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Regulation News

Regulation of online media providers: Opinion of Advocate General in Joined Cases C-555/23 and C-556/23
posted on 21 February, 2025   (public)
Advocate General Ćapeta delivers her Opinion in two Greek Joined Cases The case concerns the interpretation of Directive 2010/13/EU as amended by Directive 2018/1808/EU (the AVMS Directive), more specifically the obligations that this instrument imposes on the national...
New President and two new members for French regulator ARCOM
posted on 10 February, 2025   (public)
Martin Ajdari is Arcom's new President  Following the proposal by French President Emmanuel Macron and the endorsement by the National Assembly and the Senate, Martin Ajdari was appointed President of Arcom, the French regulatory authority for audiovisual and...
Media Ownership Monitor launched in Moldova
posted on 27 November, 2024   (public)
Boosting transparency in Moldova's media landscape Together with the Global Media Registry (GMR) and the Media Guard NGO, the Audiovisual Council of the Republic of Moldova (Consiliul Audiovizualului) have launched a media ownership monitor, with information on...
Media Literacy in Georgia and the key role played by Georgian regulator ComCom
posted on 08 November, 2024   (public)
Focus on ComCom's strategic goals, objectives and initiatives to promote media literacy It is widely held among experts and media regulators that statutory regulation alone will not be enough to ensure adequate protection of audiences in a converged media environment. The...
Online platforms and elections - New report from the Slovak Council
posted on 16 October, 2024   (public)
Slovak CMS issues monitoring report compilation on the functionalities of online platforms during  elections The Council for Media Services (CMS) has been publishing a string of election monitoring reports outlining the findings of its monitoring activity around...
Media freedom literacy: an OSCE RFoM report
posted on 28 August, 2024   (public)
A call for media freedom literacy to support media freedom and  pluralism Released in April 2024, the report “Fostering Media freedom literacy across the OSCE region” stresses the urgent need for citizens to acknowledge the critical importance of media...
USA: Google ran illegal monopoly, according to federal judge
posted on 14 August, 2024   (public)
A historic decision: a US court addresses the issue of Big Tech monopoly On 5 August 2024, a federal judge ruled that Google violated antitrust laws (Sherman Act – section 2) in a landmark case that could have major implications in the Internet ecosystem....
Key findings from the Digital News Report 2024
posted on 08 July, 2024   (public)
Changing platforms' strategies and news avoidance: an opportunity for media brands? On 17 June 2024, the Reuters Institute published its yearly Digital News Report, analysing online news consumption across six continents and 47 markets. Among key trends of the...
Arcom (FR): White paper on the future of Radio
posted on 25 June, 2024   (public)
The future of radio under the French regulator's scrutiny to pave the way to  modernised radio model On 17 June 2024, French regulator Arcom released a White Paper on the future of Radio ahead of a conference - taking place on 18 June -  to discuss the trends in...
Ecodesign of digital services: a general policy framework by Arcom (FR)
posted on 04 June, 2024   (public)
A tool for action and raising awareness to reduce the environmental footprint of digital services In May 2024, the French media regulator Arcom published a general policy framework in cooperation with other national regulatory authorities, to promote sustainable...
The future of DTT and universal TV: a new report from Ofcom (UK)
posted on 24 May, 2024   (public)
Ofcom calls for a clear and careful planning to safeguard the universality of TV On 9 May 2024, Ofcom published a report on the future of TV distribution, looking into market changes that may affect Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). This report follows a...
Age verification on VSPs: Agcom (IT) launches public consultation
posted on 19 April, 2024   (public)
Agcom launches a public consultation on online age verification’s methods The Italian convergent regulator Agcom has launched a public consultation on the specifications and requirements of the age assurance system, which will have to be implemented by the ...
Gambling advertising: Agcom fines social media "X" for the first time
posted on 18 April, 2024   (public)
The Twitter company was sanctioned for the first time with a fine of over 1 million euros for having spread gambling advertising on video-sharing platform X For the first time, the Italian convergent regulator Agcom has sanctioned the Twitter International Unlimited...
Elections in Slovakia: Analysis by the Slovak regulator of the narratives disseminated online
posted on 16 April, 2024   (public)
The most prevalent topics are not automatically the most viral: a new perspective on online monitoring The Council for Media Services undertook an analysis of the narratives on Facebook surrounding the early Parliamentary elections in Slovakia  to gain a better...
New Ofcom research on social media and news consumption
posted on 27 March, 2024   (public)
Research highlights the significant role played by online intermediaries in news consumption and the potential impact on news production   On 25 March, Ofcom released its latest research into media plurality online, based on three new studies into the role that...
