EBU Issues Declaration On Public Service Media

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) today issued a declaration in support of public service media’s role in society, including as a driver of innovation and a trusted independent voice.

Empowering Society – A Declaration on the Core Values of Public Service Media identifies six core values.

The values, endorsed today by EBU members at their General Assembly in Strasbourg, France, include:

– universality: to reach everyone, everywhere
– independence: to be trusted programme makers
– excellence: to act with integrity and professionalism
– diversity: to take a pluralistic approach
– accountability: to listen to audiences and engage in meaningful debate
– innovation: to be a driving force for innovation and creativity

“EBU Members are proud to present a set of common values which differentiate us in the digital era,” EBU President Jean-Paul Philippot said in a statement. “These values are our public pledge, a commitment to our audiences, and the benchmark by which we’re ultimately assessed.”

“The declaration reflects our strong commitment to society. We are working for citizens, not shareholders; for democracy, not profit,” he said. “This is what sets us apart from commercial media.”

EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre said members of the culturally diverse union will work to “support each other to achieve sustainable funding, editorial independence and to increase quality and editorial standards.”

The EBU is Europe’s biggest union of broadcasters.