Siddi, CRTV: industrial policy for the development of television broadcasting

Following the establishment of the Roundtable for radio broadcasting, the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy – MIMIT has initiated the proceedings of the permanent Roundtable for electronic communications in the television sector. The inaugural session took place on Tuesday, February 7, in person, chaired by Undersecretary Fausta Bergamotto and coordinated by Chief of Staff Federico Eichberg. Also present for MIMIT were Directors General Francesco Soro and Eva Spina.

The session saw significant participation from stakeholders in the television sector, including representatives from industry associations, radio and television enterprises, and network operators. Laura Aria and Giorgio Greppi also attended on behalf of AGCOM.

Representing Confindustria Radio Televisioni were President Franco Siddi and the president of the Local TV Association, Maurizio Giunco. President Franco Siddi thanked the Ministry for fostering dialogue with all stakeholders of “an industry that encompasses labor, technology, development, and also embodies the specificities of the cultural sector.” Siddi outlined the scope and mission of the Association:

“CRTV represents the world of Italian radio and television enterprises, both national and local, public and private. It is currently dedicated to supporting the orderly and fruitful development of a system that, in its dual nature (public-private), is tasked with preserving an identity and European quality, and ensuring technological and industrial advancements. This sector is vital for information pluralism, the provision of free content, and extensive service coverage. For RAI, this service primarily relies on license fees and a share of advertising revenue, whereas for private companies, economic sustainability hinges solely on advertising revenue, with no support measures in place. The radio-television sector continues to provide a free and universal service, yet faces challenges in a broadened technological and market landscape where the dominance of unregulated multinational online platforms and new media necessitates ensuring fair competitive conditions, particularly in terms of regulations. It is therefore essential to consider broadcasting as a complete industrial system that warrants appropriate policies supporting competitiveness, quality, and innovation, akin to other sectors, recognizing its multiplier effects on national economic activities and civil growth.”

The president further addressed the issue of prominence, stating, “A remote control without buttons constitutes an abuse of dominant position against traditional TV, which is accessible to everyone for free. If the option without remote control were to prevail, there should be no default applications for accessing content on TVs.” Regarding equal airtime and minors, Siddi emphasized that regulation focused solely on terrestrial TV is no longer credible and must be entirely reconsidered within the context of a market expanded to include the Internet. Regarding Law 146 (contributions to quality local broadcasting), he described it as a paradigmatic model that could be replicated in other segments with additional, appropriate, and specific financial provisions.

“Television requires an industrial policy that supports the development of a sector that generates direct and indirect value through tools such as tax credits for current affairs/entertainment programs, and funds for innovation that should be reaffirmed and strengthened. I hope that discussions within the Roundtable will progress along three main lines – legislative, regulatory, and structural – in connection with publishing, welfare, and employment.”