Commissariaat voor de Media
The Dutch Media Authority, called Commissariaat
voor de Media (CvdM), upholds the rules which are formulated in the Dutch
Media Act as well as in the regulations based on this act, for example the
Media Decree. The CvdM is an independent administrative body situated in
Hilversum. It was founded on January 1st 1988, coinciding with the
date of commencement of the Dutch Media Act. Since 2005 the CvdM also
monitors compliance with the Fixed Book Price Act.
Responsibilities
The CvdM is responsible for audiovisual content and
distribution matters. It grants licences to broadcasters, registers VOD
services and systematically monitors compliance with the rules on quotas,
advertising and protection of minors. Spectrum matters are the
responsibility of the Radiocommunications Agency (Agentschap Telecom), which is
part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. General electronic communications
matters are the responsibility of the Independent Post and
Telecommunications Authority (OPTA).
Supervision
The CvdM supervises the three main public
broadcasting (PSB) TV channels, several thematic PSB TV channels,
approximately 300 local PSB TV channels and almost 250 commercial licensed
TV programs (including around 10 main national private channels, many
satellite channels and text TV services). Also the CvdM carries out
supervision over providers of VOD services, radio channels (both PSB and
private service providers) and secondary activities of PSB.
Powers
The CvdM can issue warnings, impose fines and
suspend or revoke a licence. If a sanction decision is not complied with,
the CvdM can impose additional penalties.
Staffing and funding
The CvdM has a staff of about 50 full time
equivalents. About three quarters of the budget comes from state funding
and one quarter from surveillance fees paid by market players. Money from
fines is transferred to the state budget but has to be used for purposes of
media policy (in the widest sense).
Commissioners
In the Board of
Commissioners are Prof. dr. Madeleine de Cock Buning and drs. Eric
Eljon.
Downloadable documents:
National
reports
Brochure Commercial broadcast services
Brochure Commercial media services on demand
Speeches
Brochure Commercial broadcast services
Brochure Commercial media services on demand
Speeches
