About us
A unique information source on the audiovisual sector in Europe
The European Audiovisual Observatory is part of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France. It is a public service organisation.
The Observatory was created in 1992 in order to collect and distribute information about the audiovisual industries in Europe. By making this information available, the Observatory aims at promoting greater transparency and a clearer understanding of the ways in which the audiovisual industries in Europe function, both from an economic and legal point of view.
The Observatory provides information on the various audiovisual markets in Europe and their financing. It also analyses and reports on the legal issues affecting the different sectors of the audiovisual industry.
The activities of the European Audiovisual Observatory are funded by direct contributions from its member states and the European Union, represented by the European Commission, and partly through revenues from the sale of its products and services.
Fields covered by our work
- Film
- Broadcasting
- Home video
- On-demand audiovisual services
- Public policy on the audiovisual sector
Our information is available in the following forms
- Print and electronic publications
- Access free on-line databases
- An electronic newsletter
- Conference presentations
The Observatory's team currently comprises 26 different Europeans coming from 10 different countries. This multi-cultural mix represents one of the Observatory's greatest strengths.
European Platform of Regulatory Authorities - EPRA
We also house the secretariat of the European Platform of Regulatory Authorities (EPRA) within our headquarters and as a result are able to benefit from a lively information exchange about the regulation of broadcasting in Europe.
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IRIS Newsletter
Legal Observations of the European Audiovisual Observatory
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Yearbook Online
Online access to the tables & graphs of the Observatory's Yearbook
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AVMS Database
Database on the transposition of the AVMS Directive into national legislation
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IRIS Merlin
Database on legal information relevant to the audiovisual sector in Europe
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LUMIERE
Database on admissions to films released in Europe
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MAVISE
Database on audiovisual services and their jurisdiction in Europe
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LUMIERE VOD
The European film directory on European works available on on-demand services in Europe
60 publications per year in three languages
42 professional organisations represented in our Advisory Committee
40 countries covered plus reporting on pan-European issues
26 staff members from 10 different countries on our international team
5 databases maintained and constantly up-dated
Literally hundreds of individual information suppliers make up our European information network