Brussels, 10/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has launched a public consultation initiative on the future framework which will apply to State funding of public service broadcasting. This therefore marks the procedure aimed at a possible review of the Broadcasting Communication announced in the State Aid Action Plan of 2005. The review will build on the fundamental principles applicable to the financing of public service broadcasting as laid down by Community law and in particular the Amsterdam Protocol. These principles include the recognition of Member States' wide discretion to define public service broadcasting and the Commission's task to preserve fair competition. This implies in particular the need for a clearly defined public service mission as well as a limitation of State aid to what is necessary for the fulfilment of this mission, excluding overcompensation and possible cross-subsidies into commercial activities. It offers the opportunity to evaluate the extent to which developments that have occurred since the adoption of the 2001 Broadcasting Communication require further clarification or changes to the existing rules. Member States and stakeholders can comment on whether changes in the legal environment, developments in the Commission's decision-making practice, market developments and future challenges of the audiovisual media sector call for changes to the rules. These observations have to be sent out on 10 March 2008. After examination, the Commission will if necessary present a revised draft communication on broadcasting, whose planned adoption has been set for the first half of 2009. (I.L.)