Paying the price: the future for Europe's media sector Available to Purchase

In the 1990s, innovation in information and communication technologies (ICT) looked set to transform traditional publishing and media through more efficient production, new forms of distribution, the entry of new players and much greater choice for consumers. The Internet offered the prospect for everyone to be a publisher or broadcaster. “New media” were the buzzwords. But with the bursting of the Internet bubble, what is the future for publishing and media? This article looks at the major trends and driving forces shaping the future of Europe's media sector, examines some scenarios, and considers their policy implications.