Broadcasting regulation in Europe. A theoretical design for comparative research

This paper presents a theoretical framework for comparative research on broadcasting regulation in Europe, exploring and contributing to the debate on National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs). The study seeks to build on Lijphart's (1999) and Hallin and Mancini's (2004) groundbreaking typologies of democracy and media systems to create a broader classification of NRAs. We focus on institutional aspects such as the appointment of heads and budget frameworks, discussing the potential for autonomy of regulators. Preliminary evidence suggests a strong correspondence between the degree of autonomy of NRAs and elements of consensus and majoritarian democracies. Examining regulatory authorities and the factors underlying their outcomes add new dimensions for measuring the performance of NRAs