Timothy Shadows Broadcasting Report
Brussels, 2 June 2010
Timothy will shadow a European Parliament report which deals with the broadcasting sector in the EU. He is looking forward to working closely with the Belgian Rapporteur Ivo Belet, who is leading the report, and feeding in constructive ideas on the way forward for TV and the internet in the digital age.
The main issues surround how Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs), like the BBC in the UK, can compete against Commercial Providers, like ITV and BSkyB. A "dual" system exists. Because the BBC is subsidised, and because it has diversified to such an extent into new platforms such as the internet, it's role must be clearly defined so that it does not stifle private operators.
The internet is undoubtedly the most fluid market place in existence and there is a feeling that legislators are always a step behind. Should PSBs be allowed to exist on the internet? Should web advertising be controlled?
Lastly, the broadcasting sector has diversified hugely in the last 10-15 years. Experts talk about "audience fragmentation". Is this a good thing? Should it be easier for new channel providers to get in on the action?
Speaking in the debate in the Culture and Education Committee, Timothy said:
"The much-talked-about "dual" system is working well in the UK but there are concerns that it is not in such a healthy state elsewhere in Europe. There are signs that some Member States aren't getting the balance quite right and I hope that we can use this opportunity to highlight some of the problems.
"I am happy to see that Mr Belet feels a "one size fits all" approach is not feasible when approaching this issue. And yes, the funding Public Service Broadcasters receive must be such that they can fulfil their role effectively, but the balance must be maintained. The other side of that coin is the need to ensure that Public Service Broadcasters deliver value for money."
We will keep you updated on Timothy's progress with this report.
