ACT welcomes new members as commercial broadcasters across Europe mobilise to secure future of sector

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BRUSSELS, 23 MAY 2017. The Association of Commercial Television in Europe(ACT) is delighted to announce that its General Assembly has unanimously approved four new full members (A+E Networks UK, beIN SPORTS France, Bonnier Broadcasting*, SBS Belgium) as well as a new Observer Member (Digiturk).

Commenting on the new memberships, Grégoire Polad, ACT Director General, stated: “We are delighted to welcome so many new members at a critical time for the future of the sector. Commercial broadcasters are invested in this process and want to put their full weight at the service of the policy-making process to ensure balanced legislative outcomes”.

Heather Jones, General Manager, A+E Networks UK, stated: “With significant challenges and opportunities currently facing European broadcasters, the ACT’s work in Brussels and across the EU has never been more vital. A+E Networks UK is thrilled to be joining our fellow commercial broadcasters as members of the ACT at this critical stage.”

Yousef Al-Obaidly, CEO of beIN SPORTS France and Digiturk, stated: “beIN SPORTS France and Digiturk are delighted to be part of the ACT. Considering the crucial discussions taking place in Europe currently regarding the audiovisual sector, ACT’s role has become essential.”

Liesbet Hauben, Senior Legal Counsel, SBS Belgium, stated: “SBS Belgium is delighted to join the commercial heart of European broadcasters: ACT. SBS Belgium combines three broad stations in Flanders as the multimedia enterprise behind TV channels VIER, VIJF and ZES. Together with ACT, SBS will be strengthened to face the different challenges ahead.”

* Taking effect as of Q2 2018