Reding targets multimedia sex and violence

Date: 28/05/03

By Peter Chapman

VIVIANE Reding, the commissioner for education and culture, plans to step up her campaign to protect children from scenes of sex and violence on television, the internet and on video games.

The media chief wants to examine the scope for greater action at EU level as part of a review of the so-called 'television without frontiers' directive (TWF).

"It is clear that the responsibility stays with parents, but it is one of the areas that we have identified where we have a strong interest," said Reding's spokesman Christophe Forax.

The TWF law already puts strict limits on the content of programmes and advertisements carried by broadcasters. A resolution passed by the Council of Ministers also lays down guidelines for cooperation between authorities, parent groups and TV stations.

"Many are of the opinion that there could be a better approach," said Forax, adding that graphic sex and violence portrayed in some video games was a growing concern.

Reding and her staff are planning a series of meetings with stakeholders scheduled for 23-25 June to assess key parts of the law.

These include the need to continue controversial quotas on non-European content. The current directive forces TV channels to devote at least half of their broadcasts to European programmes.

The system, protected by an exemption from international trade rules, raises hackles in the US because it limits the scope for American TV and film exports. But Forax said the Commission is unlikely to call for quotas to be scrapped.

Meanwhile, Reding is expected to launch another review next month, aimed at promoting the audio-visual industry.

European Commissioner for Education and Culture, Viviane Reding, is examining ways to protect children from scenes of sex and violence on television, the internet and video games.