Infso-2008-00093-00-02-en-rev-01

French Community

The total number of channels identified was 24 in 2005 and 21 in 2006. The report exempted two channels in 2005 and four channels in 2006. Six channels were not operational in 2005.

European works

All the reported channels had an average of 68.88% and 69.56% European works in 2005 and 2006, respectively, representing an increase of 0.68 percentage points over the reference period and a 9.29 point increase over four years (2003-2006).

For 2005, of the total of 16 covered channels, 15 channels exceeded the 50% minimum under Article 4 of the Directive, while one channel (Club RTL) fell short. The compliance rate, in terms of number of channels, was 94%.

In 2006, of the 17 covered channels, 16 channels achieved the majority proportion. No data were communicated for one channel. The compliance rate, in terms of number of channels, was again 94%.

The report explains that the three channels RTL-TVI, Club RTL and PLUG, belonging to the broadcaster TVI s.a., together devoted 49% transmission time to European works in 2005. Thus, when taken together, they exceeded the national minimum of 41.6% set for the Belgian French Community. The Commission recalls that the proportion specified in Article 4(1) applies to each of the television channels falling within the jurisdiction of the Member State concerned.

European works made by independent producers

The average proportion of European works by independent producers on all channels was 50.33% in 2005 and 41.34% in 2006, representing a -8.99 percentage point decrease during the reference period and an increase of 10.21 points over four years (2003-2006).

In 2005, the compliance rate was 100%, meaning that all 16 covered channels exceeded the minimum proportion specified in Article 5 of the Directive (percentages ranging from 10.75% to 96.98%).

For 2006, the compliance rate fell to 88%. Of the total of 17 covered channels, 15 exceeded the 10% minimum. One channel was below the target, and another did not communicate any data.

The average relative proportion of recent European works by independent producers for all channels was 77.41% in 2005 and 70.47% in 2006, representing a decrease of -6.94 percentage points over the reference period.

2. 
   Cyprus
   

European works

The total number of reported channels covered by Article 4 over the reference period was five (out of a total number of seven channels identified). These channels broadcast an average of 58.50% and 69.76% European works in 2005 and 2006, respectively. This represents a significant 11.26 percentage point increase over the reference period and a considerable increase of 19.42 points since the beginning of reporting in 2004.

Two channels — Sigma during the entire reference period and CyBC-2 in 2005 only — did not reach the 50% minimum. The report indicated that the orientation of CyBC-2 towards sports and recreation programmes explained its failure to achieve a majority proportion. Concerning Sigma, the report emphasised that in comparison to the last report the channel had significantly increased its proportion of European works.

For 2005, of the total of five covered channels, three achieved the majority proportion of transmission time specified in Article 4, while two did not. The compliance rate, in terms of number of channels, was 60%.

For 2006, of the total of five covered channels, four channels achieved the majority proportion, while one channel failed to do so. The compliance rate, in terms of number of channels, rose to 80%.

The Commission would point out that the proportion specified in Article 4(1) applies each year to each of the television channels falling within the jurisdiction of the Member State concerned. At the same time, it acknowledges that Cyprus is a country with a restricted language area and takes note of its efforts to increase the proportion of European works.

European works made by independent producers

The average proportion of European works by independent producers on all reported channels was 9.70% in 2005 and 6.48% in 2006, representing a decrease of -3.22 percentage points over the reference period but a significant decrease of -37.38 points since the beginning of reporting in 2004.

For both 2005 and 2006, the compliance rate, in terms of number of channels, was 20%, meaning that only one among the five channels covered by Article 5 exceeded the minimum proportion of 10%. Average proportions ranged from 0.6% to 35.40% in 2005 and from 0% to 23.40% in 2006.

During the reference period, only one channel met the requirement in Article 5 of the Directive. The report mentions the intention of the Cypriot authorities to encourage broadcasters to raise the percentages of transmission time devoted to independent works. The Commission reiterates that the proportion specified in Article 5 has to be met by all television programmes of a broadcaster falling within the jurisdiction of the Member State concerned. It takes note, however, of the fact that Cyprus is a country with a low audiovisual production capacity and welcomes the Cypriot authorities’ efforts in this respect.

The average relative proportion of recent European works by independent producers was 100% in 2005 and 90.96% in 2006, representing a -9.04 percentage point decrease within the reference period but a very significant increase of 68.76 points since 2004.

Despite the low figures for independent productions in general, the proportion of recent works among independent works has reached a remarkably high level.

3.