EC Launches Consultation on Online Distribution of Content

BRUSSELS: The European Commission is seeking responses to its Green Paper on the online distribution of content and the creation of a "digital single market" for member states.

The Green Paper explores how the regulatory framework needs to be adapted for the digital age so that content owners can come up with new business models and distribution channels, while providing European consumers greater access to content. The issues explored include the opportunities provided by a digital single market, rights clearances issues for online content, and the measures that may be needed to adequately remunerate performers and writers in relation to online exploitation of content. The consultation closes on November 18.

"I want to ensure that Europeans can seize the opportunities offered by the internet," said Michel Barnier, Internal Market Commissioner. "It is important for me to hear the views of all stakeholders concerned—creators, performers, producers, distributors and consumers. The results of this consultation will provide a significant contribution to the initiatives I am preparing, including a legislative proposal on collective copyright licensing, an examination of the framework set by the 2001 Information Society Directive, and a review of the Intellectual Property Enforcement Directive."

In advance of the launch of the Green Paper, Philippe Delusinne, president of the Association of Commercial Television in Europe (ACT), stated, "The rules of business should not be abandoned in the online world, as our broadcasters will continue investing in content only with a reasonable chance of return. The engagement of Europe’s content companies will be decisive in persuading consumers to sign up to a digital Europe.”

Ross Biggam, ACT’s director general, added: “We are grateful for the opportunity to explain how our industry works in the digital world and how audiovisual content is distributed. It will be important to clearly distinguish between the different rules and needs of the music and the audiovisual sector. It remains crucial to retain the exclusive rights to sell our content and to have the choice of contractual negotiations in which territories to sell our content.”