The European Commission has updated its rules for state funding of public broadcasters to accommodate online activities.

“Public broadcasters will be able to take advantage of the development of digital technology and internet-based services to offer high quality services on all platforms, without unduly distorting competition at the expense of other media operators,” said competition commissioner Neelie Kroes.

The rules specify that online activities should meet the equivalent of the UK’s public value test to balance the market impact with their public value.