Commercial broadcasters are concerned about the direction the discussions are going in on the proposed changes to the Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) Directive (2010/13/EU). In a joint statement published on 27 February, they say that the proposals on the table, “risk damaging growth, audience choice and investment in European content” (see EUROPE 11733).
The statement is signed by the Association of Commercial Television in Europe (ACT), the European Association of Television and Radio Sales houses (EGTA), the Confindustria Radio Televisioni (CRTV), the Commercial Broadcasters Association (COBA) and the VPRT from Germany.
The draft criticises, for example, the possibility of member states compelling radio broadcasters to contribute financially to the production of European content when this is within their scope or when it is established in another member state but targeting their respective national public audiences (article 13). The joint statement denounces this as an attack on the principle of the country of origin and a disproportionate burden on the broadcasters, “who are already among the biggest investors in European content”.
It also considers that the proposal will restrict the main revenue source for broadcasting companies by introducing new advertising constraints while maintaining outdated legacy provisions.
It should be pointed out that the Council, has just began discussions on this legislative draft and the European Parliament’s culture and education committee responsible for this issue is expected to give its verdict on 22 March. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)