The broadcasting and other electronic media are in the throes of a prolonged and vigorous restructuring. In this wide-ranging and illuminating text, members of the Euromedia Research Group analyze the nature, dynamics and directions of the changes currently affecting the Western European media.

Outstanding trends explored include the increasing importance of transnational multimedia corporations and the various challenges from commercialization and privatization to traditions of public service broadcasting. The authors also examine the widespread development of local radio and television stations and discuss their regulatory framework.