Of course, we are not all in complete agreement on what should be done. From this springs the need to ensure balance between the free play of market forces and the preservation of the general public interest. This balance is a distinctive feature of the European approach to the media. We should aim to create the conditions for a competitive audiovisual industry. To do this, Europe must build on its own special strengths.
Broadcasters are one of the driving forces of audiovisual production in Europe.
European audiovisual policy can most effectively play a catalytic role, in a way that complements national policies and brings the specific added-value of the European dimension to the overall policy framework. We are examining various concrete support measures for the film and audiovisual content industries to complete or adapt existing programmes. We will listen carefully to what this Conference has to say in this respect, in particular with regard to possible mechanisms to leverage more private sector investment into audiovisual, especially film, production. We have had what I would call very lively discussions on the respective roles of private and public broadcasters, though we have reached consensus that both can and should contribute to a vibrant and creative digital media scene in Europe. We believe that regulation of the sector should encourage innovation and competitiveness while continuing to reflect its specific nature.