PACE points out that media regulation must respect freedom of expression and information
Dr. Wolfgang Wodarg spoke today for the Socialist Group during a debate on the regulation of audiovisual media services, based on a report by Andrew McIntosh (United Kingdom, SOC). PACE reiterated that "all media regulation in Europe must respect the right to freedom of expression and information … regardless of frontiers”.
from left: Miklos Haraszti, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dr. Wolfgang Wodarg and Lord Andrew McIntosh
Technological change in the audiovisual media has made it necessary to revise the European Convention on Transfrontier Television (ECTT), whose aim is to ensure freedom of transmission and retransmission of broadcasting in Europe regardless of frontiers.
PACE proposed that the current revision of the ECTT should respect this freedom, define the "public service mission” of audiovisual media services and re-examine the role of the Standing Committee with regard to its supervisory function over compliance with convention obligations and arbitration.
PACE also proposed that measures should be taken to address the allocation of radio-frequency spectrum following the analogue switch-off of broadcasting in many countries as well as the independence of national regulators for the audiovisual media sector.
