Commission adopts strategy for Community's audiovisual policy in the digital age The European Commission has adopted a communication that sets out the principles for Community audiovisual policy in the digital age. This reviews the mechanisms already in place or to be taken within the next five years to ensure that growth potential is maximised in this sec... The European Commission has adopted a communication that sets out the principles for Community audiovisual policy in the digital age. This reviews the mechanisms already in place or to be taken within the next five years to ensure that growth potential is maximised in this sector of rapidly changing technology. The communication outlines several regulatory principles that should apply to audiovisual policy: proportionality, subsidiarity, separate regulation of transmission infrastructure and content, and recognition of the special role of public service broadcasting. The Commission does not want to rewrite the legal framework applying to audiovisual content, but to adapt the instruments already in place, allowing scope for self-regulation. Where possible regulation should first be a matter for Member States. The Commission has adopted a proposal for the Media Plus programme that will provide incentives for introducing new technologies. The 'Television without frontiers' Directive which regulates programme content should have been incorporated into Member States' legislation by 30 December 1998, and the Commission is keen to ensure its adoption by applicant countries in enlargement negotiations. In the near future the Commission is expecting a swift adoption of proposals regarding copyright and related rights in the Information Society and on electronic commerce. In 2000 the Commission will report on a Council recommendation on the protection of minors and human dignity. It also hopes to present a communication on the legal framework for the film industry, and on whether there is a need for guidelines on state aid to TV and cinema production.
