• ACT unveils media blueprint for 2019-24
  • Three core areas: robust, responsible and reliable broadcasting
  • Policy unveiled as ACT turns 30

EU flag on tv

Five-year blueprint: ACT launches new EU media policy

The Association of Commercial Television in Europe (ACT) has launched a five-year blueprint for EU media policy after celebrating 30 years of representing commercial TV interests across the continent.

ACT’s Blueprint for media policy 2019-2024 sets out its guiding thoughts on what European policy-makers should focus on in order to maintain media plurality, quality news and cultural diversity across the sector.

ACT, which represents 28 broadcasters from across Europe, unveiled the document in Brussels today with a call for action focused on policies that support the contribution made by broadcasters to European life.

The call to action is split into three parts: robust, responsible and reliable.

  • Robust media policy that delivers an industrial vision more ambitious and joined up, including a competition framework that allows broadcasters to compete
  • Responsible online platform policies with a set of measures to deliver a digital environment that rewards rights, whilst also promoting innovation
  • Reliable rights and commercial freedoms, backed by EU policies that uphold the drivers for commercial broadcasters, such as territoriality and contractual freedom, plus more action to tackle piracy.

Guillaume de Posch, ACT president, stated: “I am delighted that after 30 years ACT continues to lead the way on media policy. This forward-looking blueprint will set the tone for the next five years. Europe has a big challenge, and many opportunities, ahead. The principles set out in the Blueprint are there to guide European decision-makers to a successful, vibrant and diverse media ecosystem. ACT and its membership look forward to engage on these critical topics.”

The announcement came as ACT turned 30. The organisation said its aim is to foster an environment for media that “protects and strengthens the unique characteristics” of the sector.

Members of ACT include the likes of BeIn Sports, Bonnier Broadcasting (which is set to be acquired by Telia), Canal+, ITV, Sky, Virgin Media, and Mediaset.

Fedele Confalonieri, Mediaset chairman and founding member of the ACT, said: “We are no longer a small club of European entrepreneurs but our common goal is still a commitment to keeping alive the mission that united us thirty years ago: to be the driver of original content in Europe.”