public broadcasting

Public broadcasting, sometimes public service broadcasting, involves radio, television and other electronic media outlets whose primary mission is public service. Public broadcasters receive funding from diverse sources including license fees, individual contributions, public financing and commercial financing, and avoid political interference or commercial influence. Common mediums include AM and FM radio, shortwave radio, television, and the Internet. Public broadcasting may be nationally or locally operated, depending on the country and the station. In some countries a single organization runs public broadcasting. Other countries have multiple public-broadcasting organizations operating regionally or in different languages. Historically, public broadcasting was once the dominant or only form of broadcasting in many countries (with the notable exceptions of the United States, Mexico and Brazil). Commercial broadcasting now also exists in most of these countries; the number of countries with only public broadcasting declined substantially during the latter part of the 20th century. Definition The primary mission of public broadcasting is that of public service, speaking to and engaging as a citizen. The British model is often referenced in definitions. The model embodies the following principles: Universal geographic accessibility Universal appeal Attention to minorities Contribution to national identity and sense of community Distance from vested interests Direct funding and universality of payment Competition in good programming rather than numbers Guidelines that liberate rather than restrict