Search

Regulation News

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...
Covid-19: overview of key initiatives at European level
posted on 14 April, 2020   (public)
Mapping of key developments, reminding about fundamental rights… As crisis threatens to jeopardize media sustainability, European institutions highlight vital role of media (News item updated on 12 May 2020 with information on ERGA) In times of crises, the media are...
Covid-19 crisis: AAAVMS (MK) grants financial aid to broadcasters to cope
posted on 08 April, 2020   (public)
Financial help from the regulator to ensure the primary role and obligations of broadcasters towards the public in times of crisis Bearing in mind the negative impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on all areas, here also including the audiovisual industry, the Agency for Audio...
Key take-aways of CoE study on Supporting Quality Journalism through Media and Information Literacy
posted on 07 April, 2020   (public)
Mapping of 68 MIL initiatives reveals  mismatch between projects and needs On 23 March 2020, the Council of Europe published a study on 'Supporting quality journalism through media and information literacy' authored by media literacy experts Martina Chapman and...
French CSA reports on online sports market and consumption
posted on 02 April, 2020   (public)
While the online sport offer does not yet jeopardize traditional TV broadcasters, the current environment provides a fertile ground for expansion On 31 March 2020, the CSA and the HADOPI (the Haute Autorité pour la Diffusion des Œuvres et la Protection des droits...
‘Think positive’: the initiative of the Belgian CSA in times of lockdown
posted on 30 March, 2020   (public)
Emphasising the best initiatives of the media and cultural industry to brighten up citizens’ daily life Since 18 March 2020, Belgium, like many other European countries, experiences lockdown, a situation which might generate anxiety, stress and create difficulties...
COVID-19 Crisis and PSM: EBU-MIS publishes overview of audience performance and best practices
posted on 25 March, 2020   (public)
The more dramatic the crisis becomes, the more citizens turn to PSM On 23 March 2020, the Media Intelligence Service, the research branch of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), published an overview of the impact of coronavirus COVID-19 disease on the audience of Public...
AI-driven tools in the media: Council of Europe issues background paper ahead of ministerial conference
posted on 20 March, 2020   (public)
'The goal should be to use the affordance of new technologies to create optimal conditions for […] freedom of expression to flourish'. On 3 March 2020, the Council of Europe published a background paper ahead of the Ministerial Conference 'Artificial...
Covid-19: EBU facilitates PSM Taskforce to exchange and check information
posted on 16 March, 2020   (public)
Sharing information to serve European audiences better At the initiative of France Télévisions, the French public  broadcaster, and facilitated by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), an e-mail group gathering about 20 news desks of major PSBs in Europe,...
Fighting against information disorder: French CSA unveils monitoring work plan
posted on 16 March, 2020   (public)
A Project Team, an Expert Committee and requesting data from online platforms: this is how the French CSA is dealing with its new tasks regarding information disorder on online platforms The Law on the fight against information disorder (LOI n° 2018-1202 du 22...
Artificial Intelligence: Summary of Observatory workshop on AI in the audiovisual industry
posted on 10 March, 2020   (public)
On 17 December 2019, the European Audiovisual Observatory (EAO) held a workshop on Artificial Intelligence in the audiovisual industry, aiming at discussing the opportunities and challenges raised in this sector and especially in the journalistic and film fields. A...
Small Screen: Big Debate – Ofcom’s review of PSB for a sustainable future
posted on 09 March, 2020   (public)
A new and interactive approach in order to initiate an open and wide-ranging debate on the future of public service broadcasting in the UK On 27 February 2020, UK regulator Ofcom published a review of the public service broadcasting* (PSB) over a five-year period...
Hate speech online: Belgian CSA calls for new legal duties concerning social networks and online platforms
posted on 05 March, 2020   (public)
Guidance note recommends extended scope of competence and increased accountability of online platforms and social networks Building on the trend observed in several European countries, such as Germany and France, the Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel de...
Due Impartiality: UK Regulator fines Baltic Media Alliance Limited £20,000
posted on 25 February, 2020   (public)
According to Ofcom, NTV Mir Baltic failed to remain duly impartial, resulting in serious and repeated breaches of the Broadcasting Code On 17 February 2020, Ofcom published its sanctions decision imposed on Baltic Media Alliance Limited in relation to material...
