EU Audio-Visual Policy And European Integration

European integration is proceeding in unprecedented depth and width. Traditionally, regulations on media affairs were decided on the member state level. But ever since 1980s, EU (European Union) has been making efforts to form regulations regarding Audio-Visual industry. EU has recognized the role a common Audio-Visual policy plays in enhancing European competitiveness in Audio-Visual sector as well as in forming European identity. European Commission is actively engaged in policy-making in this domain. Although a common Audio-Visual policy is still in its infancy, debates and disputes existing on certain issues, it has become a policy domain indispensable to the prosperity of the Audio-Visual industry, and above all, to the formation of European identity and diversified European culture.The dissertation was composed of five chapters.Chapter One, Introduction, portrayed the different policy domains that promote European identity, analyzed the relationship between Audio-Visual policy and European integration and presented an academic review of the research work done on the relevant topics.Chapter Two, Audio-Visual Policy: from State to EU Level, first reviewed the three phases West Europe had undergone and then analyzed the background in which Audio-Visual policy-making shifted from state level to EU level.Chapter Three, EU Audio-Visual Policy in Dispute, first summarized the main regulations in Audio-Visual industry and then focused on two domains which triggered most debates: public broadcasting and media ownership.Chapter Four, Audio-Visual Policy and European Integration, discussed Audio-Visual policy in the background of European integration, which concerned economic as well as social and cultural consequences.Chapter Five, Conclusion, pointed out that current difficulties in Audio-Visual sector would not in the long run hinder the formation of a common EU Audio-Visual policy, as far as one realized its irreplaceable role in shaping European identity. Besides, EU's experience had useful implications for China's cultural industry and Audio-Visual industry.