The Migration to Digital Television in Europe

The response of Public Service Broadcasters

Roberto Suárez Candel

Journalism and Audiovisual Communication Dept.Pompeu Fabra University

Barcelona – Spain

Film and Media Conference Istambul Bilgi University 16-18/06/2006

Digital TV & Public Service Roberto Suárez

What is Digitalization?

What is Digital Television?

- Semantic problem

- Technological fact

- Driver for several transformation processes

Film and Media Conference Istambul Bilgi University 16-18/06/2006

Digital TV & Public Service Roberto Suárez

Why should TV be digitalized?

- Real but “hidden” objectives

- A posteriori arguments

- Promises

Film and Media Conference Istambul Bilgi University 16-18/06/2006

Digital TV & Public Service Roberto Suárez

Digitalization as a Transformation Process

- Technology

- Legislation

- Media Structure / Business Model

- Social Aspects

Film and Media Conference Istambul Bilgi University 16-18/06/2006

Digital TV & Public Service Roberto Suárez

Digitalization in Europe

3 platforms

Terrestrial

Cable

Satellite+ IpTV

Asynchronic and Asymmetric process

Film and Media Conference Istambul Bilgi University 16-18/06/2006

Digital TV & Public Service Roberto Suárez

Public Broadcasting Service in Europe

- Historical / Political Background

- Democratic / Cultural Tool

- Different managing / funding systems

HETEROGENEITY

Public Broadcasting Service in Europe

- National / European Market

- Monopoly / Free Competence

- Scope for its Remit

Film and Media Conference Istambul Bilgi University 16-18/06/2006

Digital TV & Public Service Roberto Suárez

Film and Media Conference Istambul Bilgi University 16-18/06/2006

Digital TV & Public Service Roberto Suárez

Digitalization boosts the ongoing debate about the Public Service Remit.

Digitalization implies new opportunities and challenges.

Film and Media Conference Istambul Bilgi University 16-18/06/2006

Digital TV & Public Service Roberto Suárez

• Democraticising access to multi-channel television

• Maintenance of quality and diversity

• Access / Universal Service

• Internal / External restructuration

• Funding Mechanisms / Accountability

Main Challenges for PBS in a Digital Scenario

Film and Media Conference Istambul Bilgi University 16-18/06/2006

Digital TV & Public Service Roberto Suárez

What are the Public Broadcasters really doing to face up the migration process?

Which role have they been assigned or adopted?

Film and Media Conference Istambul Bilgi University 16-18/06/2006

Digital TV & Public Service Roberto Suárez

International comparative analysis as a strategy and methodology.

Objective: To find out the best practices and responses to the same questions at similar/different scenarios.

Film and Media Conference Istambul Bilgi University 16-18/06/2006

Digital TV & Public Service Roberto Suárez

Branding / Business Model of DTT

Film and Media Conference Istambul Bilgi University 16-18/06/2006

Digital TV & Public Service Roberto Suárez

40 channels

Film and Media Conference Istambul Bilgi University 16-18/06/2006

Digital TV & Public Service Roberto Suárez

35 channels

Film and Media Conference Istambul Bilgi University 16-18/06/2006

Digital TV & Public Service Roberto Suárez

20 channels + regional

Film and Media Conference Istambul Bilgi University 16-18/06/2006

Digital TV & Public Service Roberto Suárez

Thank you!

Roberto Suárez

www.robertosuarez.es

roberto.suarez@upf.edu

Pompeu Fabra University