AI use in the media: implementation of Council of Europe guidelines in Ukraine
posted on 14 March, 2024   (public)
Guidelines to disseminate relevant international practices, principles and responsible use of AI systems in news media Ukraine - the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Ministry of culture and information policy and the National Council of Television and Radio Broadcasting...
VSPs and harmful content: Agcom (IT) issues first measure under new national regulation
posted on 05 March, 2024   (public)
Harmful content on video-sharing platforms and country of destination: first implementation of the new Italian regulation Following the transposition of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive*, the Italian convergent regulator Agcom has adopted new regulatory provisions...
Online platforms & elections: monitoring report from the Slovak regulator
posted on 04 March, 2024   (public)
Monitoring of online platforms' obligations during the electoral period: a first insight into the Digital Services Act's implementation The Analytical Department of the Slovak Council for Media Services (CMS) published its "Monitoring of platform...
Agcom (IT): new heavy penalties on Google and Twitch for illegal online gambling advertising
posted on 04 March, 2024   (public)
Hosting services providers held liable for illegal online gambling advertising by the Italian regulator On 5 December 2023, the Italian Communication Authority (Agcom) adopted new and significant sanctions against Google and Twitch for violating the Italian legal prohibition...
Transparency reports from VLOPSES: briefing by the Council for Media Services (SK)
posted on 09 February, 2024   (public)
Despite valuable insights further standardisation is needed to reach meaningful transparency On 31 January 2024, the Council for Media Services, the media regulatory authority from Slovakia, published a brief analysis of the transparency reports provided by the very...
New board for the Greek media regulator (NCRT)
posted on 22 January, 2024   (public)
A new Board and a new President for the NCRT  On 28 September 2023, Efterpi Koutzamani Drilia was appointed President of the National Council for Radio and Television for a six-year term. Giannis Politis, journalist and political analyst, was appointed...
The Swedish Agency for the Media: merger of the MPRT and the SMC
posted on 09 January, 2024   (public)
Merger of the two Swedish EPRA members On 1 January 2024, the Swedish Press and Broadcasting Authority (Myndigheten för press, radio och tv - MPRT) and the Swedish Media Council (Statens medieråd - SMC) merged to become the Mediemyndigheten ...
Coimisiún na Meán: public consultation on Ireland’s first Online Safety Code
posted on 18 December, 2023   (public)
Irish regulator launches a consultation on binding rules for video-sharing platforms to keep adults and children safe online *News item updated on 09.01.24 with link to designated VSPs under Irish jurisdiction On 8 December 2023, the Coimisiún na Meán...
Council of Europe publishes Guidelines on the responsible implementation of AI systems in journalism
posted on 14 December, 2023   (public)
Practical Guidance issued on how AI systems should be used to support the production of journalism and  contribute to its resilience in the digital age   While the use of AI systems can be a competitive factor in the digital marketplace and for the...
Independent report shines new light on media plurality in the UK
posted on 01 December, 2023   (public)
CMPF report on UK media landscape 2022: traditional press under strain, digital media in quest of effective models An independent report into the state of media plurality in the UK, produced for Ofcom by the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (CMPF) in Europe, has...
New Ofcom report on audience's attitudes towards sex and violence on TV (UK)
posted on 22 November, 2023   (public)
The audience stresses the positive role of television in depicting violence UK's communications  regulator Ofcom  looked at the audience's perception of sex and violence on linear TV and on-demand services in a new report published on 31...
New Board for the Portuguese media regulator (ERC)
posted on 21 November, 2023   (public)
New Chair and new Board for the Portuguese ERC News item updated on 25 November The Portuguese Parliament elected on 30 June 2023 the new members of the Regulatory Board of the Portuguese Media Regulatory Authority (ERC). On 3 November 2023, the Board appointed...
Illegal content & platforms: the CJEU reaffirms the country of origin principle
posted on 21 November, 2023   (public)
The CJEU rules against the Austrian law KoPl-G on reporting mechanisms for providers of communication platforms On 9 November 2023, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) reasserted the importance of the country of origin principle at the occasion of a request...
The Dutch Media Monitor: Key trends from the 2023 report
posted on 06 November, 2023   (public)
The Dutch Media Monitor 2023: Gap in media use between generations widening On 31 October 2023, the Dutch Media Authority, the Commissariaat voor de Media (CvdM), has published its annual Media Monitor. Within the Media Monitor, the CvdM closely...
UK: The Online Safety Act is now law; Ofcom’s powers as online safety regulator have officially commenced
posted on 03 November, 2023   (public)
Ofcom publishes implementation roadmap outlining its systemic approach News item updated with link to consultation on illegal harms On 26 October 2023, the Online Safety Bill, which aims to establish a new regulatory regime to address illegal and harmful content...