Finland: a new national media education policy
posted on 20 February, 2020   (public)
A comprehensive, high-quality and systematic media education, targeting all groups of people: this is the objective of the Finnish national media education policy, published on 16 December 2019 This new policy updates extends the media literacy guidelines published in...
Media Literacy: High-level expert conference in Zagreb (Croatia)
posted on 19 February, 2020   (public)
High-level expert conference "Media literacy in an ever-changing world: Integrate. Gather. Empower." to be held in Zagreb  from 31 March to 1 April 2020 The conference will be jointly organised by the European Commission, the Croatian Ministry of Culture...
Ofcom (UK): Dame Melanie Dawes appointed as Chief Executive
posted on 13 February, 2020   (public)
The appointment of Melanie Dawes by the Board of Ofcom has been approved by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport As from early March 2020, Melanie Dawes will be the new Chief Executive of Ofcom, succeeding Sharon White and Jonathan Oxley (the current...
Data protection and children: ICO released final version of the Age Appropriate Design Code
posted on 30 January, 2020   (public)
Ambitious standards at the core of a risk-based approach to take into account the best interests of the child On 21 January 2020, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has released its final version of the Age Appropriate Design Code which...

Archived Regulation News

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...
REFRAM meets in Portorož at the eve of EPRA meeting
posted on 30 May, 2012   (public)
On the eve of the 35th EPRA meeting and with the support of the International Organization of la Francophonie, the seven broadcasting regulators that are also members of REFRAM, the network of French speaking media regulatory authorities, met on 29 May in Portorož (Slovenia)...
Pan-European Forum on Media Pluralism and New Media: Brussels, 27 June
posted on 22 May, 2012   (public)
The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn (UK), University of Leuven (Belgium) and the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (Italy) are organising the Pan-European Forum on Media Pluralism and New Media. The event will take place on June 27 at the premises of the...
Consultation on revision of Swiss Radio and Television Act
posted on 16 May, 2012   (public)
The Federal Council of Switzerland has opened a consultation procedure concerning the revision of the Radio and Television Act. The partial revision of the Act focuses on the replacement of the current reception fee by a universal radio and television fee. Today, when smart...
First report on the application of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive
posted on 07 May, 2012   (public)
The European Commission today presented a report on the application of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD). This is the first application report on the AVMSD and covers the period 2009-2010. The first part of the report looks retrospectively at the...
Study on the implementation of the AVMS Directive - Promotion of European works
posted on 07 May, 2012   (public)
The European Commission today published the Study on the implementation of the provisions of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive concerning the promotion of European works in audiovisual media services. The study provides an analysis of national legal measures...
New audiovisual media services under the jurisdiction of Luxembourg
posted on 07 May, 2012   (public)
The Conseil national des programmes (CNP), the regulatory authority in Luxembourg, has been informed by the Department of Media and Communications of the Government that the following audiovisual media services now fall under the jurisdiction of the Grand Duchy: Broadcast...
Freedom of press : OIF calls for vigilance
posted on 02 May, 2012   (public)
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, celebrated on May 3, Mr. Abdou Diouf, Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), states that the legal guarantees and effectiveness of freedom of press have improved in a number of French-speaking...
Irish BAI publishes Ownership and Control Policy (2012)
posted on 27 April, 2012   (public)
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) published its new Policy on the ownership and control of broadcasting services on April 26. The policy reflects the contents of the BAI Strategy Statement 2011-2013 and the legislative provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009 which...
French CSA consults on short extracts of sport events
posted on 18 April, 2012   (public)
On 17 April 2012, the Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel (CSA), the French regulatory authority, has launched a public consultation on the right to make available to the public, by way of electronic communication, short extracts of sport events’...
COE Recommendations to protect human rights on search engines and social networks
posted on 16 April, 2012   (public)
The Council of Europe adopted two Recommendations on the protection of human rights, notably freedom of expression, access to information and the right to private life, with regard to search engines and social networking services on 4 April 2012. The Committee of Ministers...
