INDIREG project: Indicators for independence and efficient functioning of audiovisual media services regulatory bodies

The study entitled “Indicators for independence and efficient functioning of audiovisual media services regulatory bodies for the purpose of enforcing the rules in the AVMS Directive” (SMART 2009/0001) is conducted on behalf of the European Commission.

What is the objective of the study?

The three general objectives of the study are (1) a detailed legal description and analysis of the audiovisual media services regulatory bodies in the Member States, in candidate and potential candidate countries to the European Union and in the EFTA countries as well as four non-European countries, (2) an analysis of the effective implementation of the legal framework in these countries and (3) the identification of key characteristics constituting an “independent regulatory body” in the light of the AVMS Directive.

Who will carry out this study?

The study will be conducted by Hans Bredow Institute for Media Research, K.U. Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven), Central European University and Cullen International on behalf of the European Commission.

The Hans Bredow Instituts acts as lead contractor for the study, responsible for overall project management, outcomes and deliverables, as well as for communications with the Commission and its agents. The project manager and team leader is Dr. Wolfgang Schulz, director of the Hans Bredow Institute. He will be assisted by three key experts: Philippe Defraigne (director at Cullen International) as key economic expert, Prof. Dr. Peggy Valcke (Professor at the Faculty of Law of K.U. Leuven) as key legal expert and Prof. Dr. Kristina Irion (Professor at Central European University) as key public policy & regulation expert.

How will the study be carried out?

The scheduled workplan entails 6 work packages: (1) Theoretical background, (2) Analysis of institutional, regulatory and legal frameworks of the media regulators, (3) Analysis of the practical implementation and effectiveness, (4) Identification of key characteristics for a functioning “independent regulatory body”, (5) Valorisation and dissemination and (6) Project management.

For more information on INDIREG check the project web site here.