Conference conclusions

The EUMAP/NMP reports on Television across Europe: regulation, policy and independence, covering 20 European countries, were launched in Brussels and in the countries covered in the reports in late 2005 and in the first half of 2006.

To mark the conclusion of this project, from 7-9th June 2006, most of those involved with the reports' preparation, together with representatives of other relevant international and national organisations, met at a conference organised in Budapest by the Open Society Institute.

The Budapest conference was also organised to launch a new follow-up project, lead by OSI’s Network media Program, to promote the realisation of the reports' recommendations in the medium-term. During the conference, participants discussed their priorities for followup activities and their ideas for optimising advocacy actions across Europe.

The main conclusions which resulted from the two days debate were:

1. Preserve and enhance the public service content of European televisions

   Public service television stations (PSBs) in Europe today are increasingly going downmarket as they struggle to keep pace with commercial stations. In some cases, the traditional differences between PSB and commercial output are rapidly diminishing, while in others, they have  vanished completely. PSBs in Europe’s new democracies in particular, are chronically undercapitalised and professionally demoralised.  They are often technically primitive and are unable to compete with commercial rivals. If this trend continues unabated, there is a serious risk that significant public interest programme strands, including programming for ethnic, linguistic and other minorities, as well as investigative reporting, will become unavailable to those viewers who only have access to terrestrial analogue television. It is vital to respond effectively to this situation, to save such public service content in European television.

2. Confront the rapidly developing concentration of media markets

   With the increasing concentration of ownership of European television markets, both nationally and transnationally, diversity and plurality on television is at risk. Ownership structures need to be transparent in order that compliance with existing monopoly laws be ensured. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for legislation which requires such transparency, as well as for stepping up monitoring to evaluate the consequences of concentration.

3. Ensure that the impending digitalisation and convergence will be to the benefit of viewers

   Digitalisation and convergence technologies are rapidly developing, but most of Europe is completely unprepared for them. While large conglomerates will surely be able to take advantage of these technological developments, the lack of preparation by ordinary viewers and by policymakers may well result in ordinary viewers being denied access to truly diverse information. Accordingly, clear policies, as well as a vigorous and informed public debate, based on public education campaigns, on the impending digital switchover and on convergence, are urgently needed

4. Reinforce the guarantees of independence for media professionals

   In many European countries media professionals, both at commercial and at public service broadcasters, function without guarantees as to their professional and personal independence. Many work without contracts, and are unable to exercise their rights to collective bargaining, to non-discriminatory and adequate wages, and to minimal standards of social protection. At the same time, they work without the benefits of codes of ethics, codes of practice, complaints procedures and other instruments of self-regulation, training and professional development. Legislative, regulatory and policy changes are urgently needed to address these gaps in protection.

5. Strengthen the presence of diverse groups among media professionals

   Minority groups are confronted with issues of access, power and portrayal in the media sector. National media have an increasingly important responsibility in serving both as a platform of intercultural dialogue, including all citizens, and as news and information outputs fully trusted by all members of the multicultural society. In order to realize this, the programming staff will have to become more diverse, so the audience will be able to identify themselves more with these programs.

6. Media literacy

   Education in media and digital literacy allow the public to become familiar with the media, to analyse content and develop critical views. This attitude is a guarantee of freedom and independence for the public towards media.

   Media literacy is however hardly addressed because of the insufficient understanding of the concept, and its relevance to today’s Information Society and knowledge-based economies, among policy makers, information professionals, private sector representatives and general public. Even where media literacy is granted, there is still lack of strategy and clearly articulated vision and the lack of coordination and consistent action.

   Media education in all levels of schools is necessary to help media users understand how and why certain media content is produced. Media literacy allows readers and viewers to analyze critically the techniques, languages and conventions used by the media, and the messages they convey. It also empowers them to make their own media in order to make their voice heard and allows them to participate as empowered citizens in the multicultural information society.