Digital Television and Public Service Broadcasting. A comparative study between Finland and Spain

Abstract

This Master’s Thesis analyses the effects of the switchover to digital television on Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) with the comparative study of the public broadcasters in Finland (YLE) and in Spain (RTVE). The text explains the long tradition of PSB in Western Europe and analyses its mission and main characteristics. With the arrival of digital television, PSB faces the biggest challenge since commercial television. Because of the technical advantages of digital television, including a better use of the electromagnetic spectrum, the transition to digital broadcasting is inevitable. Focusing on RTVE and YLE, this study interprets how PSB is facing this challenge. These two broadcasters operate in very different situations. While YLE is based on a traditional license fee funding, RTVE’s funding comes mainly from advertising. In spite of the financial difficulties, this paper shows the necessity of the public broadcasters to lead the switchover process.

At the same time, public broadcasters need a deep transformation to respond to a competitive market that requires new demand-oriented approaches. The broadcasters also need to broaden their focus to be able to offer cross-media and cross-genre content that goes beyond the traditional broadcasting and, thus, become public service media.

Despite the difficulties, PSB in Western Europe still enjoys a healthy popularity, audience share and its news services are highly regarded. This is the reason why, in spite of the controversy and the pressure from the commercial broadcasters, there has always been a clear willingness to maintain Public Service Broadcasting with an important role in the new digital television landscape.

Keywords: Public Service Broadcasting, Digital Television, Finland, Spain