Towards a new regulatory framework and public television management in Spain: change the biennium

Abstract

The new General Law on Audiovisual Communication (7 / 2010 of March 31) stands as the basic rules of coordination, management and regulation of state-wide audiovisual media in Spain. The Act, that came into force on May 1, points to the new situation arising from technological developments and digitization as generating immediate need for major changes in regulation of the audiovisual sector. The standard has not been exempted of controversial interpretations. Among them, related to a possible redefinition of the public service of public broadcasting, criticism of the management and funding model proposed to clean up the accounts of these entities or the creation of a watchdog body whose decisions may awaken certain incompatibilities in the future. The new political map out of the last General elections and Regional governments of Spain, is driving important redefinitions management model for public television in Spain, especially in regard to regional and local public television and to a lesser extent also national.