Article 1 
1. For the purposes of this Directive, the following definitions shall apply: (a) ‘audiovisual media service’ means: (i) a service as defined by Articles 56 and 57 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union which is under the editorial responsibility of a media service provider and the principal purpose of which is the provision of programmes, in order to inform, entertain or educate, to the general public by electronic communications networks within the meaning of point (a) of Article 2 of Directive 2002/21/EC. Such an audiovisual media service is either a television broadcast as defined in point (e) of this paragraph or an on-demand audiovisual media service as defined in point (g) of this paragraph; (ii) audiovisual commercial communication; (a) ‘audiovisual media service’ means: (i) a service as defined by Articles 56 and 57 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union which is under the editorial responsibility of a media service provider and the principal purpose of which is the provision of programmes, in order to inform, entertain or educate, to the general public by electronic communications networks within the meaning of point (a) of Article 2 of Directive 2002/21/EC. Such an audiovisual media service is either a television broadcast as defined in point (e) of this paragraph or an on-demand audiovisual media service as defined in point (g) of this paragraph; (ii) audiovisual commercial communication; (b) ‘programme’ means a set of moving images with or without sound constituting an individual item within a schedule or a catalogue established by a media service provider and the form and content of which are comparable to the form and content of television broadcasting. Examples of programmes include feature-length films, sports events, situation comedies, documentaries, children’s programmes and original drama; (c) ‘editorial responsibility’ means the exercise of effective control both over the selection of the programmes and over their organisation either in a chronological schedule, in the case of television broadcasts, or in a catalogue, in the case of on-demand audiovisual media services. Editorial responsibility does not necessarily imply any legal liability under national law for the content or the services provided; (d) ‘media service provider’ means the natural or legal person who has editorial responsibility for the choice of the audiovisual content of the audiovisual media service and determines the manner in which it is organised; (e) ‘television broadcasting’ or ‘television broadcast’ (i.e. a linear audiovisual media service) means an audiovisual media service provided by a media service provider for simultaneous viewing of programmes on the basis of a programme schedule; (f) ‘broadcaster’ means a media service provider of television broadcasts; (g) ‘on-demand audiovisual media service’ (i.e. a non-linear audiovisual media service) means an audiovisual media service provided by a media service provider for the viewing of programmes at the moment chosen by the user and at his individual request on the basis of a catalogue of programmes selected by the media service provider; (h) ‘audiovisual commercial communication’ means images with or without sound which are designed to promote, directly or indirectly, the goods, services or image of a natural or legal entity pursuing an economic activity. Such images accompany or are included in a programme in return for payment or for similar consideration or for self-promotional purposes. Forms of audiovisual commercial communication include, inter alia, television advertising, sponsorship, teleshopping and product placement; (i) ‘television advertising’ means any form of announcement broadcast whether in return for payment or for similar consideration or broadcast for self-promotional purposes by a public or private undertaking or natural person in connection with a trade, business, craft or profession in order to promote the supply of goods or services, including immovable property, rights and obligations, in return for payment; (j) ‘surreptitious audiovisual commercial communication’ means the representation in words or pictures of goods, services, the name, the trade mark or the activities of a producer of goods or a provider of services in programmes when such representation is intended by the media service provider to serve as advertising and might mislead the public as to its nature. Such representation shall, in particular, be considered as intentional if it is done in return for payment or for similar consideration; (k) ‘sponsorship’ means any contribution made by public or private undertakings or natural persons not engaged in providing audiovisual media services or in the production of audiovisual works, to the financing of audiovisual media services or programmes with a view to promoting their name, trade mark, image, activities or products; (l) ‘teleshopping’ means direct offers broadcast to the public with a view to the supply of goods or services, including immovable property, rights and obligations, in return for payment; (m) ‘product placement’ means any form of audiovisual commercial communication consisting of the inclusion of or reference to a product, a service or the trade mark thereof so that it is featured within a programme, in return for payment or for similar consideration; (n) ‘European works’ means the following: (i) works originating in Member States; (ii) works originating in European third States party to the European Convention on Transfrontier Television of the Council of Europe and fulfilling the conditions of paragraph 3; (iii) works co-produced within the framework of agreements related to the audiovisual sector concluded between the Union and third countries and fulfilling the conditions defined in each of those agreements. (n) ‘European works’ means the following: (i) works originating in Member States; (ii) works originating in European third States party to the European Convention on Transfrontier Television of the Council of Europe and fulfilling the conditions of paragraph 3; (iii) works co-produced within the framework of agreements related to the audiovisual sector concluded between the Union and third countries and fulfilling the conditions defined in each of those agreements. 2. The application of the provisions of points (n)(ii) and (iii) of paragraph 1 shall be conditional on works originating in Member States not being the subject of discriminatory measures in the third country concerned. 3. The works referred to in points (n)(i) and (ii) of paragraph 1 are works mainly made with authors and workers residing in one or more of the States referred to in those provisions provided that they comply with one of the following three conditions: (i) they are made by one or more producers established in one or more of those States; (ii) the production of the works is supervised and actually controlled by one or more producers established in one or more of those States; (iii) the contribution of co-producers of those States to the total co-production costs is preponderant and the co-production is not controlled by one or more producers established outside those States. 4. Works that are not European works within the meaning of point (n) of paragraph 1 but that are produced within the framework of bilateral co-production agreements concluded between Member States and third countries shall be deemed to be European works provided that the co-producers from the Union supply a majority share of the total cost of production and that the production is not controlled by one or more producers established outside the territory of the Member States.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Article 2 
1. Each Member State shall ensure that all audiovisual media services transmitted by media service providers under its jurisdiction comply with the rules of the system of law applicable to audiovisual media services intended for the public in that Member State. 2. For the purposes of this Directive, the media service providers under the jurisdiction of a Member State are any of the following: (a) those established in that Member State in accordance with paragraph 3; (b) those to whom paragraph 4 applies. 3. For the purposes of this Directive, a media service provider shall be deemed to be established in a Member State in the following cases: (a) the media service provider has its head office in that Member State and the editorial decisions about the audiovisual media service are taken in that Member State; (b) if a media service provider has its head office in one Member State but editorial decisions on the audiovisual media service are taken in another Member State, it shall be deemed to be established in the Member State where a significant part of the workforce involved in the pursuit of the audiovisual media service activity operates. If a significant part of the workforce involved in the pursuit of the audiovisual media service activity operates in each of those Member States, the media service provider shall be deemed to be established in the Member State where it has its head office. If a significant part of the workforce involved in the pursuit of the audiovisual media service activity operates in neither of those Member States, the media service provider shall be deemed to be established in the Member State where it first began its activity in accordance with the law of that Member State, provided that it maintains a stable and effective link with the economy of that Member State; (c) if a media service provider has its head office in a Member State but decisions on the audiovisual media service are taken in a third country, or vice versa, it shall be deemed to be established in the Member State concerned, provided that a significant part of the workforce involved in the pursuit of the audiovisual media service activity operates in that Member State. 4. Media service providers to whom the provisions of paragraph 3 are not applicable shall be deemed to be under the jurisdiction of a Member State in the following cases: (a) they use a satellite up-link situated in that Member State; (b) although they do not use a satellite up-link situated in that Member State, they use satellite capacity appertaining to that Member State. 5. If the question as to which Member State has jurisdiction cannot be determined in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4, the competent Member State shall be that in which the media service provider is established within the meaning of Articles 49 to 55 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 6. This Directive does not apply to audiovisual media services intended exclusively for reception in third countries and which are not received with standard consumer equipment directly or indirectly by the public in one or more Member States.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Revised version (Article 2 ):
