Satellite Lore

Ultimately, any decisions on controls for the new broadcasting technologies of tomorrow, and in particular for satellite broadcasting, will be politically inspired. This paper points out, however, that the opportunities for unilateral regulations by any of the 10 EEC Member States are, at least in theory, subject to those countries' obligations under the Treaty of Rome. The paper considers the case law already available from the European Court of Justice, the guardian of the Treaty of Rome's provisions, in the three main areas of concern for satellite broadcasting: copyright, advertising controls and public morality. From the evidence available the authors draw some personal conclusions and make some suggestions as to how the issues might be resolved.