Media regulation in the European Union: Martin Ajdari appointed Vice-Chairman of the Media Board

The European Committee for Media Services (Media Board), which brings together regulators from EU member states, met yesterday, Wednesday December 10, in Barcelona. At this plenary meeting, Amma Asante (President of the Commissariaat voor de Media of the Netherlands) and Martin Ajdari (President of Arcom) were appointed respectively President and Vice-President of the Board for the year 2026.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the major issues of 2025: implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and work on the Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) directive.

The aim of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) is to preserve an independent and plurality-oriented media ecosystem, offering European citizens reliable and varied sources of information to enable them to participate in an informed way in democratic and social debate. The Committee, which has already been consulted on the main schemes that came into force on August 8, is examining two requests for opinions concerning mergers on the media market and national measures likely to affect plurality and editorial independence within the EU.

The Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) Directive lays down a set of common rules for the protection of persons under 18, the promotion of European works and commercial communications, thereby securing and harmonizing the legal framework for the European audiovisual industry. The Committee, which adopted several key reports on the AVMS Directive in 2025, is currently finalizing its response to the call for contributions launched by the European Commission on November 24 to assess the relevance of possible revisions to the text.

Martin Ajdari, Chairman of Arcom : "I am honored to take on the role of Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the year 2026. I will exercise this function with determination, helping to pursue and amplify its work, which aims to promote a European media ecosystem that is respectful of freedom of expression, plurality, trust and competitiveness within the EU."

To read the press release from the European Committee for Media Services, click here.