This paper problematises the difficulty of defining the public value of public service media. Through a double qualitative methodology, a series of components are identified and assessed in order to propose a tenable conceptualisation in the European framework. First, a qualitative analysis of the main legislations in force ( n = 44) and the grey literature public service media organisations display on their websites ( n = 14) was developed to extract, on an exploratory basis, the common constituent components of public value. Based on this, we developed a guided focus group of experts ( n = 15) to help us build a conception of public service media's value that can retain its validity for a long period of time in the multiplatform era. The results highlight the problems in proposing a single definition given the socio-political diversity of the spaces in which public service media operate and the uncertainty of a constantly changing audiovisual context.

The current global media scenario, dominated by private transnational conglomerates that operate in a multiplatform context, brings the debate on the future of public service media (PSM) back to the fore. These operators are facing a redefinition of their operational strategy, not only in their linear broadcasting but also in the online space. Through in-depth interviews with the digitization managers, this article studied the case of Spanish regional PSM to analyze how these corporations are adapting to the new scenario through the development of their own video-on-demand (VoD) websites. The results show that these corporations are in their infancy in the platformization experience, operating without a sound strategy. In addition, this study identifies how the dilemmas historically faced by PSM have been reconverted into emerging identity, economic, and legitimacy challenges that require new strategies.

Filtering strategies enable social media users to remove undesired content from their feeds, potentially creating homophilic environments. Although previous studies have addressed the individual-level factors and content features that influence these decisions, few have solely focused on users’ perceptions. Accordingly, this study applies social exchange theory to understand how users socially construct the process of unfriending. Based on 30 in-depth interviews with young Spaniards, we identify a widespread pattern of rejection over repetitive, opinion-challenging, and offensive posts, which we conceptualize as out-of-place content, a type of social media stimulus that hinders substantive online exchanges and challenges users’ understanding of social reality and individual values. This study contributes to current literature on unfriending by suggesting that filtering strategies are implemented gradually when posts overwhelm users’ tolerance threshold. Our findings also suggest that their deployment hinges on the closeness of the relationship between peers and social commitments formed in specific platforms. Future research is needed to assess to what extent the patterns identified in our interviews are present in the overall population.

La crisis de legitimidad a la que se enfrentan los medios de comunicación públicos en el actual ecosistema mediático, dominado por plataformas trasnacionales de capital privado, lleva a estas corporaciones a la necesidad de reivindicar su valor de servicio público como elemento diferencial. En este escenario, y desde el punto de vista del principio de proximidad que rige históricamente la acción de los medios públicos de ámbito inferior al estatal, el objetivo de este artículo es estudiar qué papel ocupa esta proximidad en la definición de valor del sistema audiovisual público regional español y alemán. Para ello, se ha aplicado un análisis documental en el que se ha analizado tanto la legislación que regula a las radiotelevisiones públicas autonómicas españolas (n=12) y a las regionales alemanas (n=9) como la literatura gris correspondiente a su acción en el trienio 2019-2021. Los resultados de la investigación manifiestan que el principio de proximidad continua presente en la misión de estas corporaciones, atravesando de forma transversal el conjunto de valores que las guían, tales como la participación ciudadana, la alfabetización mediática, la diversidad o la cooperación, con la misión última de vertebrar socialmente el territorio. Así, esta proximidad se construye a partir de la idea de regionalidad, propia del ámbito de actuación de estas corporaciones públicas, articulada en tres dimensiones: física, emocional y económica. Para ello, las radiotelevisiones regionales de servicio público se sirven tanto de la programación como de los modelos de gobernanza y de las fuentes de producción propias y externas.

Amidst a global media landscape dominated by transnational conglomerates and tech giants, proximity media face the imperative to reassess their mission and relevance. As market dynamics may lead to news deserts, proximity public service media (PSM) are crucial in catering to underserved audiences with news and entertainment tailored to their nearby environment. This paper draws on insights from seven focus groups involving stakeholders of Radiotelevisión del Principado de Asturias (RTPA), a proximity PSM outlet in northern Spain, to delve into the perspectives of audiences, production companies and advertisers on RTPA's proximity focus and informational role. The findings reveal widespread appreciation for proximity among RTPA's stakeholders, delineated into three dimensions: physical, emotional and economic. Moreover, the expectations on and assessments of RTPA's informational role are rooted in general PSM values such as impartiality, quality and participation. It is concluded that there is a need to explore the values of PSM beyond normative approaches and including the insights of stakeholders, and that proximity PSM outlets must dynamically adapt their values to meet the unique needs of proximity communities.