Irish BAI consults on draft general and children's commercial communications codes
posted on 04 April, 2012   (public)
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has launched a public consultation on a new Draft Children’s Commercial Communications Code and a new Draft General Commercial Communications Code on 30th March 2012. Under existing rules, commercial communications which are...
AVMS scope: Recommendation of Belgian CSA
posted on 30 March, 2012   (public)
In order to ensure full legal certainty for market players - notably on the internet - with regard to legal provisions which may be applicable to them and with the view of providing a level playing field, the CSA of the French Community of Belgium adopted a ...
Ofcom - Adults: media use and attitudes report published
posted on 29 March, 2012   (public)
Ofcom, the UK’s independent communications regulator, has today published its latest report on adults’ media use and attitudes. The report covers the use and attitudes of UK adults across the key platforms of the internet, television, radio, games and mobile...
French CSA selects six new HD channels for DTT network
posted on 28 March, 2012   (public)
Further to the call for tenders of 18 October 2011 with the view of launching of six  HD channels on the DTT network,  the  Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel (CSA), the French regulatory authority, has selected, on 27 March 2012,  the...
Protection of Minors & Media Convergence: Report of French CSA
posted on 27 March, 2012   (public)
The French CSA (Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel) has just published a report  on the protection of minors in the era of converging audiovisual media and the internet. The report was prepared at the request of Mrs Claude Greff, Secretary of State for...
Ofcom invites contributions to its review of its Designation of ATVOD
posted on 26 March, 2012   (public)
Ofcom is inviting contributions to its review of its Designation of ATVOD (the Authority for Television on Demand) as co-regulator of editorial content included in video-on-demand (VOD) services. The Designation, which came into force in March 2010, is subject to formal...
Political advertising - ECtHR hearing in the case of ADI v. United Kingdom
posted on 08 March, 2012   (public)
The European Court of Human Rights ECtHR held a Grand Chamber hearing on 7 March in the case of Animal Defenders International v. the United Kingdom. The case concerns the complaint by a non-governmental organisation that it has been denied the possibility to advertise on TV...
Digital Radio: Belgian CSA publishes outcome of public consultation
posted on 24 February, 2012   (public)
On 14 February 2012, the CSA of the French Community of Belgium, published a summary of the answers they  received on the occasion of their public consultation on terrestrial digital radio in order to reflect on the variety of the points of view but also on the concensus...
CICA Declaration on the need for independent regulators in the field of broadcasting
posted on 20 February, 2012   (public)
The Iberian Conference of the Audiovisual Councils (CICA), which convened in Barcelona for its annual meeting on 6 February 2012, made a public statement on the need for independent regulatory authorities in the field of broadcasting. The statement recalled that broadcasting...
Adoption of the first Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP)
posted on 17 February, 2012   (public)
On 15 February 2012, the European Parliament agreed upon the common position of the Council allowing for the formal adoption of the first Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP). The RSPP establishes a five-year policy programme with the aim to promote efficient radio...
CoE Declaration and Recommendation on the Governance of Public Service Media
posted on 16 February, 2012   (public)
In a Declaration and a Recommendation adopted by its Committee of Ministers on 16.02.2012, the Council of Europe urged its member states to renovate the governance framework of public service media in order to adapt to the new communication environment. The Appendix to the...
World Radio Day
posted on 13 February, 2012   (public)
13 February is a date proclaimed by UNESCO to celebrate radio broadcast, improve international cooperation among radio broadcasters and encourage decision-makers to create and provide access to information through radio, including community radios. It’s an occasion to...
Danish Radio and Television Board opens new proceedings in Roj TV case
posted on 09 February, 2012   (public)
On 10 January 2012, the Copenhagen Municipal Court  delivered a verdict in the case vs. ROJ TV and Mesopotamia Broadcast A/S, METV. The court ruled that ROJ TV and Mesopotamia Broadcast are in violation of the Penal Code's provisions about terrorism. More...
Irish BAI consults on Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs
posted on 02 February, 2012   (public)
On 1st February 2012, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has launched a public consultation on a Draft Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs. The draft code sets out the underpinning principles and a range of more specific rules...