RATING PRACTICES USED FOR AUDIOVISUAL WORKS IN THE EU AND EEA MEMBER STATES (213 p., 2002)

SUMMARY

KEA was required to carry out legal research for each of the EEA countries, with a view to screening and analysing the legislation related to the classification of audiovisual works across all media distribution platforms (theatrical, video - including video-games-, broadcast, Internet). The study is being used in the context of the European Commission's review of the TV without Frontiers Directive. It has been completed in association with Olsberg/SPI and KPMG.

CONTENT

I. Overview of current rating legislation and practice

1. Overall trends
2. Current state of content ratings
3. Rating practices in the EU and EEA areas - comparative analysis by sector
4. National practice in the context of EC law
5. Conclusion

II. Presentation and discussion of samples

1. Analysis of the film samples
2. Sample and standard analysis
3. Econometric analysis
4. Conclusions

III. Key observations

1. Economic impact of rating heterogeneity
2. Confusion amongst public
3. Exhibition, video, and DVD distribution issues
4. Broadcast issues
5. Video games
6. Internet pages
7. Internet distribution
8. State intervention with regards to content ratings - self regulation

IV. Conclusions

1. Pressure for change
2. Circulation within the EU
3. Potential confusion of persons responsible for minors
4. Issues of harmonising rating legislation
5. Recommendations for EU action