Definition of Television without frontiers

Television without frontiers
The Television without Frontiers (TWF) Directive is the cornerstone of audiovisual policy in the European Community. Adopted in 1989 and amended in 1997, the Directive has two basic principles:

•the free movement of European television programmes within the internal market;
•the requirement for TV channels to reserve, whenever possible, more than half of their transmission time for European works ("broadcasting quotas").

In parallel with these basic principles, the TWF Directive aims to safeguard certain important public interest objectives, such as cultural diversity, protection of minors (measures against programmes of a violent or pornographic nature) and the right of reply. Detailed rules on the content and frequency of television advertising have also been introduced.

Since June 2001, the TWF Directive has been undergoing a revision process. In this context, the European Commission is to publish a work plan setting out the themes for discussion and the relevant timetable.

See:

•Audiovisual
•Culture
•Public service