Coalition to combat TV piracy

Broadcasters, satellite operators and service providers across the MENA region have joined forces under an ‘Anti-Piracy Coalition’.

The coalition is seeking to combat all forms of piracy that impact the sector, with pay-TV network OSN, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPA), the MBC Group, du, STN, JMC, Nilesat, Arabsat, Noorsat, Eutelsat, and Viewsat part of the coalition.

They will work alongside content owners, distributors, satellite owners, satellite service providers and advertisers to raise awareness about the impact of piracy on the region’s television industry.

Driven by a common goal to protect intellectual property rights, members of the coalition have outlined a voluntary code of conduct, while publically associating themselves as active representatives of the coalition.

The coalition will monitor piracy on satellite TV, ensure information about pirate channels is shared among legitimate industry players, and coordinate action against pirates.

David Butorac, CEO of OSN, said: “The region’s television landscape has evolved significantly, and this growth has been spurred by the creation of original content. Intellectual property crime is not a victimless crime. It inhibits the capacity for companies like ours to invest to create a viable and robust entertainment industry, something this region deserves. Through the ‘Anti-Piracy Coalition,’ we will work with leaders from the industry and carry out a concerted effort to crack down on piracy.”