EU Media Regulation

The European media landscape is undergoing a transformation, characterised by a steady increase of convergence of media services, with a visible move towards intertwining traditional broadcast and internet. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are revolutionising the development and distribution of information today, giving a unique chance to better create and market European content. To function optimally, a "single European digital media market" needs a minimum set of common rules. To this end the module would analyse the European Commission’s regulatory efforts in three fields (three EU media policies within the Single Digital Market):

1. Audiovisual and Media – the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 2018
2. Media Freedom and Pluralism in the Digital Age – European Media Freedom act 2024
3. Public Service Media

Guest lectures are provided by industry experts from the Coimisiún na Meán (Irish Media Commission), media consultancy companies, European Commission and others. The final student essay with the highest mark is published on the Coimisiún na Meán's (CnaM) website as part of the CnaM research papers. 

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

• Identify and evaluate the EU regulatory structure governing the (mainly audiovisual) media
• Appraise the importance of the Digital Single market initiative and the Audiovisual Services Directive for the EU regulation of the media
• Critically evaluate the role of European Union in the international regulation of the media industry in Europe
• Identify and assess the main issues connected with the need to maintain pluralistic and diverse media market in Europe and the role the European Union plays in this area
• Appraise the importance of promoting media literacy and identify and assess the EU’s initiatives in the area of EU regulations of the media.

Assessment:

• Essay (5,500 word limit) - 95%
• Blackboard/Online participation – 5%

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