Media Accountability in Europe Paolo Baldi, Media Consultant

1. Media Accountability in EuropePaolo Baldi, Media Consultant EAVI Founding Conference Lucca, October 2004

2. C o n t e n t I – Why Media Accountability is important ? II – MA is in the Media Policy agendas III - Europe: a fragmented sutuation Advanced countries Less advanced countries « Under construction » countries IV – Concluding remarks EAVI Conference – Lucca, October 2004

3. I – Why MA is important ? • Viewers / citizens participation is highly dependent from: • the « quality » of the information publicly available (on media activities) ; • the « quality » of the formal / informal procedures used for listening to audiences interests; • This transparency helps in monitoring the performances of the media. EAVI Conference – Lucca, October 2004

4. Complaints Units Ombudsmann Audience Councils Public Consultations ‘Media Meetings’ Qualitative Research Ethics Charts Programs classification Programme policy Infomation on: Complaints handling Sanctions Etc… I – Why MA is important ? « listening » to audiences « informing » audiences EAVI Conference – Lucca, October 2004

5. II – MA is in the Agenda… • Authoritative & ongoing PSBs reviews • Innovative & audience-oriented accountability instruments • Creation of accountable self-regulated bodies • Promotion of Media Literacy EAVI Conference – Lucca, October 2004

6. III – A fragmented Europe EAVI Conference – Lucca, October 2004

7. III – Most Advanced Countries • Authoritative & ongoing PSBs reviews • UK / OFCOM: PSBs review / BBC Chart • « maintaining and strengthening the quality of PSB television in the future… » • BBC: reviewing complaints handling process • IE / Gov.: « Forum on Broadcasting » • RTE Audience Council / RTE Charter EAVI Conference – Lucca, October 2004

8. III – Most Advanced Countries • Innovative & audience-oriented accountability instruments: • UK / OFCOM: Consumer Panel (indip.) • DE / MA-NRW: Media Meeting (indip.) • New elements: • Create a stronger link with audiences / public • Introduce non-politically appointed citizens EAVI Conference – Lucca, October 2004

9. III – Less Advanced Countries • Authorities (NRA) just supervise the implementation of current legislation: • FR / GR: no complaints handling • Spain: CAC cannot revoke licences • CH: no « Indip. Media Council » (law revision) • NRA have limited sanctionary powers: • Italy: no starting or « cash settlement » • Spain (Andalusia) / LU: no sanctions EAVI Conference – Lucca, October 2004

10. III – Less Advanced Countries • Convoluted and « unworkable » legislation: • IT: need for one systematic Code TV & Minors • GR: « non-implementability » of the legislation • Questionables accountability mechanisms: • FTV: « Médiateur » / « Charte de l’antenne » • CH / SRG: « Regional Societies » limited influence (contradictory role) EAVI Conference – Lucca, October 2004

11. III – « Under Construction » Countries • Lack of a civil society tradition: • RO : « we miss consumer’s education » (NAC) • Weakness of the regulatory framework: • EU Regulation not fully implemented (PL / CZ) • No good laws: Wrestilng (BU); Nova (CZ) • NRAs have too many competences: • lack of visibility / attention on « viewers interests » issues EAVI Conference – Lucca, October 2004

12. IV – Concluding Remarks • ICTs are accelerating the adoption of more performant accountability tools • Self-regulation is a solution if seriously endorsed & monitored by the Govs • Small countries with « next door giants » urgently need pan-European regulation • « Complaints » and « Sanctions » are two negatives approaches: dialogue and vision EAVI Conference – Lucca, October 2004

13. T h a n k s