The European Commission wants feedback on whether convergence...
The European Commission wants feedback on whether convergence of audiovisual media requires new rules. Its “green paper on preparing for a fully converged audiovisual world: growth, creation and values” (http://bit.ly/ZOp2P1) looks at several issues, including connected TV. The consultation doesn’t…
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presuppose any particular outcome but convergence may affect several EU laws, including the audiovisual media services directive, the EC said. “Connected TV is the next big thing in the creative and digital worlds,” Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes said. She wants a “converged and EU-wide debate” about how to deal with such changes. Among other things, the EC seeks comment on: (1) How to create the right conditions for EU businesses to deal with international, especially U.S., competition. (2) How European values can be protected online and on TV. (3) How the technology environment can be improved to ensure devices work the same way across Europe. (4) Whether convergence and changing consumer behavior will influence how films, TV programs and other content are financed. (5) Whether pre-defined filtering mechanisms, such as in search engines, should be subject to public intervention. Comments are due August 31 -- CNECT-CONVERGENCE-AV@ec.europa.eu. European commercial broadcasters said the discussion paper is welcome “on two conditions.” First, it should kick-start an ambitious, global discussion focused on the future of European broadcast media and content production, said Association of Commercial Television in Europe Director General Ross Biggam. There’s evidence in the paper that the EC shares ACT’s view that a “clear vision is needed from the EU, rather than more debates focusing on detailed quantitative micro-management of the media business,” he said in a statement. The strategy must also home in “rigorously” on the production and financing of content, he said. Continuing excellence in the content business “will be the key to future growth in the audiovisual sector,” he added.