ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the approach of the European Commission (EC) to the questions posed by these complaints in respect of the balance between the right of member states to fund public service broadcasters, and the obligations placed on the EC as the guarantor of the European Union (EU) Treaty and its rules on competition. It revolves around the key question of financial support and how this support is both established and employed by the public service broadcasters in an increasingly complex set of dynamics, with the growing amount of activities undertaken by these broadcasters. The chapter outlines key areas in the EC and European Court of Justice's (ECJ) approach to public service broadcasters and concludes that it is unlikely that the current culture of complaint from commercial operators against the funding and activities of public service broadcasters will abate in the near future. It expects the Internet and public service broadcasters move into new markets such as niche television channels.
