EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The European Commission has public television and radio stations within its targets once again, this time with the launch of a public consultation on the future of state broadcasters.

The commission announced the consultation process on Thursday (10 January). It marks the start of a comprehensive review of the state of the sector since the adoption of its 2001 broadcasting communication.

The commission said in a statement that it hopes the review will build on the fundamental principles of the financing of public service broadcasting as laid down in European Community law, but also be able to clearly define what a public service mission is and limit state aid to "what is necessary for the fulfilment of this mission."

Competition commissioner Neelie Kroes said: "There are many ways the present broadcasting communication can usefully be improved to increase transparency and legal certainty."