The current draft document defines the way the EC will act to set up a European audiovisual network that would facilitate the communication on EU-related matters towards the citizens. This action plan consists of 3 different stages that are respectively:

• The facilitation of the coverage of EU news by broadcasters
  
• The promotion of the broadcasting of EU content and the support of radio and television networks
  
• The improvement of the Commission’s audiovisual material.

The second stage will consist in setting up European radio networks. The EC wishes to encourage radio networks through Europe by gathering independent broadcasters, pooling productions costs and thus increasing the return on investment.

In the frame of the second stage, a European network has already been launched with EURANET (European Radio Network) in December 2007. Currently, there are 16 radios coming from 13 member states that are part of EURANET. It will receive €5.8 million per year over a period of five years for producing and broadcasting EU programmes. This kind of initiative allows multilingualism and pluralism but it will also be a way to lower the influence of national angles. EURANET began to broadcast in April 2008 in 10 different languages and this number will progressively increase to eventually reach 23. The EC supports this network and encourages the extension of its reach and language coverage. The initial audience expectations are estimated to reach 12-19 million listeners per day and its Internet portal should generate 60-80 monthly views. Broadcasters that would potentially be willing to enter the network are welcome to join.

Next steps: Publication of the communication on April 25th, 2008.

For further information, please click here.
To access the Commission Communication, please click here.