Funding of broadcast services and programme production under the action plan for the introduction of advanced TV services in Europe
An Official Journal announcement of interest to broadcasters and audiovisual programme producers concerns the Council Decision of 22.7.1993 establishing the action plan for the introduction of advanced television services in Europe. The announcement contains two separate but related calls for proposals conforming to the criteria set out in the Decision, and gives guidance on how to respond. The two kinds of proposals sought are: - For Community support of one or more wide-screen broadcasting services; - For Community support of wide-screen programme production and conversion. Though the action plan covers both broadcasting services and programme production and conversion, the two types of proposal are to be assessed separately under different provisions of the action plan. Hence, broadcasters wishing to apply for Community support of broadcast services and for support of programme production and conversion must make separate proposals in respect of both calls. - Part 1. Broadcast service funding: Community resources available for this first call for broadcast services will permit the funding of around 10,000 hours of services, to be transmitted over the four-year life of the plan until 30.6.1997. The Commission will fund a maximum of 50% of the hourly broadcasting costs (these are tabulated in the call: 50 first hours, ECU 6,000 flat rate per hour; from the first 50 hours, ECU 2,500 flat rate per hour). The Commission service responsible for the management of the broadcast services is Directorate-General XIII, Telecommunications. Information Markets and Exploitation of Research. Officials from DG XIII/A-4 will hold an open day in Brussels on the morning of 13.9.1993 to answer queries on broadcasting matters only. The eligibility criteria for broadcasting service funding, plus details of the selection procedure and timetable together with points on the elements required in each proposal are set out in the call. - Part 2. Programme production and conversion, call for proposals: The Commission service responsible for the management of the programme production and conversion call is Directorate-General X, Audiovisual, Information, Communication, Culture. Officials from DG X/A-1 will hold an open day in Brussels during the afternoon of 13.9.1993 to answer queries relating to the call for programme production and conversion only. This is open to independent programme producers and broadcasters in their capacity as producers. In order to hold a meeting of manageable size, the former are urged to submit queries through their associations who will attend on their behalf and disseminate the results of the meeting. The call sets out the general principles that apply to the funding of programme production and conversion (funding on a programme-by-programme basis, funding towards production costs to consist of hourly flat rate payments varying according to programme type as tabulated in the call) plus eligibility criteria, notes on contracts and the payment of financial support. Part 1: Officials from DG XIII/A-4 will hold an open day in Brussels, 09.00/13.00 on 13.9.1993 Albert Borschette Centre, 36 rue Froissart, B-1040 Brussels. Broadcasters wishing to participate in the open day should fax the names of their representatives to: Commission of the European Communities DG XIII/A-4 Attn. Mr. E. Lalor, Head of Division Fax +32-2-2969009 Broadcasting proposals should be submitted by 1 October 1993 to: Commission of the European Communities DG XIII/A Attn. Mr. P. Picard (BU 9 06/204) 200 rue de la Loi B-1049 Brussels Part 2: Officials from DG X/A-1 will hold an open day in Brussels, 04.00/18.00 on 13.9.1993 Albert Borschette Centre, 36 rue Froissart, B-1040 Brussels. Programme producers and others wishing to be represented directly should fax the names of their representatives to: Commission of the European Communities DG X/A-1 Attn. Mr. G. Paulger, Head of Unit Fax +32-2-2999201 Programme production and conversion proposals should be submitted by 15 October 1993. Applications postmarked later than this date may be taken into account for the next call. Proposals must be addressed to: Commission of the European Communities DG X Attn. Ms. D. Gauggel-Robinson (T 120 3/23) 200 rue de la Loi B-1049 Brussels