Evil spirits cheerfully took over the signal not only to
broadcast matches involving their national teams, but also to redistribute it
to those without rights.
As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches with leaps
and bounds, stakeholders involved in the exploitation of broadcasting rights
are committed to tackling audiovisual piracy during encounters.
On October 15, 2021, the issue was at the center of
discussions between the delegation of the Canal + Group and Officials of the
African Union of Broadcasting, in Dakar.
The meeting chaired by the AUB’s Chief Executive Officer,
Grégoire Ndjaka aimed at putting in synergy technical and legal measures to
secure the signal of African channels whose governments spend huge sums of
money to acquire the rights.
Objectively, it is very important for both parties to defend
the issue of broadcasting rights since TV Channels also depend on the
advertising market to regain financial strength during major competitions.
However, the AUB it faced with numerous challenges on the
field. According to the Union’s Ceo,
“Our permanent concern is the protection of TV signal. The fight ought to be
carried at all levels. Are you allowed to screen the match? If yes, there is no
problem. Secure your signal. But if you don't have a broadcast contract, should
you be allowed to operate illegally while others are paying? That’s the
problem!”
On a technical standpoint, Alexandre Gruner, Director of
Channel Relations and Partnerships at Canal +, reassured both parties of the
technical prowess of the Canal+ Group: “If we have compelling evidence and take
note of any illegal activity on Canal+ bouquet concerning AFCON or the FWC, be
rest assured, we will suspend your signal!” he warned.
Sebastien Punturello, Managing Director of Canal+ Senegal,
acknowledged the difficulties on the ground: “I spend at least 20-30% of my
time fighting signal piracy. For several years, we have actively led the battle
thanks to the support of local authorities, our relations, various ministries
(Culture, Communication, and Justice) as well as the National Audiovisual
Regulatory Council – CNRA Senegal “, he mentioned.
Almost everywhere on the continent, television signal piracy
is developing using handcraft techniques, helped by ICTs and “other rival
groups whose audience rates sometimes compete with those of Canal+ whereas they
haven’t acquired the right to broadcast in certain territories in Sub-Saharan
Africa ”, Mr Punturello added.
Whether encrypted or not, TV signal piracy is a threat to
intellectual property rights. A football competition which is not bought
ultimately and ends up being squandered on the piracy market is a threat to the
development of the audiovisual industry.
Putting an end to Dakar’s gathering, Officials of the two
corporations promised to meet in the coming days in Paris, for further
consultations.
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