Towards a Public Service Internet: The Future of the Public Sphere and Digital Democracy? Tue, June 11, 16:30-19:30 University of Westminster 115 New Cavendish St Fitzrovia, London W1W 6UW Room C1.18 (Pavilion) Organised by the Policy Observatory of the Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI), Speakers: Dr Richard Burnley, Legal and Policy Director, the European Broadcasting Union; Prof Christian Fuchs, Co-Director of CAMRI, University of Westminster; Dr Rhianne Jones, Research Lead, BBC Research and Development; Dr Maria Michalis, Director of the CAMRI Policy Observatory; Chair: Laima Janciute, CAMRI Policy Observatory The event is free, but advance registration is required: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/towards-a-public-service-internet-the-future-... 4:30pm - 6pm panel debate and discussion with the audience; 6pm – 7:30pm networking drinks reception. What alternatives to the commercial Internet are desirable? How can a Public Service Internet be created and financed? What are the potentials of public service media in providing non-profit Internet platforms? How should public service Internet platforms look like and how should they differ from commercial ones? What are public service Internet platforms’ potentials to strengthen democracy? What is the role of citizens? This workshop organised by the Policy Observatory of the Communication and Media Research Institute, University of Westminster, aims at bringing together academics, policy-makers, civil society and industry to exchange views on how to advance a public service Internet, the digital public sphere and digital democracy. The theme of the public service Internet has only received little public attention thus far but is of huge importance in the context of how we can best overcome fake news, algorithmic politics, filter bubbles, digital tabloid culture, online hatred and nationalism, high-speed superficial online communication, the digital monopolies of Google/YouTube, Facebook, Amazon. Apple, etc.