Flemish Minister for Media Sven Gatz responds positively to the agreement on the AVMSD (Audiovisual Media Services). 'The directive gives our Flemish media landscape more levers and better protection', says Gatz.
This directive should ensure a better level playing field for audiovisual media providers (linear and non-linear broadcasters) and video platforms. They will have to follow more similar rules about advertising, hate speech and violence or protection of minors.
Sven Gatz: 'In addition, the directive provides a framework that will allow member states to request a contribution from foreign broadcasters or giants such as Netflix and Amazon, as we already ask from Proximus and Telenet. This contribution must then serve to invest in local productions. We are currently working on such a scheme in Flanders. The directive obliges providers of films or series on demand such as Netflix, also to include at least 30 percent of European productions in their offer. "
Gatz is satisfied with the directive: "The AVMD directive will better arm our media landscape for the future. We will be able to invest better and more in our own productions, in which we are very strong and which Flemish viewers love. And in the competitive battle with foreign giants, our broadcasters get better protection.'
The publication of the AVMS guideline is expected after the summer. The EU member states will then have two years to transpose it into national law.