03-10-2010

Cyprus, Slovenia fall short in EU broadcasts

By FNE Staff

    Cyprus and Slovenia, along with Sweden, failed to meet the EU requirement to broadcast a minimum of 50% European programming content on TV for 2007-2008, according to a report from the European Commission. Poland topped the list, with 85% European programming in 2007 and 83% in 2008.

    Cyprus was at the bottom, with only 28% EU programming in 2007 and 30% in 2008. Slovenia was next with 45%, nearly tied with Sweden. EU countries had an overall average of 63% of European content.

    The EC has encouraged the lagging countries to increase their European content, with special attention directed to smaller stations with specialized programming that have been unable to meet the EC goals.

    All countries met the requirement of 10% independent programming (either by amount of broadcasting time or amount of allocated budget). Slovenia was last on the list with 11%. The overall average for European countries was 35%.

    The EC publishes its report every two years.