WRITTEN QUESTION E-1660/97 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (14 May 1997)

Subject: Concentration of ownership of media organizations in Europe and pluralism

Commission proposal COM(90) 78 of 21.12.1990 highlights the importance of pluralism in the functioning of the democracy in the European Union. However, in practice the existence on the market of multiple channels in no way guarantees the provision of different types of information from different sources (pluralism); on the contrary, the existing situation exclusively favours entrepreneurs and owners of media organizations.

Following the Commission's total failure between 1990 and 1997 to propose a way of regulating the problem of the concentration of media ownership in the European Union, it has recently announced that it intends to submit a proposal for a directive on this matter.

Will the Commission say:

1. how it views the potentially explosive economic and political problems that are being created;

2. whether it intends to incorporate in its proposal articles designed to safeguard pluralism in the interests of the free flow of worthwhile information to all citizens from many different sources of information; and

3. whether the proposal will include safeguard clauses to ensure that the media provide information for the whole range of citizens concerned, including minorities, thereby securing the role of the media in a democratic society?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (3 July 1997)

For several years the Commission has concerned itself with pluralism and media concentration; in particular, it has presented a Green Paper ((Pluralism and media concentration in the internal market.: An assessment of the need for Community action (COM(92) 480 final). )) and a communication ((Follow-up to the consultation process ralating to the Green Paper on "Pluralism and media concentration in the internal market: An assessment of the need for Community action¨ (COM(94) 353 final). )) on the subject.

The aim of the Commission's approach is to allow the media to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the area without internal frontiers while at the same time safeguarding pluralism. The great diversity of the specific regulations on media ownership adopted by the Member States with a view to maintaining pluralism in the face of media concentration constitute a stumbling-block to the smooth operation of the single market in this sector. The Commission has therefore concerned itself not with the content or quality of information, but with rules on media ownership designed to limit media concentration and thus maintain pluralism.

Having conducted several series of consultations with Parliament ((Resolution on media concentration and pluralism (OJ C 323, 21.11.1994); resolution on pluralism and media concentration (OJ C 166, 3.7.1995). )), the Economic and Social Committee ((Opinion on the Commission Green Paper on pluralism and media concentration in the internalmarket (OJ C 304, 10.11.1993); opinion on the communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Follow-up to the consultation process relating to the Green Paper on "Pluralism and media concentration in the internal market¨ (OJ C 110, 2.5.1995). )), the Committee of the Regions ((Opinion on the communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Follow-up to the consultation process relating to the Green Paper on "Pluralism and media concentration in the internal market¨ (OJ C 100, 2.4.1996). )), the Member States and the interest groups concerned over the last three years, the Commission is currently examining the possibility of presenting in the near future a proposal for a directive relating to the approximation of Member States' rules on media ownership.