Today the S&D Group voted in favour of the revision of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), a central piece of EU legislation in the field of audiovisual and media policy. S&D Euro MPs managed to get through important compromise amendments after long and difficult negotiations, in spite of strong opposition from ALDE. The report adopted called on the EU to stimulate growth and competitiveness of the audiovisual sector while safeguarding cultural diversity. Euro MPs also voted on the mandate to start informal negotiations with the Council on the Directive.
Petra Kammervert MEP, S&D chair of the committee on culture and education and co-author of the report said:
“We are proud that the legal text adopted preserves media diversity and freedom of expression, protects consumers and guarantees fair competition between media providers in the distribution of audiovisual media content, regardless of the way in which these contents are distributed. This has been our primary objective.
“In addition to this, an important aspect is the promotion of European works. The various national film funds help to stimulate the production of new European works. We therefore want to enable member countries to also commit video-on-demand platforms to making payments to such funds.
“We have also tackled the issue of how to combat hate speech, violence and racism, which are increasingly circulated via audiovisual media. These are all difficult debates but we approached it with respect towards the communicative freedoms by ensuring protection from violent content, also circulated via platforms and social media, from the moment you are made aware of this content.”
Note to editors:
The Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) governs co-ordination of national legislation across the EU. In 2016 the AVMSD was revised by the Commission to ensure that the Directive is in line with the new realities in the field. It introduces a number of new elements such as:
1. The Country of origin principle which establishes country jurisdiction over providers and obligations for MS is maintained but facilitated
2. Commercial Communications which aim at reducing the burden of broadcasters while reinforcing rules seeking to protect the most vulnerable.
3. Production of European works aimed to enhance promotion of European works.
4. Prohibition of hate speech will be aligned to combating all forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia, including incitement to terrorism.
5. Protection of minors will be maintained including the obligation to protect minors against harmful content.
6. The reintroduction of the obligation to develop the accessibility of audiovisual media services, in cooperation with the representatives of persons with disabilities.
7. Platforms. Video-sharing platforms will be utilised as a means to combat hate speech
8. The Audiovisual Regulators. The independence of audiovisual regulators will be enshrined into EU law.
9. The European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services will have a bigger role in shaping and preserving the internal market.
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