REGIONAL BROADCASTERS SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE TO CONFIRM THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO DEMOCRACY AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN EUROPE
CIRCOM Regional has reaffirmed its commitment to strong regional journalism, cultural life and regional growth as priorities of public service audiovisual media organisations in European regions.
Jean-Marc Dubois, president, said “We want the voice of regional broadcasters to be heard across Europe, and we want to be recognised as important, distinctive and relevant for all the diverse regions”.
Dundalk (Ireland) Nov 24, 2014 - CIRCOM Regional has highlighted the contribution of regional public service audiovisual media to help provide a secure democracy and cultural diversity in Europe. The members of this association of regional TV, which includes 239 broadcast stations in 31 European countries, claimed to be distinctive and increasingly relevant for the many different regional socio-cultural and economic geographical areas of Europe.
During the meeting of its European Board in Dundalk (Ireland), the city where the association will hold its Annual Conference next May 2015, CIRCOM Regional approved a document entitled “The importance of professional and independent regional public media”. The revolution in digital technology brings new and easier ways to communicate but at the same time CIRCOM believes it signals a growing need for independent reporting and celebration of the different regions of Europe.
According to the document, strong regional journalism is the first priority of this European network, because its journalists examine, explain and question local and regional decision makers. Regional news encourages debate and democratic participation.
Cultural life is also a priority, since regional public service media supports all types of cultural activities, and has a commitment to portrayal and diversity. CIRCOM Regional supports second and minority languages, foster local and regional identity, and contributes to political stability and understanding.
CIRCOM Regional also points out the contribution of its members to regional growth because they support the creative industries, and are a source of talent and skills. They create jobs and opportunities in the regions, and foster community activity.
The requirements of CIRCOM Regional are recognition at European institutions and in legislation, and sustainable and sufficient funding. Public service media want to be available to audiences on all platforms. There are two urgent priorities: sufficient frequency spectrum for these broadcasters and open and neutral web access.
Jean–Marc Dubois, president of CIRCOM Regional:
“We have an enormous importance to the many regional societies that form the countries of Europe, and we provide a number of essential safeguards to enable these societies to function properly. Therefore we are part of the democratic process and want our voice to be heard across Europe”.
