International cooperation in the field of media
Sweden has a large number of international cooperation projects in the areas of responsibility covered by the Ministry of Culture. The aim of these projects is to focus on individual issues as well as to exchange experience across national borders. Below is a presentation of some of the international organisations, councils and other bodies through which Sweden works.
Nordic Council of Ministers
Nordic cultural and media cooperation aims at promoting and safeguarding diversity in cultural expression in the Nordic region, strengthening the Nordic dimension in cultural life and promoting mobility for artists and their work. Support for Nordic cultural life is primarily allocated through programmes and funds. The Nordic Film and Television Fund is tasked with supporting the production and distribution of Nordic audiovisual works. The Nordic Game Programme runs from 2006 to 2012. Its aim is to increase access to Nordic computer games for children and young people. The Council of Ministers also supports the activities of Nordicom, a knowledge centre in the area of media and communications.
The European Union (EU)
A total of 32 countries - the 27 Member States, plus the EEA countries and some candidate countries - are involved in the EU's work in the area of media.
The EU does not legislate directly on culture. Cooperation takes place through various cooperation programmes and joint agreements. In the media area, a certain degree of binding legislation is provided through the Audiovisual Media Services Directive. Ongoing EU work in the media field is dominated by this Directive and the MEDIA Programme.
The Audiovisual Media Services Directive
Since 1987, television has been regulated by an internal market directive intended to facilitate cross-border television broadcasts. It contains rules about which Member State is to regulate a TV broadcast as well as minimum rules on broadcast content. The Directive contains rules on European programme content, advertising and sponsorship, the protection of minors and the right of reply. A modernised version of the Directive entered into force in December 2007 and the name was changed from Television without Frontiers to the Audiovisual Media Services Directive. The modernisation means, among other things, that new on-demand television services are included.
The new rules include requirements concerning the identification of broadcasts and rules for the design of advertising, sponsorship and product placement. A new rule about rights to short news footage from events of major public interest has been introduced. The rules on interruptions that apply to TV broadcasts have been liberalised, but in the case of films, news programmes and children's programmes only one advertising break is allowed per period of 30 minutes. No interruptions are permitted to children's programmes that are up to a half an hour. Completely new rules have been introduced on the responsibility of Member States for gradually making all broadcasts accessible for people with disabilities. The Member States have an obligation to cooperate bilaterally in cases where a Member State has problems with a broadcast that does not comply with an important national regulation and the broadcast originates from another Member State.
The MEDIA Programme
The MEDIA Programme ("mesures pour encourager le développement de l'industrie audiovisuelle" - measures to promote the development of the audiovisual industry) has existed since 1991. It is designed to complement national action and provides support for the European audiovisual industry in order to reinforce its competitiveness and increase the circulation of European works. The current programme, MEDIA 2007, covers the period 2007-2013. It includes support for training for professionals, the development, distribution and marketing of European audiovisual works, as well as pilot projects and cross-sectoral initiatives. Information on the programme is provided by MEDIA Desk Sweden at the Swedish Film Institute. MEDIA Desk Sweden is part-financed by the Commission.
Council of Europe
The Council of Europe's most important role is to strengthen democracy, human rights and the principle of the rule of law in all its 47 Member States. Work in the area of media takes place within the Steering Committee on the Media and New Communication Services (CDMC). The CDMC is part of the Council of Europe's Directorate General of Human Rights and Legal Affairs. The Ministry of Culture participates in the CDMC's work.
The Council of Europe also has a long history of working proactively to promote freedom of expression, free media and media diversity in Europe. Freedom of expression and a free exchange of views with scope for divergent and differing perspectives are guaranteed in a number of ways, including through several European conventions.
UNESCO
UNESCO is the UN body responsible for cooperation in education, science, culture and communications/media. All four of these programmes have poverty reduction, sustainable development and dialogue between different cultures as the overall themes for their contribution to peace. In Sweden, the Swedish National Commission for UNESCO is responsible for cooperation with government agencies, institutions and individuals within UNESCO's areas of activity, and serves as a link between UNESCO and Sweden.
Traditionally, issues concerning freedom of the press, libraries and archives are part of UNESCO's communications programme. This programme has three principal goals: promoting the free exchange of ideas and universal access to information, promoting pluralism and cultural diversity in the media and international information networks, and promoting universal access to information technology.
