Brussels, 21/12/2015 (Agence Europe) - The public consultation on the re-examination of the “satellite and cable” directive (93/83/EEC) has not taken a clear position in favour of extending the countries of origin principle to online broadcasting.
In the first results of its analysis published on Wednesday 16 December, the European Commission points out “although a certain number of respondents are in favour of this kind of extension, others are more cautious or even opposed”. Similarly, it also highlights the fact that the majority of respondents consider that existing provisions on online broadcasting are still appropriate. The Commission adds that “although some respondents believe that it would be useful to extend the authorisation system applicable to simultaneous online broadcasting retransmissions by cable TV and radio on non-cable platforms (Internet TV, open Internet), others believe that this would be unjustified”. The Commission points out that a more thoroughgoing analysis is therefore required on this issue.
In its digital single market strategy, the Commission is committed to examining the “satellite and cable” (93/83/EEC) directive in order to establish whether its scope should be extended to online radio broadcasting bodies and examining ways of improving transnational access to radio broadcasting services in Europe. One of the aims is to clarify the definition of the term “country of origin” for the broadcaster. The Commission therefore launched a public consultation on 24 August-16 November 2015 to develop ideas on this question. In total, 254 replies have been sent in, including 198 from organisations, companies and institutions (especially collective management organisations and broadcasting right holders). Most of the responses came from Germany (26), the United Kingdom (21) and France (14).
Ongoing consultations. The European Commission launched an extensive number of public consultations in an effort to carry out its digital single market agenda. There are currently consultations being carried out on the subjects of geo-blocking (24 September to 28 December), platforms (24 September to 30 December), VAT systems (25 September to 18 December), information and communication technology standards (23 September to 4 January), 2016-2020 action plan on e-government (29 October to 22 January), as well as examinations of the national retail roaming markets, fair use policy and the sustainability mechanism in the 2015/2120 regulation on roaming. It should also be pointed out that on 18 December, the Commission launched another public consultation on the contractual public-private partnership on cyber security and possible accompaniment measures. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)