News

Megaupload in the twilight of copyright

Kim Dotcom’s business facilitated more online piracy than the mind can conceive. Yet it might have been legal. How did we get here? Is there any way out?

FORTUNE (July 11, 2012) — In a climate-controlled warehouse in Harrisonburg, Va., 1,103 computer servers, each equipped with 24 hard drives, are piled in 120 stacks awaiting a federal judge’s decision about what to do with them. Together, they store more than 25 petabytes (25 million gigabytes) of information. That’s enough space to store 50 Libraries of Congress, 13.3 years of HDTV video, or “approximately half of all the entire written works of mankind, from the beginning of recorded history, in all languages,” according to Carpathia Hosting, the company that owns the hardware.

For several years Carpathia leased the servers to a company called Megaupload, which deployed another 700 or so servers in the Netherlands and France. At one time Megaupload alone accounted for 4% of the globe’s entire Internet traffic and was the 13th-most-visited site on the web, according to the government, with more daily visitors than Netflix (NFLX), AOL (AOL), or the New York Times.

Thailand: NBTC agrees ‘must carry’ TV broadcast

July 10, 2012 – In a bid to ensure that almost 7 million satellite-TV viewers have access to live broadcasts of the Summer Olympic Games in London, the National Broad-casting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) yesterday approved “must carry” rules, which will be put before a public hearing on next Monday.

The aim is to announce the regulations in the Royal Gazette before the Games begin on July 27.

Of 22 million households nationwide, about 6.8 million that watch free-TV programmes via satellite receivers are currently at risk of missing out on the Olympics after TV Pool and the Public Relations Department’s National Broadcasting Television (NBT) said they had acquired the rights from the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) to broadcast using a terrestrial signal only.

BBC Knowledge is Singapore’s favourite factual channel in June

(11 July 2012, Singapore) … BBC Worldwide Channels Asia today announced that BBC Knowledge has topped viewership charts in June to emerge to be the number one factual channel in Singapore, beating all 11 channels in the factual entertainment category.

BBC Knowledge was placed number one among both Adults 25+ as well as PMEBs (professionals, managers, executives, business people) , creating new records for the channel. BBC Knowledge also achieved the highest share among the factual Pay TV channel set across multiple demographics including younger viewers aged 16-24, Adults 25-39 and higher income households with a monthly income of $10,000+ in June’12*.

“We are very pleased to have taken pole position in the increasingly competitive pay TV landscape,” said Mark Whitehead, SVP and GM of BBC Worldwide Channels. “Earlier this year, BBC Worldwide embarked on a strategy to deliver global events to global television audience. So far, we have launched global viewing events like Planet Earth Live, Sport Relief, and now, London Calling, a two month programming stunt on BBC Knowledge and BBC Entertainment celebrating all things British.”

“These events enable our audiences to feel part of a truly global viewing experience – whether it be witnessing the wonder of nature as it unfolds before them or revelling in the celebrations taking place across London without leaving the comfort of their living room. June’s ratings performance attests to the success of this strategy. It also underscores our commitment to providing award-winning factual programmes, produced and presented by experts and passionate presenters that excite and entertain BBC Knowledge’s viewers.”

BBC Knowledge took off to a flying start in June with the channel soarng to the top of the factual channel charts during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend. The Diamond Queen on June 1 kicked off London Calling, and took BBC Knowledge to the number one spot among factual pay TV channels** from SIN/HK 8 – 11pm. Together with the three live events, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee: Thames River Pageant on Sunday 3 June, the concert and the Services of Thanksgiving and Royal Procession on June 5, BBC Knowledge clinched the number one spot among non-kids, English language pay TV channels in Singapore that weekend.

Momentum carried through the month with royal related programmes for Adults 25+ and PMEBs on BBC Knowledge proving to be the most popular – Days that Shook the World, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Thames Pageant, The House of Windsor A Royal Dynasty and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert rated the most watched royal-related shows on the channel.

