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Regulation News

Protection of minors & on-demand services: Ofcom consults on appropriate measures
posted on 22 July, 2021   (public)
Ofcom is seeking views on material that may impair the physical, mental or moral development of minors on on-demand services   Amending the existing "Statutory Rules and Non-Binding Guidance for Providers of On-Demand Programme Services (ODPS)", the new guidance...
Diversity & Inclusion: What's new?
posted on 21 July, 2021   (public)
Recent initiatives and reports at national and European level to boost diversity on screen and off screen Diversity and inclusion are relevant topics that have gained momentum in recent years within the film and audiovisual industries. Media regulators are also increasingly...
Future of PSM: Ofcom concludes in-depth review by recommending a radical overhaul of the legislative framework
posted on 15 July, 2021   (public)
A transition from PSB to PSM to be fit for the digital age On 15 July 2021, communications regulator Ofcom published detailed recommendations to the UK Government on the future of public service media. This publication marks the conclusion of...
Media authorities and media pluralism in South-East Europe: a new JUFREX publication
posted on 13 July, 2021   (public)
The need for political will and a holistic approach Within the action "Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Media in South-East Europe" (JUFREX 2) of the cooperation programme "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022" funded by...
Council of Europe & Hate Speech: Public consultation on the Committee of Ministers' Recommendation
posted on 08 July, 2021   (public)
Non-binding, comprehensive guidance built on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights case-law The new Council of Europe Committee of Ministers' Recommendation on Combating Hate Speech is open to public consultation from 23 June to 8 August 2021. The...
Key findings from the Reuters Digital News Report 2021
posted on 07 July, 2021   (public)
Coronavirus pandemic exacerbated digital disruption at the expense of traditional and independent media companies   The tenth edition of the Reuters Digital News Report was published on 23 June 2021. Based on surveys launched last January with over 92.000 online news...
Ofcom consults on the future of Media Plurality in the UK
posted on 02 July, 2021   (public)
How to assess and regulate plurality in the new media landscape? Ofcom calls for evidence Since the Communications Act in 2003, Ofcom has the duty to secure and maintain a "sufficient plurality of providers of different TV and radio services". Nearly twenty years on,...
A new Community Media Policy in Ireland launched by the BAI
posted on 30 June, 2021   (public)
Recognising the crucial role of community media by supporting a sustainable and robust sector   On the occasion of the National Community Radio Day on the 18th of June, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, BAI, has launched its new Community Media Policy aimed at...
Twitter and the spread of 'fake news': a new study by the CSA (FR)
posted on 22 June, 2021   (public)
A qualitative and quantitative study to better understand the mechanisms behind the dissemination of dis/misinformation on Twitter Following the adoption of the French law on the fight against information manipulation in 2018, the French audiovisual media services regulator...
Media Literacy: New survey from the Norwegian regulator highlights importance of clear labelling and measures to strengthen source-critical competence
posted on 22 June, 2021   (public)
The youngest and oldest scored the worst Every two years, the Norwegian Media Authority examines the population's critical media understanding, with a view to gaining insight into how critical media understanding develops over time. In the new representative survey, the...
Understanding misinformation: Ofcom (UK) issues a series of research reports
posted on 16 June, 2021   (public)
Online harms survey, analysis of online habits, reports on misinformation and media literacy: Ofcom builds a robust evidence base to better understand how people interact with online information       On 9 June 2021, Ofcom released its annual 'Online...
Media Literacy: EPRA participates in COMMIT conference
posted on 03 June, 2021   (public)
EPRA Vice-Chair Maria Donde highlights the key role of MIL networks and media regulators’ efforts to support such networks and stresses the importance of MIL mapping   “Everyone is talking about media competence. Who takes responsibility?” was the title...
VSP regulation: Ofcom launches third round of consultation on advertising
posted on 27 May, 2021   (public)
A proposed statutory framework making a distinction between advertising that is under the control of the VSP provider and advertising that is not From 1 November 2020, video-sharing platforms (VSPs) established in the UK are required to take appropriate measures to...
A new methodology to monitor gender equality in media in Ukraine
posted on 25 May, 2021   (public)
A new gender-related monitoring methodology to make media more sensitive and accountable At the request of the National Council of TV and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) - a non-profit, non-partisan and non-governmental organisation...
Protection of minors and self-regulation in Poland: KRRiT issues monitoring report
posted on 06 May, 2021   (public)
Self-regulatory system is deemed effective to protect children A recent analysis conducted by the National Broadcasting Council of Poland, the KRRiT, confirmed the effectiveness of the self-regulation system developed by media service providers, industry associations and the...
