Netherlands

[NL] List of Important Events Proposed

IRIS 2000-5:1/13

Wilfred Steenbruggen

Institute for Information Law (IViR), University of Amsterdam

On 17 March 2000, the Dutch State Secretary for Education, Culture and Science brought before the Dutch Parliament a list of events that are of major importance for Dutch society. These events should remain available to the general public on an open television network. The legal basis for the list is found in Article 72 of the Bill to transpose the "Television Without Frontiers" Directive (89/552/EEC, amended by 97/36/EC). Article 72 transposes Article 3a of the Directive. In accordance with European regulations, Article 72 guarantees viewers access to live coverage of the events described in Article 3a of the Directive at a cost no higher than the basic licence fee or connection to the cable television network.

An event can only be included on the list if at least two of the criteria set out in Article 72 are fulfilled. These are as follows: 1. The event is important for Dutch society. 2. It has a particular cultural significance. 3. It has previously been shown on an open television network and attracted high viewing figures. 4. It is a major international sports event in which the national team is taking part.

The events listed are split into three groups. Category A events must be broadcast live and in full on free television. They include the football World Cup and European Championships, international football matches involving the Dutch national team, the World and European ice-skating championships and the Christmas concert of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

Category B events must be broadcast live, but only in part. Examples include the Olympic Games, the Tour de France and Touring Trophy (TT) Assen.

The third category includes the Paralympics, World and European Athletics Championships, the Wimbledon and French Open tennis tournaments and the Pinkpop music festival. Highlights of these events can be broadcast later in the day.

The definitive list of events is to be incorporated in the Mediabesluit (Media Ruling), the decree issued by the Minister for Education, Culture and Science in implementation of the Mediawet (Media Act). The Media Ruling was last amended on 20 February 1999.