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Regulation News

VSP regulation: Ofcom UK launches first round of consultation
posted on 04 December, 2020   (public)
Video-sharing platforms and self-assessment: who needs to notify to Ofcom? As was announced in a recent EPRA news item, on 21 October 2020, UK converged regulator Ofcom released a short guide with the aim to assist stakeholders to understand the newly...
Ofcom publishes new research on international perspectives on PSB
posted on 26 November, 2020   (public)
Report provides insights into perceptions of the UK PSM as well as other countries’ approaches As part of its review of Public Service Broadcasting (PSB), Ofcom has launched ‘Small Screen: Big Debate’, a nationwide forum to facilitate conversations...
Update on diversity and gender equality: four reports and a workshop
posted on 24 November, 2020   (public)
Still a long way to go At a time when democracy is facing significant challenges in Europe and levels of trust in media sources vary greatly at the country level, the topic of diversity and gender equality, enhanced by recent social movements, remains more important than...
Media literacy days 2020 in North Macedonia
posted on 19 November, 2020   (public)
"Test every news with no excuse" is motto of event supported by North Macedonian regulator    The second Media Literacy Days (MLD) in the Republic of North Macedonia were held from 26 October to 2 November 2020. They were organized by the Media...
Ofcom (UK): A guide to the new requirements on VSPs
posted on 03 November, 2020   (public)
Ofcom’s approach: providing guidance and engaging with video-sharing platforms The UK Government has transposed the legal framework of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive related to the video-sharing platforms (VSPs) further into Part 4B of the Communications Act...
EU German presidency focus session on Artificial Intelligence and quality journalism: With great potential comes great responsibilities
posted on 09 October, 2020   (public)
Experts emphasise the great benefits of using AI in journalism but highlight the need for heavy investments and an ethics-by-design approach           The last focus session of the German EU Presidency related to Media in the Digital...
Spanish CNMC launches public consultation on the application of audiovisual regulation to media service providers supported on VSPs
posted on 08 October, 2020   (public)
Public consultation on the application of the Spanish audiovisual framework to media service providers supported on video-sharing platforms On 1 October 2020, CNMC, the Spanish converged regulator, launched a public consultation on the application of the Spanish audiovisual...
A brand new Board for the Italian AGCOM
posted on 02 October, 2020   (public)
The relationship with Europe and with various bodies bringing together national regulators will be crucial states President Lasorella On 2 October 2020, President Giacomo Lasorella and Commissioners Laura Aria, Antonello Giacomelli, Elisa Giomi and Enrico Mandelli...
OFCOM-Switzerland: Susanne Marxer appointed new head of Media division
posted on 02 October, 2020   (public)
On 1 October 2020, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, appointed Susanne Marxer as Deputy Director and Head of the Media Division of the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM).   Picture courtesy © OFCOM-CH The 56-year-old lawyer will...
MK: New study on pluralism of media ownership
posted on 28 September, 2020   (public)
The future of the media ownership legal framework: more flexibility for more sustainability? The  Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services, the regulatory authority of North Macedonia, published a study titled "Pluralism of media ownership in the new media...
Visions of a coherent EU Information and Media Order: Key Findings of EU Presidency webinar
posted on 23 September, 2020   (public)
Session highlights great complexity of European regulatory framework impacting the media, calls for more coherence and for systematically taking media freedom into account  The first focus session of the German EU Presidency, titled "Visions of a coherent...
French Law against information disorder: first assessment by the regulator
posted on 17 September, 2020   (public)
While welcoming the willingness of online platforms to cooperate, the CSA calls for more data to assess effectiveness [news item updated on 17/09/20 with the addition of the link to the English version of the report] Since the adoption of the Law on the fight against...
Connected TV market: a Mediatique study for Ofcom (UK)
posted on 26 August, 2020   (public)
The battleground of prominence: report highlights the bargaining powers of global players At the request of UK regulator Ofcom, Mediatique, an advisory firm specialised in media and communications industries, conducted a review of the connected TV market dynamics in...
Covid-19 and gender equality: analysis of the CSA (FR) and the CAC (ES)
posted on 20 August, 2020   (public)
An under-representation of women on-screen reflecting today´s society The French Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel (CSA) and the Catalan Audiovisual Council (CAC), have both released a report focused on gender equality issues during the Covid-19...
Self-regulation in Ukraine: joint agreements to protect children
posted on 04 August, 2020   (public)
A joint working group with the industry and the public to develop self-regulatory broadcasting rules Since 2014, the National Council of TV and Radio Broadcasting (NCTR) has undertaken initiatives aimed at encouraging the development of broadcasting standards in Ukraine. In...
