Brussels, 06/05/2003 (Agence Europe) - Under the chairmanship of Christos Protopapas, the EU Audiovisual Council (attended by representatives of the future EU Member States) discussed, on 6 May, a document mainly containing three questions with a view to review of the Television Without Borders Directive. These questions pertain to: 1) access to events of major importance for society; 2) protection of general interest in televised advertising, in the light of the most recent developments in this sector; and 3) possible measures to be taken at Community level concerning the broadcasting of short extracts of events not covered by the directive. "The debate sketched out a new road toward review of the Television without Borders Directive. We need harmonisation for access to events, the social role of media and culture, access to all these activities, and the right of all to information. We have spoken of the viability of television organisations. Dialogue has begun", President Protopapas insisted after the work. "This legislation is very complicated and very important for the freedom of broadcasting in Europe and for the protection of our citizens' rights", Viviane Reding went on, announcing that, end 2003/early 2004, she will be presenting a communication on the future of audiovisual policy in Europe, accompanied, where necessary, by proposals for review of the directive.
During the exchange of views, Luxembourg called for laws that are less restrictive with regards advertising, saying that the new technologies must respect the general principles set out in the directive, and also consumers. Germany considers that the new directive must adjust to new technologies (also the view expressed by Austria, the United Kingdom, Denmark and Malta) and that it is necessary to strike a balance with regards advertising between consumer protection and the financing of the audiovisual industries. Italy considers that review should be carried out with great precaution. It raises the question of copyright for satellite TV and calls for lighter and more flexible sanctions for those who invest in advertising, as does Greece. Sweden insists on the "importance of a strong and independent public service". Finland urged in favour of a general legislation on the right of consumers, to be applied to the media. Ireland described this directive as "very good". Spain stressed, on the subject of advertising, that one should take market evolution into consideration and that the most important development is self-regulation. Portugal, which considers that the directive should not be amended, referred (as did France) to the convention of the European Council on Television Without Borders. Belgium, for its part, felt that what counts is above all defending European audiovisual production and cultural diversity. It recalled that "television and cinema were created for the public".