Besides royal related programmes, the world’s most popular car show, Top Gear also proved a hit with viewers in June – with the Top Gear afternoon block as well as the back-to-back episodes on 30th June attracting the highest share of viewing for both PMEBs and Adults 25-39 among the factual Pay TV channel set. Primetime airings of James May’s Toy Stories attracted the highest share of viewing among PMEBs and Adults 25+ among the factual set during its timeslot, and was the most watched series in terms of 000s-among the factual set on Saturdays in June for higher income households with a monthly income of $10,000+. The premiere of Secret Wilderness: Japan ranked number one in its timeslot (SIN/HK 9.55 – 10.50pm) among higher income Men. Feasts on the Tuesday Lonely Planet block on Tuesdays in June also achieved the highest share of viewing among the factual set for multiple demos including younger viewers 16-24, higher income households with a monthly income of $8000+ and Women 25-54 during its timeslot (SIN/HK 8.55 – 9.55pm).

In Asia, BBC Knowledge is available in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan and Thailand.

– Ends –

*Source: Kantar Media/ Cable Universe/ Factual Pay TV channel set = Discovery Channel, History Channel, Nat Geo, Nat Geo Wild, Crime & Investigation, Animal Planet, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Science, truTV, The Biography Channel, Nat Geo Adventure

** Among pay TV adults 25+

For further information, please contact:

Jeanne Leong
Communications, BBC Worldwide Channels
Tel: +65 6849 5292
Email: Jeanne.Leong@bbc.com

Notes to Editors:

BBC Worldwide Channels is one of five core BBC Worldwide businesses. Formed in 2005, the business’ diverse portfolio of channel brands provides a global showcase for the best mix of British TV across factual, entertainment, children’s and lifestyle programming. The company is the UK’s leading international broadcaster, operating a network of localised channels that reach over 300 million homes in more than 100 countries around the world.

Global pay TV revenues crawl to $200 billion

July 11, 2012 – Based on forecasts for 80 countries, pay TV revenues will climb to US$200 billion in 2017, up by US$23 billion on 2011 but up by only US$2 billion (1%) on 2016, according to a new report from Digital TV Research. The forecasts are based on subscription and on-demand revenues.

The Digital TV World Revenue Forecasts report concludes that DTH (DBS) revenues will overtake cable TV revenues in 2015. DTH revenues will reach US$91 billion in 2017, up from US$76 billion in 2011.

Simon Murray, report author, said: “Brazil will add the most DTH revenues [US$3.86 billion] between 2011 and 2017 – nearly doubling its total in the process. The US will grow by US$3.1 billion, meaning that Brazil and the US will contribute nearly half of the extra revenues.”

He continued: “However, DTH revenues will decline for 17 countries between 2011 and 2017. Much of this is due to greater competition forcing down ARPUs. Furthermore, low-cost DTH packages are making a significant impact in several countries.”

Cable TV revenues will begin to slide in 2014, with revenues falling by US$3.2 billion between 2011 and 2017 to US$85 billion. However, cable operators will gain extra revenues by converting subscribers to bundles.

Digital cable TV revenues will climb from US$62 billion in 2011 to US$81 billion in 2017 (up by 32%) – a faster increase than DTH. China will add US$4.1 billion in digital cable TV revenues over this period, followed by Japan with an extra US$3.6 billion. Digital cable TV revenues will fall by US$1.1 billion in the US over the same period. In fact, digital cable TV revenues will drop for 12 countries.

Analog cable TV revenues will decline by US$23 billion between 2011 and 2017 to only US$4.1 billion in 2017. India will account for half of the remaining 2017 total.

IPTV revenues will climb to US$21.3 billion in 2017, up from US$9.7 billion in 2011. The US will remain the largest IPTV revenue earner by taking a third of the 2017 total. Despite being relative newcomers, Fios TV and U-Verse, in particular, have made impressive subscriber gains in the US mainly at the expense of the cable operators, due to aggressive pricing campaigns.

Global pay TV revenues will only grow by 13.5% between 2011 and 2017. Revenues will fall in North America and will only grow by 3.5% in Western Europe. However, Latin America will enjoy a 57.5% increase, followed by Eastern Europe (48.5%) and Asia Pacific (40.1%).

