Mrs. Reding talked about the proposals in the reviewed EU regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services (“Telecom package”) and future challenges in media. She said “Member States shall ensure that subscribers to electronic communications services or networks are clearly informed in advance of their obligations to respect copyright and related rights”. Mrs. Reding further explained that it was important to find the right balance between ownership and access, and called on the industry to consider these issues. Nevertheless, she pointed out that she is an “enthusiastic follower of self and co regulation to prevent or to supplement legal provisions”. Mrs. Reding also emphasised the Ethical Journalism Initiative as an example of good self-regulation in reporting issues of multi-ethical and multi-religious kind.

The next topic in the speech was content online here Mrs. Reding underlined the cross border dimension of content online and the fact that companies have to adapt to this. In January 2008 a Communication on content online is expected. Mrs. Reding referred to it and said “I am not imposing a model upon the market players, but starting a process aimed at facilitating business negotiations and at improving legal certainty”.

At the end of the speech Mrs. Reding addressed the question of car advertising. The European Parliament (EP) has suggested stricter rules in this area. However, Mrs. Reding promised that “as long as I am the Commissioner in charge of media, this Commission will not propose new advertising bans!”

Next steps:
Communication on Content online, January 2008
European Parliament is likely to start discussing the Telecom Package Review in early 2008.

To read the speech, please click here