Italy: Communication Regulatory Authority revision of guidelines concerning the prominence of general interest audiovisual and radio media services enters into force for all devices

On 19 January 2027, the Authority for Communications Guarantees (AGCOM) revision (250/25/CONS) of the existing guidelines (390/24/CONS) on the prominence of general interest audiovisual and radio media services enters into force for all devices. The measure applies to manufacturers of devices receiving audiovisual/radio signals, entities that determine the presentation of services on interfaces, and audiovisual/radio service providers. Annex A defines the basket of 'services of general interest' to which adequate prominence must be given. Such services include Italy's public service concessionaire, as well as qualifying free-to-air national and local commercial TV channels and radio stations. Within 30 days, providers who believe they qualify must submit a formal request to AGCOM, unless they operate specifically within broadcasting. After evaluating the requests and no later than 60 days from the adoption of the guidelines, AGCOM will publish the list of services identified as services of general interest. The Authority performs two distinct reviews: an annual update of the service list and a comprehensive review of these Guidelines' regulations every three years to ensure their continued relevance to market and technological evolution. After each annual update, services must adjust prominence on devices within 60 days. The policy introduces local content requirements by regulating how media services are prioritised on streaming platforms and technological consumer goods. The provisions enter into force for most devices 12 months after the publication of the list of services of general interest. For devices for receiving audio content in DAB+, AM, and FM technology installed in vehicles and domestic and portable radios, the measures under these Guidelines enter into force 12 months after the publication of the Resolution, which took place on 19 November 2025. Stakeholders may appeal this measure before the Regional Administrative Court of Lazio within 60 days of its publication on the website of the Authority.