The Future of Broadcasting

2 THE STRUCTURES OF BROADCASTING

Once it has been decided what broadcasting can and should do, it is necessary to consider the means. The organisation of broadcasting differs from country to country, partly as a result of local historical circumstances but also because in every country the government has created or allowed a broadcasting system which it calculates will serve the national interest. In many countries, totalitarian governments exercise strict control over broadcasting, which is viewed primarily as a propaganda medium. In others, such as the United States, radio and television services are run almost entirely by commercial interest, solely for shareholders with only occasional government intervention. In Western Europe most countries ...