The New Audiovisual Media Services Directive: Television without Frontiers, Television without Cultural Diversity

Abstract

After long deliberations, the European Community (EC) has completed the reform of its audiovisual media regulation. The paper examines the main tenets of this reform with particular focus on its implications for the diversity of cultural expressions in the European media landscape. It also takes into account the changed patterns of consumer and business behaviour due to the advances in digital media and their wider spread in society. The paper criticises the somewhat unimaginative approach of the EC to new media and the political (and at times protectionist) considerations behind some of the Directive's provisions.

Keywords: audiovisual media services, cultural diversity, EC, Television without Frontiers Directive, Audiovisual Media Services Directive, digital media