Mr President, this directive, which was devised in 1989, bears the highly suggestive title ‘Television without frontiers’, but one could not really have imagined that it would also be without time limits. This area, which was subject to innovative legislation thirteen years ago, has clearly changed radically and to an amazing extent. The same even applies to the update we passed in 1997: everything has been left behind by the driving force of new technologies and also fashion. We are thus increasingly sure that the review of this directive, until now expected for 2002, will be brought forward to the beginning of next year, without waiting for too many months to go by. The last five years have, in fact seen a veritable revolution in the television sector; the old TV has now become a supporting actor, a technical tool in the service of digital innovation, the webcasting invasion, the Internet and interactive relationships between user and broadcaster. A global, up-to-date review is also needed because of all the other problems that directly or indirectly surround the world of television, such as the increase in turnover of the networks, the steady and increasingly disturbing invasion by advertising, the explosion of private broadcasters, and the growing social and moral implications of certain programming. The scope of the directive needs to be broadened to embrace not only the subjects mentioned above but also others that are already included but are insufficiently developed, such as the problems of intellectual property, respect for children as often unsupervised users, the cultural levels of programmes – taking into account not only the interests and requirements of those who make them but especially the feelings of those at whom these products are targeted – and lastly the confrontation with American productions, a subject on which there was quite a harsh confrontation in 1997 but which remained to a great extent unresolved. Lastly, on this subject, I also hope we can again discuss the so-called ‘right to information’, a right which, because of equal opportunities, should clearly concern not only the citizens of the European Union but also all those living outside who receive programmes produced inside the EU. It is not enough just to guarantee the great sporting events, as we did in 1997, since man does not live on football alone – if you will forgive the pun. We must distribute constantly updated information, based on culture and constantly updated, not only to those who live within the European Union but especially to those less favoured by geographical location or social and economic status. Everybody’s ‘right to a satellite dish’ is not enough: you need the money to get one. Imagine what can come into houses through a dish in the remotest parts of the world. The most precious aid is that reserved for the production of programmes designed to report, safeguard and make proposals, in the sense of safeguarding regional and local cultures. Finally, let me renew an invitation to the Member States. The rapporteur, whom I congratulate, and whose amendments and positions I support, reminded us that only twelve Member States have so far implemented the directive. Well, Commissioner, let us take this opportunity to give the Member States this message again: believe in this directive, because it will become increasingly urgent, current and important, and if you believe us you must first of all implement it!

Political group: PPE-DE