Authors
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
O objetivo central da nossa investigação é tentar compreender a relação existente entre os
sistemas de media e os sistemas políticos, procurando descortinar as dimensões e variáveis
associadas à presença do Estado no sistema de media Português. Partimos do pressuposto
que o papel do Estado junto daquele sistema deve ser aferido em função da sua intervenção
enquanto proprietário, financiador e regulador dos meios de comunicação social.
Na análise do papel do Estado enquanto proprietário de media abordamos em profundidade
a temática do serviço público de rádio e televisão, agrupando as diversas correntes de
pensamento sobre o âmbito da missão de serviço público de acordo com uma tipologia por
nós desenvolvida. No que respeita a realidade portuguesa, verificamos que o papel do
Estado enquanto proprietário de media é significativo, particularmente pelo esforço
financeiro público que suporta com o operador de serviço público RTP, e com o
financiamento dos serviços de interesse público prestados pela LUSA.
Quanto ao papel do Estado como financiador dos meios de comunicação social,
observamos que o Estado português tem tido um papel ativo no apoio à comunicação
social regional e local, embora seja de salientar a tendência de redução contínua do esforço
financeiro público nos últimos anos.
No que concerne a intervenção pública regulatória no sistema dos media, ou por outras
palavras, a hetero-regulação da comunicação social, concluímos que a mesma deve atender
prioritariamente ao interesse geral e à defesa de direitos e liberdades fundamentais.
Entendemos que a regulação dos media tem que ser abrangente, inclusiva, e dirigir-se à
totalidade do ecossistema mediático. Reconhecemos que a hetero-regulação não é um
sistema completo, e concluímos pela necessidade de coexistirem iniciativas de auto e coregulação.
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.
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.