European Commission updates audiovisual rules

The European Commission proposed an update of the European Union (EU) audiovisual rules to create a fairer environment for all players, promote European films, protect children and tackle hate speech better on Wednesday.

As part of its Digital Single Market strategy, the Commission presented an updated Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD); the common rules which have governed audiovisual media, ensured cultural diversity and the free circulation of content in the EU for almost 30 years.

The Commission explained that nowadays viewers do not only watch video content via their TV channels but also increasingly via video-on-demand services and video-sharing platforms.

Therefore, the Commission wanted to achieve a better balance of the rules which today apply to traditional broadcasters, video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms, especially when it comes to protecting children.

The revised AVMSD would also strengthen the promotion of European cultural diversity, ensures the independence of audiovisual regulators and gives more flexibility to broadcasters over advertising, according to the Commission.

In addition, the Commission noted that this proposal also reflects its new approach towards online platforms, like online marketplaces, search engines, payment systems, social media, video and content-sharing sites.

Since the launch of the Digital Single Market strategy in May 2015, the Commission has undertaken a comprehensive assessment of the social and economic role of these new players.

As it concluded that a "one-size-fits-all" approach was not appropriate for consumers to benefit from the opportunities and for the rules to meet the different challenges posed by the very diverse types of online platforms, the Commission said it would look at each area where it can act, from telecoms to copyright rules, to address any specific problems in a future-proof way for all market players. Endit