Europe says yes to open-access TV :LETTER
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Ms Carol Tongue, MEP
Sir: Andrew Neil warns that "the folk who run Britain's media" ("Any more takers for digital TV?", 16 June) are in danger of letting the future pass them by. His warnings are timely but, in the meantime, he has allowed an important event to pass him by.
The European Parliament last week voted for pluralism in digital TV; for open access to conditional systems on fair and non-discriminatory terms; and published tariffs applicable for all on the same basis - most importantly, we voted for an effective and swift arbitration mechanism and failing this, legal recourse to the EU judicial system for any broadcaster who believes these rules have been transgressed by the gatekeepers of digital TV.
These amendments were added to the latest EU directive on TV standards by a European Parliament determined to uphold the public interest. Now we require the national action that Andrew Neil prescribes if diversity and quality in the new TV age are to be upheld.
Yours sincerely,
CAROLE TONGUE
MEP for London East (Lab)
Ilford, Essex
19 June
The writer is the Socialist Group spokesperson on media in the European Parliament.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments