European Platform of Regulatory Authorities: 19th Meeting in Stockholm

IRIS 2004-7:1/1

Susanne Nikoltchev

European Audiovisual Observatory

The 19 meeting of the European Platform of Regulatory Authorities (EPRA) took place on 3 and 4 June 2004, organised jointly by the Swedish Broadcasting Commission and the Swedish Radio and TV Authority.

One theme discussed at the meeting was the dividing line between the need to protect privacy and the right to information deemed to be in the public interest, including the difficulties associated with the protection of privacy in the context of information published on the Internet. A number of points were raised, including the question of who is responsible for privacy protection and in respect of which media (press, television, Internet). Responsibility lies either with self-regulating bodies, such as the press council, or state regulatory authorities. In some cases, there are separate bodies for different media.

The EPRA pilot group on "Digital Terrestrial Television" presented its report on the state of DTT development across Europe. The group was directed by the Italian regulatory authority, the Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni (AGCOM). Using data supplied by 29 EPRA members, it focused its study on (1) digital transmission capacities already allocated in the different countries, (2) financial resources, (3) the leading role of broadcasters, and (4) restrictions and obligations connected with the introduction of DTT. The study led to the following conclusions:

- The existence of digital television has a positive impact on the introduction of DTT.

- In most countries, public service broadcasters have a key role to play in the development of DTT.

- Transition solutions tend to be "free-to-view" or subject to a basic charge.

- The most effective way of promoting DTT is to set a date when analogue television will be switched off.

- National regulatory authorities play an important role in the switch to DTT.

- Countries that have involved their public service broadcasters in the process have had positive results. The same goes for countries where broadcasters have shown a willingness to shoulder the responsibilities involved.

- Terrestrial broadcasters are becoming network operators and as such are subject to EU Communications Law.

- Converged regulators cope better with the switch to DTT than the more traditional regulatory authorities.

Two other working groups discussed aspects relating to the protection of young people in connection with the rating of TV content and ­ for the first time ever ­ regulation in the radio sphere. In particular, the second working group looked at the preservation of local radio programmes and the crossover to digital radio.