Platform governance and the politics of media regulation: The review of the European Audiovisual Media Services Directive | Intellect Skip to content
1981
Volume 14, Issue 1
  • ISSN: 2516-3523
  • E-ISSN: 2516-3531

Abstract

The rapid expansion of video-on-demand platforms, such as Netflix or Disney Plus, associated with the advance of digital capitalism makes the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) adopted by the European Union a particularly relevant case for understanding the politics of the digital media policy. Based on an actor-centred constructivism, the article seeks to propose a conceptual approach to explore platform governance and highlight the key dynamics through which platform governance related to the media sector is formulated in light of the actors involved. As such, it provides an ‘in situ and in action’ view on normative building, introducing politics into the analysis of platform governance. The study focuses on the political framing of two key issues related to the crystallization of AVMSD: (1) the financial contribution of online platforms to European and national audio-visual content creation and (2) the presence and prominence of European and national audio-visual works in the online catalogues.

Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1386/jdmp_00084_1
2023-03-24
2024-04-20
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

References

  1. Acharya, Amitav. ( 2017), After Liberal Hegemony: The Advent of a Multiplex World Order, Cambridge:: Cambridge University Press;.
    [Google Scholar]
  2. Albornoz, Luis A., and Leiva, Trinidad G.. ( 2019), Audio-Visual Industries and Diversity: Economics and Policies in the Digital Era, London:: Routledge;.
    [Google Scholar]
  3. Albornoz, Luis A., and Leiva, Trinidad G.. ( 2021;), ‘ VOD service providers and regulation in the European Union: An audio-visual diversity approach. ’, International Journal of Cultural Policy, 27:3, pp. 26781.
    [Google Scholar]
  4. Association of Commercial Television in Europe (ACT) ( 2015), Consultation on Directive 2010/13/EU on Audiovisual Media Services: A Media Framework for the 21st Century, Brussels:: ACT;.
    [Google Scholar]
  5. Avant, Deborah,, Finnemore, Martha, and Sell, Susan K.. ( 2010), Who Governs the Globe?, New York:: Cambridge University Press;.
    [Google Scholar]
  6. Bamberger, Kenneth, and Lobel, Orly. ( 2017;), ‘ Platform market power. ’, Berkeley Technology Law Journal, 32:3, pp. 105192.
    [Google Scholar]
  7. Bergfelder, Tim. ( 2005;), ‘ National, transnational or supranational cinema? Rethinking European film studies. ’, Media, Culture and Society, 27:3, pp. 31531.
    [Google Scholar]
  8. Calligaro, Oriane, and Vlassis, Antonios. ( 2017;), ‘ Introduction: La politique européenne de la culture entre paradigme économique et rhétorique de l’exception. ’, Politique européenne, 56, pp. 828.
    [Google Scholar]
  9. Cammaerts, Bart, and Mansell, Robin. ( 2020;), ‘ Digital platform policy and regulation: Toward a radical democratic turn. ’, International Journal of Communication, 14, pp. 13554.
    [Google Scholar]
  10. Collins, Richard. ( 1994), Broadcasting and Audio-Visual Policy in the European Single Market, London:: John Libbey;.
    [Google Scholar]
  11. Computer and Communications Industry Association ( 2015), Consultation on Directive 2010/13/EU on Audiovisual Media Services: A Media Framework for the 21st Century, Brussels:: Computer and Communications Industry Association;.
    [Google Scholar]
  12. Council of the European Union ( 2014), Councils’ Conclusions on European Audiovisual Policy in the Digital Era, EN 16040/14, 25 November, Brussels:: Council of the European Union;.
    [Google Scholar]
  13. DIGITALEUROPE ( 2015), Consultation on Directive 2010/13/EU on Audiovisual Media Services: A Media Framework for the 21st Century, Brussels:: DIGITALEUROPE;.
    [Google Scholar]
  14. Dijck, José van,, Nieborg, David, and Poell, Thomas. ( 2019;), ‘ Reframing platform power. ’, Internet Policy Review, 8:2, 10.14763/2019.2.1414. Accessed 27 November 2021.
    [Google Scholar]
