92002E0647

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0647/02

by Christopher Heaton-Harris (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(11 March 2002)

Subject: Television Without Frontiers

Could the Commission please indicate whether or not it is likely that it will issue a new Television Without Frontiers Directive within the life of this Commission?

What is the expected schedule for the Directive?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(26 April 2002)

The Honourable Member has raised the issue of the review of the Television Without Frontiers Directive (Council Directive 89/552/EEC of 3 October 1989 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by Law, Regulation or Administrative Action in Member States concerning the pursuit of television broadcasting activities(1) as amended by Directive 97/36/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 1997(2)). In particular, the Honourable Member would like to know if it is likely that the Commission will issue a new Directive within the life of this Commission and the expected schedule for such a proposal.

Pursuant to article 26 of the Television Without Frontiers Directive, not later than 31 December 2000, and every two years thereafter, the Commission must submit to the Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee a report on the application of this Directive as amended and, if necessary, make further proposals to adapt it to developments in the field of television broadcasting, in particular in the light of recent technological developments.

In order to prepare the 2002 report (and, if necessary, to make further proposals to adapt the Directive), the Commission has launched a comprehensive review of the Television Without Frontiers Directive. The Commission has commissioned three major independent studies in the field covered by the Directive (recent technological and market developments in the sector, new advertising techniques, impact of measures to promote the distribution and the production of European works). These studies, and further consultations, will constitute an important input to the review.

At this point in time, the Commission cannot prejudice the results of the review. The Commission will publish in due time i.e. by the end of 2002 the report on the implementation of the Directive.

(1) OJ L 298, 17.10.1989.

(2) OJ L 202, 30.7.1997.