Key terms & definitions

An advertisement intended to inform people and influence behaviour for public benefit rather than sell a commercial product.

A state body involved in public decision-making, representation, law, accountability or service delivery, such as Parliament, a local council or a court.

A benefit to society, such as exposing wrongdoing, protecting people or revealing misuse of public money.

The wider benefit to society, such as exposing wrongdoing or protecting people from harm; it is not simply whatever interests an audience.

Investment by government, for example in transport, education, healthcare or housing.

An explanation presented publicly to justify an action, which may not reveal all the motives behind it.

A business owned by shareholders, with limited liability, that can offer its shares for sale to the general public.

A company whose shares can be offered to the public and whose shareholders have limited liability.

The views held by people outside government about public affairs, which political groups may try to influence.

The views and attitudes held by members of the public about an issue.

Male domination operating through public institutions and employment: women can participate, but on unequal terms.

The opinions and attitudes held by members of the public, which may influence political decisions and whether new power stations are accepted.

The identity a ruler presents publicly through titles, clothing, ceremonies and images, which may differ from their private character.

The identity or behaviour a person presents to others, which may differ from their private thoughts and feelings.

A decision or course of action adopted by government or another public authority to address an issue.

Activities used to build positive relationships with the public and manage a business's reputation, including communication with the media.

God’s revelation for the whole Church, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Catholics believe it is complete, although its significance continues to be understood more fully.

A fee-paying private school in Britain, such as Eton or Harrow; the term does not mean a state school.

In Britain, a type of independent, fee-paying school, traditionally including long-established schools such as Eton and Harrow.

A service provided, organised or funded by government to meet public needs, such as healthcare, education or social care.

A broadcaster that provides programmes serving the public interest, including informing, educating and entertaining audiences.

Broadcasting intended to serve the public through purposes such as informing, educating and entertaining, rather than being organised primarily to generate profit.

A broadcaster's responsibility to serve the public through programmes that inform, educate and entertain, catering for a range of audiences.

Services organised or funded by the state for the public, such as healthcare, education and public transport.

An enslaved person owned by the state or a local community and employed in public services.

Money spent by government on public services, benefits, infrastructure and other responsibilities.

Government-financed construction projects, such as dams and roads, which create employment as well as infrastructure.

Worship carried out together by a religious community, such as a congregation praying in a synagogue.

A company responsible for bringing a media product to market, including organising its release and commercial distribution.

A broadcaster that obtains programmes from external producers rather than making them through its own in-house production operation.