  15. Dür, Andreas. ( 2008;), ‘ Interest groups in the European Union: How powerful are they?. ’, West European Politics, 31:6, pp. 121230.
    [Google Scholar]
  16. Dür, Andreas,, Bernhagen, Patrick, and Marshall, David. ( 2015;), ‘ Interest group success in the European Union: When (and why) does business lose?. ’, Comparative Political Studies, 48:8, pp. 95183.
    [Google Scholar]
  17. Euractiv ( 2014;), ‘ French fear “cultural dumping” from Netflix’s EU expansion. ’, 31 July, https://www.euractiv.com/section/languages-culture/news/french-fear-cultural-dumping-from-netflix-s-eu-expansion/. Accessed 10 May 2021.
  18. EUROCINEMA ( 2015), Consultation on Directive 2010/13/EU on Audiovisual Media Services: A Media Framework for the 21st Century, Brussels:: EUROCINEMA;.
    [Google Scholar]
  19. European Broadcasting Union ( 2015), Consultation on Directive 2010/13/EU on Audiovisual Media Services: A Media Framework for the 21st Century, Brussels:: European Broadcasting Union;.
    [Google Scholar]
  20. European Commission ( 2013;), ‘ Preparing for a fully converged audiovisual world: Growth, creation and values. ’, Green Paper, COM(2013) 231 final, 24 April, Brussels:: European Commission;.
    [Google Scholar]
  21. European Commission ( 2014;), ‘ Executive summary of contributions to the public consultation. ’, Green Paper, September, Brussels:: European Commission;.
    [Google Scholar]
  22. European Digital Media Association ( 2015), Consultation on Directive 2010/13/EU on Audiovisual Media Services: A Media Framework for the 21st Century, Brussels:: European Digital Media Association;.
    [Google Scholar]
  23. European Parliament ( 2013), Resolution of 4 July 2013 on Connected TV, Strasbourg:: European Parliament;.
    [Google Scholar]
  24. Evens, Tom, and Donders, Karen. ( 2018), Platform Power and Policy in Transforming Television Markets, London:: Palgrave Macmillan;.
    [Google Scholar]
  25. Federation of European Film Directors ( 2015), Consultation on Directive 2010/13/EU on Audiovisual Media Services: A Media Framework for the 21st Century, Brussels:: Federation of European Film Directors;.
    [Google Scholar]
  26. Flew, Terry, and Gillett, Rosalie. ( 2021;), ‘ Platform policy: Evaluating different responses to the challenges of platform power. ’, Journal of Digital Media and Policy, 12:2, pp. 23146.
    [Google Scholar]
  27. Flew, Terry,, Martin, Fiona, and Suzor, Nicolas. ( 2019;), ‘ Internet regulation as media policy: Rethinking the question of digital communication platform governance. ’, Journal of Digital Media and Policy, 10:1, pp. 3350.
    [Google Scholar]
  28. Freedman, Des. ( 2008), The Politics of Media Policy, Cambridge, MA:: Polity Press;.
    [Google Scholar]
  29. Gibbons, Thomas, and Humphreys, Peter. ( 2012), Audiovisual Regulation under Pressure, London:: Routledge;.
    [Google Scholar]
  30. Gillespie, Tarleton. ( 2018;), ‘ Regulation of and by platforms. ’, in J. Burgess,, A. Marwick, and T. Poell. (eds), The Sage Handbook of Social Media, London:: Sage;, pp. 25478.
    [Google Scholar]
  31. Gorwa, Robert. ( 2019a;), ‘ The platform governance triangle: Conceptualizing the informal regulation of online content. ’, Internet Policy Review, 8:2, pp. 122.
    [Google Scholar]
  32. Gorwa, Robert. ( 2019b;), ‘ What is platform governance?. ’, Information, Communication and Society, 22:6, pp. 85471.
    [Google Scholar]
  33. Guiraudon, Virginie. ( 2000;), ‘ European integration and migration policy: Vertical policy-making as venue shopping. ’, JCMS: Journal of Common Market Studies, 38:2, pp. 25171.
    [Google Scholar]
  34. Harvey, David. ( 2005), A Brief History of Neoliberalism, Oxford:: Oxford University Press;.
    [Google Scholar]
  35. Helberger, Natali,, Pierson, Jos, and Poell, Thomas. ( 2018;), ‘ Governing online platforms: From contested to cooperative responsibility. ’, Information Society, 34:1, pp. 114.
    [Google Scholar]
  36. Iosifidis, Petros. ( 2011;), ‘ Global media and communication policy: An international perspective. ’, Journal of Media Law, 6:1, pp. 14952.
    [Google Scholar]
  37. Jenson, Jane, and Mérand, Frédéric. ( 2010;), ‘ Sociology, institutionalism and the European Union. ’, Comparative European Politics, 8:1, pp. 7492.