Data protection: European Court of Justice invalidates Privacy Shield agreement
posted on 03 August, 2020   (public)
News Focus: THE FULL PICTURE - Understanding Adjacent Regulatory sectors US legal system does not provide effective judicial protection On 16 July 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) invalidated the Privacy Shield agreement which had been in...
Media Pluralism Monitor 2020: measuring the impact of the digital environment
posted on 28 July, 2020   (public)
New indicators highlight the challenging impact of online platforms on media pluralism On 23 July 2020, the Centre for Media Pluralism and Freedom has released the third version of its Media Pluralism Monitor, an EU-funded project initiated in 2013. Based on the analysis on...
EAO mapping report on the nationality of audiovisual works
posted on 22 July, 2020   (public)
Report highlights the need for a pan-European database and improved cooperation between NRAs and film agencies In July 2020, the European Audiovisual Observatory  (EAO) published a mapping report of the legal frameworks and current practices in the European Union to...
Ofcom´s new Online Nation report 2020: a picture of online consumption and online industry in the UK
posted on 13 July, 2020   (public)
The Covid-19 crisis has emphasised the shift to digital services while undermining online advertising revenues and highlighting a generation gap Published on 24 June 2020, this yearly online nation report, released for the first time in 2019, aims at better understanding ...
Online gambling advertising and self-regulation: a pan-European Code of conduct
posted on 10 July, 2020   (public)
A self-regulatory code to promote responsible online gambling advertising with a particular focus on minors and social media   On 28 April 2020, the European Gaming and Betting Association, EGBA, has published the first pan-European Code of Conduct on responsible...
Online hate in France - the ‘Avia Law’: the end of an intensive legislative saga
posted on 08 July, 2020   (public)
The risk raised by online harm cannot justify disproportionate restrictions of the freedom of expression In recent months, there have been intensive debates in France around the draft Law aimed at fighting online hate content - better known as the ‘Avia...
AVMSD: Long-awaited EU Commission guidelines published at last
posted on 08 July, 2020   (public)
Shedding light on key concepts relating to European works and video-sharing platform services On 2 July 2020, the European Commission published guidelines related to European works and video-sharing platforms. The publication of these guidelines, which had been eargerly...
A new Chairperson for the Spanish National Authority for Markets and Competition
posted on 01 July, 2020   (public)
Cani Fernández, new Chairwoman at CNMC Ms Cani Fernández Vicién has been appointed as the new Chairwoman of the CNMC from 17 June onwards.  A lawyer and expert in European Union Competition Law, she used to advise companies,...
Key findings from the Reuters Digital News Report 2020
posted on 22 June, 2020   (public)
Impact of Covid-19 crisis on news: serious economic threats but also opportunities to reinvent relationship with audience The latest edition of the Reuters Digital News Report, which was published on 16 June 2020, is based on surveys completed in January...
Bernard Maissen appointed as new Director of the Swiss OFCOM
posted on 02 June, 2020   (public)
Currently Deputy Director and Head of the Media Division of OFCOM, he will take up his position as Director of the authority as of 1st July A trained journalist with background in management, Bernard Maissen has worked for several media providers and was the editor in...
OFCOM (CH): new comic strip stories to encourage a safe use of digital technologies
posted on 15 May, 2020   (public)
Raising  awareness about online harms through comics Building on the successful series of stories published in 2010 and 2015 as part of a national prevention campaign to highlight the dangers of digital life, the Swiss regulator OFCOM has released 12 new comic strips...
Assessing the Code of Practice on Disinformation: ERGA’s Recommendations
posted on 12 May, 2020   (public)
  Greater transparency, stronger commitments and a harmonised framework for a truly co-regulatory approach  The European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA) has been requested to assist the European Commission in assessing the effectiveness of the...
Children's rights in a digital environment: French DPA opens public consultation (update - 3 June 2020)
posted on 23 April, 2020   (public)
  Protecting minors' data while respecting their rights: the CNIL is looking for feedback As part of a global reflection on online children’s rights, the CNIL, the French Data Protection Authority (DPA) is running a public consultation from 21 May to 1 June...
Misinformation and responsible screen use during the COVID-19 crisis: Catalan CAC launches awareness campaign
posted on 22 April, 2020   (public)
How to encourage a responsible use of media in times of lockdown? An initiative from the Catalan audiovisual authority Most of European countries are experiencing lockdown restrictions, increasing the exposure of citizens to media and also to misinformation. In response, as...
Ofcom publishes research on audience expectations in a digital world
posted on 15 April, 2020   (public)
While people feel more responsible for choosing what they watch, they  expect regulation to focus on harmful content and the protection of minors This qualitative study, conducted by Ipsos MORI on behalf of UK regulator Ofcom, aims to understand how audience expectations...

