Media-training and Media-plus programmes
Two programmes encouraging the growth of the European audiovisual industry were recently debated in the European Parliament, following a report submitted by MEP Ruth Hieronymi. The programmes, Media - Training and Media-Plus, focus on continuous training for professionals in the European audiovisual sector, and encourage the development, distribution and promotion of European audiovisual works respectively. In terms of content, the two programmes constitute a whole, and will run from 2001 to 2005. The Parliament considers that the funding for both programmes should be increased, and the limited resources for training should be concentrated on continuous training. MEPs expressed particular concern over the high costs to small and medium-sized enterprises participating in Media Plus, proposing that payment procedures and administration by the Commission be simplified. Advisors and experts who are involved in implementation of the programmes should be completely independent, according to the EP, and special consideration should be given to the specific needs of the audiovisual sector in countries with a relatively small audiovisual capacity or in geographically and linguistically small regions. In terms of the proposed legal basis for Media Plus, the Parliament would prefer that the codecision procedure would apply. Education and Culture Commissioner Viviane Reding said that the Commission could not accept Parliament's amendments concerning increased funding and broadening the legal basis. However, she accepted most of the other amendments.