the digitalization processes through their video-on-demand services, digital channels, and social media outlets to produce alternatives to the established practices of digital media platforms. As they evolve into indispensable sources of information, public broadcasters play a crucial role in countering disinformation, effectively becoming the “social infrastructures of information.”
This session delves into the ways in which public broadcasters navigate the digital impact, transforming their approach to content production and consumption within the broader media ecosystem. It explores how these challenges lead to new advancements and create opportunities for public broadcasters to maintain their critical role in addressing disinformation effectively.
Discussion Themes
- How can public broadcasters effectively adapt to the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements and digitalization? What strategies and operational models can they employ to remain relevant and responsive to shifting audience behaviours and the rise of digital platforms?
- In an era marked by disinformation, what role do public broadcasters play as “social infrastructures of information”?
- With the emergence of international VOD platforms, digital channels, and cyber-related challenges, how can public broadcasters redefine their strategic identities to thrive in the digital era?
- What are the potential implications of AI replacing human agency in the field of media and journalism, and how can society navigate this transition while ensuring accurate information dissemination, ethical reporting, and the preservation of diverse perspectives? How will AI affect the job market in the media sector?