Drawing the Line—the application of State Aid Provisions to Internet Activities of Public Broadcasters

Posted by D. Daniel Sokol

Christian Lewke (Broadcasting Council, Hessische Rundfunk hr (ARD)) discusses Drawing the Line—the application of State Aid Provisions to Internet Activities of Public Broadcasters.

ABSTRACT: In a number of recent cases, the EU Commission has raised objections concerning the internet activities of public service broadcasters. These objections dwelt on the extent to which such broadcasters can use public funds to subsidise their internet activities that are carried out in competition with private actors. In order to establish a clear test, inspiration can be drawn from practices in several Member States, particularly Germany.