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EU: EC Guidelines For Public TV Financing

EU: EC Guidelines For Public TV Financing

The EC is expected to decide whether it will adopt guidelines for the evaluation of state aid to public television channels in the EU before the end of this year. However, in the face of strong opposition from MS, the Commission’s DGXV is to consult private sector broadcasters on current proposals. Following a number of complaints filed with the Commission by private television, DG XV has suggested that leisure programmes and the re-transmission of sports events (other than “major events”) should not be able to benefit from public funding if the broadcaster also receives earnings from advertising. However, MS governments are challenging the Commission’s competence in this field, stating that the right to protect state broadcasters is guaranteed in the Treaties.

The Commission has commented that “given the rapid evolution of the audio-visual market, public broadcasters should be authorised – if not encouraged – to compete with private operators. But this competition must be on a level playing field, without any hidden State subsidies in favour of commercial activities”.

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