Media Guides

Orphan works by EUbusiness — last modified 04 October 2012, 20:06 CET

Orphan Works are works which are protected by copyright but whose creators cannot be identified or found. The new Directive on Orphan Works will provide Europe's libraries, archives, film heritage institutions, public broadcasters and other organisations acting in the public interest with the appropriate legal framework to provide on-line cross-border access to orphan works contained in their collections. The Directive is a central element of the Commission's strategy to create an enabling framework for the use of intellectual property announced in its intellectual property strategy adopted in May 2011.

Proposed Directive on collective management of copyright and related rights and multi-territorial licensing - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 12 July 2012, 12:40 CET

The European Commission has proposed measures to modernise collecting societies and put in place incentives to promote their transparency and efficiency. New digital technologies are opening up great opportunities for creators, consumers and businesses alike.

First report on the application of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 07 May 2012, 17:14 CET

The European Commission has presented a report on the application of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD). The AVMSD enables the free circulation of audiovisual content and meets important public policy objectives such as banning incitement to hatred, protecting minors from harmful content and promoting European audiovisual works. The key issues covered in the report are advertising practices and the need for further guidance on Connected TV (which is internet-enabled TV). As a result, the Commission will: Launch a public consultation on Connected TV (second half 2012), Update its guidance on televised advertising in 2013.

Amendments to Directive 2006/116/EC on the term of protection of copyright and certain related rights - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 12 September 2011, 23:21 CET

EU Member States have adopted amendments to Directive 2006/116/EC on the term of protection of copyright and certain related rights, which extend copyright for performers from 50 to 70 years.

Radio frequencies for new and faster wireless services in the EU by EUbusiness — last modified 23 September 2010, 00:11 CET

A five year policy programme for planning and harmonising the use of the EU’s radio spectrum has been proposed by the European Commission. The proposal, which will be sent to the European Parliament and EU Council of Ministers for adoption, includes steps to promote efficient spectrum management, and in particular, to ensure that sufficient spectrum is made available for wireless broadband. This will significantly contribute to bringing fast broadband connections to people in remote areas, where it is not economically viable to install cable networks, and to making innovative services available across Europe. Wireless broadband is essential to deliver the target of broadband for all by 2013, one of the key goals of the Digital Agenda for Europe. More efficient and competitive use of spectrum in the EU would also promote the development of innovative technologies and services, to the benefit of consumers and of Europe's overall competitiveness. The proposal forms part of a package of broadband measures presented by the Commission on 20 September.

Protection of video game users by Ina Dimireva — last modified 12 January 2010, 19:40 CET

Strong growth in the European video game market and the development of new media has increased the risk that consumers will be exposed to illegal or harmful content. The video game industry has introduced a self-regulatory video game rating system aimed particularly at the protection of minors.

Data protection in the electronic communications sector by Ina Dimireva — last modified 07 January 2010, 17:02 CET

New technologies, and in particular the Internet and electronic messaging services, call for specific requirements to ensure that users have a right to privacy. This EU Directive contains provisions that are crucial to ensuring that users can trust the services and technologies they use for communicating electronically. The main provisions apply to spam, ensuring the user's prior consent ("opt-in"), and the installation of cookies.

Selection and authorisation of systems providing mobile satellite services by Ina Dimireva — last modified 07 January 2010, 17:02 CET

Mobile satellite services (MSS) present enormous potential at the EU level. Their deployment contributes to reducing the geographical digital divide by enabling citizens to benefit from innovations in telecommunications and broadcasting (high-speed internet, mobile television, emergency communications, etc.). This Decision aims to develop a pan-European market for mobile satellite services by introducing a unique selection procedure of economic operators at the Community level.

Legal framework for mobile TV by Ina Dimireva — last modified 16 December 2009, 00:10 CET

This communication presents examples of EU Member States’ regulatory best practice for mobile TV networks and services. It covers the authorisation models for such networks and services, as well as particular issues related to the different levels of the regulatory regime.

Towards a Single Market in Creative Content Online by Ina Dimireva — last modified 03 December 2009, 16:19 CET

Online content knows no bounds and is on the increase. Reaching almost 500 million consumers, content services could significantly enhance the competitiveness of the European music, film and games industry by 2010. This is why the European Commission is encouraging the development of a stronger and more consumer-friendly internal market for online creative content within the European Union.

EU Digital Dividend proposals - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 28 October 2009, 19:24 CET

As digital TV replaces analogue TV, four-fifths of the airwaves that used to carry TV broadcasts to our homes will be freed up. This means that they can be used for new, innovative services that use radio spectrum, from wireless internet and more advanced mobile phones to new interactive and high-definition TV channels. Remote regions could be big winners from this as wireless broadband could use the new spectrum to deliver high-speed internet to areas not yet reached by landlines. The European Commission today set out plans for a coordinated distribution of spectrum that encourages investment and competition in these potential new services. If the allocation of the newly freed airwaves – the "digital dividend" – to new services is coordinated across Europe it could give the economy a boost of €20 to €50 billion. The plan for the realisation of the digital dividend's full potential involves the European Parliament and EU countries, reflecting the major part they have to play.

Policy Coherence for Development by Ina Dimireva — last modified 02 October 2009, 22:28 CET

When exploring ways to accelerate progress towards achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDG), the European Union (EU) considers how non-aid policies can assist developing countries in attaining the MDGs. The EU activity in this field is not only a key political commitment in the context of the MDGs, but also has a firm legal basis in the Treaty establishing the European Community (Article 178).

Single European Information Space by Ina Dimireva — last modified 14 September 2009, 23:56 CET

The first objective of i2010 is to establish a Single European Information Space offering affordable and secure high-bandwidth communications, rich and diverse content and digital services. Action in this area combines regulatory and other instruments at the European Commission’s disposal to create a modern, market-oriented regulatory framework for the digital economy.

EU Information Society and Media Contacts by Ina Dimireva — last modified 05 August 2009, 22:39 CET

 

Funding opportunities in the field of Media Policy: the MEDIA Programme by Ina Dimireva — last modified 09 July 2009, 16:22 CET

MEDIA is the EU support programme for the European audiovisual industry. MEDIA co-finances training initiatives for audiovisual industry professionals, the development of production projects (feature films, television drama, documentaries, animation and new media), as well as the promotion of European audiovisual works.

Information Society and Media Directorate General: contacts by Ina Dimireva — last modified 05 August 2009, 18:10 CET

 

Laws on the distribution of content online by Ina Dimireva — last modified 09 July 2009, 10:29 CET

In 2008, the European Commission adopted a policy paper on creative content online - building on a 2006 consultation process and launching further measures to support the cross-border delivery of online content.

Key directives: Television without Frontiers by Ina Dimireva — last modified 09 July 2009, 16:13 CET

The Television without Frontiers Directive (TVWF) aims to create the conditions necessary for the free movement of television broadcasts within the European Union (including most forms of transmission to the public of television programmes). It achieves this by preventing EU Member States from restricting reception and redistribution of broadcasts from other EU countries.

Key Audiovisual and Media Policies of the European Union: i2010 by Ina Dimireva — last modified 09 July 2009, 16:08 CET

i2010 is the EU policy framework for the information society and media. It promotes the positive contribution that information and communication technologies (ICT) can make to the economy, society and personal quality of life.

Key Audiovisual and Media Policies of the European Union: eCommunications by Ina Dimireva — last modified 09 July 2009, 16:24 CET

To improve innovation and increase efficiency in the telecommunications sector, the European Union promotes increased competition through a series of regulatory rules.