Ahead of key copyright policy developments in the EU Digital Single Market framework, the EBU has set out its views and concrete proposals in a concise factsheet.

The EBU believes that while the legal framework for copyright remains fit for purpose, the introduction of efficient and modern licensing schemes can advance Digital Single Market objectives and offer solutions where broadcasters wish to offer their programmes online and cross-border.

The EBU copyright licensing policy factsheet highlights:

• the importance of copyright licensing by public service media (PSM), its huge contribution to the creative economy and the complexity of the process;
• the need to maintain contractual flexibility to enable rightsholders and users to negotiate how, when and where licensed content is offered in order to best match consumer preferences;
• the importance of territoriality to support the funding of European works and underpin the creative value chain and cultural diversity;
• the possibility to apply existing solutions on a technologically-neutral basis, based on efficient licensing mechanisms which have proven their worth for satellite distribution and cable retransmission .

This August, the European Commission launched a public consultation on the review of the EU Cable and Satellite Directive. The EBU believes that updating this directive can lead to increased availability of online content and innovative services by PSM for EU audiences, while at the same time enable creators to continue to generate revenue.