Compulsory charges in connection with public service broadcasting

27.2.2023

Question for written answer  E-000641/2023
to the Commission
Rule 138
Markus Buchheit (ID)

‘Public service’ state television broadcasters in Germany and Austria are funded from compulsory charges levied on all television, radio and internet users; they have long since ceased to fulfil their remit to inform and educate on an objective basis; and they enjoy highly preferential treatment over commercial broadcasters. To what extent does the Commission regard this as compatible with EU competition law? When does it propose to put an end to the decades-old abusive practices of what are erstwhile monopolists under government control and, at long last, create a level playing field for all electronic media competitors?

Submitted: 27.2.2023