Television Without Frontiers: Will it sink or swim?

2.24.29pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 12th Dec 2006

Ahead of tomorrow's vote on the revision of the Television Without Frontiers Directive, Sharon Bowles Liberal Democrat MEP today urged fellow MEPs not to stifle new technology with burdensome and overreaching regulation.

Sharon Bowles who authored several amendments on behalf of the ALDE Group said "Technology is constantly evolving to keep up with high consumer demand for the latest convenience gadgets. I have come to see this legislation as a sink or swim directive. Europe can either keep its industry at the forefront of global technological innovation or it can tie it down with a ball and chain. It is about setting the right balance.

Speaking in the debate today Mrs Bowles also urged the Parliament to adopt a liberal approach towards advertising time. Author of the "30 minute" amendment Sharon Bowles said "This directive is in part a response to the recognition that revenue from advertising to traditional media is on a downward slope. The equation is quite simple, if we do not allow revenue for traditional TV to be made then all hopes of quality productions, documentaries and cultural vibrancy are lost.

I am a great believer in the market power of the off button - advertisers will not pay for unseen adverts and viewers will not watch unacceptable TV. We need to start giving the viewers some credit"

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