Media Matters: Towards New Safeguards for Their Democratic Functions

This is an Open access Book. In this report, the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) examines how the changing media system influences Dutch democracy. The ability of the media to fulfil their democratic functions is under threat. Analyses show that there is more information than ever, information that is available anywhere, anytime. In this context of abundant supply, journalistic content is squeezed to the margins. Tech- and platform companies attract the majority of all digital advertisement revenues, which confronts national media with financial challenges. Local journalism is in dire straits. The public debate has become broader and more dynamic, but also more unsafe as journalists, scientists, and political actors are regularly confronted with online intimidation and harassment.

The WRR recommends new media policies and advises the government (1) to actively and urgently implement the new EU rules for tech and platforms companies; (2) to ensure that content of public interest remains accessible and visible in the online domain; (3) to strengthen local journalism; and (4) to encourage users – including key players such as government and politicians – to acknowledge their own media responsibility in the new media system and operate in line with it.