Welcome to News Views, CASBAA’s news round-up culled from sources across the industry for the week ending Nov 7th. Curated by CASBAA, News Views keeps you in the loop. We always value your feedback, so tell us what you think!
Brought to you by:
Christopher SlaughterCEO |
It’s been anticipated for some time now, but regulators in China are finally tightening the screws on online video providers. According to a report in the China Daily, full seasons of all foreign TV shows must be submitted to censors before being made available online, a move that will certainly slow the release of most programmes. But there are also concerns that the move could also affect licence fees, and act as a spur for increased piracy. And the chill is already starting to set in, with some video companies removing their apps from online stores.
Meanwhile, in the wake of Youku Tudou CEO Victor Koo’s address at the CASBAA Convention last week, speculation is emerging about a possible tie-up with Internet giant Alibaba. And almost in response to Koo’s CASBAA speech, Youku Tudou competitor iQiyi announced its own plans for 2015 including increased investment in original content. |
John MedeirosChief Policy Officer |
Last issue, we reported on Google’s new algorithm that downrates pirate websites, based on the number of US DMCA piracy complaints the company has received. It seems to be working: the Torrentfreak website (which presumably has good contacts with the pirates) says the number of hits on major pirate sites has declined sharply. Interestingly, the number of DMCA complaints has rocketed up, since content owners now have a huge incentive to flood Google with complaints, in order to get their nemesis websites downrated. |
Mark LayVice President, Singapore |
At the CASBAA Convention this last week James Rosenstock (EVP, Global Corporate Development; President, Discovery Education International) had a great interview with Stephen Engle of Bloomberg. Before the interview a very impressive showreel ran, showing Discovery’s many channels, business units, brands, etc. all over the world. What this really boils down to for investors is a 10% increase in 3Q earnings, with a net income was $280 MILLION! Folks, THIS is where James is getting all that cash for all the acquisitions he was talking about. |
Anjan MitraExecutive Director, India |
Lobbied hard by a certain section of the industry, MIB may have succumbed to the demand of pushing back digitisation deadlines for Phase III & IV to December 2015 and December 2016, respectively, but that shouldn’t stop the industry from continuing with digital cable’s roll-out. And, that’s exactly what a leading Indian MSO, Siti Cable, is suggesting. VD Wadhwa , Zee group’s cable arm chief executive, also president of newly formed All India Digital Cable Federation, feels the industry can start with voluntary digitisation; albeit with a little help from TV channels. Big question is: can Siti Cable convince other MSOs to its line of thinking? We shall Zee. |
Sara MaderaDirector, Member Relations & Marketing |
Per the Emmys this year the big networks owned the sitcom and pay TV ruled everything else. Based on the fall lineup, Variety is now pondering the Death of the American Network Sitcom. Maybe there is an opportunity here for a pay TV Emmys sweep? |
John MedeirosChief Policy Officer |
Taiwan’s NCC is considering an interesting regulatory initiative: requiring OTT apps to get licensed as telecom services. This is part of a trend of Asian regulatory agencies grappling with the implications of free-wheeling Internet business models. If it comes to pass, let’s hope the licensing criteria include respect for IPR! |
Mark LayVice President, Singapore |
If I had a nickel for every conversation I had at the CASBAA Convention about OTT, I could retire….again. A hot topic, yes. Controversial, yes. How will it play out around the world and here in our back yard: well, everyone has an opinion but the jury won’t be in for a long time. For an idea of Who Are the Winners and Losers in Pay TV’s Unbundled Future, click here. Those folks that think that OTT is not going to take over the world tomorrow may enjoy… |
John MedeirosChief Policy Officer |
Now here’s an interesting note: an analyst accuses Netflix of using its market power to “shakedown” the telecommunications industry (including cable operators in the USA). The report says “Netflix has played a shrewd PR and policy game to paint itself as the fragile underdog to regulators, journalists and the public while it fiercely lobbies for regulation against the telecom and content industries.” Ah yes the tech industry seems to be full of fragile underdogs……. |
Michael SteelRegulatory Assistant |
Wow! Is this really what cable boxes used to look like???? Where’s the Facebook button? |
| Some additional links you might be interested in: |