European Television in the Digital Age: Issues, Dyamnics and Realities

European Television in the Digital Age traces the development of digital television and provides a clear, concise account of the dynamics and realities of the changing face of television in Europe. The book synthesizes an array of empirical research, summarizes arguments, and provides an up-to-date analysis of the European audio-visual landscape in the age of digital TV. It discusses the ways in which the Western European audio-visual scene has been formed by a set of common problems, and how these have been dealt with at a domestic level.

Papathanassopoulos considers the effects of the deregulation of European television, the dynamics of digital television, the economies of the new era, and the issue of consolidation in the media industries. He also examines the future of public broadcasters, the role of the European Union and the impact of television in political communication. Special emphasis is given to the emergence and the effect of thematic channels, particularly on news, sports, music and children’s programming.

European Television in the Digital Age is an invaluable textbook for students on courses in media and communication, cultural theory, European studies and national policy studies. It will also be a useful source for researchers and professionals in the field.