Advanced Television

EU sets 30% content quota for European SVoD

May 24, 2017

The European Council has signed off the proposal for a revised directive on audiovisual media services (AVMS). At the heart is a 30 per cent content quota for European SVoD services. The Council says aim of the proposal is to respond to the unprecedented technological and market changes of digital shift and to boost the competitiveness of Europe’s audiovisual industry, while preserving fundamental values such as the protection of minors, media pluralism, cultural diversity and consumer protection.

The Commission proposal further aligns rules for TV broadcasting and on-demand services and extends the scope of the directive to video-sharing platforms. They will have to comply with rules on the protection of minors and the protection of all citizens against hate speech and violence.

The proposal simplifies the rules governing the “country of origin principle” (whereby service providers are subject only to the rules applicable in the country were they have their headquarters). It also establishes stricter obligations for the promotion of European works for on-demand services.

Following work at Council during the Slovak and Maltese Presidency, a compromise text proposed by the Maltese Presidency was agreed by the Council, on the basis of the following elements:

  • the scope of the directive has been extended to include “social media” services, where the provision of audiovisual content forms an essential part of such services;
  • jurisdiction rules are streamlined and cooperation procedures have been strengthened to deal with problems relating to cross-border services, for instance those arising from providers established in one country but targeting an audience in another.Furthermore, a 2 months deadline has to be respected by national regulators if they receive a request from another Member State;
  • the promotion of European works will also apply to on-demand service providers through a requirement for a minimum 30 per cent quota of European works in their catalogues and the possibility for members states to require a financial contribution from media service providers, including those established in another member state, with exemptions for start-ups and small enterprises.

Rules on audiovisual commercial communications will also become more flexible. Provisions on the independence of national regulatory authorities, the transparency of media ownership and the need to develop media literacy are also included.

Minister Bonnici said “We are very proud to have reached an agreement on audio-visual media services. This is a complex directive which touches on very sensitive issues such as the internal market, fundamental rights and freedoms, cultural diversity and the protection of minors.

But the marketplace and technology are developing rapidly. We have to ensure that the relevant rules keep pace with these changes. Today’s agreement in the Council  constitutes a further step forward in the completion of the Digital Single Market, which is vital for Europe’s future prosperity.

The agreement at the Council will pave the way for starting negotiations with the European Parliament, with a view to adopting the directive  as soon as possible.

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