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3.3 NATIONAL LAWS AND PSB MODELS
Different models of PSB can be distinguished depending on the criteria applied.
Applying a structural criterion, Mooney 17 listed three organizational models of PSB,
which can be found to exist in Europe:
> Integrated structures, as in the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy, where the BBC,
RTVE, and RAI control every area of public audiovisual activity.
> Federated structures by region, such as the German system, which is derived from the
integrated model and reflects the country’s political organisation, in which the
Constitution delegates responsibility for cultural matters to the länder.
> Fragmented structures, as in France, where each branch of the audiovisual sector is
controlled by one or more separate public operators.
In terms of the links between different forms of PSB to the political world, Mooney 18
distinguished the following:
> Formally autonomous systems: Mechanisms exist for distancing broadcaster decisionmaking
from political organs (as in Britain, but also Ireland and Sweden).
> “Politics-in-broadcasting”: Governing bodies of broadcasting organisations include representatives
of the country’s main political parties and social groups affiliated with
them—as in Germany, Denmark, and Belgium.
> “Politics-over-broadcasting”: State organs are authorised to intervene in broadcaster
decisions—as in Greece and Italy, and France in the past.
Details of the public service programming remit vary from country to country, perhaps,
because of different legislative techniques and habits, but also, in particular, owing to economic,
social, cultural, historical, and other realities prevailing in each individual country.
Even so, there is a core of common features that are universally valid and contained in various
declarations adopted at international gatherings in recent years (as listed in chapter 1
and also later in this chapter).
These principles are also enshrined in the broadcasting legislation of many countries where
there is a strong PSB system. Some examples are given below:
3.3.1 United Kingdom:
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) was founded
in 1926 under a Royal Charter (Charter) and continues to enjoy the same status to this day.
Royal Charters are granted for a number of years, the most recent for a ten-year period dating
from May 1996.
Royal Charters are grants from the Sovereign to undertake certain activities, often on an
exclusive basis but in practice prerogative powers, including the grant of Royal Charters, are
exercised by the executive. The BBC’s Charter is drafted by the Secretary of State for
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