Support for MEDIA audiovisual programme The Commission of the European Communities recently adopted a proposal for a Council Decision aimed at reinforcing MEDIA, the Community programme of support for the European audiovisual sector (1991-1995), to guarantee its continued sucessful operation up to the end of 1995. T... The Commission of the European Communities recently adopted a proposal for a Council Decision aimed at reinforcing MEDIA, the Community programme of support for the European audiovisual sector (1991-1995), to guarantee its continued sucessful operation up to the end of 1995. The proposal (COM(93) 462 of 29.10.1993) follows a favourable evaluation of the first two years of MEDIA activities. The MEDIA programme had an initial indicative budget for the five-year period of ECU 200 million. As well as ensuring that work will continue at its present level, the proposal also seeks to provide better coordination within the programme, and to concentrate efforts on three priority areas: - The distribution of European audiovisual programmes in all forms; - The development of market-oriented production projects; - The training of audiovisual professionals. Undertaken by the Commission and carried out in consultation with an expert group, the evaluation found that MEDIA was successful in meeting the needs of the audiovisual sector, with the majority of actions assessed as being "good" or "excellent". It was also recommended that the programme should be continued beyond 1995. On this basis, it is likely that the Commission will put forward a proposal, during 1994, for the extension of the programme. This will be preceeded by a Green Paper on Community audiovisual policy, and by extensive consultation with all interested parties in the audiovisual sector and in related activities.