Regulators and cooperation: spotlight on the French toolkit for citizens in the digital age
posted on 20 April, 2021   (public)
"Does freedom of expression have limits? How to delete a picture on social networks? Who is responsible in case of cyber-harassment? What role do the media have to play in terms of equality?"   Here are some of the key questions addressed in this first...
VSP Regulation: Ofcom launches second round of consultation on harm
posted on 07 April, 2021   (public)
Video-sharing platforms and harmful content: how to protect users against harmful content? From 1 November 2020, video-sharing platforms (VSPs) are required to take appropriate measures to protect the general public from “relevant harmful material” and the minors...
The CSA (FR) fines French TV channel Cnews €200 000 for incitement to hatred
posted on 24 March, 2021   (public)
A heavy penalty by the CSA to remind that hate speech and abuses of freedom of expression will not remain unpunished On 17 March 2021, the CSA, the French audiovisual regulatory authority, fined French TV news channel 'CNews' €200 000 euros for incitement to...
UK: the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum releases its first workplan
posted on 18 March, 2021   (public)
Joining forces to achieve a better regulation of the digital economy: the UK regulators' strategy In July 2020, the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF) was launched in the UK. Gathering the  competition Regulator  (Competition Markets Authority - CMA),...
Gender equality and PSM: new EBU-MIS report
posted on 17 March, 2021   (public)
While Public Service Media play a central role in promoting a better gender balance, the  goal is still not achieved The third edition of this EBU report analyses the data for the years 2019/2020 in the European Union and the United Kingdom. For the first time, the Media...
CSA (BE): A study on the new consumption modes of audiovisual media services
posted on 12 March, 2021   (public)
A quantitative and qualitative study to understand the impact of new modes of audiovisual content consumption on television viewing The CSA (BE) has released, in English, the results of its study on the forms of consumption of audiovisual media services and their evolution in...
Ofcom (UK): statement and final guidance on 'Video-Sharing Platforms: Who Needs to Notify to Ofcom?'
posted on 10 March, 2021   (public)
Ofcom has published its statement and final guidance on ‘Video-Sharing Platforms: Who Needs to Notify to Ofcom?’   The guidance is intended to help providers to assess whether and when they need to notify their service(s) to Ofcom as a UK-established...
JUFREX: A comparative study on regulation of political advertising
posted on 04 March, 2021   (public)
The necessity and complexity of political advertising regulation: reflections on the situation in South-East Europe As part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe action “Freedom of expression and freedom of the media in South-East Europe (JUFREX 2)”*, a...
CAC (ES): Report on anti-vaccination content on social networks
posted on 03 March, 2021   (public)
The CAC pursues its fight against information disorder in the medical field As part of a wider analysis of information disorders around Covid-19, the Catalan Audiovisual Council (CAC) has identified 40 videos from major social platforms* rejecting vaccination and analysed the...
CERRE issue paper: new ways of oversight for the digital economy
posted on 24 February, 2021   (public)
A call for a cultural shift to support an ecosystem of oversight based on cooperative relationship between regulators, platforms and users A CERRE paper entitled 'New ways of oversight for the digital economy' published on 23 February 2021 provides reflections on...
CSA (FR): new members’ appointment highlights trend towards enhanced collaborative approach
posted on 16 February, 2021   (public)
Protecting children, media literacy, understanding the evolving media ecosystem… The CSA boosts its opportunities to collaborate with adjacent regulatory sectors Along with several initiatives launched by the French CSA,  the recent appointment of two new members...
BAI (IE): A sustainability roadmap for the Irish broadcasting sector
posted on 05 February, 2021   (public)
Towards a green, inclusive, and resilient audiovisual sector: the BAI’s call for a sustainable future   The next years will be crucial to fight the climate change crisis and its environmental, social and economic impacts. Against this background, the Broadcasting...
Stereotypical or non-typical? KRRiT reports on women in Polish TV Series
posted on 25 January, 2021   (public)
Polish TV series reflect societal stereotypes with an improved presence of women but essentially in typical roles Based on the belief that media is a key area to shape social perceptions and building on the development by ERGA of uniform indicators to measure the presence of...
Better Internet for Kids: third edition of the policy mapping
posted on 08 January, 2021   (public)
Despite some fragmentation in the policy process and greater complexity in terms of implementation, the BIK Map shows positive progress in the implementation of the European Strategy for a Better Internet for Children Launched for the first time in 2015, the Better Internet...
