The Environmental Footprint of Television and Radio in France

A Media Management and Public Policy Perspective

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35765/pk.2026.5403.17
Keywords: television, radio, environmental footprint, media governance, media management

Abstract

The article examines the environmental footprint of television and radio in France from media studies, regulatory, and managerial perspectives. The aim of the study was to identify which elements of media infrastructure and patterns of media use generate the greatest environmental burdens and to assess the role of public policy in this area. The research was based on a qualitative analysis of secondary data and document analysis. The empirical material included reports and institutional documents produced by Arcom, Arcep, and ADEME, supplemented by literature on the sustainability of the audiovisual sector, media governance, climate communication, and research on personalised television. The findings indicate that the greatest environmental impact is associated with end-user devices, particularly television sets, followed by transmission networks and data centres. The analysis also showed that higher image quality, the growth of streaming services, programmatic advertising, and service personalisation increase environmental pressure within the media sector. The findings suggest that reducing this impact requires a combination of technological, regulatory, and educational measures, including eco-design of devices and services, extending equipment lifecycles, improving energy efficiency, and raising user awareness. The analysis also revealed differences between audio and video consumption patterns and showed that terrestrial radio constitutes an important reference point for assessing the environmental efficiency of distribution models. The article argues that the environmental dimension of television and radio should be treated as an important element of contemporary media policy.

Author Biographies

Aleksandra Chmielewska, The Mazovian University in Płock

Media scholar with a PhD in social sciences, specialising in economics and finance. Her research interests include media studies, the television market, new technologies, digital advertising, and content personalisation. She is the author and co-editor of academic publications devoted to transformations in contemporary media and technology. She combines academic and teaching activities, as well as expert work, with project-based and managerial practice in the fields of media and innovation. In 2022, she was awarded the SGH Graduate of the Year distinction for her social engagement and was recognised in the Strong Women in IT 2025 report in the Women in Tech category. She hosts the radio programme Human. Science. Technology. on Polish Radio RDC.

Izabela Zawiślińska, SGH Warsaw School of Economics

Professor, is a faculty member at SGH Warsaw School of Economics and the Mazovian Academy in Płock. She specialises in economics, finance, international economics, and public policy. She is the author and editor of more than 100 academic publications. She previously served as an advisor to the President of the National Bank of Poland and as a member of the College of the Supreme Audit Office. She is a member of the advisory team at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education dealing with participation in joint international programmes or projects, including strategic research infrastructure. She also serves as an examiner for the Polish Chamber of Statutory Auditors.

Agnieszka Marzęda, University of Warsaw

Lecturer at the University of Warsaw teaching social communication and public relations, with a background in marketing and PR. She has over 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, including experience as a publishing director, and specialises in digital marketing, self-publishing, and the use of new technologies in business. Her work spans communication strategy, marketing, e-commerce, and industry collaboration, combining academic teaching with practical implementation and support for emerging talent.

References

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PK-54
Published
2026-09-30
How to Cite
[1]
Chmielewska, A., Zawiślińska, I. and Marzęda, A. 2026. The Environmental Footprint of Television and Radio in France: A Media Management and Public Policy Perspective. Perspectives on Culture. 54, 3 (Sep. 2026), 307-324. DOI:https://doi.org/10.35765/pk.2026.5403.17.
Issue
Vol. 54 No. 3 (2026): Contemporary Media Management: A Multidimensional Approach to Social, Political, and Technological Contexts
Section
Varia

Copyright (c) 2026 Ignatianum University in Cracow

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Autor, zgłaszając swój artykuł, wyraża zgodę na korzystanie przez Wydawnictwo Uniwersystet Ignatianum z utworu na następujących polach eksploatacji:

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