Circom Regional Conference Liverpool May 2005 News (and Public Service Media in general) Under Pressure Christian S. Nissen © christiannissen.com

The controversial balance Public service media Government & Parliament They are behaving completely out of control as if they were “a state within the state” Hey! They are moving in on us Accountability In service of society Balanced coverage “Responsibility” to- ward authorities Autonomy Editorial independence No political ties Credibility Trustworthiness © christiannissen.com

A: The one side of the coin: A: The one side of the coin: Why is the principle of editorial autonomy so important? The Civil Rights are basically a protection of the citizens against the state. “Freedom of the press” and “Free speech” are basic elements of pluralistic democracy. Fundamental principles for any media For public media these principles are even more important: Public media has a special role as a “watch dog” Editorial state control is a threat to civic society and democracy. and it will erode any trustworthiness and credibility of public media. ? © christiannissen.com

But what about ”our own” media, the PSB ! B: The coin has another side: A changing pattern of political communication - as seen by many politicians. - And a hostile press constantly attacking, criticising and distorting their motives But what about ”our own” media, the PSB ! The press 50 years ago the political parties had their own newspapers securing a direct channel to their constituencies. Today they experience a kind of communicative “wall” coming in between. ”Spindoctors” and other defence/offence tools are introduced. © christiannissen.com

A troublesome “dialogue”. ”Those who pay the orchestra must have the right to decide the tune!” No Way! Don’t forget the fundamental principles! I am the one, who decides! The politician Looking at PSB as a tool of political communication and public relation The Director General Defending the editorial autonomy (or his own right to decide?) © christiannissen.com

Some examples in recent years from Denmark: In recent years members in government (probably advised by their spindoctors) more and more often refuse to go on screen in a news programme in controversial matters. During the Iraq war (Spring 2003) DR was heavily criticised by government for its coverage. Both in public and through more covert channels (i.e. board members contacting the GD). Individual DR journalists have been attacked publicly by board members and members of parliament. DR requested by political parties to come up with statistics “of party representations” in different kinds of programmes. The managing board of DR has been accused by members of government of “being old communists who in the 1980’ties had close contacts to the old regimes of Eastern Europe”. In the autumn 2004 the GD was fired on somehow dubious reasons (politics being probably one of them). Followed by the resignation of the chairman of the Board. © christiannissen.com

The methods of political influence and pressure: Self imposed censorship Limiting the funding. Setting strings to it. Setting up limiting “PSB contracts” Appointing the managing board. Direct intervention in programming (a “phone call”) Threats and “good advice”. ”I better make the message look different” But here you have the ”Stonewall Jackson” of Public Media The politician Looking at PSB as a tool of political communication and public relation The Director General How can he/she react ? © christiannissen.com

The European Director Generals under political pressure: A typology. There is no standard defence or general “fits all” way of handling political pressure. But many good reasons why one must think twice before taking action! The courageous “kamikaze GDs”, who engage in hopeless counter attacks. - and his college, jumping out looking for a better place Others appeal to higher justice. - and those who shout back and make a lot of “noise” Some are just carrying on with their work as if nothing happens. And suddenly……..! You can also find the silent GDs who just don’t know what to do - and try to control their temper There are those, who don’t take notice at all. - Before it’s too late! © christiannissen.com

The Director General under political pressure, considering what to do But - You might win a battle by good tactics - seldom a war ! For that you need a long term policy and a pact with the audience. What am I defending ? - My own personal position - or core values of PSB A flexible response, winning time without giving up any important positions? Drawing “a line in the sand” – and preparing for the consequences. Making “counter-alliances” in the political environment. Giving notice of resignation – or threatening to do so. Resigning! The Director General considering what to do - and what the consequences of different actions will be. © christiannissen.com

- Bon voyage ! Some PSB’s are well in position, Others have a long way to go. - Bon voyage ! Thank you for your attention www.christiannissen.com