TELEVISION WITHOUT FRONTIERS: COMMISSION STRIVES TO KEEP ALL PARTIES SWEET.

Following years of reflection, the European Commission has finally unveiled its proposed changes to the "Television without Frontiers" (TWF) directive, last amended in 1997. The existing text has been "overtaken by technological developments and the evolution of the market", according to Viviane Reding, the Commissioner responsible for the sector.

One of the big questions in the context of this review has been whether the Commission would demand a contribution from all service providers participating in the dissemination of audiovisual works (including telecoms operators), given that the current TWF directive only imposes obligations (in the form of broadcast quotas for European works and investment in independent production) on television channels.

The solution finally reached appears to have the blessing of "European content producers" if their reactions are anything to go by. Whilst the proposal does not impose any European content obligations on new online service providers, it does require member states to take steps to this end (they are free to decide what measures are most appropriate) and to report back to the...