Risk-Based Regulation in the Media Sector: The Way Forward to Advance the Media Pluralism Debate in Europe?

Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1898133Media pluralism, generally referring to the plurality and diversity of media providers and contents, is a complex and multidimensional concept, which has been interpreted in varying ways in different times, geographies, contexts and policy circles. Recently, the European Commission has emphasized the need for a more systematic monitoring of media pluralism in order to ensure a more substantive, evidence-driven debate in the context of policy and regulatory reforms. According to the Commission, this monitoring should adopt a risk-based approach, "able to pinpoint real concerns and lay to rest misplaced fears". This article elaborates on the instrument and accompanying methods that have been developed as a starting point for such monitoring exercise: the EU Media Pluralism Monitor. It discusses the monitor’s potential and limits in the light of the various politico-cultural, economic, legal and regulatory challenges with which the European Union is faced in the area of media pluralism. It argues that the EU Media Pluralism Monitor can be a first step towards a risk-based regulatory model that would be fit to regulate modern media markets in Europe.nrpages: 17status: publishe