91997E3573

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3573/97 by Giancarlo Ligabue (UPE) to the Commission (4 November 1997)

Subject: DG X radio broadcasting policy

Radio is developing technologically, moving on from the analogue to the digital (DAB, Digital Audio Broadcasting) system. DAB enables radio to enter the multimedia sphere, providing information, services and data in addition to the traditional music and entertainment programmes. DAB radio, which has now come to the end of the experimental phase, will be broadcast by land using frequency bands different from the conventional FM and AM, and in the near future there will be the possibility of direct satellite reception even for portable or car radios. These technologies require major investment for the broadcasting and production of programmes and a considerable economic effort by broadcasters who, for a fairly long time, perhaps more than ten years, will have to maintain two networks in operation: the present FM and the new DAB without any hope of new advertising revenue. These difficulties will in all probability be felt most acutely by small local broadcasters whose survival will be seriously jeopardized.

1. Why is radio constantly ignored by DG X despite the entreaties of European radio broadcasters and their organizations?

2. Why does DG X define the audiovisual sector in official documents as consisting of television and cinema, for instance in the document 'Politique audiovisuelle: bilan et perspectives' of 30 July 1997.

3. Why is no mention whatsoever made of radio in the section of the document dealing with development of the audiovisual sector and its priorities?

4. Are experts or representatives of radio to be included in the 'high level group' announced in the document?

5. Why has DG X never put forward a proposal for a project or plan of action for radio as it has done (Media II - Plan of action for 16:9 TV) for television, cinema, books and other media?

6. Why, despite the fact that projects have been proposed by groups of small private radio broadcasters has the only fund for multilingual innovation in the radio and television sector been allocated to projects supported by public radio and television services and their consortia which already have considerable public funding?

7. How does the Commission, and in particular DG X, intend to act to remedy the unfavourable climate prevailing on the radio market due to the effect of action to promote other media, some, like television, in direct competition, which has seriously distorted competition both on the single market and on individual national markets?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (28 November 1997)

In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.