Strasbourg, 09/09/2005 (Agence Europe) - This week, the European Parliament adopted the own-initiative report by French Socialist Henri Weber on the revision of the "Television without Borders" directive (TWB), particularly articles 4 and 5. It is worth pointing out that article 4 stipulates that the Member States must ensure, as far as possible, that all broadcasting outfits under their competency give the majority (at least 50%) of their airtime to European works. Article 5 provides for the same outfits to reserve at least 10% of their airtime or budget to European works by independent producers. The Parliament supports the planned revision of the TWB directive, which entered into force in 1989 and was modified in 1997, in order to preserve the "European audiovisual model" and adapt it to the evolution of digital technology, but it advises that close attention should be paid to new developments within the broadcasting sector, which is changing constantly, in order to guarantee cultural diversity. Echoing the conclusions of the Commission on the future of the European policy to regulate audiovisuals, the EP feels that the broadcast quotas for European works and European producers have been respected, by and large, whilst stressing that the situation still does not fully reflect reality, given the major differences in the way in which these provisions are being applied and interpreted. The MEPs point out just how important it is to gather information on channels broadcast by satellite and cable, which are often missing from the National reports. The Parliament is also concerned that the United States may be using more of the European audiovisual space than the Europeans themselves, even though the latter are more productive, and that this situation may jeopardise cultural diversity. Furthermore, although the quotas allocated to European works are, for the most part, respected in the national programmes, the MEPs are opposed to any extension of the current system of quotas. Concerned about the possible emergence of a two-speed audiovisuals sector, the MEPs also state that "more choice does not necessarily mean either more quality or quantity of European works, even though digitalisation and interactivity are opportunities for the industry and consumers alike". Lastly, noting the tendency towards media concentration in Europe, they stated the view that this situation is a threat to democracy and a danger to cultural diversity, and call upon the Commission to keep a closer eye on this phenomenal. In conclusion, they feel that the European audiovisual model should create a balance between "a strong and pluralist independent public service" and "a dynamic private commercial sector".