Archived Regulation News

REFRAM meets in N’Djamena and publishes activity report for 2012-2013
posted on 17 October, 2013   (public)
REFRAM meets in N’Djamena and publishes activity report for 2012-2013 The REFRAM, the  network of French speaking regulatory authorities, met on 14-15 octobre 2013 in N’Djamena, Chad, for its third general assembly to address the issue of the governance of...
Regulators' Responses to the HLG Report on Media Freedom and Pluralism
posted on 15 October, 2013   (public)
Regulators' Responses to the HLG Report on Media Freedom and Pluralism The Public Consultation on the Independent Report from the High level Group (HLG) on Media Freedom and Pluralism launched by the European Commission in March closed at the end of June 2013. The...
Ofcom reports on disabled consumers’ use of communications services
posted on 26 September, 2013   (public)
Ofcom has published its most comprehensive study into disabled consumers’ use of communications services. The research shows that younger disabled people are taking advantage of the benefits of being online. Among the youngest age group (15-34), levels of internet...
Digital Radio: Ofcom unveils 2013 Report
posted on 25 September, 2013   (public)
On 25 September Ofcom has published its Digital Radio Report for 2013 as part of the Digital Radio Action Plan announced by the Government in July 2010. In the report ‘digital radio’ is used in its broadest sense to include all platforms and technologies that...
First Country Ranking of Community Media in Europe
posted on 12 September, 2013   (public)
The Community Media Forum Europe (CMFE), an international non-profit organisation which provides a common platform for networks, national federations and projects active in the "third media" sector, has completed the first Country Ranking of Community Media in...
Ofcom publishes its 10th Communications Market Report
posted on 01 August, 2013   (public)
Ofcom’s 10th Communications Market Report, which was published on 1 August 2013, reveals that people are still coming together to watch TV in the living room with 91% of UK adults view TV on the main set each week, up from 88% in 2002. However, people are increasingly...
Council of Europe addresses role of regulators on gender equality in the media
posted on 31 July, 2013   (public)
On 10 July 2013, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted a Recommendation on gender equality and media. In its preamble, the recommendation emphasises that: Gender equality is an indispensable condition for the full enjoyment of human rights; Genuine...
Short extracts: French CSA consults on the implementation of new rules
posted on 23 July, 2013   (public)
On 17 July 2013, French broadcasting regulator Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel (CSA) opened a public consultation on the implementation of recently introduced rules concerning the broadcast of short extracts of sports events. The new rules were set by a decision...
Assessing PSB funding: Irish regulator publishes recommendations
posted on 22 July, 2013   (public)
On 18 July 2013, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has published recommendations in respect of the required levels of funding for the public service broadcasters (PSBs), TG4 and RTÉ, over the next five years. The recommendations are based on a 248 page report...
EIGE reports on gender equality in decision-making in media organisations
posted on 11 July, 2013   (public)
Advancing gender equality in decision-making in media organisations, EIGE Report   On 21 June 2013, the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) published a report entitled "Women and the Media - Advancing gender equality in decision-making in media...
What Future for DTT Platforms: French Ministry opens a consultation
posted on 10 July, 2013   (public)
The Direction générale des médias et des industries culturelles (DGMIC) of the French Ministry of Culture and Communication launched on 2 July 2013 a public consultation on the future of DTT platforms, further to the work currently conducted by the French...
Update on media freedom issues: new report of the OSCE - RFOM
posted on 20 June, 2013   (public)
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, delivered her regular report on the status of media freedom within the OSCE region to the OSCE Permanent Council on 13 juin 2013, three months after she was re-elected for a second mandate. The 36 pages report,...
Macedonia completes analogue terrestrial switch off
posted on 20 June, 2013   (public)
As planned, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia switched off the analog terrestrial television signal on 31 May 2013, at midnight after a five-year period of simulcasting. The two regulatory authorities in charge, the Broadcasting Council and the Agency for Electronic...
Irish BAI issues revised Rules on Food Advertising to Children
posted on 07 June, 2013   (public)
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has issued on 4th June 2013 revised versions of its General and Children’s Commercial Communications Codes. The Codes have been updated to include rules on commercial communications for High Fat, Salt and Sugar (HFSS) food...
Ofcom reports on children’s increased exposure to alcohol advertising on TV
posted on 28 May, 2013   (public)
On 24 May Ofcom published a report on children’s and young people's exposure to alcohol advertising, which shows that the average number of alcohol adverts seen by children per week has increased significantly from 2.7 in 2007 to 3.2 in 2011. The research looks at...
