Experts from the EBU’s Legal Department and Media Intelligence Service (MIS) have spoken at the 41^st meeting of the European Platform for audiovisual Regulatory Authorities (EPRA) in Switzerland.

Head of Regulatory Legal Services Richard Burnley joined Senior Media Analyst Florence Hartmann from MIS at the gathering in Berne to speak to the working group examining “Public service content in a multi-platform environment: a focus on remit and financing”.

The discussion began with the complex issue of PSM funding in the digital age, and covered funding trends and state aid issues, focusing also on the implementation of the Public Value test for new PSM services. The EBU emphasised the importance of a regulatory environment that allows PSM to develop and innovate effectively, meaning in particular that any Public Value test implemented must fit the constitutional and market context of the relevant Member State. A “one-size fits all” regulatory approach to the Public Value test, for example, would clearly be inappropriate.

The legal presentation was followed and illustrated by a selection of the latest MIS insights relating to the activities and funding of PSM in the digital age. The aggregated data highlighted the current challenges faced by PSM, which must remain innovative despite financial constraints, refuting the assertion made by some that PSM distort European media markets.