Press Release: Commission clarifies application of State aid rules to Public Service Broadcasting

The European Commission adopted in principle a Communication on 17th October 2001 that explains how State aid rules are applied to funding of public service broadcasters. The Communication, which is still to be formally adopted in the Community languages, clarifies that Member States are in principle free to define the extent of the public service and the way it is financed and organised, according to their preferences, history and needs. The Commission, however, calls for transparency on these aspects in order to assess the proportionality of State funding and to control possible abusive practices.

European Commission: DG Competition http://ec.europa.eu/competition/index_en.html

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