1. Each Member State shall ensure that all audiovisual media services transmitted by media service providers under its jurisdiction comply with the rules of the system of law applicable to audiovisual media services intended for the public in that Member State. 2. For the purposes of this Directive, the media service providers under the jurisdiction of a Member State are any of the following: (a) those established in that Member State in accordance with paragraph 3; (b) those to whom paragraph 4 applies. 4. Media service providers to whom the provisions of paragraph 3 are not applicable shall be deemed to be under the jurisdiction of a Member State in the following cases: (a) they use a satellite up-link situated in that Member State; (b) although they do not use a satellite up-link situated in that Member State, they use satellite capacity appertaining to that Member State. 5. If the question as to which Member State has jurisdiction cannot be determined in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4, the competent Member State shall be that in which the media service provider is established within the meaning of Articles 49 to 55 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 5a. Member States shall ensure that media service providers inform the competent national regulatory authorities or bodies about any changes that may affect the determination of jurisdiction in accordance with paragraphs 2, 3 and 4. 5b. Member States shall establish and maintain an up-to-date list of the media service providers under their jurisdiction and indicate on which of the criteria set out in paragraphs 2 to 5 their jurisdiction is based. Member States shall communicate that list, including any updates thereto, to the Commission. The Commission shall ensure that such lists are made available in a centralised database. In the event of inconsistencies between the lists, the Commission shall contact the Member States concerned in order to find a solution. The Commission shall ensure that the national regulatory authorities or bodies have access to that database. The Commission shall make information in the database publicly available. 5c. Where, in applying Article 3 or 4, the Member States concerned do not agree on which Member State has jurisdiction, they shall bring the matter to the Commission's attention without undue delay. The Commission may request the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA) to provide an opinion on the matter in accordance with point (d) of Article 30b(3). ERGA shall provide such an opinion within 15 working days from the submission of the Commission's request. The Commission shall keep the Contact Committee established by Article 29 duly informed. When the Commission adopts a decision pursuant to Article 3(2) or (3), or Article 4(5), it shall also decide which Member State has jurisdiction. 6. This Directive does not apply to audiovisual media services intended exclusively for reception in third countries and which are not received with standard consumer equipment directly or indirectly by the public in one or more Member States.
Article 3 
1. Member States shall ensure freedom of reception and shall not restrict retransmissions on their territory of audiovisual media services from other Member States for reasons which fall within the fields coordinated by this Directive. 2. In respect of television broadcasting, Member States may provisionally derogate from paragraph 1 if the following conditions are fulfilled: (a) a television broadcast coming from another Member State manifestly, seriously and gravely infringes Article 27(1) or (2) and/or Article 6; (b) during the previous 12 months, the broadcaster has infringed the provision(s) referred to in point (a) on at least two prior occasions; (c) the Member State concerned has notified the broadcaster and the Commission in writing of the alleged infringements and of the measures it intends to take should any such infringement occur again; (d) consultations with the transmitting Member State and the Commission have not produced an amicable settlement within 15 days of the notification provided for in point (c), and the alleged infringement persists. The Commission shall, within 2 months following notification of the measures taken by the Member State, take a decision on whether the measures are compatible with Union law. If it decides that they are not, the Member State will be required to put an end to the measures in question as a matter of urgency. 3. Paragraph 2 shall be without prejudice to the application of any procedure, remedy or sanction to the infringements in question in the Member State which has jurisdiction over the broadcaster concerned. 4. In respect of on-demand audiovisual media services, Member States may take measures to derogate from paragraph 1 in respect of a given service if the following conditions are fulfilled: (a) the measures are: (i) necessary for one of the following reasons: — public policy, in particular the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences, including the protection of minors and the fight against any incitement to hatred on grounds of race, sex, religion or nationality, and violations of human dignity concerning individual persons, — the protection of public health, — public security, including the safeguarding of national security and defence, — the protection of consumers, including investors; (ii) taken against an on-demand audiovisual media service which prejudices the objectives referred to in point (i) or which presents a serious and grave risk of prejudice to those objectives; (iii) proportionate to those objectives; (a) the measures are: (i) necessary for one of the following reasons: — public policy, in particular the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences, including the protection of minors and the fight against any incitement to hatred on grounds of race, sex, religion or nationality, and violations of human dignity concerning individual persons, — the protection of public health, — public security, including the safeguarding of national security and defence, — the protection of consumers, including investors; (i) necessary for one of the following reasons: — public policy, in particular the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences, including the protection of minors and the fight against any incitement to hatred on grounds of race, sex, religion or nationality, and violations of human dignity concerning individual persons, — the protection of public health, — public security, including the safeguarding of national security and defence, — the protection of consumers, including investors; (ii) taken against an on-demand audiovisual media service which prejudices the objectives referred to in point (i) or which presents a serious and grave risk of prejudice to those objectives; (iii) proportionate to those objectives; (b) before taking the measures in question and without prejudice to court proceedings, including preliminary proceedings and acts carried out in the framework of a criminal investigation, the Member State has: (i) asked the Member State under whose jurisdiction the media service provider falls to take measures and the latter did not take such measures, or they were inadequate; (ii) notified the Commission and the Member State under whose jurisdiction the media service provider falls of its intention to take such measures. (b) before taking the measures in question and without prejudice to court proceedings, including preliminary proceedings and acts carried out in the framework of a criminal investigation, the Member State has: (i) asked the Member State under whose jurisdiction the media service provider falls to take measures and the latter did not take such measures, or they were inadequate; (ii) notified the Commission and the Member State under whose jurisdiction the media service provider falls of its intention to take such measures. 5. Member States may, in urgent cases, derogate from the conditions laid down in point (b) of paragraph 4. Where this is the case, the measures shall be notified in the shortest possible time to the Commission and to the Member State under whose jurisdiction the media service provider falls, indicating the reasons for which the Member State considers that there is urgency. 6. Without prejudice to the Member State’s possibility of proceeding with the measures referred to in paragraphs 4 and 5, the Commission shall examine the compatibility of the notified measures with Union law in the shortest possible time. Where it comes to the conclusion that the measures are incompatible with Union law, the Commission shall ask the Member State in question to refrain from taking any proposed measures or urgently to put an end to the measures in question.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Revised version (Article 3 ):
