EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc.
DCMS: Culture Secretary, Andy Burnham, has announced how he intends to proceed on some key broadcasting policies set out under the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive. He has called for the video-on-demand industry to work together to help form a co-regulatory body that will maintain ‘standards of content’.
He also intends to maintain the current rules preventing product placement in programmes made for British television, but that it will review the position in 2011/12. The plans put forward are part of the 's obligation to implement the EU Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) Directive, and follow a 3 month consultation.
Under the Directive, the and other member states have until December 2009 to implement the compulsory elements which are expected to lead to new legislation. The 3 areas in which work now has to go forward are:
* introducing a system for regulating video-on-demand services in the UK
* controls over the content of non-EU satellite channels which are up-linked from a ground station in the UK
* product placement in television and video-on-demand services
Press release ~ EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive ~ Closed Consultation
Defra: Minimum energy efficiency standards for industrial electric motors have been unanimously agreed by the European Commission. Electric motors are used widely in industry for processes such as pumping, ventilation, and in lifts and conveyor belts. They currently contribute significantly to non-domestic electricity consumption in the and account for around 70% of the electricity used in industry.
New regulations will set minimum energy standards in motors and are expected to provide net benefits to industry and businesses of around £200m and to save at least 1m tonnes of CO2 each year. Efficiency levels will be phased in from 2011-2017.
Press release ~ Eco-design for Energy Using Products Framework Directive ~ Enhanced Capital Allowance ~ Buy Sustainable - Quick Wins
