The platform for the European public service media and culture sector; towards a sustainable and democratic model

Abstract

In this paper the author opens the discussion about using the current platform model but for public service ends backed by a democratic governance structu-ration. The main argument of this paper is that the affordances of the platform model can be used for public service media and culture ends; the European Broadcasting Union is the case-study that illustrates the point. The article explores whether the current criticism against high-tech platforms should be aimed at their structure and dynamics or whether the problem lies with governance. The article argues that it is not the structure or dynamic of platforms per se that are problem-atic, but the fact that platforms are governed by for-profit companies, which are interested in moderation and curation rather than in the quality of content itself.