MEDIA-Training (2001-2006): training programme for professionals in the European audiovisual programme industry

The aim of the MEDIA programme is to support the European Union's audiovisual industry in order to lend momentum to the production and dissemination of European audiovisual works. MEDIA Plus (1 January 2001 - 31 December 2005) follows on from the programmes MEDIA (1991-1995) and MEDIA II (1996-2000).

The MEDIA programme consists of two strands: the first relates to the development, distribution and promotion of audiovisual works and the second to training.

The MEDIA-Training strand, which is presented below, aims to promote the establishment of pan-European training courses which allow professionals in the audiovisual sector to consolidate their skills on the world market.

ACT

Decision 163/2001/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 January 2001 on the implementation of a training programme for professionals in the European audiovisual programme industry (MEDIA-Training) (2001-2005) [See amending acts].

SUMMARY

Budget. The MEDIA Plus Training programme has a budget of EUR 50 million for the period from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2005.

General objectives. The aim of the programme is to improve further vocational training for professionals in the audiovisual sector in order to improve the competitiveness of the European industry in this field. The main objectives are to:

• improve knowledge in the area of new technologies for the production and distribution of audiovisual programmes;
• teach business, management and legal skills;
• promote script-writing and narration techniques.

Online training, innovative teaching methods and cooperation between the various operators in the audiovisual industry are encouraged. Exceptionally, initial training involving the industrial sector will be able to receive support if it does not receive any other Community or national funding.

Participants. The programme is open to operators from the Member States of the European Union and, according to the agreements in force with these countries, the associated countries of central and eastern Europe, Cyprus, Turkey, Malta, the members of the European Free Trade Association and the countries which have signed the European Convention on Transfrontier Television. Third countries from Europe and elsewhere may also apply to take part in the programme.

Funding. Community support does not normally exceed 50% of the total cost of the actions. In some cases, Community support may be up to 60% of eligible expenditure.

By Decision 2004/845/EC, the programme was extended up to 2006. The MEDIA Plus-Training budget thus rose from 50 to 59.4 million euros to allow for the impact of the EU's enlargement.

RELATED ACTS

MEDIA 2007

Proposal of 14 July 2004 for a Decision of the European Parliament and the Council concerning the implementation of a programme of support for the European audiovisual sector (MEDIA 2007) [COM(2004) 470 final - Not published in the Official Journal]. The MEDIA 2007 programme being proposed by the Commission will follow on from the MEDIA Plus and MEDIA-Training programmes of support for the European audiovisual sector. The new programme is conceived as a single programme combining the two existing parts (development, distribution, promotion / training). It will cover the period 2007-2013.

Results and implementation of MEDIA-Training (2001-2005)

Commission report of 24 November 2003 on the implementation and mid-term results of the MEDIA Plus and MEDIA Training programmes (2001-2005) and on the results of the preparatory action "Growth and audiovisual: i2i audiovisual" [COM(2003) 725 final - Not published in the Official Journal]. This report evaluates the first two years of implementation of the MEDIA Plus and MEDIA-Training programmes. According to the report, initial results show that MEDIA-Training has achieved its objectives. The Training part of the MEDIA programme plays a decisive role in securing the future of training courses with a European dimension. Community financial support represents on average 49% of the costs of training and is vital for the viability of the projects supported. The report also points out that the quality of the training courses provided is high and stresses the useful role they play in the networking of professionals in the audiovisual sector.

Last updated: 08.08.2006