31. Is there still a need for international public service media?

2025-04-14

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We speak to the two leaders of two major international public broadcasters, the BBC World Service and SwissInfo, about why they believe international public media is needed now more than ever. Undoubtedly, it's a difficult time to be an independent international public service media entity. Funding is precarious, the rise of big tech and how it fuels mis- and disinformation means it's a harder job, and the rise of China's and Russia's state media machines means there's now more competition. We discuss the challenges,...

We speak to the two leaders of two major international public broadcasters, the BBC World Service and SwissInfo, about why they believe international public media is needed now more than ever.

Undoubtedly, it's a difficult time to be an independent international public service media entity. Funding is precarious, the rise of big tech and how it fuels mis- and disinformation means it's a harder job, and the rise of China's and Russia's state media machines means there's now more competition. We discuss the challenges, and explore ways in which international public media can maintain its relevance in the world.

We also unpick with an academic and author of a book about Trump and VOA, what's been happening to USAGM, and the wider impact this might have on the global information landscape.

Presenter: Harry Lock.

Guests: Larissa Bieler (SwissInfo), Jonathan Munro (BBC World Service), & Martin Scott (University of East Anglia).

Music: Rachel Still & Lucas Thompson

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