Commentary Is the Role of Public Service Media in Estonia Changing? ANDRES JÕESAAR, Tallinn University, Estonia; email:
[email protected] RAGNE KÕUTS-KLEMM, University of Tartu, Estonia; email:
[email protected] 96 10.2478/bsmr-2019-0006 BALTIC SCREEN MEDIA REVIEW 2019 / VOLUME 7 / COMMENTARY ABSTRACT The need to re-structure established media systems needs to be acknowledged. In a situation where new services will be provided by different actors of the digital economy, the role of public service media (PSM) requires attention. If, generally, PSM are under pressure in Europe, the situation in small national markets is even more complicated. PSM are under pressure and also need to find ways to reformulate their role in society and culture. Broad discussions and new agreements between politi- cians, citizens and the media industry are necessary to change this situation. We will approach the question of whether a specific gap still exists in the media market that can be filled by PSM? The article will seek these answers based on various survey data and collected statistics in Estonia. INTRODUCTION Historically, public service media have home culture. On the other hand, in case of held a strong position in the European information overload and growing informa- countries. PSM have played a leading role tion disorder, PSM can help to safeguard as a reliable source of information, provider democratic developments. The role of PSM of quality entertainment, and educator. An in ensuring “that citizens have access to excellent summary of traditional public ser- well-researched and trustworthy journal- vice values is provided by Lowe and Maija- ism is central to the functioning of demo- nen (2019).