Harmonisation of media policy on the European level started in October 1989 with the Directive on Transfrontier Television (TwF) which was revised in 1997, forming the legal basis for commercial television in Europe. The European Convention on Transfrontier Television which was first adopted by the Council of Europe in May 1989 also contains provisions on broadcasting which apply across Europe as a whole.

Audiovisual Media Services Directive

The Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMS-D) updates the TwF Directive and now also covers non-linear services. Transposition into German media law was completed with the 13th amendment to the Interstate Broadcasting Treaty which entered into force on 01 April 2010. The debate during transposition focused on the definition of what is broadcasting, the introduction of product placement and the provisions on short news reporting.

Detailed information on the changes implemented through the AVMS Directive can be found under: http://ec.europa.eu/avpolicy/reg/avms/index_en.htm

Activities of the media authorities on European media policy

The European Affairs Commissioner of the Conference of Directors of the state media authorities (DLM) coordinates the activities of the authorities at the European level. He keeps track of all legislative activities regarding the media in Europe and develops positions for the authorities on current developments in the broadcasting sector.

In addition, the Commissioner promotes the exchange of views and opinions on media policy and media law with the institutions of the European Union (EU) and other regulatory bodies at EU level. The DLM is a member of the European Platform of Regulatory Authorities (EPRA) and regularly participates in the twice-yearly "Tripartite" meetings of the British (Ofcom), French (CSA) and German (DLM) media authorities.

• Legal Observations of the European Audiovisual Observatory (IRIS)
  
  
• Database on legal information to the audiovisual sector in Europe (IRIS Merlin)
  
  
• european centre for media competence (ecmc)