Activity Details (ID# 10957)

Activity Synopsis

- monitor, in co-operation with the European Audiovisual Observatory, the development of media concentration in Europe, in particular at the transnational level, study its impact on freedom of expression and information and suggest any initiative to preserve media pluralism;

- examine the impact of media concentration on cultural diversity and media pluralism, in particular in the digital environment, and, if necessary, update Recommendations no. R (94) 13 on measures to promote media transparency and no. R (99) 1 on measures to promote media pluralism;

- follow the ongoing preparation within UNESCO of a draft international convention on the protection of the diversity of cultural contents and artistic expressions, examine its consequences for the media and, if it considers it necessary to work out a common pan-European approach to this instrument, propose appropriate action;

- monitor the implementation of Recommendation (2003) 9 on measures to promote the democratic and social contribution of digital broadcasting with a view, as appropriate, to providing further guidance to member States on how to ensure its implementation.
 

At its first meeting, the MM-S-MD:

- unanimously elected Mr Sigve GRAMSTAD (Norway) Chairperson and Mr Frédéric DEROIN (France) Vice-Chairperson for a one-year term of office;

- held an exchange of views on the results of the 7th European Ministerial Conference on Mass Media Policy (Kyiv, 10 and 11 March 2005);

- analysed in detail its terms of reference with a view to taking the preliminary decisions required for launching its work;

- defined the framework for a study to be conducted by an expert on the impact of media concentration on freedom of expression and information, media pluralism and cultural diversity

- conducted an initial examination of Recommendations No. R (94) 13 on measures to promote media transparency and No. R (99) 1 on measures to promote media pluralism (with a view to possible updating);
 

A follow-up is necessary. One meeting is planned in Novemeber 2005. Two meetings are planned in 2006. 

Experts from Council of Europe member states involved in media, culture and communication (most of them are civil servants from different ministries ).

Observers : Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, the European Audiovisual Observatory, the European Commission, l’UNESCO, l’OSCE, observers with the Council of Europe (Canada, Holy See, Japan, Mexico, United States of America) and the following NGOs : European Broadcasting Union, Association of Commercial Television in Europe, European Federation of Journalists, European Newspaper Publishers Association, European Internet Service Providers’ Association. 

None 

Charlotte de Broutelles, Secretary to the MC-S-MD