The first book in the RIPE series was published in 2003. On an every-second-year basis, seven books have followed since then, whereupon Nordicom now launches the eighth book in the series: Public Service Media in the Networked Society (eds. Gregory Ferrell Lowe, Hilde Van den Bulck and Karen Donders).
The eighth RIPE Reader critically examines the ‘networked society’ concept in relation to public service media. Although a popular construct in media policy, corporate strategy and academic discourse, the concept is vague and functions as a buzzword and catchphrase. This Reader clarifies and critiques the networked society notion with specific focus on enduring public interest values and performance in media. At issue is whether public service media will be a primary node for civil society services in the post-broadcasting era?
This Reader prioritises the public interest in a networked society. The authors examine the role of public media organisations in the robust but often contradictory framework of networked communications. The departure point is both sceptical and aspirational, both analytical and normative, both forward-looking and historically-grounded. While by no means the last word on the issues treated, this collection provides a timely starting point at least.
This anthology is not only addressing the current state of affairs; it also presents ideas and suggestions about what ought to be done in order for public service media to remain relevant and healthy.
Mia Jonsson Lindell