The Council of Europe recognises the important role of independent regulatory authorities entrusted with responsibility for regulating the audio-visual sector at national level, as contributors towards fostering a favourable environment for freedom of expression.
Enjoying genuine independence in law and in practice is a prerequisite for these authorities to be able to carry out their remit in an effective, transparent and accountable manner.
Despite their important functions, it remains a challenge in many European member states to establish or preserve full independence of regulatory authorities.
The Council of Europe engages its efforts in this field in order to identify risks, promote standards, build capacity in member states and develop cooperation. The Council of Europe Leaflet on Media Regulatory Authorities gives an overview of conferences, normative documents, cooperation activities and participation in regional networks – undertaken in order to support the independence and efficient functioning of national regulatory authorities.