AUB and Canal+ discuss the issue of piracy ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
The officials of Canal+ and African Union of Broadcasting met in Dakar on October 15 to discuss television signal piracy as a threat to intellectual property rights.
During the meeting, led by Grégoire Ndjaka, AUB’s CEO, technical and legal measures were put in place in order to secure the signal of African channels, as governments spend huge sums of money to acquire the rights. Both parties need to defend the issue of broadcasting rights as TV Channels also depend on the advertising market to regain financial strength during major competitions.
As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches, stakeholders involved in broadcasting rights are committed to combating audiovisual piracy at the event.
During the African Nations Championship held in Cameroon in January-February 2021, the opportunity was given to the African Union of Broadcasting to (re) take stock of satellite and online piracy during broadcast time. Out of 32 games delivered in 21 days, several were screened illegally.
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!”
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!”
Sebastien Punturello, Managing Director of Canal+ Senegal, added: “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.”
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,” Punturello added.
.jpg){kind=small}
