ACFC/44DOC(2012)001 rev Committee has repeatedly observed that minority communities consider their minority language print media as an important means to preserve and develop their specific culture and language within mainstream society. The Advisory Committee has therefore emphasised the need to uphold support for such editions which, due to their small size, are often not commercially viable, as their particular significance for the minority community cannot be substituted with modern and electronic media. It has encouraged states to ensure that their general rules relating to press subsidies, which often contain conditions such as a minimum number of prints or state-wide distribution, should not be applied to minority language print media that are unlikely ever to meet these conditions.51 When subsidies and support for minority language print media is provided, this should be allocated in line with clear and transparent procedures and with full respect for freedom of expression. 4. TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN THE MEDIA AND IMPACT ON MINORITIES 48. Like the offer of programmes in minority language in the private media sector, the offer of minority language publications on the Internet is steadily increasing. Electronic media often play an important role in the circulation of information in minority languages. While not replacing the traditional print media, they must still be taken into account when support is granted to the production of media in minority languages. Importantly, there is a need for professional and financial support for the maintenance of websites and increased training of journalists working for minority language electronic media.52 49. Technical and technological developments in the media field, including social media, offer opportunities but can also become obstacles in accessing media in minority languages, depending on how these changes are introduced and how their reception by the interested groups is supported. Special needs and interests of minority communities must be taken into account, for instance, when frequencies are changed.53 As there is limited availability of terrestrial frequencies, the number of broadcasting channels can be multiplied through digitalisation. It is, however, essential that advances in the digitalisation of the media do not restrict the ability of persons belonging to national minorities to receive media in their languages. The introduction of new technologies can also facilitate the reception of programmes in the languages of minorities produced in other, often neighbouring, countries, as encouraged by Article 17 of the Framework Convention. This should, however, not be seen as a substitute for locally-produced programmes, which normally better meet the needs and interests of minority communities.54 5. FILM/MUSIC INDUSTRY AND MINORITY LANGUAGES 50. Domestically-produced films or music in minority languages can also play an important role in promoting the prestige and presence of the minority language in public life and are equally protected by the provisions of Article 9 of the Framework Convention. The Advisory Committee held, for instance, that authorities must not create excessive requirements in terms of dubbing, post-synchronisation or sub-titling into the official language, as these could disproportionately hinder the production and projection of films in minority languages.55 51 See, for instance, Third Opinion on Austria; Third Opinion on Finland. Third Opinion on Cyprus. 53 Third Opinion on the Slovak Republic. 54 Third Opinion on Germany; Third Opinion on Moldova. 55 Second Opinion on Ukraine. 52 16