1. Member States shall ensure freedom of reception and shall not restrict retransmissions on their territory of audiovisual media services from other Member States for reasons which fall within the fields coordinated by this Directive. The derogation referred to in the first subparagraph shall be subject to the following conditions: (a) during the previous 12 months, the media service provider has on at least two prior occasions already performed one or more instances of conduct described in the first subparagraph; (b) the Member State concerned has notified the media service provider, the Member State having jurisdiction over that provider and the Commission in writing of the alleged infringements and of the proportionate measures it intends to take should any such infringement occur again; (c) the Member State concerned has respected the right of defence of the media service provider and, in particular, has given that provider the opportunity to express its views on the alleged infringements; and (d) consultations with the Member State having jurisdiction over the media service provider and the Commission have not resulted in an amicable settlement within one month of the Commission's receipt of the notification referred to in point (b). Within three months of the receipt of the notification of the measures taken by the Member State concerned and after having requested ERGA to provide an opinion in accordance with point (d) of Article 30b(3), the Commission shall take a decision on whether those measures are compatible with Union law. The Commission shall keep the Contact Committee duly informed. Where the Commission decides that those measures are not compatible with Union law, it shall require the Member State concerned to put an end to the measures in question as a matter of urgency. 3. A Member State may provisionally derogate from paragraph 1 of this Article where an audiovisual media service provided by a media service provider under the jurisdiction of another Member State manifestly, seriously and gravely infringes point (b) of Article 6(1) or prejudices or presents a serious and grave risk of prejudice to public security, including the safeguarding of national security and defence. (a) during the previous 12 months the conduct referred to in the first subparagraph occurred at least on one prior occasion; and (b) the Member State concerned has notified the media service provider, the Member State having jurisdiction over that provider and the Commission in writing of the alleged infringement and of the proportionate measures it intends to take should any such infringement occur again. The Member State concerned shall respect the rights of defence of the media service provider concerned and, in particular, give that provider the opportunity to express its views on the alleged infringements. 4. Paragraphs 2 and 3 shall be without prejudice to the application of any procedure, remedy or sanction to the infringements in question in the Member State which has jurisdiction over the media service provider concerned. 5. Member States may, in urgent cases, no later than one month after the alleged infringement, derogate from the conditions laid down in points (a) and (b) of paragraph 3. Where this is the case, the measures taken shall be notified in the shortest possible time to the Commission and to the Member State under whose jurisdiction the media service provider falls, indicating the reasons for which the Member State considers that there is urgency. The Commission shall examine the compatibility of the notified measures with Union law in the shortest possible time. Where it comes to the conclusion that the measures are incompatible with Union law, the Commission shall require the Member State in question to urgently put an end to those measures. 6. If the Commission lacks information necessary to take a decision pursuant to paragraph 2 or 3, it shall, within one month of the receipt of the notification, request from the Member State concerned all information necessary to reach that decision. The time limit within which the Commission is to take the decision shall be suspended until that Member State has provided such necessary information. In any case, the suspension of the time limit shall not last longer than one month. 7. Member States and the Commission shall regularly exchange experiences and best practices regarding the procedure set out in this Article in the framework of the Contact Committee and ERGA.
Article 4 
1. Member States shall remain free to require media service providers under their jurisdiction to comply with more detailed or stricter rules in the fields coordinated by this Directive provided that such rules are in compliance with Union law. 2. In cases where a Member State: (a) has exercised its freedom under paragraph 1 to adopt more detailed or stricter rules of general public interest; and (b) assesses that a broadcaster under the jurisdiction of another Member State provides a television broadcast which is wholly or mostly directed towards its territory; it may contact the Member State having jurisdiction with a view to achieving a mutually satisfactory solution to any problems posed. On receipt of a substantiated request by the first Member State, the Member State having jurisdiction shall request the broadcaster to comply with the rules of general public interest in question. The Member State having jurisdiction shall inform the first Member State of the results obtained following this request within 2 months. Either Member State may invite the contact committee established pursuant to Article 29 to examine the case. 3. The first Member State may adopt appropriate measures against the broadcaster concerned where it assesses that: (a) the results achieved through the application of paragraph 2 are not satisfactory; and (b) the broadcaster in question has established itself in the Member State having jurisdiction in order to circumvent the stricter rules, in the fields coordinated by this Directive, which would be applicable to it if it were established in the first Member State. Such measures shall be objectively necessary, applied in a non-discriminatory manner and proportionate to the objectives which they pursue. 4. A Member State may take measures pursuant to paragraph 3 only if the following conditions are met: (a) it has notified the Commission and the Member State in which the broadcaster is established of its intention to take such measures while substantiating the grounds on which it bases its assessment; and (b) the Commission has decided that the measures are compatible with Union law, and in particular that assessments made by the Member State taking those measures under paragraphs 2 and 3 are correctly founded. 5. The Commission shall decide within 3 months following the notification provided for in point (a) of paragraph 4. If the Commission decides that the measures are incompatible with Union law, the Member State in question shall refrain from taking the proposed measures. 6. Member States shall, by appropriate means, ensure, within the framework of their legislation, that media service providers under their jurisdiction effectively comply with the provisions of this Directive. 7. Member States shall encourage co-regulation and/or self-regulatory regimes at national level in the fields coordinated by this Directive to the extent permitted by their legal systems. These regimes shall be such that they are broadly accepted by the main stakeholders in the Member States concerned and provide for effective enforcement. 8. Directive 2000/31/EC shall apply unless otherwise provided for in this Directive. In the event of a conflict between a provision of Directive 2000/31/EC and a provision of this Directive, the provisions of this Directive shall prevail, unless otherwise provided for in this Directive.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Revised version (Article 4 ):
