12/11/2007

"The [Television Without Borders] directive continues to fulfil its function of ensuring the free provision of television services within the European Union", according to the European Commission’s sixth report on the application of the directive adopted on October 24. This report covers the application of the main articles of the directive for the period 2005-2006 (competence, broadcast of major events, protection of minors and advertising).

"By mid-2006, the number of services available within the extended European Community had surpassed all expectations", highlights the Commission. In addition to the 122 national analogue channels, they counted some 1,335 digital channels on diverse platforms (cable, satellite, hertzian, IPTV), as well as some 3,000 regional channels.

Moreover, the seventh communication on the application of articles 4 and 5 of the directive contains "satisfying results overall" as regards the channels responding to the demand for European productions.

In conclusion, the Commission considers that "the technological and commercial developments that have opened the way to new audiovisual services – for example, services on demand – underline the necessity for modernisation of the legal framework of the EU. This will be done once the modified Audiovisual Media Services Directive has been definitively adopted."

The report can be downloaded here.

(Translated from French)