Media Literacy research: MK network issues Guidelines on Ethics
posted on 14 December, 2020   (public)
Guidelines promote ethical conduct towards individuals and groups and encourage good research practice The Media Literacy Network, of which the Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services from the Republic of North Macedonia is a member, has adopted Guidelines on Ethics in...

Archived Regulation News

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...
Social media: A first analysis by the French CSA
posted on 26 February, 2013   (public)
The Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel (CSA), the French regulatory authority in charge of broadcasting, published on 19 February 2013, a first analysis of the phenomenon of "social TV," which focuses on the delimitation of its scope, its development,...
Processing complaints: Refram publishes toolbox
posted on 05 February, 2013   (public)
On 29 January 2013, the Network of French-speaking media regulatory authorities (REFRAM) published a toolkit on how to process complaints - a mission at the core of the daily work of regulatory authorities. It is intended to help members of the network by providing them...
Jürgen Brautmeier appointed new Chair of German DLM
posted on 31 January, 2013   (public)
As of 1 January 2013, the chairmanship of the Conference of Directors of the Media Authorities (DLM) was taken over by Dr. Jürgen Brautmeier for a term of two years.  The DLM, which is composed of the legal representatives of the media authorities in Germany, acts...
A new chairperson and two new members for the French CSA
posted on 24 January, 2013   (public)
Mr Olivier Schrameck has officially been appointed as chairman of the French regulatory authority, the Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel (CSA), as of 24 January 2013. He was nominated by French President François Hollande and replaces Michel Boyon for a 6...
High Level Group reports on Media Pluralism
posted on 23 January, 2013   (public)
On 21 January 2013, the High Level Group on Media Freedom on Pluralism convened by the European Commission delivered a 51 page report entitled A free and pluralistic media to sustain European democracy. On the basis of hearings and the analysis of recent research and studies...
Protection of minors on VOD: Ofcom fines Playboy
posted on 16 January, 2013   (public)
On 16 January 2013, Ofcom imposed a fine of £100,000 on the service provider Playboy TV/Benelux Limited for failing to protect children from potentially harmful pornographic material. Two on demand programme services (ODPS) owned by Playboy (Playboy TV and Demand Adult)...
Belgian CSA reports on New Media
posted on 11 January, 2013   (public)
On 11 January, the CSA of the French Community of Belgium published a report on "new media" (web TV, web radio, VOD, SVOD, catch-up TV and radio, etc). The 72 pages document provides a snapshot of the sector of new media by looking at the consumption of new...
EPRA co-organises MEDIADEM's final conference
posted on 07 January, 2013   (public)
In the wake of the success of the joint public workshop between EPRA and Cullen International on regulatory aspects of Connected TV held in May 2012, EPRA will be one of the co-organisers of another public event - together with the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign...
Ofcom's 7th International Communications Market Report published
posted on 13 December, 2012   (public)
On 13 December 2012, Ofcom published its seventh International Communications Market Report. The report examines the availability, take-up, price and use of TV, radio, broadband, telephone and postal services. The aim of the report is to benchmark the UK communications...
Regional TV beyond regional coverage: consultation of Swiss OFCOM
posted on 11 December, 2012   (public)
On 4 December 2012, the Federal Office of Communications of Switzerland (OFCOM) launched a public consultation on a draft law that would enable the licensed regional TV stations to transmit their programmes digitally outside their regional coverage areas. The public would be...
Protection of minors on VOD: Ofcom fines Strictly Broadband Limited
posted on 10 December, 2012   (public)
On Friday 7 December 2012, Ofcom imposed a financial penalty of £60,000 (GDP) on Strictly Broadband Limited in respect of its on-demand programmes service, provided through its website, “Strictly Broadband”. Between 31 May - 1 August 2012 users of the...
Belgian CSA assesses compliance of non-linear TV services with legal obligations
posted on 03 December, 2012   (public)
On 27 November 2012, the CSA of the French speaking Community of Belgium published its assessment on how non-linear television services complied with their legal obligations in 2011. The CSA assessed how four video-on-demand services fulfilled their obligations with regard...
Access of VOD services to people with disabilities: ATVOD report
posted on 29 November, 2012   (public)
On 28 November 2012, ATVOD (the independent co-regulator for the editorial content of video on demand services in UK) published its report on the accessibility of VOD services for people with disabilities of sight or hearing. The report is based on the ATVOD's annual...
Consultation on the review of the Ofcom rules on political broadcasts
posted on 23 November, 2012   (public)
On 19 November 2012, Ofcom opened a consultation on the review of the Rules on Party Political and Referendum Broadcasts and on the Guidance for broadcast coverage of elections. The review of the Rules is related to recent amendments of the Communications Act, requiring the...
