Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/319732 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Citation: 
[Journal:] Wirtschaftsdienst [ISSN:] 1613-978X [Volume:] 105 [Issue:] 3 [Year:] 2025 [Pages:] 155-160
Publisher: 
Sciendo, Warsaw
Abstract (Translated): 
The digital transformation of media ecosystems, characterised by algorithmic curation, platform monopolies, and AI-generated content, poses unprecedented challenges to liberal democracies. This paper develops an updated ordoliberal framework to identify four systemic risks: (1) erosion of traditional media business models, (2) loss of consumer sovereignty in algorithm-driven environments, (3) market concentration among global tech platforms, and (4) geopolitical weaponisation of disinformation. Through the lens of Musgrave's theory of merit goods, we argue that unregulated digital markets risk subverting media's essential democratic functions as public informant and watchdog. Our policy framework proposes solutions at the European level, including structural separation of platform monopolies, AI transparency mandates and a truly unified internal market.
Subjects: 
Digitale Medien
Digitale Plattform
Monopol
Medienökonomik
Geschäftsmodell
Ordnungspolitik
EU-Staaten
JEL: 
D85
K21
L40
L82
O38
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by Logo
Document Type: 
Article

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