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Regulation News

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...
Ofcom (UK): call for evidence on the future of TV distribution
posted on 25 October, 2023   (public)
A call for evidence to better understand the impact of internet and how to adapt broadband networks Internet has changed the ways users watch TV programmes, creating a wide range of content but a more fragmented experience. The UK Government has asked the regulator Ofcom to...
IMC (XK*): new chairman
posted on 11 September, 2023   (public)
Jeton Mehmeti was elected Chairman of the Independent Media Commission from Kosovo* Former member of the Independent Media Commission that he joined in 2022, Jeton Mehmeti was elected Chairman on 7 June 2023 for a two-year mandate. With a long experience in media as a...

Archived Regulation News

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...
Loudness on TV: Catalan Regulator takes steps
posted on 17 October, 2012   (public)
In line with the recent trend towards loudness normalization in several European countries, the Catalan Audiovisual Council (CAC) has recently been tackling the issue of sudden changes in volume on television during advertising breaks further to complaints from the public. A...
Irish BAI signals new rules for advertising of food and drink in children’s programmes
posted on 16 October, 2012   (public)
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) announced on October 12 the outcomes of a public consultation launched in March 2012 on a Draft Children’s Commercial Communications Code and a Draft General Commercial Communications Code. The Draft Codes concern regulatory...
Creation of a new regulatory authority in Luxembourg: Draft Law
posted on 16 October, 2012   (public)
On 15 October 2012, Luxembourg's Minister for Communication and Media, Mr. François Biltgen, announced a - long awaited - reform of media law and the creation of the Independent Audiovisual Authority of Luxembourg (l’Autorité luxembourgeoise...
Towards a convergent NRA in France? ARCEP's point of view
posted on 16 October, 2012   (public)
In the context of a consultation launched by the Prime Minister during summer, ARCEP, the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Post, published its position on the merger between the CSA and ARCEP, the two French regulatory authorities in charge of...
Update on SEE Digi.TV activities
posted on 11 October, 2012   (public)
The Second SEE Digi.TV International Conference which is organized by the lead partner of the project, the Post and Electronic Communications Agency of the Republic of Slovenia (APEK), will be held in Ljubljana on 18-19 October 2012. During this event (upon invitation...
Ofcom’s supplementary advice on media plurality
posted on 05 October, 2012   (public)
On 5 October 2012, Ofcom published supplementary advice to the Secretary of State on media plurality. This follows the report on the feasibility of measuring media plurality across platforms, presented to the Secretary of State for Culture in June 2012. Ofcom recommended to...
Access services: Ofcom's statement on new requirements for non-domestic channels
posted on 01 October, 2012   (public)
On 1 October 2012, Ofcom, the communications regulator in the UK, published a statement on new requirements for TV channels licensed by Ofcom and made available in other Member States of the European Union to provide access services such as subtitling, signing and audio...
Short extracts: Draft Decision by French CSA
posted on 01 October, 2012   (public)
The Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel (CSA), the French regulatory authority, notified the European Commission of its draft Decision setting up the conditions for the transmission of short extracts of sport events and other events of high interest to the...
European Commission report on the promotion of European works
posted on 26 September, 2012   (public)
The European Commission published its report on the promotion of European works in television and on-demand audiovisual media services on 26 September 2012. The report examines how the Members States complied with the requirements of Articles 13, 16 and 17 of the Audiovisual...
4th CERF meeting convenes in Bratislava
posted on 25 September, 2012   (public)
From 20 to 21 September 2012, the Central European Regulatory Forum (CERF) held its 4th meeting in Bratislava, hosted by the Council for Broadcasting and Retransmission of the Slovak Republic. More than 30 representatives from regulatory authorities in the Czech Republic,...
Report of the EU Media Futures Forum
posted on 20 September, 2012   (public)
On 20 September 2012, the EU Media Futures Forum, commissioned by Neelie Kroes, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda, released its final report on trends, opportunities and challenges in the media sector. This report complements the...
MEDIADEM publishes comparative findings on media policy
posted on 20 September, 2012   (public)
MEDIADEM, an EU funded research project on media policy-making processes in EU member states and candidate countries, recently published its comparative findings. The purpose of the research project is to identify which policy processes, tools and instruments can best support...
Community Media: Czech Regulator opens a public debate
