Revising priorities
how can we most effectively balance disinformation narratives and freedom of expression within EU media policy?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60054/PEU.2023.10.188-195Keywords:
disinformation, freedom of expression, EU, media policyAbstract
The paper offers a perspective on the growing challenge of balancing disinformation narratives and freedom of expression within European Union (EU) media policy. It claims that within current approaches such a balance cannot be achieved and that a serious look at the drivers of media consumption trends and EU media policies on disinformation is required. Within the current frame of reference there is a need to carefully consider what we mean by freedom of expression. This paper argues that one aspect to consider is how current EU media policy, online media consumption and monetisation models create a space where attention-grabbing and emotionally charged content is favoured. This viewpoint might shed light on how these trends may potentially be overshadowing important but less attention-grabbing voices or perspectives. The article contends that one possible approach would be policies which encourage prioritising and investing in not-for-profit and participatory media systems built on community ownership and grassroots input.
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