The Luxembourg Independent Broadcasting Authority (ALIA) today presented the audiovisual regulatory results following its establishment in January 2014 and its mission outlook for the future.

ALIA was created as a public institution to amass the three electronic media monitoring bodies into one, these being: the Media and Communications Services monitored by the Department of State, controlling the rules of advertising in television programmes; the National Curriculum Council (CNP) to regulate the content of television programmes; and the Independent Broadcasting Commission (CIR) monitoring radio stations.

ALIA took office in January 2014, following the appointment of the Board of Directors presided over by Thierry Hoscheit. From June 2014, the management of ALIA was assumed by Romain Kohn, assisted by Carole Fonck, Carole Kickert and Philippe Knecht. The Consultative Assembly of ALIA is now comprised of 25 various organisations and their representatives.

The Autorité luxembourgeoise indépendante de l'audiovisuel is a regulatory body which monitors the content of television and radio programmes holding a Luxembourg license. ALIA is particularly concerned with the protection of minors regarding the information broadcast across these media, with President of the Board of Directors, Thierry Hoscheit, yesterday describing this as "a very big responsibility".

Indeed, of the 15 complaints or interpellations made to or by ALIA in 2014, the vast majority - 9 - were concerned with the protection of minors in media content. This was followed by 3 issues of discrimination, predominantly found in adverts; 2 miscellaneous reports; and 1 case of exceeded commercial advertising time.

In 2015, this figure grew, but by only five to total 20 complaints or issues raised. Again the protection of minors was at the heart of many of the issues, with eight cases reporting violations of this in media programme content and one finding problems in this regard in a cinema broadcast. Problems due to discrimination remained at the same level compared to 2014, whilst one new case of violation of human dignity and one of conduct found prejudicial to health reported each.

Thierry Hoscheit reported that the addition of an issue related to the cinema has posed a problem, as the regulatory criteria differ between those applied to television programmes and those to cinematic films with different classifications for the two.

In order to provide a secure media platform to avoid affecting the mental and moral development of children, ALIA collaborates and communicates with media operators to ensure that electronic media, be it available online, by cable satellite or over the airwaves, is in keeping with ethical codes, the protection of minors and responsible promotion.

 

Photo by Sarah Graham (L-R: Board Memberm Claude Wolf; President of the Board of Directors of ALIA, Therry Hoscheit; Board Member, Valerie Dupong)