Archived Regulation News

Media Plurality - Ofcom consults on measurement framework
posted on 16 March, 2015   (public)
Media Plurality - Ofcom consults on measurement framework On 11 March 2015, Ofcom published a consultation on a proposed measurement framework for media plurality, as the second part of a two-step process which will lead to set out proposals for indicators to be included in...
Digital radio: switchover in Norway soon to be concluded
posted on 12 March, 2015   (public)
Digital Radio: switchover in Norway soon to be concluded Two reports on the radio digital switchover have recently been published and have been presented to the Norwegian Ministry of Culture. The report from the Norwegian Media Authority (NMA) of 27 February 2015 contains...
Serbian REM issues Recommendation on the use of subtitles and sign language
posted on 26 February, 2015   (public)
Serbian REM issues Recommendation on the use of subtitles and sign language The Council of the Regulatory Authority of Electronic Media (REM) in Serbia, on the occasion of its meeting held on 9 February 2015, issued a Recommendation on how to use subtitles and sign language...
Digital radio & small stations: Ofcom announces trials of small scale DAB
posted on 24 February, 2015   (public)
Digital radio & small stations: Ofcom announces trials of small scale DAB On 24 February 2015, Ofcom has confirmed plans for trials of a new technology that could provide small radio stations across the UK with an affordable way to broadcast on DAB digital radio....
Independent application of INDIREG ranking tool in Albania
posted on 17 February, 2015   (public)
Independent application of INDIREG ranking tool in Albania Responding to a request by the Speaker of the Assembly of Albania, the Council of Europe Secretary General had requested assistance for an assessment of the independence and efficient functioning of the Albanian...
French CSA publishes a new study on catch-up TV
posted on 16 February, 2015   (public)
French CSA publishes a new study on catch-up TV On 13 February 2015 the French Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel (CSA) published a new study on catch-up TV in France entitled: "La télévision de rattrapage : une pratique installée, une...
Irish BAI launches Sound & Vision III Scheme
posted on 05 February, 2015   (public)
Irish BAI launches Sound & Vision III Scheme The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has announced on 3 February 2015 a new Broadcasting Funding Scheme, Sound & Vision III. The scheme will see up to €24 million in funding being made available to television...
Two new members for the French CSA
posted on 29 January, 2015   (public)
Two new members for the French CSA On 26 January, the President of the French Republic appointed two new members of the French Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel (CSA): Nathalie Sonnac, who was nominated by the head of the National Assembly. She is inter alia...
A new Code of Programme Standards for the BAI
posted on 29 January, 2015   (public)
A new Code of Programme Standards for the BAI The Broadcasting Act 2009 requires the Irish regulator, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), to prepare codes and rules, and to review the effect of such codes and rules in accordance within specified timeframes....
Protection of Minors: Norway adopts platform independent legislation
posted on 06 January, 2015   (public)
Protection of Minors: Norway adopts platform independent legislation During a second reading which took place on 15 December 2014, the Norwegian Parliament adopted a new law on the protection of minors against harmful content in audiovisual programmes. The Ministry of...
Digital Radio Switchover envisaged for 2024 in Switzerland
posted on 16 December, 2014   (public)
Digital Radio Switchover envisaged for 2024 in Switzerland By 2024 all radio programme services are to be broadcast only digitally in Switzerland, mainly on DAB+ platforms. This is the goal of the radio industry, which will cease analogue VHF (FM) broadcasting of its...
Protecting Audiences in an online world, a new Ofcom commissioned research
posted on 09 December, 2014   (public)
Protecting Audiences in an online world, a new Ofcom commissioned research On 4 December 2014, Ofcom published the outcome of recent research conducted by Kardar Media, which deals with audience views of protections for audiovisual content delivered across different...
Measuring Plurality: Ofcom's call for inputs
posted on 18 November, 2014   (public)
Measuring Plurality: Ofcom's call for inputs Ofcom has recently been requested by the Secretary of State to develop a measurement framework for media plurality. On 30 October 2014, Ofcom invited stakeholders to provide their input on how best to measure media plurality....
Second ERGA meeting: focus on regulatory independence
posted on 27 October, 2014   (public)
Second ERGA meeting: focus on regulatory independence The European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA) met in Brussels for the second time under the Chairmanship of Mr. Olivier Schrameck, President of the French CSA, on 21 October 2014. ERGA adopted a ...
CoE Committee of Ministers will not resume work on the revision of the ECTT
posted on 21 October, 2014   (public)
CoE Committee of Ministers will not resume work on the revision of the European Convention on Transfrontier Television On 23 September 2014, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe informed that “(it) has not allocated any resources to work on the European...
