Deconstructing the transnational: a typology of cross-border television channels in Europe

Abstract

This article attempts to develop an understanding of transnational television in Europe. It argues that cross-border television channels expand and operate in different fashions and present distinct types of transnationality. It makes sense of this diversity by building a typology of four kinds of channels: ethnic channels, multi-territory operations, pan-European channels and networks. Drawing on an excess of 40 interviews with media executives in the multinational broadcasting industry, it shows that each type of cross-border channel entertains different relationships with the nation-state, geographical space and culture. This article also contributes to the theoretical framework that underpins the study of transnational processes and practices. It argues that the research on transnational television needs to adopt Beck’s cosmopolitan perspective and become less nation-centric in order to comprehend the phenomenon’s diversity and complexity. Transnational television channels do not challenge national sovereignty, but rather, face the challenge of transnationality.