The United Kingdom government has published guidance on broadcasting and video on demand if there is no deal over Brexit. If there is no deal, the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and the country of origin principle will no longer apply to services under United Kingdom jurisdiction that are broadcast into the European Union. The UK government is advising that broadcasters will need to assess on a case-by-case basis whether their current licence would continue to be accepted in the European Union countries where the service is made available, and seek independent local advice if necessary.
In statement released on 13 September, UNI MEI President and Head of BECTU, Gerry Morrissey underlined that the Brexit technical paper on this part of the broadcasting industry will do little to reassure workers and the companies they work for in the event of a no-deal Brexit scenario. BECTU is the UK’s media and entertainment trade union and covers workers in broadcasting, film, independent production, theatre and the arts, IT and telecoms, live events, leisure and digital media.
Gerry Morrissey said “Rather than adding any new detail the paper just confirms what many broadcasters already know, that they will need a licence in at least one EU country to continue broadcasting to the 27, and will have to have a substantial business presence in the licensing country. There are deep concerns that many of the roughly 700 TV channels originated in this country, but destined for consumption elsewhere, will move much of their operation into the EU. There is very little clarity on what the government intends to do to resolve this. Even more disappointingly there is no update on whether free movement of workers in broadcasting will continue in a no-deal scenario. This is a pressing issue that the industry has indicated as a priority and yet workers and employers are still waiting for an answer.”
For more information on the UK government paper go to:
Brexit technical paper on broadcasting and video on demand
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