1. Member States shall remain free to require media service providers under their jurisdiction to comply with more detailed or stricter rules in the fields coordinated by this Directive, provided that such rules are in compliance with Union law. 2. Where a Member State: (a) has exercised its freedom under paragraph 1 to adopt more detailed or stricter rules of general public interest; and (b) assesses that a media service provider under the jurisdiction of another Member State provides an audiovisual media service which is wholly or mostly directed towards its territory, it may request the Member State having jurisdiction to address any problems identified in relation to this paragraph. Both Member States shall cooperate sincerely and swiftly with a view to achieving a mutually satisfactory solution. Upon receiving a substantiated request under the first subparagraph, the Member State having jurisdiction shall request the media service provider to comply with the rules of general public interest in question. The Member State having jurisdiction shall regularly inform the requesting Member State of the steps taken to address the problems identified. Within two months of the receipt of the request, the Member State having jurisdiction shall inform the requesting Member State and the Commission of the results obtained and explain the reasons where a solution could not be found. Either Member State may invite the Contact Committee to examine the case at any time. 3. The Member State concerned may adopt appropriate measures against the media service provider concerned where: (a) it assesses that the results achieved through the application of paragraph 2 are not satisfactory; and (b) it has adduced evidence showing that the media service provider in question has established itself in the Member State having jurisdiction in order to circumvent the stricter rules, in the fields coordinated by this Directive, which would be applicable to it if it were established in the Member State concerned; such evidence shall allow for such circumvention to be reasonably established, without the need to prove the media service provider's intention to circumvent those stricter rules. Such measures shall be objectively necessary, applied in a non-discriminatory manner and proportionate to the objectives which they pursue. 5. Within three months of the receipt of the notification provided for in point (a) of paragraph 4, the Commission shall take the decision on whether those measures are compatible with Union law. Where the Commission decides that those measures are not compatible with Union law, it shall require the Member State concerned to refrain from taking the intended measures. If the Commission lacks information necessary to take the decision pursuant to the first subparagraph, it shall, within one month of the receipt of the notification, request from the Member State concerned all information necessary to reach that decision. The time limit within which the Commission is to take the decision shall be suspended until that Member State has provided such necessary information. In any case, the suspension of the time limit shall not last longer than one month. 6. Member States shall, by appropriate means, ensure, within the framework of their national law, that media service providers under their jurisdiction effectively comply with this Directive. 7. Directive 2000/31/EC shall apply unless otherwise provided for in this Directive. In the event of a conflict between Directive 2000/31/EC and this Directive, this Directive shall prevail, unless otherwise provided for in this Directive.
Article 5 
Member States shall ensure that audiovisual media service providers under their jurisdiction shall make easily, directly and permanently accessible to the recipients of a service at least the following information: (a) the name of the media service provider; (b) the geographical address at which the media service provider is established; (c) the details of the media service provider, including its electronic mail address or website, which allow it to be contacted rapidly in a direct and effective manner; (d) where applicable, the competent regulatory or supervisory bodies.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Revised version (Article 5 ):
2. Member States may adopt legislative measures providing that, in addition to the information listed in paragraph 1, media service providers under their jurisdiction make accessible information concerning their ownership structure, including the beneficial owners. Such measures shall respect the fundamental rights concerned, such as the private and family life of beneficial owners. Such measures shall be necessary and proportionate and shall aim to pursue an objective of general interest.
Article 6 
Member States shall ensure by appropriate means that audiovisual media services provided by media service providers under their jurisdiction do not contain any incitement to hatred based on race, sex, religion or nationality.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Article 7 
Member States shall encourage media service providers under their jurisdiction to ensure that their services are gradually made accessible to people with a visual or hearing disability.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Revised version (Article 7 ):
1. Member States shall ensure, without undue delay, that services provided by media service providers under their jurisdiction are made continuously and progressively more accessible to persons with disabilities through proportionate measures. 2. Member States shall ensure that media service providers report on a regular basis to the national regulatory authorities or bodies on the implementation of the measures referred to in paragraph 1. By 19 December 2022 and every three years thereafter, Member States shall report to the Commission on the implementation of paragraph 1. 3. Member States shall encourage media service providers to develop accessibility action plans in respect of continuously and progressively making their services more accessible to persons with disabilities. Any such action plan shall be communicated to national regulatory authorities or bodies. 4. Each Member State shall designate a single, easily accessible, including by persons with disabilities, and publicly available online point of contact for providing information and receiving complaints regarding any accessibility issues referred to in this Article. 5. Member States shall ensure that emergency information, including public communications and announcements in natural disaster situations, which is made available to the public through audiovisual media services, is provided in a manner which is accessible to persons with disabilities.
Article 8 
Member States shall ensure that media service providers under their jurisdiction do not transmit cinematographic works outside periods agreed with the rights holders.
Article 9 
1. Member States shall ensure that audiovisual commercial communications provided by media service providers under their jurisdiction comply with the following requirements: (a) audiovisual commercial communications shall be readily recognisable as such. Surreptitious audiovisual commercial communication shall be prohibited; (b) audiovisual commercial communications shall not use subliminal techniques; (c) audiovisual commercial communications shall not: (i) prejudice respect for human dignity; (ii) include or promote any discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation; (iii) encourage behaviour prejudicial to health or safety; (iv) encourage behaviour grossly prejudicial to the protection of the environment; (c) audiovisual commercial communications shall not: (i) prejudice respect for human dignity; (ii) include or promote any discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation; (iii) encourage behaviour prejudicial to health or safety; (iv) encourage behaviour grossly prejudicial to the protection of the environment; (d) all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products shall be prohibited; (e) audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages shall not be aimed specifically at minors and shall not encourage immoderate consumption of such beverages; (f) audiovisual commercial communication for medicinal products and medical treatment available only on prescription in the Member State within whose jurisdiction the media service provider falls shall be prohibited; (g) audiovisual commercial communications shall not cause physical or moral detriment to minors. Therefore they shall not directly exhort minors to buy or hire a product or service by exploiting their inexperience or credulity, directly encourage them to persuade their parents or others to purchase the goods or services being advertised, exploit the special trust minors place in parents, teachers or other persons, or unreasonably show minors in dangerous situations. 2. Member States and the Commission shall encourage media service providers to develop codes of conduct regarding inappropriate audiovisual commercial communications, accompanying or included in children’s programmes, of foods and beverages containing nutrients and substances with a nutritional or physiological effect, in particular those such as fat, trans-fatty acids, salt/sodium and sugars, excessive intakes of which in the overall diet are not recommended.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Revised version (Article 9 ):
2. Audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages in on-demand audiovisual media services, with the exception of sponsorship and product placement, shall comply with the criteria set out in Article 22. 3. Member States shall encourage the use of co-regulation and the fostering of self-regulation through codes of conduct as provided for in Article 4a(1) regarding inappropriate audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages. Those codes shall aim to effectively reduce the exposure of minors to audiovisual commercial communications for alcoholic beverages. 4. Member States shall encourage the use of co-regulation and the fostering of self-regulation through codes of conduct as provided for in Article 4a(1) regarding inappropriate audiovisual commercial communications, accompanying or included in children's programmes, for foods and beverages containing nutrients and substances with a nutritional or physiological effect, in particular fat, trans-fatty acids, salt or sodium and sugars, of which excessive intakes in the overall diet are not recommended. Those codes shall aim to effectively reduce the exposure of children to audiovisual commercial communications for such foods and beverages. They shall aim to provide that such audiovisual commercial communications do not emphasise the positive quality of the nutritional aspects of such foods and beverages. 5. Member States and the Commission may foster self-regulation, for the purposes of this Article, through Union codes of conduct as referred to in Article 4a(2).
