When the European Commission embarked on the current review , vice president Andrus Ansip pledged to enable audiovisual companies , “ to be the powerhouses in the digital economy , not weigh them down with unnecessary rules ”. But instead of deregulation , the broadcasters ’ grouping contends that the current proposals will increase restrictions - jeopardising investment in European content , increasing unfair competition with online players , and undermining the freedom to broadcast .

European broadcasters say they are already responsible for the majority of commercial investment in European content , pay significant taxes and provide highly regulated services that are subject to robust audience protections , particularly for minors . The review of the AVMS Directive is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to promote media plurality and diversity in the broadcasting sector ; to

“ We urge politicians and policy makers to ensure our sector ’ s competitive strength in the long term .” help European broadcasters compete with less regulated global online players and to innovate in response to changing audience demands , and to maximise their investment in European content and the creation of

European jobs . However , it is instead set to represent a step backwards .

Specifically , they suggest the proposed amendments would :

• Limit broadcasters ’ freedom to provide channels to EU audiences by undermining common rules that apply irrespective of where a channel is based and creating unnecessary uncertainty in establishment criteria . This risks damaging choice and plurality especially in smaller markets and all but destroying the Country of Origin principle on a practical level ( Articles 2 , 3 , 4 , 9 ).

• Restrict the main revenue source for broadcasting companies by introducing new advertising constraints while maintaining outdated legacy provisions . This will limit broadcasters ’ ability to react to consumer demand for highquality content and effectively compete with less regulated global online players ( Articles 9 , 10 , 11 , 19 , 20 , 23 ).

• Introduce strict financial requirements such as levies on broadcasters ’ linear and nonlinear services . This will apply to broadcasters who are already among the biggest investors in European content , and prevent channels from taking an innovative approach to funding content in response to changing audience demand ( Article 13 ). “ Europe ’ s broadcasting sector has been a success story over the tenyear lifetime of the current AVMS Directive , steadily increasing investment in European content , jobs and the number of channels that EU citizens can choose from ,” they declare . “ As European broadcasting associations with members across the EU , we urge politicians and policy makers to ensure our sector ’ s competitive strength in the long term by delivering on the original stated aim of this review ‘ to create a fairer environment for all players ’,” they conclude .

The grouping comprises the Association of Commercial Television in Europe ( ACT ); the Commercial Broadcasters Association ( COBA ); Confindustria Radio Televisioni ( CRTV ); the European association of Television and Radio Sales houses ( egta ) and VPRT .