91997E3899

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3899/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (11 December 1997)

Subject: Rai International and protection of information

In order to ensure that news and programmes reach the Italian community living overseas, Italian television has for some time been operating an Italian-language service which broadcasts programme schedules originally produced in the studios in Rome.

However, the essential requirements of balance and pluralism which should be the hallmark of public service broadcasting are not met in these programme and, as they are broadcast overseas, they escape the control of the parliamentary watchdog committee.

Will the Commission intervene with a directive laying down standards of objectivity, balance, independence and pluralism for public service broadcasters?

Will the Commission also put forward a directive to protect Community viewers from the distortions of biased information and guarantee them independent, pluralist news coverage?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (3 February 1998)

Community law makes no provision for 'internal pluralism' in television services, as this is, theoretically, a matter for the Member States.

The Protocol on the system of public broadcasting annexed to the Treaty of Amsterdam confirms the competence of the Member States to confer, define and organise the public service remit for broadcasting, such as that entrusted to Radio Televisione Italiana (RAI).

In the absence of any appropriate legal basis in the EC Treaty, and without prejudice to its position as regards the need for measures such as those mentioned by the Honourable Member, the Commission is not at this stage planning to propose that Parliament and the Council adopt any legislative acts on this matter.