In the intricate landscape of today’s media-driven society, where the lines between information, misinformation, and disinformation are increasingly blurred, the release of «Monitoring Mediascapes: A Premise of Wisdom-Based EU Media Governance» brings a refreshing and necessary perspective. This groundbreaking book addresses the critical need for a resilient communication culture to bolster European democracy amidst the challenges posed by media transformations.

«Monitoring Mediascapes» stands out for its innovative approach to understanding and navigating the complex web of mediatised societies. It champions the idea that, to sustain and enrich democratic societies, there must be a concerted effort to foster a culture of deliberative communication. The book argues for proactive, wisdom-based media governance as a means to counteract the potential risks that media transformations bring to public discourse.

A unique feature of this publication is its methodology for identifying emerging risks to deliberative communication through the continuous monitoring and assessment of media landscapes across 14 EU countries. This process involves asking pivotal questions about the known and unknown impacts of media transformation on democracy and identifying gaps in our understanding.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the Mediadelcom consortium and, in particular, to the co-authors of this book. Their expertise and contributions are the cornerstone of this publication.

To transform these identified risks into opportunities, the book proposes three strategic approaches:

1. Crafting a research agenda focused on societal needs over corporate interests, coupled with a policy for the sustainable funding of journalism, media, and communication research.
2. Tackling the issue of information overload by managing the increasing volume of publications.
3. Enhancing data and information collection mechanisms beyond the academic realm.

«Monitoring Mediascapes» is not just a scholarly contribution, but a clarion call for a shift towards wisdom-based governance of the media landscape to secure the future of democratic discourse. It is a testament to the collaborative effort of the Mediadelcom consortium and the distinguished co-authors whose expertise has been instrumental in shaping this vital work.

For those interested in exploring this insightful analysis further, an unofficial PDF of the printed book is available for viewing and downloading at Mediadelcom’s publication page. An official e-publication is expected to be released shortly, promising broader access to the valuable discussions contained within.

This book is an essential read for anyone concerned with the future of democracy in the age of digital media, offering both a deep dive into the challenges at hand and practical strategies for moving forward.