The European Commission has formally established a group of EU Regulatory Authorities in the field of Audiovisual Media Services. The Group brings together heads or high level representatives of national independent regulatory bodies in the field of audiovisual services, to advise the Commission in implementing the EU’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) in a converged media age.
The European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services will advise and assist the Commission in its work to ensure consistent implementation of the AVMSD and other related fields in which the Commission can act. It will facilitate cooperation between regulatory bodies in the EU, and will also allow for an exchange of experience and good practice.
European Commission Vice-President Neelie Kroes said “This group is a win-win outcome for audiovisual regulators and for the Commission: their independence is strengthened and everyone will work better together at a crucial time when we will be reviewing EU audiovisual rules in 2015.”
In its 2013 report, the independent High Level Group (HLG) on Media Freedom and Pluralism recommended the formalisation of cooperation between regulatory bodies in the field of audiovisual media services to share common good practice and setting quality standards. Moreover, the majority of respondents to the public consultation on the independence of audiovisual regulatory bodies believed that cooperation between regulatory bodies is crucial in the convergent environment. They also supported the legally mandated gathering of these authorities at European level. The European Council November 2013 also invited Member States to ensure the independence of their audiovisual regulatory bodies and Commission to strengthen cooperation between regulatory authorities in the field of audiovisual media services.
The Group is due to meet for the first time on 4th March, and during the meeting the chair of the group for the first 12 months will be chosen among the members.
