Brussels, 19 May 2010 - The European Broadcasting Union (EBU)*, the world’s leading broadcasting association, welcomes the adoption of the Commission's ambitious action plan on the Digital Agenda as an important step forward in developing Europe's digital information society.
Today, European Commissioner Neelie Kroes presented a five-year plan addressing issues including digital copyright, spectrum management and net neutrality.

Through the universal provision of high-quality content and information, public service media (PSM) are important facilitators of a sustainable and inclusive digital society. Investment in content is key (PSM contribute 10 billion Euros per year) as citizens tend to embrace new technologies only if they can access high quality content.

"Public service broadcasters are investing substantially in quality content which will help to ensure a more inclusive and sustainable digital information society for the benefit of all citizens," Ingrid Deltenre, Director General of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), said in a statement.

In particular, concerning the copyright provisions in the action plan, the EBU welcomes the Commission’s plan to simplify copyright clearance, management and cross border licensing.

The modernization of the current copyright clearance system for audiovisual media would encourage innovation and ensure that audiences can legally access media content on a range of new digital platforms, therefore facilitating the development of a successful Digital Agenda. When updating the existing framework, the EBU urges the Commission to adopt a sectoral approach which respects all right holders.

The EBU also looks forward to contributing to the Commission's Green Paper on online distribution of audiovisual works and other creative content by 2010.

Concerning spectrum management, the EBU welcomes the EU's work on frequency policy based on the renewed telecom package and on the principle of spectrum efficiency.  Public broadcasters encourage the Commission to adopt an overall balanced and comprehensive approach which takes into account cultural, social and economic aspects.  Compliance with the rules agreed on in the ‘Telecom Package’ should be reflected in the upcoming European Spectrum Policy Programme.

The EBU believes that digital terrestrial television is key to the EU’s audiovisual policy
objectives as it is essential for making content available to as many EU citizens as possible and
for fulfilling important economic as well as social and cultural functions. Broadcasters need adequate spectrum to deliver DTT  and offer new broadcasting services (e.g. HDTV, 3D, mobile TV, etc) tailored to the evolving needs and legitimate expectations of citizens.

Finally, the EBU also endorses the principle of the neutrality of the Internet and fully supports the Commission's intention to closely monitor the implementation of the new legislative provisions on the openness and neutrality of the internet.

Note to Editors:

* The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) serves 86 national media organizations from 56 countries in and around Europe.  It promotes the values and distinctiveness of public service media in Europe and around the world. It brings news, sports, events and music to your home through the Eurovision and Euroradio networks. The EBU develops and shares best practices, media expertise and innovation. It produces and exchanges rich and diverse programmes across all media.   For more information about the EBU: www.ebu.ch