Portugal needs a public television that is not afraid of anyone

The latest controversy at RTP, with the departure of the news director without prior approval from the Editorial Board, is not just an unpleasant episode within a newsroom. It reflects something more serious: the difficulty that Portugal continues to have in guaranteeing a strong, transparent public television channel that is truly free from political influence.

RTP should be one of the pillars of our democracy. In a country where most people continue to get their information from television, having an independent public channel is an essential asset. This is not about nostalgia or nationalism: it is about ensuring that there is a place in the Portuguese media space where journalism is done with time, criteria and responsibility.

Unfortunately, this does not always happen. The recent decision to dismiss the news director, without even consulting the Editorial Board as required by law, reveals a structural weakness. There are councils and regulations, yes. But if those in power decide to ignore them, the system falters. And when RTP falters, the public's trust falters.

Let’s look abroad. In the UK, the BBC remains a role model, despite all its challenges. It has a clear funding model, a well-defined public service mission and has resisted several attempts at political control over the decades. In Denmark, DR is funded by a universal fee and maintains a respected and independent editorial line. Sweden, Finland and Norway all have robust public channels, protected from external interference and monitored by truly independent bodies. Even Spain, where RTVE has experienced turbulent times, has taken steps forward by cutting advertising and stabilising its governance model.

In Portugal, we continue to postpone structural decisions. We continue to pretend that RTP can be neutral and independent without a solid financing model, without transparency in appointments and without protection against political power. We continue to accept that public television is used as a battlefield for partisan battles or a stage for momentary interests.

But public television cannot serve interests. It must serve the public. It must stand by the citizens, even when this bothers the powers that be. It must talk about what matters, even if it does not attract audiences. And, above all, it must ensure that journalism is done with freedom and responsibility.

It is time for Portugal to decide what it wants from RTP. A submissive and vulnerable channel, or an adult, critical, open, plural public television channel that lives up to the country we want to be?

Because in a time of misinformation, noise and distrust, independent journalism is not a luxury. It is an essential service. And public television should be its strongest bastion.

Communications consultant