Revision To European Broadcasting Directive

The 1989 European Broadcasting Directive is being revised; a draft text was adopted by the EC in March, but Member States could not reach an agreement, in particular on the issue of quotas. A Technical Working Group of the Council will meet in early September to consider suggestions for amendments to the text. The draft has been sent to the European Parliament where a hearing was held in June; a draft report is expected from them in September.

The main points of the draft directive are:

Quotas

The proposal allows broadcasters two options: 50% of their schedule dedicated to European programming or 25% of their total programming budget to be allocated to a fund to subsidize European works; the wording “where practicable” in the original has been removed.

New Media

New media such as video-on-demand are not included, but they may be in the revised version.

Ad Breaks

No change to daily 15% limit; films made for TV may be interrupted for advertising every 20 mins.

Teleshopping

The total time allowed for ads and teleshopping spots may be raised to 20% of daily transmission. General channels would be permitted to carry teleshopping programmes for a maximum of 3 hours per day; dedicated shopping channels do not fall within the scope of the Directive.

Sponsorship

Manufacturers of medicinal products will be able to sponsor TV programmes.

Advertising restrictions

There is no change in the Commission’s text from the original Directive, but the European Parliament may propose restrictions on advertising to children and alcohol advertising.