Article 10 
1. Audiovisual media services or programmes that are sponsored shall meet the following requirements: (a) their content and, in the case of television broadcasting, their scheduling shall in no circumstances be influenced in such a way as to affect the responsibility and editorial independence of the media service provider; (b) they shall not directly encourage the purchase or rental of goods or services, in particular by making special promotional references to those goods or services; (c) viewers shall be clearly informed of the existence of a sponsorship agreement. Sponsored programmes shall be clearly identified as such by the name, logo and/or any other symbol of the sponsor such as a reference to its product(s) or service(s) or a distinctive sign thereof in an appropriate way for programmes at the beginning, during and/or at the end of the programmes. 2. Audiovisual media services or programmes shall not be sponsored by undertakings whose principal activity is the manufacture or sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products. 3. The sponsorship of audiovisual media services or programmes by undertakings whose activities include the manufacture or sale of medicinal products and medical treatment may promote the name or the image of the undertaking, but shall not promote specific medicinal products or medical treatments available only on prescription in the Member State within whose jurisdiction the media service provider falls. 4. News and current affairs programmes shall not be sponsored. Member States may choose to prohibit the showing of a sponsorship logo during children’s programmes, documentaries and religious programmes.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Revised version (Article 10 ):
2. Audiovisual media services or programmes shall not be sponsored by undertakings whose principal activity is the manufacture or sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products, as well as electronic cigarettes and refill containers. 3. The sponsorship of audiovisual media services or programmes by undertakings whose activities include the manufacture or sale of medicinal products and medical treatment may promote the name or the image of the undertaking, but shall not promote specific medicinal products or medical treatments available only on prescription in the Member State within whose jurisdiction the media service provider falls. 4. News and current affairs programmes shall not be sponsored. Member States may prohibit the sponsorship of children's programmes. Member States may choose to prohibit the showing of a sponsorship logo during children's programmes, documentaries and religious programmes.
Article 11 
1. Paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 shall apply only to programmes produced after 19 December 2009. 2. Product placement shall be prohibited. 3. By way of derogation from paragraph 2, product placement shall be admissible in the following cases unless a Member State decides otherwise: (a) in cinematographic works, films and series made for audiovisual media services, sports programmes and light entertainment programmes; (b) where there is no payment but only the provision of certain goods or services free of charge, such as production props and prizes, with a view to their inclusion in a programme. The derogation provided for in point (a) shall not apply to children’s programmes. Programmes that contain product placement shall meet at least all of the following requirements: (a) their content and, in the case of television broadcasting, their scheduling shall in no circumstances be influenced in such a way as to affect the responsibility and editorial independence of the media service provider; (b) they shall not directly encourage the purchase or rental of goods or services, in particular by making special promotional references to those goods or services; (c) they shall not give undue prominence to the product in question; (d) viewers shall be clearly informed of the existence of product placement. Programmes containing product placement shall be appropriately identified at the start and the end of the programme, and when a programme resumes after an advertising break, in order to avoid any confusion on the part of the viewer. By way of exception, Member States may choose to waive the requirements set out in point (d) provided that the programme in question has neither been produced nor commissioned by the media service provider itself or a company affiliated to the media service provider. 4. In any event programmes shall not contain product placement of: (a) tobacco products or cigarettes or product placement from undertakings whose principal activity is the manufacture or sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products; (b) specific medicinal products or medical treatments available only on prescription in the Member State under whose jurisdiction the media service provider falls.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Revised version (Article 11 ):
1. This Article shall apply only to programmes produced after 19 December 2009. 2. Product placement shall be allowed in all audiovisual media services, except in news and current affairs programmes, consumer affairs programmes, religious programmes and children's programmes. 3. Member States may waive the requirements set out in point (d) except for programmes produced or commissioned by a media service provider or by a company affiliated with that media service provider. 4. In any event programmes shall not contain product placement of: (a) cigarettes and other tobacco products, as well as electronic cigarettes and refill containers, or product placement from undertakings whose principal activity is the manufacture or sale of those products; (b) specific medicinal products or medical treatments available only on prescription in the Member State under whose jurisdiction the media service provider falls.
