Regulation and the promotion of national audiovisual content in the era of digital convergence

: a comparative analysis of the United Kingdom, France and Brazil

Abstract

THIS RESEARCH INVESTIGATES HOW the production and distribution of nationally produced
television programmes, films and other audiovisual content can be promoted by regulation. The
study identifies current regulatory tools to promote national content and differences in policy
approaches. It also identifies new issues resulting from the substantial transformation the media
environment has undergone in recent years. The audiovisual sector today is characterised by an
abundance of television channels and telecommunication services and by ongoing digital
convergence, all impacting on the effectiveness and rationale of content regulation.
Focused on the UK, France and Brazil, this comparative research investigates the political,
regulatory, socio-cultural, economic, technological and market changes of the communication
services in the recent decades and how this has impacted on the provision of national audiovisual
content. The starting point of the analysis are the 1980s, when broadcasting started to be gradually
liberalised, and it concludes in the 2000s, when information technologies, telecommunications and
broadcasting converge into interconnected, complementary and supplementary services.
This research offers a three step method of analysis which contributes to a new understanding of
the mechanisms and implications involved in the production and distribution of nationally produced
content in digital times. In the first step, the various socio-cultural aims of communication services
as enacted in legislation are analysed. The second step explores the consequent regulatory tools
for the fulfilment of those objectives. The third step provides a market evaluation of the audiovisual
industries, which broadcasters and other distribution platforms provide which kind of content, and
also looks at audiences‟ viewing preferences to get a better understanding of what type of content
should be supported through legislation. As outcomes, this research proposes to academics,
policymakers and regulators a new definition for national content and a series of regulatory actions
for fostering national audiovisual industries in times of digital convergence.

Date of Award	28 Mar 2013
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Roehampton
Supervisor	Paul Rixon (Supervisor) & William Brown (Supervisor)