Activity Details (ID# 10977)

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 second meeting, the MC-S-MD:

- took note of the decisions by the CDMC of interest to the MC-S-MD, including the change to the Group’s name ( from MM-S-MD to MC-S-MD);

- was informed of the initial results of the study “the effects of media concentration on freedom of expression and information, media pluralism and cultural diversity” conducted by D. Ward which the Group had commissioned (see MC-S-MD (2005) 005).

- took note of the update of some of the data set out in the AP-MD report on transnational media concentrations in Europe (see document MC-S-MD (2005) 006);

- resumed discussions on the expediency of updating Recommendations Nos. R (94) 13 on measures to promote media transparency and No. R (99) 1 on measures to promote media pluralism and decided that a select working group comprising the experts of Bulgaria, France and Poland would produce a draft text for the subsequent meeting;

- welcomed the adoption of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions by UNESCO during its the 33rd General Conference held in Paris from 3 to 21 October 2005 and decided to prepare a draft recommendation for submission to the CDMC and then to the Committee of Ministers recommending that, at the earliest opportunity, Council of Europe member states ratify the UNESCO Convention.;

- examined in depth, and amended, a draft questionnaire on measures taken by member states after the adoption of Recommendation (2003) 9 of the Committee of Ministers on measures to promote the democratic and social contribution of digital broadcasting; decided that the questionnaire should be transmitted by CDMC members to the public authorities responsible for the changeover to digital technology in the member States and that the questionnaire will be put on line on the Website of the Media Division ;

- unanimously elected Ms Zrinjka PERUŠKO (Croatia) Chairperson, and re-elected Mr Frédéric Deroin (France) Vice-Chairperson;
 

A follow-up is necesary. 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. 

Dr David WARD, Director, Centre for media policy and development, LONDON 

Jan Malinowski, Head of the Media Division
Charlotte de Broutelles, Secretary to the MC-S-MD