Mapping the European Public Sphere

'Formation of a European Public Sphere is a high priority for the European Commission. The democratic dialogue in Europe has to be stimulated and the communication gap between EU institutions and citizens seems to endanger the whole European project. This book offers fascinating and stimulating analyses of the role democratic institutions; media and organized civil society have in formation and nourishing of the European Public Sphere. It is essential reading for both Politicians, Citizens, and Scholars.' Thomas P. Boje, Roskilde University, Denmark and International Coordinator for the CINEFOGO Network of Excellence '...provides a long overdue discussion of the European public sphere which links the institutional realities of public communication in Europe, the practices of journalists and other media professionals and the role of civil society with innovative theoretical models and robust methodological approaches. Bringing together an impressive number of younger top researchers this book is to be recommended to all interested in cutting-edge knowledge of the making of European Public Sphere.' Klaus Eder, Humboldt University Berlin, Germany 'While the EU has been busy creating a system of "multi-level governance", public spheres in Europe remain stubbornly national. Cristiano Bee and Emanuela Bozzini have brought together key researchers from across the continent to provide an incisive and insightful examination of the role of the media and public communication in contemporary Europe. The empirical and theoretical material they present also throws light on the vital question of inclusion and exclusion in the public sphere. The work will interest academics, but also reaches out to European policy makers, commentators and NGOs. The collection is thus itself a significant contribution to a Europe-wide public and policy debate; to an emerging "public sphere".' Alan Scott, University of Innsbruck, Austria