10 februari 2025
Inaugural Plenary of the Media Board Marks a Turning Point for EU Media Regulation
The kick-off meeting of the Media Board was held today in Brussels, marking a turning point in EU media institutional and regulatory design. Established under the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the Media Board is an independent advisory body at the Union level, bringing together independent national media regulators from all EU Member States to promote a more coherent and effective application of media regulation across the Union.
The Media Board, whose official launching reflects the EU’s strengthened commitment to media freedom, pluralism and fundamental rights, builds on and succeeds the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA), which was established on 2014 as advisory body to the European Commission on the national implementation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD).
The Media Board will take on high-level responsibilities related to both EMFA and the AVMSD, which implies a significant upgrade of the scope of its institutional remit activities in comparison to ERGA, since these will now encompass not only audiovisual matters but will be further extended to broader horizontal matters (this does not entail direct regulatory oversight of the press) as well as online platforms as key players of the media ecosystem.
Regardless of recent, relevant changes in this ecosystem, the values that guide media regulation remain freedom and independence of media, transparency, pluralism and access to trustworthy information, protection of vulnerable audiences, cultural diversity and economic sustainability.
Thus, the Media Board will play a pivotal role in ensuring a coherent application and effective enforcement of relevant EU media law, by, inter alia, providing assistance to the European Commission in drawing up guidelines with respect to the application of EMFA and AVMSD, issuing opinions as per EMFA, and fostering cooperation and the exchange of best practices among national regulatory authorities.
With these efforts, the Media Board will reinforce the core principles of media freedom and pluralism across the Union, while building on ERGA’s successful track record in promoting and safeguarding a safe online environment, especially for minors, by maintaining the importance of ex-ante regulation of audiovisual content.
At the Plenary session, Carlos Aguilar, Member of the Board of Spain’s National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC), was appointed as the first Chair of the Media Board, and Amma Asante, Chairperson of the Dutch Media Authority, was appointed as Vice-Chair. They have both pledged to form a synergic and inclusive leadership team poised to guide the Media Board in its foundational phase.
Carlos Aguilar, the newly appointed President of the Media Board, stated that: “Built on the successful experience of ERGA, CNMC is committed to ensuring that the Board promotes a regulatory framework reflecting Europe’s rich cultural diversity, safeguarding fundamental rights, and empowering citizens to form informed opinions.”
Vice President Amma Asante added: “I am excited to support our Spanish colleagues and contribute to the Board’s efforts. Our shared goal is to create a media environment that is diverse, inclusive, and resilient in the face of new challenges. By fostering international cooperation, we can strengthen our media systems and ensure that they continue to serve the public good”.
The independent National Regulatory Authorities of the Member States will play a pivotal role in the implementation of the EMFA, bringing their expertise and experience to the forefront. Their active and meaningful contribution will be essential to the success of the Media Board, ensuring that it effectively fulfils its mission.
During the inaugural plenary, the Media Board approved draft versions of its Statement of Purpose and Multiannual Strategy. Both documents will soon be submitted for public consultation with stakeholders, as well as the 2025 Work Programme, thus inviting them to contribute to the Board’s strategic direction and reaffirming its commitment to transparency and inclusiveness.
