EBU delegation takes its spectrum campaign to Brussels

In a meeting with European Commission vice president Neelie Kroes, EBU President Jean-Paul Philippot and Director General Ingrid Deltenre stressed that the DTT platform is crucial for efficient media delivery.

Commissioner Kroes, who is in charge of the Digital Agenda for Europe, had sought the EBU’s views on the future of the 700 MHz band in the EU and the implications for terrestrial broadcasting.

She said: “The EU must agree on a common position on the 700MHz band that balances the stakeholders’ interests, shows vision and serves the internal market. Spectrum is a precious, limited resource, and it is essential that we consider all sides in every decision. The point of [the] meeting was to start engaging in a constructive dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, and to find future-proof solutions that put the needs of European citizens first and maximise the socio-economic benefits for the EU.”

For its part, the EBU delegation explained that DTT enables 275 million people in the EU to access culturally diverse and high quality content; and that DTT networks deliver around 2,000 TV channels in the EU, including national, regional and local services.

EBU President Jean-Paul Philippot said: “Any decision regarding the 700 MHz band should focus on its impact on EU citizens and carefully assess the costs and benefits. Public service media organizations need a clear, long-term roadmap for the 700 MHz band and the future of DTT in order to support successful broadcasting business models and to ensure further investment in innovation and European content.”