The US will remain the world’s largest pay TV revenue earner by some distance. However, its revenues will fall by US$1.2 billion between 2011 and 2017 as homes convert to bundles and as competition forces down prices. On the other hand, Brazil’s revenues will double over the same period (adding US$4.8 billion), with India (up US$3.2 billion) also enjoying impressive growth.

chart

For more information about the Digital TV World Revenue Forecasts report, please contact:

Simon Murray,
simon@digitaltvresearch.com,
Tel: +44 20 8248 5051
www.digitaltvresearch.com/

Singapore “No” to price regulation

July 11, 2012 – Singapore has ruled out retail rate regulation for sporting events, but, in the meantime, other ongoing regulatory initiatives (including cross-carriage implementation and antisiphoning rules) are affecting use of sports rights in the nation.

No competition concerns in pay TV sector: Yaacob Ibrahim

SINGAPORE (July 9, 2012): Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Dr Yaacob Ibrahim said Singapore has no competition concerns in the pay TV sector which require intervention in retail prices at the moment.

In a written reply to a question from MP for Nee Soon GRC Er Dr Lee Bee Wah on whether the Ministry would consider regulating the charges for paid sports channels to make them affordable to the public, Dr Yaacob said MDA is aware that consumers are concerned about the rising cost of sports TV channels, but it is also mindful of potential unintended consequences to price regulation.

Singapore Sets Cross-Carriage Rules

Singapore’s Media Development Authority announced July 1 that it would require pay-TV retailers in the country to implement on August 1 the “cross-carriage” scheme for any pay-TV content sold on an exclusive basis. The system is going ahead despite continued objections from content providers, and warnings of implementation difficulties by the major pay-TV retailers. However, the transition will be eased by the fact that very little content will actually be “cross-carried;” few, if any, exclusive carriage agreements are being signed in Singapore. (In its submission to MDA, CASBAA had warned that with little content actually being cross carried “the risk of unmet expectations and consumer complaints remains very high.”) Meanwhile, local press reports, as usual, focused on the impact of the measures on negotiations for sports rights.

MDA’s latest Press Release and “Closing Note” on the consultation process, as well as all 10 of the submissions made in the most recent round of consultations, can all be accessed through this web page:

http://www.mda.gov.sg/Reports/ConsultationReports/Pages/CrossCarriageMeasure.aspx

SARFT tightens online video content rules

July 11, 2012 – The country’s top broadcasting and Internet watchdogs are to tighten oversight of online video content, including Internet dramas and microblog movies, demanding online content providers step up self-discipline to filter harmful content.

According to a circular jointly issued by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) and the State Internet Information Office on Monday, the providers were asked to closely examine their videos before making them available online for public viewing.

The circular also instructed relevant industry associations to step up self-discipline, provide training to staff at video content providers and examine their professional qualifications.

Eutelsat and Arianespace pursue their longstanding collaboration

Eutelsat and Arianespace pursue their longstanding collaboration with the signature of a new launch contract

Geneviève Fioraso, France’s Minister for Research and Higher Education, welcomes continuing partnership between two leading European space companies

Paris, 10 July 2012 – Consolidating a relationship now entering into its 30th year, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) and Arianespace today announced the conclusion of a new launch services contract for a future Eutelsat satellite. The assignment of the launch to a satellite will be made at a later stage. The contract for an Ariane 5 launch from the Guiana Space Centre provides Eutelsat with launch flexibility and schedule assurance for its in-orbit expansion programme of six satellites to be launched by end-2014.

The contract for this 28th launch was marked by a ceremony at Eutelsat’s headquarters in the presence of Geneviève Fioraso, France’s Minister for Research and Higher Education, Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace and Michel de Rosen, CEO of Eutelsat.

The minister welcomed: “This new agreement between Eutelsat and Arianespace which benefits both France and Europe’s space sector. Technology and innovation are pillars of our national policy of restoring production capacities. I am delighted to see these two leaders in their domains strengthen their cooperation, creating wealth and employment in France.”

