EBU Members met in Malta on 21 and 22 April for a memorable Legal and Public Affairs Assembly, punctuated by high-level political addresses, focused discussions, wonderful hospitality and moving farewells.

Welcoming the Legal and Public Affairs Assembly in his keynote address, Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Dr. Owen Bonicci praised the EBU for its expertise and highlighted the major contribution of public service media to society.

A panel discussion with Sandra Coppieters, (VRT), Christian Vion (FT) and Helfried Spitra (ARD) examined the recent evolution of the independent production sector. Discussions confirmed public service media’s commitment to supporting content creation and cultural diversity, but also identified a change of balance in the value chain, with market concentration and vertical integration as a point of concern for the future. 

EBU Legal Department's Michael Wagner provided an enlightening overview of the different political trends impacting PSM across Europe, setting off a lively debate on the EBU's future role in defending PSM.

EBU Public Affairs and Communications Director Guillaume Klossa presented the EBU Big Data Initiative and offered insights from the related conference which took place in March. One of the initiative’s main objectives is to develop a distinctive way of of exploiting data with a citizen-focused approach, in line with the values of public service media.  

The EU Digital Single Market provided a focal point for legal and policy discussions: radio spectrum rules, net neutrality, copyright and the upcoming review of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive will impact public service media’s position in a rapidly changing digital environment.

The Assembly elected MTVA (Hungary) International Relations Manager Barna Simon to the EBU Legal Policy Committee.

Last but not least, during a dinner attended by Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the President of Malta, the Assembly gave a heartfelt message of farewell to EBU Legal Director Jane Vizard, who retires after 9 years of dedicated service for the EBU and 35 years as an active participant in the EBU Legal and Public Affairs sector.

The EBU would like to very warmly thank Public Broadcasting Services of Malta for hosting the 11^th Legal and Public Affairs Assembly and offering EBU members an exceptional experience.