Policy changes to strengthen the protection of media freedom and media pluralism in the EU

Abstract

Access to news and information has undergone profound changes in connection with the digitization and platformization of the economy. Diverse policy concerns emerge both from the supply-side of news production and distribution and from the demand-side of news consumption. The apparent richness of information sources conceals serious threats to the quality and diversity of online news, available on global platforms devoid of editorial responsibility and interested solely in maximizing advertising revenue. In this paper, after pinning down what we believe to be the most salient market and system failures in this regard, we summarize the range of policy proposals advanced to address the crisis of traditional media outlets and the unaccountability of platforms. Our own conclusion suggests three preferred lines of possible intervention in defense of media pluralism: regulated transparency, a novel form of EU-level direct financing and enhanced market power oversight.