EPRA meeting in Tbilisi: Presentation of the Georgian Media Regulatory Landscape
posted on 15 October, 2014   (public)
EPRA meeting in Tbilisi: Presentation of the Georgian Regulatory Landscape On the occasion of the 40th EPRA meeting in Tbilisi on 8-10 October 2014, Mr. Ivane Makharadze, Head of the Broadcasting Regulation Department at the Georgian National Communication Commission...
Ofcom: Children and Parents Media Use and Attitudes Report 2014
posted on 09 October, 2014   (public)
Ofcom: Children and Parents Media Use and Attitudes Report 2014 The Ofcom published on 9 October 2014 its annual Children and Parents Media Use and Attitudes Report. The Report examines children’s use of different media and communications, and the role parents play in...
Ofcom: Digital Radio Report 2014
posted on 26 September, 2014   (public)
Ofcom: Digital Radio Report 2014 On 25 September 2014 Ofcom published its annual Digital Radio Report for 2014 as part of the Digital Radio Action Plan announced by the Government in July 2010. The report covers availability, take-up, listening patterns and attitudes towards...
German media authorities publish Digitisation Report 2014
posted on 24 September, 2014   (public)
German media authorities publish Digitisation Report 2014 The Medienanstalten, the organisation that brings together German media authorities, published, in September, their Digitisation Report for 2014, which presents the tenth analysis of the digitisation of broadcast...
Tunisian HAICA publishes Guide for journalists covering the election campaign
posted on 22 September, 2014   (public)
Tunisian HAICA publishes Guide for journalists covering the election campaign The Tunisian regulatory authority, Haute autorité indépendante de la communication audiovisuelle (HAICA), published, on 22 September 2014, a Guide for journalists covering the...
Green Paper on Convergence: Commission publishes long-awaited summary of replies
posted on 19 September, 2014   (public)
Green Paper on Convergence: Commission publishes long-awaited summary of replies The long heralded - and long awaited -  Summary of the replies to the Public Consultation on the Commission Green Paper on Convergence has been published by the European Commission on 12...
Irish BAI unveils successful projects funded from the 21th round of the Sound & Vision II Scheme
posted on 17 September, 2014   (public)
Irish BAI unveils successful projects funded from the 21th round of the Sound & Vision II Scheme The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) announced on 16 September 2014 the list of projects funded from the 21th package of the Sound & Vision II Scheme. A funding...
Spanish CNMC fines Mediaset España Comunicación S.A. EUR 111,000
posted on 15 September, 2014   (public)
Spanish CNMC fines Mediaset España Comunicación S.A. 111,000 € On 12 September 2014, the Spanish National Authority for Markets and Competition (CNMC) has fined Mediaset España Comunicación S.A. EUR 111,000 for failing to separate editorial...
French CSA reports on female stereotypes in TV programmes
posted on 11 September, 2014   (public)
French CSA reports on female stereotypes in TV programmes In July 2014, the French CSA published three studies on female stereotypes in audiovisual programmes. Further to the French law on gender equality, the CSA has the duty to monitor the image of women in audiovisual...
Towards a new regulation of audiovisual media during election campaigns in France?
posted on 10 September, 2014   (public)
Towards a new regulation of audiovisual media during election campaigns in France? On 8 September 2014, the French Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel (CSA) published a Report on the regulation of audiovisual media during the three election campaigns of the first...
Belgian CSA organises local radio weekend event
posted on 05 September, 2014   (public)
Belgian CSA organises local radio weekend event The Belgian Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel (CSA) on the occasion of the 100 anniversary of radio and with the support of the Federation Wallonia-Brussels, is organising a local radio event « Studio...
EU Kids Online publishes its recommendations for policy regarding children’s use of the Internet in Europe
posted on 04 September, 2014   (public)
EU Kids Online publishes its recommendations for policy regarding children’s use of the Internet in Europe   The EU Kids Online, a thematic research network funded under the European Commission’s Safer Internet Programme has published in early September a ...
Radio spectrum: European Commission presents HLG Report on future use of UHF band
posted on 03 September, 2014   (public)
Radio spectrum: European Commission presents HLG Report on future use of UHF band On 1 September, Vice-President of the European Commission Neelie Kroes presented a Report by former Commissioner Pascal Lamy on how to use the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) spectrum (the 700...
Ofcom publishes its 11th Communications Market Report
posted on 26 August, 2014   (public)
Ofcom publishes its 11th Communications Market Report Ofcom’s 11th Communications Market Report into the UK’s TV, radio, broadband, telecoms and postal industries, published on 7 August 2014, reveals that a 'millennium generation' of 14 and 15 year olds...
Ofcom fines Discovery Channel £100,000
posted on 16 July, 2014   (public)
Ofcom fines Discovery channel £100,000 On 16 July, Ofcom has fined Discovery Communications Europe Ltd £100,000 for broadcasting unsuitable and violent material on TV before the watershed. Under Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code, all licensees must protect...