    [Google Scholar]
  38. Jin, Dal Y.. ( 2015), Digital Platforms, Imperialism, and Political Culture, London:: Routledge;.
    [Google Scholar]
  39. Kalimo, Harri, and Pauwels, Caroline. ( 2009;), ‘ The converging media and communications environment. ’, in C. Pauwels,, H. Kalimo,, K. Donders, and B. Van Rompuy. (eds), Rethinking European Media and Communication Policy, Brussels:: Brussels University Press;, pp. 1140.
    [Google Scholar]
  40. Karns, Margaret,, Mingst, Karen, and Stiles, Kendall W.. ( 2015), International Organizations: The Politics and Processes of Global Governance, London:: Lynne Rienner;.
    [Google Scholar]
  41. Kostovska, Ivana,, Raats, Tim, and Donders, Karen. ( 2020;), ‘ The rise of the “Netflix tax” and what it means for sustaining European audio-visual markets. ’, Innovation: The European Journal of Social Science Research, 33:4, pp. 42341.
    [Google Scholar]
  42. Kreppel, Amie, and Oztas, Buket. ( 2017;), ‘ Leading the band or just playing the tune? Reasserting the agenda-setting powers of the European Commission. ’, Comparative Political Studies, 50:8, pp. 111850.
    [Google Scholar]
  43. Le Monde ( 2013;), ‘ Exception culturelle: les propos de Barroso provoquent un tollé. ’, 17 June, https://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2013/06/17/libre-echange-barroso-qualifie-de-reactionnaire-la-position-de-paris_3431274_3214.html. Accessed 15 May 2021.
  44. Lescure, Pierre. ( 2013), Mission Acte II de l’exception culturelle: Contribution aux politiques culturelles à l’ère du numérique, Paris:: French Ministry of Culture;.
    [Google Scholar]
  45. Littoz-Monnet, Annabelle. ( 2007), The European Union and Culture: Between Economic Regulation and European Cultural Policy, Manchester:: Manchester University Press;.
    [Google Scholar]
  46. Lobato, Ramon. ( 2018), Netflix Nations: The Geography of Digital Distribution, New York:: New York University Press;.
    [Google Scholar]
  47. McKelvey, Fenwick, and Hunt, Robert. ( 2019;), ‘ Discoverability: Toward a definition of content discovery through platforms. ’, Social Media + Society, 21 January, 10.1177/2056305118819188. Accessed 3 April 2021.
    [Google Scholar]
  48. Micova, Sally B., and Jacques, Sabine. ( 2020;), ‘ The functions of data in the competition between audiovisual media and video sharing platforms for advertising. ’, Journal of Information Policy, 10, pp. 51448.
    [Google Scholar]
  49. Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands ( 2015), Consultation on Directive 2010/13/EU on Audiovisual Media Services: A Media Framework for the 21st Century, Brussels:: Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands;.
    [Google Scholar]
  50. Moore, Martin, and Tambini, Damian. (eds) ( 2018), Digital Dominance: The Power of Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple, Oxford:: Oxford University Press;.
    [Google Scholar]
  51. Netflix International ( 2015), Consultation on Directive 2010/13/EU on Audiovisual Media Services: A Media Framework for the 21st Century, Amsterdam:: Netflix International;.
    [Google Scholar]
  52. Nieuwland, Shirley, and van Melik, Rianne. ( 2020;), ‘ Regulating Airbnb: How cities deal with perceived negative externalities of short-term rentals. ’, Current Issues in Tourism, 23:7, pp. 81125.
    [Google Scholar]
  53. Nooren, Pieter,, van Gorp, Nicolai,, van Eijk, Nico, and Fathaigh, Ronan Ó.. ( 2018;), ‘ Should we regulate digital platforms? A new framework for evaluating policy options. ’, Policy and Internet, 10:3, pp. 264301.
    [Google Scholar]
  54. Nugent, Neill, and Rhinard, Mark. ( 2016;), ‘ Is the European Commission really in decline?. ’, Journal of Common Market Studies, 54:5, pp. 1199215.
    [Google Scholar]
  55. Owen, Taylor. ( 2015), Disruptive Power: The Crisis of the State in the Digital Age, Oxford:: Oxford University Press;.
    [Google Scholar]
  56. Papathanassopoulos, Stylianos, and Negrine, Ralph. ( 2011), European Media: Structures, Policies and Identities, Cambridge, MA:: Polity Press;.
    [Google Scholar]
