Arcom welcomes the official launch of the European Committee for Media Services

On February 10, Arcom President Martin Ajdari took part in the inaugural plenary meeting of the European Media Services Committee ( Media Board) in Brussels.

The Board brings together independent media regulators from all EU member states. From now on, it will play a central role in the coordinated implementation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMS) and the Media Freedom Regulation (EMFA).

The latter includes measures to promote transparency in media ownership, makes provision for the Committee to issue opinions on mergers and national measures with an impact on plurality, and takes account of the specific characteristics of the media with regard to the moderation of their publications by online platforms.

Alongside its European counterparts, Arcom is ready to assume the central role entrusted to the Media Committee by the EMFA, and the role summonsed to it at national level by the European regulation, which represents a major step towards strengthening the independence, freedom and plurality of the media, essential pillars of democracy in Europe.

The French regulator looks forward to future strengthening cooperation within the Committee, which will also enable us to pursue and amplify the work undertaken within the Union in favor of a media sector that contributes to the production and exhibition of a diversity of European works, particularly independent ones, as well as a safer Internet, particularly for youngsters.

Measures to adapt national law, many of which are in line with the conclusions of the Etats généraux de l'information, are due to be adopted in the coming months, with most of the EMFA's schemes coming into force this summer.