posted on 19 September, 2012   (public)
The Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting, the Czech regulatory authority, recently opened a public debate on Community Media by commissioning a report mapping out the possibilities for introducing "Third Sector" (non-profit) media in the Czech Republic. ...
Ofcom awards first local TV licences
posted on 13 September, 2012   (public)
On 12 September 2012, Ofcom (UK) awarded the first licences to run local TV services on DTT in Brighton and Grimsby. This was done following new legislation which enabled Ofcom to issue local TV licences. Local TV has been previously licensed on a limited basis by the...
Loudness on TV: French CSA report
posted on 06 September, 2012   (public)
On 5 September 2012, the French regulator CSA published its first report to Parliament on loudness levels on television. This report derives from Article 177 of Law No. 2010-788 of 12 July 2010, which requires that channels ensure an equal loudness level during...
Ofcom's Communications Market Report 2012
posted on 26 July, 2012   (public)
On 18 July 2012, Ofcom published its 9th Communications Market Report on the UK’s TV, radio, broadband, telecoms and mobile industries. This year’s report shows that viewers watched television an average of four hours per day in 2011 – up from 3.7 hours in...
New President and new Board for the Italian AGCOM
posted on 26 July, 2012   (public)
The constitutive meeting of the new Board of the AGCOM, the Italian regulator in charge of broadcasting and telecommunications, took place on 26 July 2012 at the authority's headquarters in Naples. The new President is Angelo Marcello Cardani who replaces Corrado...
New President and new Board for the Catalan Authority
posted on 26 July, 2012   (public)
The Catalan Authority, Consell de l'Audiovisual de Catalunya (CAC), has a new President and a partly renewed Board. Roger Loppacher i Crehuet began his term of office as President on July 9, 2012. He replaces Mr Ramon Font, who resigned from his position to facilitate...
Looking beyond the AVMS Directive: the challenge of Connected TV, Limassol, 25-26 October
posted on 25 July, 2012   (public)
The European Commission and the Cyprus Radiotelevision Authority are organizing a conference entitled Looking beyond the AVMS Directive: the challenge of Connected TV in Limassol, Cyprus, on 25-26 October 2012.  The aim of the meeting is to stimulate thought and action...
Prominence of European works on VOD: Assessment by Belgian CSA
posted on 09 July, 2012   (public)
On 3 July 2012, the CSA of the French speaking Community of Belgium handed over to Parliament a global assessment report of its policy measures on the promotion of European works and works of the French Community of Belgium on VOD services. The CSA Recommendation of 24 June...
PSB funding changes in Finland
posted on 27 June, 2012   (public)
On 20 June 2012, the Finnish Parliament approved legislation on the new public service broadcasting tax. According to the new Acts, as of 1 January 2013, the activities of the Finnish public service broadcaster Yleisradio (YLE) will be funded from the state budget. The...
Access and disability: CSA study on DTT devices with voice features
posted on 24 June, 2012   (public)
The French CSA published on June 22 the results of the Mediatvcom study on the DTT devices with voice features. The study was commissioned by the CSA after the associations for the blind and visually impaired had stated that no DTT device designed for blind people existed in...
Commission asks ECJ to fine Poland for not fully implementing AVMS Directive
posted on 21 June, 2012   (public)
European Commission has decided to refer Poland to the European Court of Justice for failing to fully implement the Audiovisual Media Services Directive. Poland has partially implemented the Directive but not the provisions concerning on-demand services. The Commission...
Compensation for the use of short extracts - ECJ
posted on 19 June, 2012   (public)
The Advocate General of the European Court of Justice, Mr. Yves Bot, issued on June 12 a legal opinion in the case Sky Österreich GmbH v Österreichischer Rundfunk (ORF). The case concerns compensation payable by Austrian public broadcaster ORF to the holder of...
Measuring Plurality across platforms: Ofcom report
posted on 19 June, 2012   (public)
In October 2011, the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport asked Ofcom to provide advice on the feasibility of measuring media plurality across platforms. On 19 June 2012, Ofcom published a report  giving an answer to the five questions raised by...
Media Pluralism: ECHR judgment in Centro Europa 7 and Di Stefano case
posted on 19 June, 2012   (public)
The European Court of Human Rights delivered the judgment in the case of Centro Europa 7 S.R.L. v. Italy and Di Stefano v. Italy on June 7. The case concerned an Italian TV company’s inability to broadcast for nearly ten years, despite having a broadcasting licence, due...
Belgian CSA workshop: "New Screens, new Regulation" - Brussels, 5-6 July
posted on 13 June, 2012   (public)
On 5 and 6 July 2012, the CSA of the French Community of Belgium and the MEDIADEM project jointly organise a workshop entitled "New screens, new regulation". This conference on the future of television, which will revolve around issues such as Connected TV, social...