Article 12 
Member States shall take appropriate measures to ensure that on-demand audiovisual media services provided by media service providers under their jurisdiction which might seriously impair the physical, mental or moral development of minors are only made available in such a way as to ensure that minors will not normally hear or see such on-demand audiovisual media services.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Article 13 
1. Member States shall ensure that on-demand audiovisual media services provided by media service providers under their jurisdiction promote, where practicable and by appropriate means, the production of and access to European works. Such promotion could relate, inter alia, to the financial contribution made by such services to the production and rights acquisition of European works or to the share and/or prominence of European works in the catalogue of programmes offered by the on-demand audiovisual media service. 2. Member States shall report to the Commission no later than 19 December 2011 and every 4 years thereafter on the implementation of paragraph 1. 3. The Commission shall, on the basis of the information provided by Member States and of an independent study, report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the application of paragraph 1, taking into account the market and technological developments and the objective of cultural diversity.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Revised version (Article 13 ):
1. Member States shall ensure that media service providers of on-demand audiovisual media services under their jurisdiction secure at least a 30 % share of European works in their catalogues and ensure prominence of those works. 2. Where Member States require media service providers under their jurisdiction to contribute financially to the production of European works, including via direct investment in content and contribution to national funds, they may also require media service providers targeting audiences in their territories, but established in other Member States to make such financial contributions, which shall be proportionate and non-discriminatory. 3. In the case referred to in paragraph 2, the financial contribution shall be based only on the revenues earned in the targeted Member States. If the Member State where the provider is established imposes such a financial contribution, it shall take into account any financial contributions imposed by targeted Member States. Any financial contribution shall comply with Union law, in particular with State aid rules. 4. Member States shall report to the Commission by 19 December 2021 and every two years thereafter on the implementation of paragraphs 1 and 2. 5. The Commission shall, on the basis of the information provided by Member States and of an independent study, report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the application of paragraphs 1 and 2, taking into account the market and technological developments and the objective of cultural diversity. 6. The obligation imposed pursuant to paragraph 1 and the requirement on media service providers targeting audiences in other Member States set out in paragraph 2 shall not apply to media service providers with a low turnover or a low audience. Member States may also waive such obligations or requirements where they would be impracticable or unjustified by reason of the nature or theme of the audiovisual media services. 7. The Commission shall issue guidelines regarding the calculation of the share of European works referred to in paragraph 1 and regarding the definition of low audience and low turnover referred to in paragraph 6, after consulting the Contact Committee.
Article 14 
1. Each Member State may take measures in accordance with Union law to ensure that broadcasters under its jurisdiction do not broadcast on an exclusive basis events which are regarded by that Member State as being of major importance for society in such a way as to deprive a substantial proportion of the public in that Member State of the possibility of following such events by live coverage or deferred coverage on free television. If it does so, the Member State concerned shall draw up a list of designated events, national or non-national, which it considers to be of major importance for society. It shall do so in a clear and transparent manner in due time. In so doing the Member State concerned shall also determine whether these events should be available by whole or partial live coverage or, where necessary or appropriate for objective reasons in the public interest, whole or partial deferred coverage. 2. Member States shall immediately notify to the Commission any measures taken or to be taken pursuant to paragraph 1. Within a period of 3 months from the notification, the Commission shall verify that such measures are compatible with Union law and communicate them to the other Member States. It shall seek the opinion of the contact committee established pursuant to Article 29. It shall forthwith publish the measures taken in the Official Journal of the European Union and at least once a year the consolidated list of the measures taken by Member States. 3. Member States shall ensure, by appropriate means within the framework of their legislation, that broadcasters under their jurisdiction do not exercise the exclusive rights purchased by those broadcasters after 30 July 1997 in such a way that a substantial proportion of the public in another Member State is deprived of the possibility of following events which are designated by that other Member State in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 by whole or partial live coverage or, where necessary or appropriate for objective reasons in the public interest, whole or partial deferred coverage on free television as determined by that other Member State in accordance with paragraph 1.
Article 15 
1. Member States shall ensure that for the purpose of short news reports, any broadcaster established in the Union has access on a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory basis to events of high interest to the public which are transmitted on an exclusive basis by a broadcaster under their jurisdiction. 2. If another broadcaster established in the same Member State as the broadcaster seeking access has acquired exclusive rights to the event of high interest to the public, access shall be sought from that broadcaster. 3. Member States shall ensure that such access is guaranteed by allowing broadcasters to freely choose short extracts from the transmitting broadcaster’s signal with, unless impossible for reasons of practicality, at least the identification of their source. 4. As an alternative to paragraph 3, Member States may establish an equivalent system which achieves access on a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory basis through other means. 5. Short extracts shall be used solely for general news programmes and may be used in on-demand audiovisual media services only if the same programme is offered on a deferred basis by the same media service provider. 6. Without prejudice to paragraphs 1 to 5, Member States shall ensure, in accordance with their legal systems and practices, that the modalities and conditions regarding the provision of such short extracts are defined, in particular, with respect to any compensation arrangements, the maximum length of short extracts and time limits regarding their transmission. Where compensation is provided for, it shall not exceed the additional costs directly incurred in providing access.
Article 16 
1. Member States shall ensure, where practicable and by appropriate means, that broadcasters reserve for European works a majority proportion of their transmission time, excluding the time allotted to news, sports events, games, advertising, teletext services and teleshopping. This proportion, having regard to the broadcaster’s informational, educational, cultural and entertainment responsibilities to its viewing public, should be achieved progressively, on the basis of suitable criteria. 2. Where the proportion laid down in paragraph 1 cannot be attained, it must not be lower than the average for 1988 in the Member State concerned. However, in respect of Greece and Portugal, the year 1988 shall be replaced by the year 1990. 3. Member States shall provide the Commission every 2 years, starting from 3 October 1991, with a report on the application of this Article and Article 17. That report shall in particular include a statistical statement on the achievement of the proportion referred to in this Article and Article 17 for each of the television programmes falling within the jurisdiction of the Member State concerned, the reasons, in each case, for the failure to attain that proportion and the measures adopted or envisaged in order to achieve it. The Commission shall inform the other Member States and the European Parliament of the reports, which shall be accompanied, where appropriate, by an opinion. The Commission shall ensure the application of this Article and Article 17 in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Commission may take account in its opinion, in particular, of progress achieved in relation to previous years, the share of first broadcast works in the programming, the particular circumstances of new television broadcasters and the specific situation of countries with a low audiovisual production capacity or restricted language area.
Article 17 
Member States shall ensure, where practicable and by appropriate means, that broadcasters reserve at least 10 % of their transmission time, excluding the time allotted to news, sports events, games, advertising, teletext services and teleshopping, or alternately, at the discretion of the Member State, at least 10 % of their programming budget, for European works created by producers who are independent of broadcasters. This proportion, having regard to the broadcaster’s informational, educational, cultural and entertainment responsibilities to its viewing public, should be achieved progressively, on the basis of suitable criteria. It must be achieved by earmarking an adequate proportion for recent works, that is to say works transmitted within 5 years of their production.
Article 18 
This Chapter shall not apply to television broadcasts that are intended for local audiences and do not form part of a national network.
Article 19 
1. Television advertising and teleshopping shall be readily recognisable and distinguishable from editorial content. Without prejudice to the use of new advertising techniques, television advertising and teleshopping shall be kept quite distinct from other parts of the programme by optical and/or acoustic and/or spatial means. 2. Isolated advertising and teleshopping spots, other than in transmissions of sports events, shall remain the exception.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Revised version (Article 19 ):
1. Television advertising and teleshopping shall be readily recognisable and distinguishable from editorial content. Without prejudice to the use of new advertising techniques, television advertising and teleshopping shall be kept quite distinct from other parts of the programme by optical and/or acoustic and/or spatial means. 2. Isolated television advertising and teleshopping spots shall be admissible in sports events. Isolated television advertising and teleshopping spots, other than in transmissions of sports events, shall remain the exception.
