Beyond the main screen: Audiovisual services in PTAs

Audiovisual services have long been a sensitive issue in the WTO, where key members have traditionally held very divergent views. It is not surprising therefore that this sector has failed to attract either a significant number of commitments under the GATS or offers in the Doha Round. Indeed, only twenty-nine members have commitments, while only eight had made offers by the end of 2007. In comparison, preferential trade agreements have provided for significant advances: audiovisual is one of the sectors in which the contrast between multilateral and preferential commitments is the greatest, especially in bilateral agreements where the United States is involved.