Eutelsat CEO, Michel de Rosen, added: “We are honoured to welcome Minister Fioraso to Eutelsat and are delighted to entrust a new mission to Arianespace, a reference in the global launch services market. Eutelsat has been able to count on the expertise and flexibility of Arianespace to deliver two thirds of its satellites into orbit. We look forward to pursuing this successful collaboration.”

Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said: “It is a privilege to mark this new contract in the presence of Minister Fioraso. We thank Eutelsat for their renewed confidence in us and are delighted to continue our relationship with one of the world’s leading operators and a hallmark of success in Europe’s space sector. This latest contract is further evidence of the recognition of the quality of our launch services.”

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the world’s leading satellites launch company, providing innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 21 shareholders and the European Space Agency, the company offers an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of 06 July 2012, 207 Ariane launches (303 payloads), 26 Soyuz launches (2 at the Guiana Space Center and 24 at Baikonur with Starsem) and the first launch of Vega had been performed. The company has a backlog of 22 Ariane 5, 15 Soyuz and 4 Vega launches, equal to more than three years of business. www.arianespace.com

Mario de Lépine
Media Relations Manager
Tel: +33 1 60 87 60 15 / 6307
m.delepine@arianespace.fr
www.arianespace.com

About Eutelsat

With capacity commercialised on 28 satellites that provide coverage across Europe, as well as the Middle East, Africa and significant parts of Asia and the Americas, Eutelsat is one of the world’s three leading satellite operators. As of 31 March 2012 Eutelsat’s satellites were broadcasting more than 4,250 television channels to over 200 million cable and satellite homes in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Group’s satellites also serve a wide range of fixed and mobile telecommunications services, TV contribution markets, corporate networks, and broadband markets for Internet Service Providers and for transport, maritime and in-flight markets. Eutelsat’s broadband subsidiary, Skylogic, markets and operates high speed Internet services through teleports in France and Italy that serve consumers, enterprises, local communities, government agencies and aid organisations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Headquartered in Paris, Eutelsat and its subsidiaries employ just over 750 commercial, technical and operational professionals. This culturally diverse staff comprises employees from 30 countries.

www.eutelsat.com www.tooway.com

For further information

Press
Vanessa O’Connor, Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91, voconnor@eutelsat.fr
Frédérique Gautier, Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91, fgautier@eutelsat.fr
Marie-Sophie Ecuer, Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91, mecuer@eutelsat.fr

Investors & Analysts
Lisa Finas, Tel: +33 1 53 98 35 30, investors@eutelsat-communications.com
Léonard Wapler, Tel: +33 1 53 98 31 07, investors@eutelsat-communications.com

Indian Copyright Enforcement Orders On The Rise

Jully 11, 2012 – When Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, the producers of Gangs of Wasseypur, got an interim injunction called a “John Doe order” from the Bombay High Court to prevent their film from being illegally shown on cable TV, DVD format, or online, the film’s director, Anurag Kashyap, tweeted, “What is this John Doe order?”

Others may be equally baffled. For though Bollywood’s film producers are queuing up to get John Doe orders from the courts, not many are aware what the injunction is all about.

John Doe injunctions — common in countries like the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, where they are applied to intellectual property rights matters — have been used earlier in India in trademark and copyright infringement cases.

SES set for Asian expansion

July 9, 2012 – Satellite operator SES is poised to invest further in its efforts to maintain its lead in the Asian market, which is predicted to grow from 2,000 channels to 9,000 by 2016, according to Deepak Mathur, Senior VP Commercial, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East at SES.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Mathur said that SES was evaluating the possible acquisition of up to two additional satellites for Asia (for launch after 2014), which would represent a combined investment of about $650 million.

SES already carries the most paid direct-to-home channels in Asia, with nearly 650 channels as of June. The group serves about 20 million direct-to-home pay-TV subscribers in the region, via five of its 50 satellites.

Accedo helps launch FOXTEL on Samsung Smart TVs

July 9, 2012 – Accedo, an enabler of Smart TV and IPTV solutions, have helped Foxtel launch their first connected TV application in Australia, by designing and developing the Foxtel on Internet TV application for Samsung’s Smart TV platform.

Username
Password

	Remember Me Lost your password?