The discussion, which clearly focused on the ongoing reform, allowed the Authority to reiterate the main points raised in its White Paper, including the need to define the values governing programme content, the introduction of the principle of technological neutrality, which goes hand in hand with the broadening of the scope of surveillance of those parts of the Internet that fall under the definition of an audiovisual media service, and the enshrinement in law of ALIA’s role as national coordinator of media literacy.
In the immediate term, and in view of the tasks already incumbent upon it, it is important for the Authority to see an increase in its financial and human resources in the short term. Not only the regulation by ALIA of almost 500 media service providers and the particular attention that this attracts from fellow regulators in Europe and elsewhere, but also the new European legislative framework with the enshrinement of the EMFA and the DSA, require an administrative counterweight that can effectively meet these challenges.
The projects discussed on 16 January 2024 will be the subject of regular future discussions between the regulator and the Ministry of State’s Media, Connectivity and Digital Policy Department (SMC).
