Italy: Communications Regulatory Authority adopted revised guidelines on prominence of audiovisual and radio media services of general interest

On 9 October 2025, the Communications Regulatory Authority approved revised guidelines on the prominence of audiovisual and radio media services of general interest. These include free audiovisual and radio services from the public service broadcaster distributed via digital terrestrial, satellite and online platforms, national commercial services with generalist, semi-generalist or news-themed programming that hold registered press credentials, as well as children’s, cultural and local commercial services meeting similar public-interest criteria. The Authority will publish and update annually the list of qualifying services. Device manufacturers and interface operators must ensure that these services are clearly visible on the home page through dedicated icons and sections organised by platform and provider. Users may customise their interfaces, but algorithmic repositioning that reduces the visibility of such services is prohibited. The measures apply to connected televisions, decoders, streaming devices, in-car infotainment systems and other user interfaces, excluding app stores and certain search tools. The Authority will monitor compliance and impose sanctions for violations. The guidelines will take effect twelve months after the publication of the list of services of general interest.