B4-0262, 0263, 0283, 0285 and 0295/94

Resolution on concentration of the media and pluralism

The European Parliament,

-having regard to the Commission Green Paper on media pluralism and concentration of December 1992 (COM(92)0480),

-having regard to its resolution of 20 January 1994 on the Commission's Green Paper on pluralism and media concentration in the internal market in which it endorsed Option III C and called on the Commission to submit a proposal for a directive on the harmonization of national restrictions on media concentration,

-having regard to the Commission communication to the Council and Parliament on the follow-up to the consultative process in respect of the Green Paper on 'Pluralism and media concentration in the internal market - evaluation of the need for Community action' (COM(94)0353),

-having regard to the Commission's communication on the information society which calls for the need for a European regulation of media concentration to defend pluralism and to enforce the internal market,

A.whereas pluralism of the press and information on radio and television is a key feature of our democratic system,

B.having regard to the need to preserve the independence of the communication media in every democratic state,

C.whereas any legislative act on concentration in the media sector must take into consideration not only the economic dimension but also the cultural dimension, the social impact and the moral and political implications, in order to guarantee the necessary pluralism;

1.Believes that the quality and diversity of this sector lie at the very heart of our democratic system;

2.Expresses its disappointment at the fact that in its abovementioned communication to Parliament and the Council the Commission still fails to acknowledge the need for a Community directive on media concentration, even though the Green Paper on pluralism and media concentration in the internal market was published on 22 December 1992;

3.Calls on the Commission to respect the undertakings it has made to Parliament to draw up, as soon as possible, a proposal for a directive on pluralism and media concentration in the internal market;

4.Repeats its request for the Commission to submit a proposal for a directive in consultation with Parliament as well as all interested parties and academic institutes, whilst at the same time respecting the principle of subsidiarity;

5.Believes that the Commission's proposal should seek to put an end to the distortion of the media caused by excessive concentration;

6.Expresses once again the view that Community action in the field of media concentration is necessary not only in order to create an internal market and a 'level playing field' for the media industry, but also and above all, in order to harmonize national legislation on the media at a high level with the objective of creating and maintaining a diverse and pluralistic forum of opinion in the media which is in the interest of Europe's citizens;

7.Calls on the Commission to give a precise calendar for the presentation of draft legislation in the field of media concentration and pluralism;

8.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council and the Member States' parliaments.