Public Sphere Conceptions: Public Sphere Theory

This article presents the public sphere as a central category of modern societies. After defining the term public sphere, a theoretical foundation of different conceptions of the term is provided. The description of the structures and functions of the public sphere is supplemented by a reflection on its limitations under the current media conditions. The article discusses the consequences of transforming the public sphere and the conditions of current digital publics for the diversity and discursiveness of public communication. The central function of the public sphere is to enable the self-observation of a society. To date, there has been little to suggest that the performances of professional journalism are dispensable for this purpose. The arenas of personal publics created via social media at best only supplement public communication. In these arenas, personal relevance is crucial for the selection of content. From a functional and empirical perspective, the public sphere remains dependent on the pivotal services of journalism.