91997E2670

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2670/97 by Jyrki Otila (PPE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Aid to the audiovisual sector

Since 1996, the EU's cultural policy has been based on four main programmes: Kaleidoscope, Ariane, Raphael and Media II. Media II is intended to promote the development of European audiovisual works and their dissemination inside and outside the European Union.

Why are radio programmes excluded from Media II? What will the Commission do to arrange for their inclusion in Media II in accordance with the above heading?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (7 October 1997)

The Council Decisions establishing the MEDIA II Programme (95/563/EEC) and 95/564/EEC) ((OJ L 321, 30.12.1995. )) clearly limit its scope to supporting European audio-visual works, that is programmes and films which make use of both sight and sound. This definition clearly excludes purely audio programmes.

As far as radio programmes are concerned, the Commission issues yearly calls for proposals aimed at supporting new radio initiatives on the basis of the budget line earmarked for this purpose by the Parliament. The latest call for proposals was published on 26 June 1997 with a closing date of 31 August 1997 ((OJ C 196, 26.6.1997. )).