Abstract

Today, the process by which professionals select and consider the quality of programmes is very easy: they estimate the size of the audience and if a programme has a high audience, it means that it is good. This is a simple rule that makes that all the televisions offer low-quality contents. Many authors prove this fact in their studies and they complain about the poor quality of programmes that are broadcast in all channels. Moreover, they ask for the creation of an institution that regulates this situation because they consider that the action of the government and its regulations are not enough to guarantee the quality of television. Because of these reasons, this study expects to reflect the need to create an independent institution that regulates the operation of television to ensure and guarantee its quality and to keep it working as a public service. We would also like to show that a good solution is the creation of audiovisual councils. To prove it, this paper will first focus on the Catalonia Broadcasting Council and its functions and will then deal with the need of a state audiovisual council.

Abstract

Education in and for the media is doubtlessly necessary and is very slowly slipping into regular education, but not very satisfactorily. This work must be fleshed out by the media’s effort to take some responsibility for the educational work as well, not by educating directly, but by trying to match their broadcasts with the values that education is trying to convey. Audiovisual Councils can play a role in driving media education, helping the educational system to meet its responsibility to educate children to use properly the television, the Internet and other regular screens habitually surrounding them. At the same time, these Councils can help media professionals enforce and interpret legislation about audiovisual contents freely and responsibly, thereby facilitating self-regulation. The article contributes the experience garnered by the Audiovisual Council of Catalonia in promoting media literacy.