Draft EU Media Rules To Regulate Content Draws Flak

The new European Union media law has come under fire. British communications regulator Ofcom argues that the high-handed regulation by Brussels would stunt the growth of advanced audio visual services on devices like mobile phones or the internet.
What has drawn the flak is the amendment to the 1989 Television without Frontiers (TWF) Directive, which has expanded the scope to cover almost any form of audiovisual information – delivered via TV, mobile phone or the internet. Ofcom thinks it’s simply a step too far. Says Tim Suter, partner for content and standards at Ofcom, “We are far from convinced that applying broadcast regulations to other platforms is the best way to proceed…The problem is that the commission is trying to use one set of rules to regulate different things.”
Ofcom, on the other hand, prefers British-style self-regulation across Europe for the content on mobile and the internet. Because such content is non-linear, i.e. ordered by consumers when, where and how they want it. While the other is linear such as traditional TV broadcasting, where specific programmes are scheduled at specific times. [Via EUPolitix]
TMCnet adds an alliance of British-based companies — including ITV, Yahoo, Vodafone Group, Intel, and Cisco Systems — said the EU proposal to impose rules for traditional broadcasters on new media providers could have “unintended consequences” and hurt investment. “Citizen media such as blogs, video-casts and the like are one of the most exciting developments enabled by new technology. This phenomenon has the potential to create new businesses…but this proposed regulation severely risks stunting its growth,” the joint statement from these companies said.

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