Article 20 
1. Member States shall ensure, where television advertising or teleshopping is inserted during programmes, that the integrity of the programmes, taking into account natural breaks in and the duration and the nature of the programme concerned, and the rights of the right holders are not prejudiced. 2. The transmission of films made for television (excluding series, serials and documentaries), cinematographic works and news programmes may be interrupted by television advertising and/or teleshopping once for each scheduled period of at least 30 minutes. The transmission of children’s programmes may be interrupted by television advertising and/or teleshopping once for each scheduled period of at least 30 minutes, provided that the scheduled duration of the programme is greater than 30 minutes. No television advertising or teleshopping shall be inserted during religious services.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Revised version (Article 20 ):
1. Member States shall ensure, where television advertising or teleshopping is inserted during programmes, that the integrity of the programmes, taking into account natural breaks in and the duration and the nature of the programme concerned, and the rights of the right holders are not prejudiced. 2. The transmission of films made for television (excluding series, serials and documentaries), cinematographic works and news programmes may be interrupted by television advertising, teleshopping, or both, once for each scheduled period of at least 30 minutes. The transmission of children's programmes may be interrupted by television advertising once for each scheduled period of at least 30 minutes, provided that the scheduled duration of the programme is greater than 30 minutes. The transmission of teleshopping shall be prohibited during children's programmes. No television advertising or teleshopping shall be inserted during religious services.
Article 21 
Teleshopping for medicinal products which are subject to a marketing authorisation within the meaning of Directive 2001/83/EC, as well as teleshopping for medical treatment, shall be prohibited.
Article 22 
Television advertising and teleshopping for alcoholic beverages shall comply with the following criteria: (a) it may not be aimed specifically at minors or, in particular, depict minors consuming these beverages; (b) it shall not link the consumption of alcohol to enhanced physical performance or to driving; (c) it shall not create the impression that the consumption of alcohol contributes towards social or sexual success; (d) it shall not claim that alcohol has therapeutic qualities or that it is a stimulant, a sedative or a means of resolving personal conflicts; (e) it shall not encourage immoderate consumption of alcohol or present abstinence or moderation in a negative light; (f) it shall not place emphasis on high alcoholic content as being a positive quality of the beverages.
Article 23 
1. The proportion of television advertising spots and teleshopping spots within a given clock hour shall not exceed 20 %. 2. Paragraph 1 shall not apply to announcements made by the broadcaster in connection with its own programmes and ancillary products directly derived from those programmes, sponsorship announcements and product placements.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Revised version (Article 23 ):
1. The proportion of television advertising spots and teleshopping spots within the period between 6.00 and 18.00 shall not exceed 20 % of that period. The proportion of television advertising spots and teleshopping spots within the period between 18.00 and 24.00 shall not exceed 20 % of that period.
Article 24 
Teleshopping windows shall be clearly identified as such by optical and acoustic means and shall be of a minimum uninterrupted duration of 15 minutes.
Article 25 
This Directive shall apply mutatis mutandis to television channels exclusively devoted to advertising and teleshopping as well as to television channels exclusively devoted to self-promotion. However, Chapter VI as well as Articles 20 and 23 shall not apply to these channels.
Article 26 
Without prejudice to Article 4, Member States may, with due regard for Union law, lay down conditions other than those laid down in Article 20(2) and Article 23 in respect of television broadcasts intended solely for the national territory which cannot be received directly or indirectly by the public in one or more other Member States.
Article 27 
1. Member States shall take appropriate measures to ensure that television broadcasts by broadcasters under their jurisdiction do not include any programmes which might seriously impair the physical, mental or moral development of minors, in particular programmes that involve pornography or gratuitous violence. 2. The measures provided for in paragraph 1 shall also extend to other programmes which are likely to impair the physical, mental or moral development of minors, except where it is ensured, by selecting the time of the broadcast or by any technical measure, that minors in the area of transmission will not normally hear or see such broadcasts. 3. In addition, when such programmes are broadcast in unencoded form Member States shall ensure that they are preceded by an acoustic warning or are identified by the presence of a visual symbol throughout their duration.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Article 28 
1. Without prejudice to other provisions adopted by the Member States under civil, administrative or criminal law, any natural or legal person, regardless of nationality, whose legitimate interests, in particular reputation and good name, have been damaged by an assertion of incorrect facts in a television programme must have a right of reply or equivalent remedies. Member States shall ensure that the actual exercise of the right of reply or equivalent remedies is not hindered by the imposition of unreasonable terms or conditions. The reply shall be transmitted within a reasonable time subsequent to the request being substantiated and at a time and in a manner appropriate to the broadcast to which the request refers. 2. A right of reply or equivalent remedies shall exist in relation to all broadcasters under the jurisdiction of a Member State. 3. Member States shall adopt the measures needed to establish the right of reply or the equivalent remedies and shall determine the procedure to be followed for the exercise thereof. In particular, they shall ensure that a sufficient time span is allowed and that the procedures are such that the right or equivalent remedies can be exercised appropriately by natural or legal persons resident or established in other Member States. 4. An application for exercise of the right of reply or the equivalent remedies may be rejected if such a reply is not justified according to the conditions laid down in paragraph 1, would involve a punishable act, would render the broadcaster liable to civil-law proceedings or would transgress standards of public decency. 5. Provision shall be made for procedures whereby disputes as to the exercise of the right of reply or the equivalent remedies can be subject to judicial review.
Article 29 
1. A contact committee is established under the aegis of the Commission. It shall be composed of representatives of the competent authorities of the Member States. It shall be chaired by a representative of the Commission and meet either on his initiative or at the request of the delegation of a Member State. 2. The tasks of the contact committee shall be: (a) to facilitate effective implementation of this Directive through regular consultation on any practical problems arising from its application, and particularly from the application of Article 2, as well as on any other matters on which exchanges of views are deemed useful; (b) to deliver own-initiative opinions or opinions requested by the Commission on the application by the Member States of this Directive; (c) to be the forum for an exchange of views on what matters should be dealt with in the reports which Member States must submit pursuant to Article 16(3) and on their methodology; (d) to discuss the outcome of regular consultations which the Commission holds with representatives of broadcasting organisations, producers, consumers, manufacturers, service providers and trade unions and the creative community; (e) to facilitate the exchange of information between the Member States and the Commission on the situation and the development of regulatory activities regarding audiovisual media services, taking account of the Union’s audiovisual policy, as well as relevant developments in the technical field; (f) to examine any development arising in the sector on which an exchange of views appears useful.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Article 30 
Member States shall take appropriate measures to provide each other and the Commission with the information necessary for the application of this Directive, in particular Articles 2, 3 and 4, in particular through their competent independent regulatory bodies.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Article 31 
In fields which this Directive does not coordinate, it shall not affect the rights and obligations of Member States resulting from existing conventions dealing with telecommunications or broadcasting.
