Helping to design legal frameworks for the future

Audiovisual communication has traditionally been subject to comprehensive but constantly evolving sets of rules. Recent developments such as digitization, convergence and globalization have accelerated the process of change, sometimes calling into question the very basis of existing legal frameworks. At the same time, regulation has, in many areas, acquired a European or international dimension. 

As a consequence, regulatory affairs activities, which have always been a priority, have been stepped up. The active role played in designing legal frameworks for the electronic media helps to safeguard the freedom of the media, pluralism and cultural diversity, to enhance the benefits that consumers and citizens derive from technological progress, and to ensure access by all to impartial news and information and to a diverse, pluralistic and comprehensive range of content. 

The Legal Department defends broadcasters' interests at the European and international levels. It draws up position papers on topical issues and, particularly, draft legislation, in close coordination with EBU Members (the Legal and Public Affairs Committee).

It also provides expertise on national broadcasting legislation, especially in support of the development of independent public service broadcasting in the new democracies.

Enhancing a common understanding of legal issues

By organizing and carrying out legal cooperation and studies, the Department contributes to a better mutual understanding of legal issues relevant to broadcasters in Europe. To this end, it monitors and analyses developments in media law and related areas and ensures, through its legal network (Legal and Public Affairs Committee), an exchange of views and information throughout Europe. A small selection of legal instruments and publications is available on this website (Reference texts, Publications/speeches).

Legal advice is also given to Members, notably in the fields of broadcasting law, copyright and European law.

Ensuring legal security for the EBU's activities

Finally, an internal legal service is provided for the EBU as a professional organization and for its operational activities, including Eurovision and Euroradio. The Department ensures the protection of the EBU's trademarks and deals with any legal disputes that arise. It also deals with the rules on access by non-EBU Members to sports rights (sports sublicensing rules), with applications for EBU membership (Membership conditions) and with other questions related to the EBU Statutes.

Promoting and defending the interests of EBU Members

The EBU Brussels Office promotes and defends the interests of EBU Members in relations with the European institutions.  

The office gathers and transmits to the EBU Permanent Services and to its Members all relevant information concerning European and International audiovisual policies.