[Air-L] Towards a Public Service Internet: The Future of the Public Sphere and Digital Democracy?

[Christian Fuchs]

Towards a Public Service Internet: The Future of the Public Sphere and 
Digital Democracy?
Tue, June 11, 16:30-19:30
University of Westminster
115 New Cavendish St
Fitzrovia, London W1W 6UW
Room C1.18 (Pavilion)
Organised by the Policy Observatory of the Communication and Media 
Research Institute (CAMRI),

Speakers:
Dr Richard Burnley, Legal and Policy Director, the European Broadcasting 
Union;
Prof Christian Fuchs, Co-Director of CAMRI, University of Westminster;
Dr Rhianne Jones, Research Lead, BBC Research and Development;
Dr Maria Michalis, Director of the CAMRI Policy Observatory;

Chair: Laima Janciute, CAMRI Policy Observatory

The event is free, but advance registration is required:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/towards-a-public-service-internet-the-future-of-the-public-sphere-and-digital-democracy-tickets-61789137975

4:30pm - 6pm panel debate and discussion with the audience;
6pm – 7:30pm networking drinks reception.

What alternatives to the commercial Internet are desirable? How can a 
Public Service Internet be created and financed? What are the potentials 
of public service media in providing non-profit Internet platforms? How 
should public service Internet platforms look like and how should they 
differ from commercial ones? What are public service Internet platforms’ 
potentials to strengthen democracy? What is the role of citizens?

This workshop organised by the Policy Observatory of the Communication 
and Media Research Institute, University of Westminster, aims at 
bringing together academics, policy-makers, civil society and industry 
to exchange views on how to advance a public service Internet, the 
digital public sphere and digital democracy. The theme of the public 
service Internet has only received little public attention thus far but 
is of huge importance in the context of how we can best overcome fake 
news, algorithmic politics, filter bubbles, digital tabloid culture, 
online hatred and nationalism, high-speed superficial online 
communication, the digital monopolies of Google/YouTube, Facebook, 
Amazon. Apple, etc.