Media are essential to a democratic society: they provide reliable information on socially relevant issues, scrutinise those in power and offer a platform for a range of societal perspectives. Since the previous WRR report on media, Focus on Functions (2005), we have seen that traditional mass media, such as newspapers, broadcasters and radio stations, are slowly but surely losing their pivotal role in the media landscape to other, often international parties. Search engines, social media, voice assistants, generative AI and devices such as tablets, smartphones and smart televisions have taken on a new gatekeeper role in the media landscape.
In this new media system, the supply, distribution and use of content have changed. Younger generations are increasingly consuming news indirectly via social media or search engines. Big technology companies are oriented towards profit maximization and as a consequence reliable information does not automatically surface. In fact, through platforms incorrect and misleading content can spread fast. Moreover, within the current context characterized by an abundant supply of information, it has become increasingly difficult to establish the origin of information with certainty, let alone the motives driving production and dissemination. In addition, due to processes of personalisation, it is no longer self-evident that citizens use similar information. For traditional media companies, a highly concentrated market structure seems to offer the only chance to face competition with technology companies. Furthermore, local journalism is declining, which is illustrated by the disappearance of many titles over the past decades.
Image: © WRR
Media Matters
In this advisory project, the WRR investigated how the changing information environment has altered the ways in which media can fulfil their democratic functions. The WRR concludes that the quality of information and the safety of the public debate are under threat. To secure the democratic functions of media for the future, new media policies are required. In the WRR report no. 111 Media Matters. Towards new safeguards for their democratic functions, the WRR makes various recommendations to strengthen the democratic functions of media in the present day.
Image: © Rijksoverheid
Cabinet reaction
In its reaction to this WRR report, the Dutch government endorses the WRR’s analysis and indicates that this report provides a solid analytical basis for tomorrow's media policy.