ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the similarities and differences between accountability mechanisms that have been implemented to control Europe’s main form of broadcasting media, public service media (PSM). PSM do not only safeguard society against the influence of power, they also have communicative power, for which they are accountable to society. PSM are characterized by the paradox of being closely connected to the political systems’ specific historical and institutional settings and, simultaneously, having to perform autonomously and independently of State influence. While State laws set the general framework of their operation, non-State institutions tend to assess, monitor and control their performance and content.
