Brussels, 7 September 2010 – Today the European Parliament adopted a resolution based on Morten Løkkegaard's (ALDE, DK) report on "journalism and new media – creating a public sphere in Europe". The report presents a number of suggestions which aim at enhancing the public sphere* in Europe and allowing European citizens to become more involved in the European democratic process. 

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) – the leading association of national media organizations in the world – welcomes this resolution and the opportunity it provides for an important debate about reporting on Europe. 

"We are pleased that the EU Parliament acknowledges the crucial contribution of public service media in getting the EU’s message across to European audiences, and the importance of editorial independence and freedom of the media" says Ingrid Deltenre, Director General of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 

The EBU commends the resolution's mention of the division of competences laid down in the Amsterdam Treaty between the EU and member states. Under this principle, the latter retain competence in defining the remit, financing and organisation of their public service broadcasting system. Moreover, in line with the fundamental right of ‘freedom of the media’, broadcasters develop their editorial guidelines.

The EBU welcomes the Parliament's recognition of public service media’s investment in new services covering EU news and current international affairs, especially on the internet, in order to target a younger audience.

Ms Deltenre went on to say that, "Løkkegaard's proposals further contribute to our Members' efforts in delivering unbiased, pluralistic and diverse information on the EU to European audiences".

Note to editors:

* "a public sphere can be understood as a space in which public policies may be better understood by, and discussed with, all EU citizens and all sections of the population, in all its diversity, with a view to meeting their expectations more effectively, and whereas it must be a venue both for the provision of information and for wide-ranging consultations transcending national borders and fostering the development of a sense of shared public interest throughout the EU". Løkkegard report, recital G, page 4.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) serves 86 national media organizations from 56 countries in and around Europe.

The EBU represents its Members and promotes the values and distinctiveness of public service media in Europe and around the world. The Eurovision and Euroradio networks deliver news, sports, events and music to EBU Members and other media organizations.

With the presence of more than 40 permanent correspondents based in Brussels, the EBU's members provide diverse, comprehensive coverage of important EU events assisted by EBU's extensive production and retransmission facilities and other specialized services.

Services to Members range from legal advice, technical standardization and development to co-production and exchange of quality European content. 

For more information about the EBU: www.ebu.ch