The European Parliament (EP) Intergroup for Traditional Minorities, National Communities and Languages has recently held an interesting exchange of views on problems faced by linguistic minorities with regard to cross-border broadcasting services. During the meeting MEPs also welcomed a project of resolution on endangered languages which calls for direct support to endangered languages and simplified application procedures for EU funding.
A delegation from Rundfunk-Anstalt Sud Tirol (RAS) presented the restrictions facing cross-border broadcasting for minority languages. They discussed the example of Hungarians in Transylvania who have difficulties in receiving radio and TV from Hungary. In addition the FIFA, for example, ensures that broadcasting rights for football games are made on a national basis in such a way that German media such as ZDF and ARD cannot for instance broadcast in South Tyrol.
Although reception of broadcasting services via satellite is generally common practice, the RAS pointed out that cross-border reception for audiovisual and radio services through other means (e.g. cable) barely exists. RAS has asked the FIFA whether South Tyrol could be considered as an overspill area to allow it to receive German language media. FIFA responded: “we regret that we cannot help you with your request as FIFA’s rights are marketed by territory.”
RAS proposed to the Intergroup that the 2007 Audiovisual Media Services Directive should be reviewed and include a clause making it a right for national minorities to receive broadcasts in their own language from a neighbouring state. RAS also made the interesting proposal that broadcasting rights should not be assigned by state but by language group. The Intergroup agreed to re-visit the topic and look at ways to discuss the issue in the EP’s Culture Committee.
This issue is starting to raise interest also within the European Commission. In 2011, it is expected to release a study that will look cross-border pay-to-view audiovisual media services in Europe. The objective is to assess the potential demand existing within certain linguistic groups (e.g. non-national EU residents or minorities) for such services.
In the second half of the meeting Francois Alfonsi (EFA/Greens, France) presented his project for a draft resolution on endangered languages. Supported by the NPLD, the initiative calls for more direct support to endangered languages and for a simplification of application procedures for EU language project funding.
The Intergroup expressed its support to the document. The next step is to bring the resolution to the Culture committee and ensure cross-party support.