The legal framework governing audiovisual and interactive media in Spain combines sector-specific legislation, media regulation, cultural policy objectives and regional initiatives. A central reference remains Law 55/2007 on Cinema, adopted to promote cinematographic and audiovisual production, distribution, exhibition and preservation. The law recognises audiovisual creation as both a cultural and economic activity and establishes support mechanisms for the sector, including public subsidies and measures to safeguard audiovisual heritage.
This framework has been progressively adapted to technological change, European State aid rules and evolving industry structures. In particular, Royal Decree 1084/2015, replacing Royal Decree 2062/2008, updated the legal regime governing state support for audiovisual production and modernised subsidy procedures. Responsibility for cinema policy lies with the Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts (ICAA), created by Royal Decree 325/1984, which continues to manage public support schemes and coordinate audiovisual policy.
More recently, further reform initiatives have been developed through the proposed Law on Cinema and Audiovisual Culture, aimed at establishing a more comprehensive framework for the sector. These proposals seek to strengthen support across the audiovisual value chain, expand eligibility to new formats such as series and digital productions, and reinforce objectives related to gender equality, cultural diversity, heritage protection and transparency.
A major reform of the broader audiovisual sector was introduced by Law 13/2022 on General Audiovisual Communication, which replaced most provisions of Law 7/2010. This legislation adapts the regulatory framework to digital environments and on-demand services, extending obligations beyond traditional broadcasters to include video-sharing platforms and other digital service providers. It also maintains provisions to promote European and Spanish audiovisual works and to protect cultural and linguistic diversity.
Public service broadcasting continues to be governed by Law 17/2006 on State-owned Radio and Television, which transformed RTVE into a public corporation with obligations relating to public service, cultural diversity, territorial cohesion and the promotion of Spain’s linguistic plurality.
Spain’s decentralised governance system has also generated extensive regional legislation. Examples include Law 20/2010 on Cinema of Catalonia, which regulates production, distribution, exhibition and language promotion; Law 6/1999 on the Audiovisual Sector of Galicia; and Law 1/2006 on the Audiovisual Sector of the Valencian Community. In addition, several Autonomous Communities have established specialised regulatory authorities, such as the Catalan Audiovisual Council (Law 2/2000) and the Andalusian Audiovisual Council (Law 1/2004), reflecting the development of dedicated regulatory institutions within Spain’s multilevel governance framework.
Comments are closed.