TV Without Frontiers Update

Since we are one of the few U.S.-based sites to seem to care about the European TV Without Frontiers Directive in the first place, I would be remiss if I didn't note a big development that happened while I was on vacation.

The British communications regulatory arm, Ofcom, finally succeeded in its long quest to convince key ministers that forcing countries to regulate online broadcasting wouldn't be a wise thing.  ZDNet noted way back on November 15...

Ofcom says it has successfully argued that video downloads should not be regulated by EU regulators, but that industry and the public should self regulate. It believed the vagueness of the original proposals would have forced it to regulate all visual media, from television companies to many thousands of individual video blogs. The regulations have instead been extended to cover on-demand content that "looks and feels like a traditional TV service", said Ofcom on Tuesday....

...While the regulator said it recognised that under-regulation could expose children and the vulnerable to inappropriate content, it was concerned that over-regulation would stifle competition. It called for a flexible approach to regulation, including self-regulation by media providers, and consumer regulation through parental control.

While a very positive step, indeed, the directive still has a bit more time to change form again.  It will be reviewed by the European Parliament next week, according to Intellectual Property Watch.

UPDATE:  See the instructive comment below on "why we shouldn't get carried away" with this development -- especially its very valid point on defining "TV-like" services.

Comments

[John Middleton]

Frankly I wouldn't get too carried away. There has been a compromise to stick the online (non-linear) regulation to 'TV-like' services; the key will now be what the definition of tv-like is in the final text - clearly it is impossible to define in a watertight manner what really is a qualitative judgement so the Directive is still going to have a major impact.

There is also the fact that to get the compromise, there is a high likelihood that the country of origin principle that is the foundation of the original Directive could be weakened to push the eventual Directive through. There is still also the fact that any 'tv-like' online service will still have to comply with the regulation on advertising and product placement that previously they may not have had to comply with...however it is still a major improvement over what was on the table before :)

[ada]

This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

[Ireneusz]

Some really great blog posts on this web site , appreciate it for contribution.

[berta]

I am impressed with this site, real I am a fan .

[Johnette Soller]

Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing this info.

[Bonny Mitschelen]

Greetings! Very helpful advice within this article! It's the little changes that will make the most important changes. Many thanks for sharing!

[kegman]

Heya i am for the primary time here. I found this board and I to find It really helpful & it helped me out a lot. I am hoping to offer one thing back and help others such as you helped me.

[Tamica Anning]

I like looking through an article that can make men and women think. Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!

[Magali Pugliese]

Excellent write-up. I certainly love this website. Continue the good work!

[chwilówka]

I have really noticed that credit score improvement activity ought to be conducted with techniques. If not, you may find yourself causing harm to your rank. In order to grow into success fixing your credit history you have to make sure that from this time you pay your entire monthly fees promptly in advance of their appointed date. It is definitely significant given that by not accomplishing that area, all other steps that you will choose to adopt to improve your credit rank will not be powerful. Thanks for expressing your concepts.

[Lina Doubek]

You are so cool! I do not believe I've truly read through anything like that before. So nice to find another person with some genuine thoughts on this topic. Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This website is one thing that's needed on the web, someone with a little originality!

[Ossie Rickley]

I enjoy reading a post that can make people think. Also, thank you for allowing for me to comment!

[Carlene Gavette]

I quite like reading through an article that can make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!

[Izetta Sukeforth]

Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Many thanks, However I am experiencing difficulties with your RSS. I don’t know why I am unable to join it. Is there anybody else having identical RSS issues? Anybody who knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanx!!

[Magda Rankhorn]

Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be useful to read through articles from other writers and use something from their websites.

[Necole Mova]

I could not refrain from commenting. Very well written!

[Deedee Bjorn]

Having read this I thought it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!