By Martin Banks - 11th November 2009
Digital media is not just about the pipes
Philippe Delusinne
A Brussels conference heard that Europe's free-to-air and pay-TV operators are facing "crisis."
The conference was told the economic downturn has hit the sector "badly" with a double-digit decline in advertising revenues in "basically all European markets."
However, participants were told that TV "remains the lead medium" with an increase in viewing time and successful ratings.
The annual conference of the Association of Commercial Television in Europe (ACT) debated some of the major policy issues likely to face the incoming new commission.
Philippe Delusinne, newly-elected president of the ACT, said there were a series of issues at stake such as implementation of both the AVMS directive, the draft legislation designed to regulate TV across Europe, and the 2001 broadcasting communication laying down the rules on state aid to public broadcasters.
"Other topics such as copyright protection or the fight against piracy will also doubtless be on the agenda for the next commission," said the Belgian.
"Whatever the commission's agenda, the question remains: what sort of media/information society are we creating?
"We believe that tomorrow's agenda should ensure a level of regulation that is flexible enough to allow content providers to remain competitive.
"The information society will not be created by hardware technology and distribution networks alone.
"Digital media is not just about the pipes – the key challenge is how to make sure that the best range and choice of creative content is legally available to our customers," said Delusinne, CEO of RTL Belgium.
The conference also marks the 20th anniversary of commercial TV in Europe.
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