Written by Ivana Katsarova (6th edition),

The Audiovisual Media Services Directive
© Julia Tim / Fotolia

Following political agreement with the Council, a vote in plenary on 2 October 2018 saw Parliament adopt the updated EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive, based on the proposal presented by the Commission on 25 May 2016. The overarching goal of the proposal was to bring about a balance between competitiveness and consumer protection. It therefore aimed to introduce flexibility when restrictions only applicable to TV are no longer justified, promote European films, protect minors and tackle hate speech more efficiently. The proposal also reflected a new approach to online platforms. Following adoption of the revised directive, EU Member States now have to bring the new rules into national law by 19 September 2020.

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Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2010/13/EU on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the provision of audiovisual media services in view of changing market realities
Committee responsible:Co-rapporteurs:

Shadow rapporteurs:

 Culture and Education (CULT)Petra Kammerevert (S&D, Germany)

Sabine Verheyen (EPP, Germany)

Angel Dzhambazki (ECR, Bulgaria)

Yana Toom (ALDE, Estonia)

Curzio Maltese (GUE/NGL, Italy)

Helga Trüpel (Greens/EFA, Germany)

Isabella Adinolfi (EFDD, Italy)

Dominique Bilde (ENF, France)

 COM(2016) 287 final of 25.05.20162016/0151(COD)

Ordinary legislative procedure (COD) (Parliament and Council on equal footing (formerly ‘co-decision’)
Next steps expected: Directive (EU) 2018/1808

OJ L 303, 28.11.2018, pp.69-92