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The European Commission has formally closed procedures under EC Treaty State aid rules (article 88) probing into the financing mechanisms of public service broadcasters in three Member States. Italy, France and Spain have been the object of the Commission's scrutiny since the end of 2003. Its main concern was to ensure that no market distortion could arise from state aid granted to national broadcasters entrusted with the fulfilment of a public service mission. In its 2001 Communication on applying state aid rules to public service broadcasting, the Commission has clarified both what is to be defined...

During the last general elections (March 2004), the quality of Spanish TV programmes was hotly debated. Many argued that there are too many gossip programmes, full of artificial debates and shouting. This kind of programming, which is known as telebasura (telerubbish), is also shown at times in which many children may see such broadcasts. The Spanish Government has decided to try to tackle this problem. One of the measures adopted has been to set-up, together with the main national TV broadcasters, a co-regulatory code on the protection of minors. On 9 December 2004, this code was signed by the...

In Spain, local terrestrial TV has been regulated since 1995, by means of Act 41/1995. However, this Act has had almost no effect, because it lacked the necessary implementation measures. Many broadcasters took advantage of this situation to enter the market without the required license. In March 2004, the Government put an end to this legal vacuum by approving Decree 439/2004, on the National Technical Plan for local terrestrial TV (see IRIS 2004-7: 8). In accordance with an amendment of Act 41/1995 introduced by Parliament in 2003, local terrestrial TV shall be broadcast using digital technology....

On 26 October 1990 a Co-Production Agreement was signed between Spain and the Soviet Union. It entered into force on 8 October 1991. After the dissolution of the USSR, it keeps on being maintained in force between Spain and the Russian Federation. The Agreement applies to all cinematographic works (feature, animation, documentary) irrespective of their length or medium. The film makers must be Spaniards or Russians or resident in the respective country. Multilateral co-productions are possible with producers from third countries being linked to Spain or Russia by a co-production agreement. Financial...

On 8 February 1989 a Co-Production Agreement was signed between Spain and Portugal. It entered into force on 1 August 1990. The Agreement applies to feature films, animated films and documentaries irrespective of their length or medium. Those involved in the making of the film must be Spanish or Portuguese nationals or must be residents in the respective countries. Producers from third countries may join the co-production, if their country is linked to Spain or Portugal by a films co-production agreement. Financial participation shall be at least 20% of the total cost of the film, even in the case...