The purpose of this study is to identify and discuss aspects of Nordic public service tv (NPSTV) research on what values (normative statements on what is at stake and what is considered worth protecting in relation to understandings of the public service remit) are stated as particularly relevant in distribution changes of teletext, digital tv and play services. 

The historiography shows a movement towards emphasising personalised media, bringing universal access to the many. It is universal service as a trust-worthy PSB service for the majority, not the minority, that protected. The ambitious intentions of NPSTV research to shed light on and not at least protect the Nordic, the European and the general aim of PSB, has motivated safeguarding of the fundamentals: access in the distribution and the financing. These intellectual pleasures in form of considerable anxieties concerning PSB are still predominant. Solidarity towards the few, or caring for under-privileged groups is downplayed. Protecting minority languages or minority issues are not sought after today, as was the case with teletext. Teletext in all Nordic countries included the value of being a special service for the hearing impaired. Research however did not mirror society, doing studies of teletext. DTV and play services are primarily studied as change regarding economic growth, keeping market shares and PSB being relevant in a digital media landscape. The nation-centric and media-centric PSB research approach seem to have become norm again through this development.

This can be seen as research being actors of change, as well as being witnesses to society. It is argued that NPSTV research is both part of a slowly crystallising cultural practice of protecting PSB, and particularly rising to the occasion of triggering events: whatever technology that comes PSB will need to survive. Research show a particular interest in the legal, the structure of the industry organizations and the PSB institutions. However, PSB values like the minorities issue, and small Nordic countries, or the community building aspect of PSB is, as mentioned, lacking.

What this study shows is the need to search for, see and acknowledge and also act on the gaps and distortions that exist. Why are there no strong critical reactions to NPSTV research excluding countries and minorities? Why is there no insight and directions towards how PSB should be striving for coherence of all publics and how coherence strategies mean not only one for all, but also many variances for differences as well as particular content aiming to create a sense of belonging and community?