ALIA took part in the 63rd meeting of the EPRA (European Platform of Regulatory Authorities), held in Tirana from 20 to 22 May 2026.
Two key themes were at the heart of the discussions: the gradual improvement of accessibility to audiovisual content and the classification of hybrid services in an ever-changing media landscape.
Discussions on accessibility focused on the implementation of the obligations set out in the AVMSD and the European Accessibility Act, particularly regarding subtitling, audio description and sign language. Several regulators and industry stakeholders presented initiatives based on artificial intelligence to improve content accessibility, whilst emphasising the need to maintain human oversight to ensure service quality. The discussions also highlighted the challenges associated with integrating accessibility tools into online platforms and on-demand services, particularly in smaller language markets.
Another key session focused on the classification of audiovisual services in an ever-changing media landscape. Participants discussed the challenges faced by regulators in classifying new services such as FAST channels, podcasts, influencers, hybrid platforms and certain online news services. Discussions focused in particular on the limitations of traditional distinctions between linear television, on-demand services and video-sharing platforms, as well as on the emergence of more flexible regulatory approaches, based on a risk-based and technology-neutral approach.
ALIA was represented at this meeting by Myriam Mossong and Samra Cindrak.
