Pluralism in the Age of Internet

Internet challenges the traditional notion of pluralism. The term “media pluralism” has been developed in a media environment that was characterized by the scarcity of the resources of the broadcasting market. Nowadays the media sector is experiencing radical transformations: scarcity is not an issue anymore; access to the Web is usually affordable and allows users/citizens to reach a world-wide audience; new intermediaries that are operating in the market give users more opportunities to express themselves. Nonetheless the impact of these changes still needs to be carefully assessed: media pluralism in the Internet should be addressed considering important issues such as access and content regulation, market dominance and concentration, filtering and gatekeeping.

The Special Workshop will discuss the meaning of “pluralism” in the Internet age. The debate will focus on access as a fundamental right, on the need of specific regulation for web content and for web operators.