KEY MESSAGES

• Public service media can be crucial enablers and drivers of the diversity of cultural expressions – as producers, commissioners, distributors, disseminators and mediators of a vibrant array of high-quality cultural content, whatever the means and technologies used.
• There can be no media diversity without media freedom.  Hence, freedom of information laws and their effective implementation are crucial.  With the rise of digital networks and online platforms, fostering freedom online becomes vital as well, in a substantially changed media ecosystem. 
• The quantum leap in access to media outlets and greater choices does not mean that the media content available via those outlets is necessarily ‘freer’. A large number of platforms is in itself no guarantee of diversity of content and expressions.
• Technology is opening up channels for new voices and talent, including those of citizen journalists and amateur film producers, who are redrawing the boundaries of journalism: all these need to be encouraged.
• Women are among these many voices, but gender equality has not increased in either media content or decision-making, where women remain excluded to greater or lesser degrees. Steps should be taken to remedy the situation.