EC Green Paper on audiovisual convergence facilitates eential debate

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has welcomed the publication of the much-anticipated European Commission Green Paper on the regulatory implications of the on-going convergence of the audiovisual media landscape.

Preparing for a Fully Converged Audiovisual World: Growth, Creation and Values," invites stakeholders and the wider public to share their views between now and the end of August 2013, on issues ranging from competition among audiovisual media service providers, to the development of new business models, interoperability of devices, and the protection of minors.

The paper, which was presented in Brussels by Commission Vice-president Neelie Kroes, anticipates that connected television devices could be in the majority of EU households by 2016 and that global internet video users may almost double to 1.5 billion.

EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre said the advent of connected TV and second-screen applications offers great opportunities for European broadcasters and content providers.

Empowering audiences to fully harness technical progress and convergence in the media sector is of fundamental importance for public service media (PSM), said Ms Deltenre.

People must be able to find and enjoy high quality content, whether online or broadcast, via a connected TV device or second screen. We see audiovisual media convergence as an additional means of strengthening the bond between PSM and audiences.

The EBU response will build on the EBU Principles on Internet Connected and Hybrid Television in Europe adopted in April 2011 following discussions with broadcasters worldwide.

Ms Deltenre said audiences are entitled to have met their expectations to access diverse, quality content,

"Consumers are entitled to expect diverse, quality content across all audiovisual mediums; access to a safe viewing environment, particularly for younger audiences," she said.

While the European Commission is still expected to publish the results of a previous consultation on the online distribution of audiovisual works, the present Green paper will open a new public consultation running until the end of August 2013.

Useful links:

Frequently Asked Questions

Connected TV

To participate in public consultation on the Green Paper.

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LINK:	http://www3.ebu.ch/cms/en/sites/ebu/contents/news/2013/04/ec-green-pap...
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