Article 32 
Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main provisions of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive.
Article 33 
Not later than 19 December 2011, and every 3 years thereafter, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, to the Council and to the European Economic and Social Committee a report on the application of this Directive and, if necessary, make further proposals to adapt it to developments in the field of audiovisual media services, in particular in the light of recent technological developments, the competitiveness of the sector and levels of media literacy in all Member States. That report shall also assess the issue of television advertising accompanying or included in children’s programmes, and in particular whether the quantitative and qualitative rules contained in this Directive have afforded the level of protection required.
Amendment rationale: CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The audiovisual media landscape is changing at a rapid pace due to ever-increasing convergence between television and services distributed via the internet. Consumers increasingly access on-demand content via smart/connected TVs and portable devices. Young consumers, particularly, watch videos, including user-generated content, on the internet. Traditional broadcasting in the EU remains strong in terms of viewership, advertising revenues, and investment in content (around 30% of revenues). However, new business models are emerging. Broadcasters are extending their activities online and new players offering audiovisual content via the internet (e.g. video-on-demand providers and video-sharing platforms) are getting stronger and competing for the same audiences. However, TV broadcasting, video-on-demand and user-generated content are subject to different rules and varying levels of consumer protection. The Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy for Europe 1 calls for a modernisation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2 to reflect these market, consumption and technological changes. It requires the Commission to focus on the scope of application of the AVMSD and on the nature of the rules applicable to all market players 3 (in particular those for the promotion of European works 4 ), the protection of minors and advertising rules. Pursuant to this commitment and in line with ‘Better Regulation’ requirements 5 , the Commission carried out an ex post evaluation (also called ‘REFIT’). It assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added-value of the AVMSD, and pinpointed areas where there is potential for simplification, without undermining the objectives of the AVMSD. Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area Council Directive 89/552/EEC as amended by Directives 97/36/EC and 2007/65/EC and codified in Directive 2010/13/EU (AVMSD), covers both rules for ‘television broadcasting’ and for on-demand audiovisual media services. This proposal takes into account changes in the audiovisual landscape since the last revision to ensure that the AVMSD will provide a modernised, flexible and forward looking legal framework. Consistency with other Union policies This proposal complements existing EU law, in particular the e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC, Directive 2003/33/EC on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices and Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. In December 2015, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Accessibility Act 6 , which sets accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services including audiovisual media services. Therefore, the revision of the AVMSD does not address the issue of accessibility. e-Commerce Directive 2000/31/EC (ECD) The current AVMSD does not apply to user-generated content offered on video-sharing platforms since the providers of video-sharing platforms services often do not have editorial responsibility for the content stored on those platforms. In many cases these services are subject to the e-Commerce Directive (ECD), as they constitute information society services. The ECD does not require intermediaries to monitor content hosted by them; in fact, it prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation to monitor or to engage in active fact-finding indicating illegal activity (Article 15). Under the ECD, intermediaries – and more specifically providers of so-called 'hosting' services – are exempt from liability for any illegal information that they host (Article 14). Providers can only qualify as hosting service providers within the meaning of the ECD where they have neither knowledge of nor control over the information in question. This exemption from liability is only available if providers ensure that, if illegal content is identified, they take expeditious action to disable access to or remove it. This proposal would complement the ECD on some points, as explained in section 5 below, while leaving the abovementioned provisions of the ECD, as well as its Article 3 on the internal market, unaffected. Directive on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products 2003/33/EC Directive 2003/33/EC prohibits advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products in the press and other printed publications, in radio and in information society services. It also bans sponsorship, by tobacco companies, of radio programmes and of cross-border events. Moreover recital 14 of Directive 2003/33/EC makes it clear that all forms of audiovisual commercial communications for cigarettes and other tobacco products in broadcast services are prohibited by the AVMSD. Such restrictions have, through successive amendments, been extended to cover all audiovisual commercial communications, including sponsorship and product placement in audiovisual media services (Articles 9(1)(d), 10(2) and 11(4)(a) AVMSD). In addition, pursuant to Article 20(5)(e) of Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 7 , the prohibitions applicable to communications concerning tobacco products under the AVMSD also apply to electronic cigarettes and refill containers. The prohibition on commercial communications in respect of tobacco and related products are recalled in a recital of the Directive now proposed. Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC (UCPD) The UCPD is the main body of legislation on business-to-consumer commercial practices, such as misleading advertising, in the EU. It applies to all business to consumer commercial practices, before, during and after a transaction has taken place, and online as well as offline. The UCPD provides three levels of consumer protection: (1) The black-list of 31 specific commercial practices which are prohibited in all circumstances; (2) Misleading and aggressive practices – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis; (3) General prohibition of unfair practices contrary to professional diligence – to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 2011/93/EU The Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography harmonises throughout the Union criminal offences relating to sexual abuse committed against children, the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. It also lays down minimum sanctions.
Revised version (Article 33 ):
The Commission shall monitor Member States' application of this Directive. By 19 December 2022 at the latest, and every three years thereafter, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, to the Council and to the European Economic and Social Committee a report on the application of this Directive. By 19 December 2026 at the latest, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an ex post evaluation, accompanied where appropriate by proposals for its review, of the impact of this Directive and its added value. The Commission shall keep the Contact Committee and ERGA duly informed of the others' work and activities. The Commission shall ensure that information received from Member States on any measure that they have taken in the fields coordinated by this Directive is communicated to the Contact Committee and ERGA.
Article 34 
Directive 89/552/EEC, as amended by the Directives listed in Annex I, Part A, is repealed, without prejudice to the obligations of the Member States relating to the time limits for transposition into national law of the Directives set out in Annex I, Part B. References to the repealed Directive shall be construed as references to this Directive and shall be read in accordance with the correlation table in Annex II.
Article 35 
This Directive shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union .
Article 36 
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.