Standard Settings for Media Freedom: European Parliament adopts Resolution
posted on 21 May, 2013   (public)
On 21 May, the European Parliament approved the initiative report of Romanian MEP Renate Weber (PNL, ALDE) on the EU Charter by adopting a resolution on standard settings for media freedom across the EU. The resolution calls on Member States and the Commission to take...
Belgian CSA publishes study on representation of homosexuality in the audiovisual media
posted on 17 May, 2013   (public)
On the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, the CSA of the French speaking Community of Belgium has published the outcome of its first assessment of stereotypes related to the sexual orientation in radio and TV broadcast content. The CSA has been monitoring...
Accessibility: Ofcom's proposals to improve the quality of subtitling
posted on 17 May, 2013   (public)
On 17 May, Ofcom has published proposals for consultation aimed at improving live subtitling to provide a better viewing experience for people who are deaf and hard-of-hearing in the UK. While pre-prepared subtitling is generally of a good quality, viewers have made clear...
European Commission consults on rapidly converging audiovisual market
posted on 25 April, 2013   (public)
The European Commission adopted on 24 April 2013 a Green Paper inviting stakeholders and the wider public to share their view on issues related to the rapid convergence in the audiovisual market and growing importance of the connected television in Europe. The changes in the...
ECHR rules that ban on paid political advertising in the UK justified
posted on 23 April, 2013   (public)
The European Court of Human Rights held on 22 April 2013, by nine votes to eight, that there was no violation of Article 10 (freedom of expression) of the European Convention on Human Rights in the case of Animal Defenders International v. the United Kingdom. The case...
Irish BAI launches Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs
posted on 12 April, 2013   (public)
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has launched on 9 April 2013 a Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs. The Broadcasting Act 2009 requires broadcasters to ensure that all news broadcast is presented in an objective and impartial...
Ofcom publishes updated rules on party political and referendum broadcasts
posted on 02 April, 2013   (public)
On 21 March 2013, Ofcom published updated rules on party political and referendum broadcasts (PPRB Rules). The revision of the rules was preceded by a consultation carried out by Ofcom between November 2012 and January 2013. The review of the PPRB Rules was related to recent...
New chairperson for Dutch CvdM
by Marcel Betzel (CvdM - NL) posted on 27 March, 2013   (public)
Prof. Dr. Madeleine de Cock Buning, commissioner at the Commissariaat voor de Media (CvdM) since July 2009, has been appointed chairperson of the Dutch regulatory authority CvdM as of 1 April 2013 by the State Secretary of Media Affairs. In addition to her work for the CvdM,...
Measuring Diversity on Television - Outcome of French and Belgian assessment for 2012
posted on 26 March, 2013   (public)
The French and Belgian (French-Speaking Community) regulatory authorities have recently published the outcome of their assessment of diversity in television broadcast content for the year 2012. The objective of the research was to assess the perception of diversity in...
Independence of Audiovisual regulators: Commission launches public consultation
posted on 22 March, 2013   (public)
Pursuant to the 30 policy recommendations contained in the report of the High Level Group (HLG) on Media Freedom and Pluralism, which was made public on 21 January 2013, the European Commission launched two public consultations on media freedom and pluralism and on the...
Protection of minors in Romania: CNA launches public hotline
posted on 21 March, 2013   (public)
The National Audiovisual Council of Romania (NAC) launched a new public hotline number where cases of violation of the protection of minors in the field of television broadcasting may be reported. The free of charge hotline was launched as a result of a debate organised by...
DTT in Europe in 2012: Trends and Developments
posted on 12 March, 2013   (public)
the European Audiovisual Observatory, based on figures from the Yearbook 2012 and the MAVISE database, has published a press release highlighting the salient trends and developments of digital terrestrial television in Europe in 2012. According to the Observatory: 22 - out...
Live Internet streaming of free-to-air channels may be prohibited: CJEU Judgment
posted on 10 March, 2013   (public)
Further to a request for a preliminary ruling on the interpretation of Directive 2001/29/EC on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the information society, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) held on 7 March 2013 that TV...
Gender Equality: REFRAM awards pilot project to Moroccan HACA
posted on 08 March, 2013   (public)
Further to the internal call for tender for a pilot project in favour of gender equality launched in October 2012 by the Francophone Network Media Regulators (REFRAM), the jury unanimously selected the project presented by the HACA, the Moroccan regulator on 8 March 2013. ...
OSCE Representative on Freedom of Media Dunja Mijatović reappointed
posted on 07 March, 2013   (public)
Picture credits: OSCE/Curtis Budden On 7 March 2013, the 57 OSCE participating States unanimously agreed to reappoint the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to a second three-year term. Dunja Mijatović was appointed...