Call for Papers

The concept of public service has been a central element of broadcasting culture in most national contexts for as long as broadcasting has existed.  Yet current trends in media technology, governance and ownership present challenges to long-standing notions of the role of public service broadcasting. 

In an environment of near-infinite choice and personalisable content, how can general-interest broadcasters retain their relevance?

When social media can inspire revolutions, how can public service broadcasters speak to multiple publics? 

Can a national broadcaster address the needs of local, regional and minority communities?

What kinds of texts are public service broadcasters producing and how are they distributing them both at home and abroad?

This conference will examine the rapidly changing nexus of concerns around the role of public service broadcasting in an era marked by the advent of digital distribution, the expansion of bandwidth and, arguably, the diminishing importance of the national as a locus of identity for broadcasting.  The day will also encourage a dialogue between academics and industry practitioners.

We welcome submissions touching on any aspect of contemporary public service broadcasting, but are particularly keen to explore:


  • The texts produced by Public Service Broadcasters and how these reflect national, local and cultural concerns
  • PSB and inter/intra-national and diasporic cultures
  • PSB in relation to discourses of identity
  • PSB in relation to the globalisation of television production and distribution
  • PSB in relation to the movement for local broadcasting
Please submit 300 word abstracts for 20 minute papers to Martin Zeller-Jacques (marty.zeller-jacques@york.ac.uk) and Hannah Andrews (hannah.andrews@york.ac.uk) before midnight on the 30th of April, 2013.

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