The EBU sums up the key issues for European public service media in a policy factsheet as the review of the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive enters a crucial stage.

Media convergence is reshaping the European audiovisual landscape, with a wealth of new devices and online services offering more opportunities and choice for audiences. However this also means that existing EU rules need to be adapted to a rapidly-evolving market and value chain.

EBU Head of European Affairs Nicola Frank said: “Basic principles and values of European audiovisual media regulation like the protection of minors, access to information, pluralism and diversity need to remain applicable and attainable, today and in the future. This is why the EU rules which underpin these values need to be adjusted to better reflect the reality of the market today and address the increasingly important role of audiovisual platforms.”

She added: “It is crucial that free-to-air content of public value remains easily accessed by audiences in the digital single market and continues playing a central role in stimulating the European creative economy, informed citizenship and cultural diversity.”

The EBU addresses several other key issues such as the country-of-origin principle, the integrity of programs and services, advertising rules, and the need to guarantee European viewers’ free-to-air access to events of major importance like the Olympic Games.

The European Commission is expected to propose a review of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive in June this year. The EBU provided detailed input for this review in September 2015 in its response to the public consultation launched by the European Commission.