  57. Poell, Thomas. ( 2020;), ‘ Three challenges for media studies in the age of platforms. ’, Television & New Media, 21:6, pp. 65057.
    [Google Scholar]
  58. Puppis, Manuel. ( 2010;), ‘ Media governance: A new concept for the analysis of media policy and regulation. ’, Communication, Culture and Critique, 3:2, pp. 13449.
    [Google Scholar]
  59. Risse, Thomas. ( 1994;), ‘ Ideas do not float freely: Transnational coalitions, domestic structures, and the end of the Cold War. ’, International Organization, 48:2, pp. 185214.
    [Google Scholar]
  60. Rosenau, James. ( 1997), Along the Domestic–Foreign Frontier, Exploring Governance in a Turbulent World, Cambridge:: Cambridge University Press;.
    [Google Scholar]
  61. Saurugger, Sabine. ( 2013;), ‘ Constructivism and public policy approaches in the EU: From ideas to power games. ’, Journal of European Public Policy, 20:6, pp. 888906.
    [Google Scholar]
  62. Saurugger, Sabine. ( 2016;), ‘ Sociological approaches to the European Union in times of turmoil. ’, Journal of Common Market Studies, 54:1, pp. 7086.
    [Google Scholar]
  63. Simpson, Seamus,, Puppis, Manuel, and Van den Bulck, Hilde. (eds) ( 2016), European Media Policy for the Twenty-First Century: Assessing the Past, Setting Agendas for the Future, London:: Routledge;.
    [Google Scholar]
  64. Smyrnaios, Nikos. ( 2017), Les GAFAM contre l’Internet: une économie politique du numérique, Paris:: INA Éditions;.
    [Google Scholar]
  65. Srnicek, Nick. ( 2017), Platform Capitalism, Cambridge, MA:: Polity Press;.
    [Google Scholar]
  66. Suzor, Nicolas,, Van Geelen, Tess, and Myers West, Sarah. ( 2018;), ‘ Evaluating the legitimacy of platform governance: A review of research and a shared research agenda. ’, International Communication Gazette, 80:4, pp. 385400.
    [Google Scholar]
  67. Thelen, Kathleen. ( 2018;), ‘ Regulating Uber: The politics of the platform economy in Europe and the United States. ’, Perspectives in Politics, 16:4, pp. 93853.
    [Google Scholar]
  68. Thierse, Stefan. ( 2017;), ‘ Policy entrepreneurship in the European Parliament: Reconsidering the influence of rapporteurs. ’, Journal of European Public Policy, 26:2, pp. 26785.
    [Google Scholar]
  69. Vlassis, Antonios. ( 2015), Gouvernance mondiale et culture: de l’exception à la diversité, Liège:: Presses Universitaires de Liège;.
    [Google Scholar]
  70. Vlassis, Antonios. ( 2016;), ‘ European Commission, trade agreements and diversity of cultural expressions: Between autonomy and influence. ’, European Journal of Communication, 31:4, pp. 44661.
    [Google Scholar]
  71. Vlassis, Antonios. ( 2017;), ‘ The review of Audiovisual Media Services Directive: Many political voices for one Digital Europe?. ’, Politique européenne, 56, pp. 10223.
    [Google Scholar]
  72. Vlassis, Antonios. ( 2021;), ‘ European Union and online platforms in global audiovisual politics and economy: Once upon a time in America?. ’, International Communication Gazette, 83:6, pp. 593615.
    [Google Scholar]
  73. Vlassis, Antonios, and De Beukelaer, Christiaan. ( 2019;), ‘ The creative economy as a versatile policy script: exploring the role of competing intergovernmental organizations. ’, Media, Culture and Society, 41:4, pp. 50219.
    [Google Scholar]
  74. Vlassis, Antonios,, Rioux, Michèle, and Tchéhouali, Destiny. ( 2020), La culture à l’ère du numérique: plateformes, normes et politiques, Liège:: Presses Universitaires de Liège;.
    [Google Scholar]
  75. Weiss, Thomas, and Wilkinson, Rorden. ( 2019), Rethinking Global Governance, Medford:: Polity Press;.
    [Google Scholar]
  76. Vlassis, Antonios. ( 2023;), ‘ Platform governance and the politics of media regulation: The review of the European Audiovisual Media Services Directive. ’, Journal of Digital Media & Policy, 14:1, pp. 2946, 10.1386/jdmp_00084_1
    [Google Scholar]
http://instance.metastore.ingenta.com/content/journals/10.1386/jdmp_00084_1
Loading
/content/journals/10.1386/jdmp_00084_1
Loading

Data & Media loading...

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a success
Invalid data
An error occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error