Populist Rhapsody: Struggle for trust in Czech public service media in a fragmented media environment
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| Year of publication | 2024 |
| Type | Chapter of a book |
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| Description | The public service media (PSM), traditionally considered as one of the pillars of democracy, are currently facing increasing politicization, being labeled as biased by populist politicians and losing the trust of a part of the public that holds populist attitudes. Based on previous studies, this chapter summarizes the reasons that lead a section of society to distrust them. The research focuses on the context of the Czech Republic and provides insights into the problems shared with Western European PSMs against the backdrop of the growing influence of populist ideologies. Based on existing studies, this chapter summarizes that individuals express less trust in PSM, when they do not align with their worldview and excludes anti-systemic views from their broadcast, which is in direct conflict with the inclusive and pluralistic role of PSM. The situation is further compounded by the fact that these views are supported by alternative digital media, which not only publish the content that dissatisfied people demand but actively support the narrative that PSM is not fulfilling its role adequately. |