This brochure presents in a simple and direct style an entirely up-to-date summary of the basic concepts relating to public broadcasting, which is vital to the functioning of democratic societies. It fits logically into the framework of UNESCO’s efforts to promote free and independent media throughout the world.

The importance of public broadcasting is far from self-evident. It took several decades to find its place alongside entirely commercial media and media controlled by the State. Today the unique contribution of public broadcasting is no longer in doubt and well-known examples, such as the BBC, are universally acclaimed: public service plays an irreplaceable role in providing citizens with information, education and entertainment free of commercial, State or political influences.

This brochure presents in a simple and direct style an entirely up-to-date summary of the basic concepts relating to public service, which is vital to the functioning of democratic societies. Public service must enable each citizen to become a stakeholder in society, participating fully in the life of the community to which they belong and actively involved in its organization.

From its inception, UNESCO has been entrusted - as stated in its Constitution - with media issues. Freedom of expression, freedom of the press and the independence of the media have always been among its special fields of action. The summary presented in this brochure thus fits logically into the framework of UNESCO’s efforts to promote free and independent media throughout the world and to foster the development of public service broadcasting which is genuinely in the service of the communities that it serves.