On demand libraries will be required to have at least 30% of their content originating in the European Union.
The new rules follow an agreement between the European Parliament, Council and Commission on a revision for the Directive on Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS). Negotiations will now formally conclude in June when the three bodies will meet to discuss the last remaining technical details of the proposal.
After formal confirmation the new rules will be required to be included in nations laws.
Also included are new rules to strengthen the protection of minors on both linear and on demand content and reinforce measures against hate speech in all audiovisual content and a relaxation on advertising riles.
“A fairer environment for all players in audiovisual sector is much needed. Moreover, our cultural sector will have a more prominent place in on-demand catalogues – a significant and positive change for European creators and authors,” said Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society.
The revised Directive will also apply to user-generated videos shared on platforms, such as Facebook, when providing audiovisual content is an essential functionality of the service.
Also, while the overall limit of 20% of broadcasting time given over to commercials is maintained between 6:00 to 18:00. Instead of the current 12 minutes per hour, broadcasters can choose more freely when to show ads throughout the day.
