The WTO and the Audiovisual Sector

Abstract

In this article the authors raise historical and legal status questions concerning the audiovisual dossier as discussed within the framework of the World Trade Organization. This implies an overview, first, of the rules applying directly to the audiovisual sector; second, of the liberalization agreements concerning telecommunications; and third, of the rules concerning copyright (TRIPs). In anticipation of the discussions in the new multilateral negotiation round - launched at the end of last year - the main argument of the article is that the interference of the WTO in the audiovisual and related sectors is irreversible, but also partly unpredictable.