Arcom's position on the European Commission's initiative for a European Media Freedom Act (EMFA)

Media freedom and plurality are essential pillars of democratic schemes based on the rule of law, and are among the fundamental values of the European Union, as stated in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. They enable citizens to form a free and informed opinion and fuel democratic debate. This democratic responsibility of the media is all the more important in these troubled times.

As stated in the "Statement of Purpose" of the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA), Arcom, like the other ERGA members, fully supports the fundamental democratic, economic, social and cultural values and objectives enshrined in the Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) Directive, in particular the guarantee of freedom of expression, freedom of reception and accessibility of audiovisual media services in the member states; safeguarding media plurality and promoting citizens' right to information; and preserving the independence of national regulatory authorities. Although ERGA members do not have identical competencies, the implementation of these principles and values is at the heart of their missions and expertise.

In this context, Arcom fully supports the European Commission's initiative for a European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and its general objectives of strengthening media freedom, independence and plurality. Arcom notes that the Commission's proposed approach is based on the internal market, since a well-functioning internal market goes hand in hand with an environment conducive to the development of a diverse European media. Nevertheless, Arcom's - and ERGA's - primary focus is on the fundamental values of the European Union mentioned above.

Arcom fully subscribes to the Commission's guidelines aimed at giving independent national regulatory authorities and ERGA a greater role and renewed means to promote media freedom, independence and plurality.