European Audiovisual Observatory

Iris Plus 2012-5 - Must-carry: Renaissance or Reformation? European Audiovisual Observatory

Must-carry rules date back to the time when space on analogue broadcasting networks was limited and when supply grew due to the introduction of private broadcasters. The major reason for the adoption of these must-carry rules was to guarantee access to public service broadcasting and ensure a diverse choice of programs. Times have changed since and these changes have their impact on the discussion of must-carry rules. In this IRIS plus, insight is provided into today s choices made by various European countries as well as the USA with respect to regulating must-carry obligations and how the general European framework is applicable to national regulations.