Strasbourg, 10/10/2001 (Agence Europe) - Giving its opinion on the application of the 1989 Broadcasting Directive (report by CDU elected member Ruth Hieronymi), the European Parliament considered application of the directive satisfactory but regretted that the European Commission's report on implementation does not contain albeit a provisional assessment of the results, and expressed the hope that the dates set for revision would be brought forward. Review should take many new elements into account such as diffusion on the Internet, video streaming, interfaces and intellectual property. With an amendment by the Socialist Group, the Parliament welcomes the positive impact of broadcasting main national events allowing all persons, irrespective of the social group they belong to, to have access to the broadcast. The Parliament finally considers that the Commission should have been more insistent with candidate countries so that they intensify their efforts in order to accept acquis in the audiovisual sector.
The European Commission intends to present review in good and due form for the Broadcasting Directive (TV without Borders). This is all very well, Ms Hieronymi said during the debate, but review must be brought forward as far as possible in order to take into account the incredible speed of innovation in the sector. The aims of the current directive were broadly achieved during the period 1997 to 2000, although three member states still do not apply it. The period in question was characterised by strong growth, not only of the number of channels but also of advertising receipts. In addition, the 50% quota of European productions was clearly exceeded and the proposals for protection of youth were respected, although it would be desirable to go still further. As far as review is concerned, Ms Hieronymi urges for transparency and for broader possible consultation with experts in the sector, but also with citizens' representatives. This concern for transparency and participation is shared by all MEPs, including British Labour member Phillip Whitehead, rapporteur for opinion from the Committee on the Environment (who called for the problem of media concentration to be finally examined); Giacomo Santini, elected member of Forza Italia (who protested against the invasion of advertising and urged for the right of all citizens to information, both within and outside the Union); Pedro Aparicio Sanchez, Spanish Socialist (for whom the directive only covers 50% of the problems that are currently raised in this field); Astrid Thors, Finnish member of the Liberal Group (who stresses that the diversity of technical norms for the transmission of digital signals creates barriers between countries); and Eurig Wyn, British Green member (who spoke of the public service role of television).
The review process of the directive is under way, replied Viviane Reding, speaking on behalf of the Commission. Three studies on different aspects of the directive have been entrusted to independent consultants, and, once they are complete, the Commission will draft a discussion paper to be presented before summer 2002. Ms Reding added that there will also be a debate on the film industry, stating that, in this field where the situation of European productions compared to American productions is not as good as that of productions for television, she would need all the support she can get from the Parliament.