UK moves Brussels directive will open complaints floodgate, warn broadcasters

摘要

Broadcasters this week criticised the UK government's determination to establish quickly the regulatory framework for complaints from other European Union members over broadcasts originating in the country. The broadcasters said that the move was premature and its effect would be to encourage complaints. One UK television executive said: "We have two years to implement the changes but the government is fixated with coming up with a process as soon as possible. Regardless of the timetable, complaints are going to come." Another executive said that establishing a procedure before the new Audiovisual Media Services directive had been approved by the European Parliament was "like putting up a flag" that the UK was ready for complaints.