Broadcasting regulation in the light of technology progress

Recent trends in technology progress have brought significant changes not only in everyday life, but also in the sphere of regulation. The broadcasting sector is not exception. Here we can witness a wide range of technological novelties - mobile television, electronic program guide, teletext services, video-on-demand and others. And beyond obvious benefits of new products and services, we shall give a thought to the other side of the coin: the bulk of new products and services is not included into current regulatory framework, though it is still broadcasting with all its possible effects and influences. Thus in the era of new technologies arising, we shall review current models of broadcasting regulations and draw up a more appropriate regulatory framework. In the article author considers four scenarios of new technologies development in the sphere of broadcasting in the future in appliance to situation in Russian Federation. They were suggested by Robin Foster, independent consultant on economic, political and strategic issues in the sector of telecommunications of Ofcom. At first, author analyses current problems of regulation in the sector of broadcasting: the problems with statutory on authorization and licensing procedures, the problems with practice of receiving necessary authorizations and licenses, and the problems with the strategy in the sector. Statutory base was drawn up in the early 1990-th and is focused on traditional, now obsolescent, technologies. As a result, to become a broadcaster, a candidate should overcome sometimes insurmountable administrative and financial obstacles. And overall government strategy of developing industry is not turned on resolving these difficulties. Author suggests that the new regulative model should be flexible and should be designed according to changes in subject and object of regulation and regulator itself. For each of them, recommendations on the future regulation frames are given.