Philip Schlesinger
University of Glasgow
Professor Schlesinger was entrusted with the introductory report to the seminar.
 Real-time summary:
Professor Schlesinger made some reflections about the epoch-making changes we are now experiencing in the sector. This is certainly an area in which experts can intervene . We are clearly moving to a cross-media system a nd this raises the issue of infrastructures. Many people still have no access to broadband today, or they cannot even afford it, and therefore the problem of democratic access to the service is fundamental. In addition the EU context is far from uniform or united , which is a fundamental issue. It seems that the system is especially volatile in Italy, where the market is highly segmented.
In the United Kingdom Internet was the means of communication most used during the elections and there is definitely a migration in this direction, especially by young people, but the digital revolution is not so straightforward. The climate of austerity and the cuts in public services are increasing the gap between citizens in the UK, as well as across Europe. On the other hand, Europe is experiencing a strong crisis of nationalism and Schlesinger sees cultural unification as a difficult objective to attain. The challenges of multiculturalism are tackled very differently among the various European states.
Continuation of the real-time summary 
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General content of Professor Philip Schlesinger 's speech:
Some of the ideas suggested for the debate:
- How to redefine and calibrate the role and position of public services: the field is very complex. We are in a new phase of neo-liberalism. Is it still necessary to reconsider the role of public services? There are many differences between the various European states , each of which has a different approach and basic start ing point. We can start from a common point according to the enlightenment attitude regarding the common right to information;
- There is also a problem of funding. We live in the era of competition and for public services this is a big problem. Until now the tendency has been to look at the past, but this approach is certainly mistaken. It is necessary to individuate the problem as regards funding;
- We cannot discuss the future of public services without considering the system of which they are a part. We are moving towards deregulation and this should be discussed in both the private and the public sectors;
- Media policy is shaped by concentrations of power, but it is essential to avoid being politically conditioned or influenced.
----------- See also:
2009 INFOCIVICA CONFERENCE
IS BUILDING AN EUROPEAN PUBLIC SERVICE TELEVISION POSSIBLE ?
After the Lisbon Treaty : problems and prospects
 Audio 2009 INFOCIVICA CONFERENCE
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