POLICIES :: eCommunications :: Broadcasting

Broadcasting

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The EU’s regulatory environment has been designed to be conducive to innovation, investment and competition, in order to ensure a choice of high-quality broadcast services for consumers.

The Framework Directive and the Authorisation Directive set out the regime for the use of radio frequencies for electronic communications networks and services, including for broadcast purposes.

The Authorisation Directive, in particular, aims to create a single European market for electronic communications by harmonising the rules for authorising the provision of services and networks. Services and networks used for the transmission of radio and television broadcast content, such as satellite broadcasting networks, terrestrial broadcasting networks or cable television networks, are subject to a general authorisation regime which aims to facilitate market access and strengthen competition. As a rule, the Directive stipulates that the allocation and assignment of radio frequencies must be based on objective, transparent, non-discriminatory and proportionate criteria.

Television and radio

The EU policy on television simultaneously pursues the objective of creating a single market in broadcasting while also fostering cultural pluralism and protecting existing national broadcasting markets and institutions. The Audiovisual and Media Service Directive set out minimum standards that, if met by any television programme, would allow it to be freely broadcast within the EU without restriction. The revised regulatory framework covers all audiovisual services, including online ones, recognising the variety of delivery routes for the content traditionally viewed only on televisions.

The rollout of digital television across Europe further expands consumer choice, giving people access to more programmes of higher picture and sound quality as well as the possibility to benefit from interactive services. The Commission is also promoting the rollout of digital radio services through encouraging the use of standards and a favourable regulatory regime.

The Commission is encouraging countries to complete the switchover to digital broadcasting by 2012. This, in turn, will free up premium radio spectrum currently occupied by analogue services for new and innovative communication and broadcast services: the so-called ‘digital dividend’.