91996E2928

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2928/96 by Yves Verwaerde (PPE) to the Commission (25 October 1996)

Subject: Action plan 16/9 by channel and category of programme

Bearing in mind that action plan 16/9 had to be drawn up by the Commission, I would like the Commission to provide me with an assessment of the implementation of plan 16/9 by channel and category of programme.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (20 November 1996)

The main barrier to the introduction of wide-screen television is the structural separation between the consumer electronics and television broadcasting sectors. According to a logic which evokes the vicious circle as to which came first: the chicken or the egg?, broadcasters refused to broadcast in line with the 'large-screen standards until receivers were sold in large numbers, whereas the manufacturers of receiving equipment refused to commit themselves to the mass production of receivers before broadcasting began. The first task of the action plan was to break this vicious circle by offering programme broadcasters and producers a financial contribution covering their extra costs. The number of hours that the channels had undertaken to broadcast on the basis of the 'large-screen' standards is 56 648 and the production of programmes (films, etc.) involves almost 20 000 hours. The details of broadcasting by channel and programme can be found in a document sent directly to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat-General of Parliament.

Overall the action plan may be considered a success. Indeed, the vast majority of the operators in this area now feel that large-screen television is the format of the future. All of the major players in the television industry have invested considerable sums in order to adapt their production and broadcasting studios, while new television production lines have been set up. A large proportion of the new televisions placed on the market are of the wide-screen type and sales of large-screen television sets are growing by between 50 and 60% per year. Whether producers, broadcasters or television manufacturers, those involved have joined in agreement that this success is largely due to the financial support and confidence arising from the Commission's commitment.

Despite these good results and some progress made the situation is still fragile. It is forecast that large-screen television will be represented in 1% of households at the end of the action plan. This is below the critical mass needed to ensure growth.