A new Board for the Belgian CSA
posted on 22 November, 2012   (public)
On 8 November 2012, the Government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation appointed for a five-year mandate four new members of the Board of CSA of the French community of Belgium. Dominique Vosters was appointed as Chairman of CSA. He replaces Marc Janssen. The mandates of...
Protecting children in the digital world: European Parliament report
posted on 20 November, 2012   (public)
On 20 November 2012, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on Protecting children in the digital world. The adopted report, prepared by Silvia Costa, highlights three main elements in terms of protecting minors in the digital era: education on new media, digital...
EPRA represented at the AMARC Forum on the Future of Community Radio
posted on 15 November, 2012   (public)
On 12-13 November 2012, the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC Europe), in partnership with the Center for Media and Communication Studies of the Central European University and the Hungarian Federation of Free radios, organised a workshop on ...
Video sections of newspaper websites & AVMS: Swedish RA decisions
posted on 09 November, 2012   (public)
On 29 October 2012, the Swedish Broadcasting Commission (SBC) decided in four cases that video sections on newspaper websites were to be considered as audiovisual media services under the Swedish Radio and Television Act. The cases concerned websites of newspapers ...
Baltic regulators met in Riga
posted on 05 November, 2012   (public)
On 11 October 2012, the representatives of Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian and Swedish regulatory authorities met in Riga to share their experience and to discuss practical questions related to media regulation. The Baltic regulators' meeting takes place every year...
Towards a convergent NRA in France? CSA's contribution
posted on 31 October, 2012   (public)
In the context of a consultation launched by the Prime Minister during summer, the Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel, (CSA), published its contribution on the envisaged merger between CSA and ARCEP, the two French regulatory authorities in charge of broadcasting...
FICORA publishes market review on audiovisual content services in Finland
posted on 29 October, 2012   (public)
On 26 October 2012, The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA) published a market review on the audiovisual content services. The review looks at the different ways how Finns watch audiovisual content, and is based on the data reported by operators and on the...
CMFE publishes first mapping of Community Media in Europe
posted on 24 October, 2012   (public)
On 22 October 2012, 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, unveiled the outcome of its mapping exercise of...
SEE Digi.TV: outcome of second international conference
posted on 24 October, 2012   (public)
On 18-19 October 2012, the Post and Electronic Communications Agency of the Republic of Slovenia (APEK) held the 2nd international conference of the SEE Digi.TV project in Ljubljana. The event gathered more than 90 participants from regulatory authorities, TV and electronic...
Digital TV switchover completed in Ireland and UK
posted on 24 October, 2012   (public)
On 24 October 2012, Ireland and the United Kingdom turned off the analogue television signal. Now the television services in both countries are fully digital. In Ireland, the old TV network was replaced by a free-to-air digital terrestrial television service Saorview,...
On-demand services: Ofcom publishes consumer research results
posted on 23 October, 2012   (public)
Ofcom published results of the consumer research commissioned from the Essential Research Ltd on 23 October. The aim of the research was to explore consumer attitudes and behaviour in relation to on-demand audiovisual services and to help Ofcom understand which services are...
Digital Radio - Outcome of French consultation on standards for digital terrrestrial radio
posted on 22 October, 2012   (public)
Following a public consultation on standards for digital radio launched in April 2012 to seek the views of stakeholders, the French Minister of Culture and Communication published a summary of the responses to the consultation on 11 October 2012. The consultation...
ATVOD’s submissions concerning protection of minors on VOD and media convergence
posted on 19 October, 2012   (public)
On 17 October 2012, the Authority for Television On Demand (ATVOD), which is the independent co-regulator for the editorial content of VOD services in UK, published its submissions to the consultation by the UK Council for Child Internet Safety on parental controls and to the...
Ofcom’s Digital Radio Report 2012
posted on 18 October, 2012   (public)
On 17 October 2012, Ofcom published its Digital Radio Report 2012. Following the Government’s Digital Radio Action Plan launched in July 2010, Ofcom was requested to report annually on the availability and take-up of digital radio services. The Action Plan set the...
Gender Equality: REFRAM launches an internal call for project and publishes a handbook
posted on 18 October, 2012   (public)
The Francophone Network Media Regulators (REFRAM) has launched a call for tender among its members for a pilot project in favour of gender equality. This call seeks to identify and fund projects that encourage and support the promotion of gender equality in the broadcast...