Advanced Television

Policy

France: Chérie 25 threatened by NRJ 12 axe  

The economic viability and the very existence of DTT channel Chérie 25 would be impacted by the non-renewal of sister channel NRJ 12’s authorisation, according to French TV and radio NRJ Group. In July 2024, regulator Arcom decided against the renewal of the NRJ 12 DTT frequency, which will expire at the end of February […]

October 7, 2024From Pascale Paoli-Lebailly in Paris

Anthonis to head MPA EMEA

Emilie Anthonis is to become the new President and Managing Director for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region of trade body the Motion Picture Association (MPA), effective January 1st 2025. She will succeed Stan McCoy, who is stepping down after more than a decade of transformational leadership. “Emilie is a veteran of the […]

October 7, 2024By Colin Mann

Icasa “over-reached” in confiscating StarSat kit

The October 2nd raid by South Africa communications regulator Icasa on satellite broadcaster StarSat was deliberately damaging said StarSat officials. Senior technical staff were at the broadcaster’s Johannesburg head office and tried to tell Icasa and the police during the raid which equipment operated their systems. But, says StarSat, this advice was ignored and cables […]

October 7, 2024

StarSat raided by Icasa

South African telecoms regulator Icasa has raided the offices of StarSat and closed the pay-TV broadcaster down. On October 2nd, aided by police, Icasa staff removed computers and cables at StarSat’s head office in Johannesburg. StarSat marketing manager Jan Harmse told local journalists that the raid came as a shock despite Icasa ordering StarSat to […]

October 3, 2024By Chris Forrester

European telcos unite against Starlink D2C

Seven European cellular operators have issued negative comments on SpaceX’s plans to use its Starlink broadband satellites to provide ‘Direct-to-Cellular’ (D2C) services to consumers. Seven companies – including Vodafone, Liberty Global, Orange, PPF Telecom, Telefonica, Telenor and United Group – have told the FCC they’ll sue if the Commission loosens its rules for SpaceX’s cellular […]

October 3, 2024

Italy: Tougher TV piracy penalties

The Italian government has significantly increased penalties for those involved in TV piracy, including those who fail to report illegal activities. Two amendments approved by the Senate propose prison sentences of up to a year for individuals who do not report piracy or related offences. The amendments aim to protect copyright and combat the widespread […]

October 2, 2024From Branislav Pekic in Rome

AAPA unveils manifesto

In celebration of the first day of autumn, Trade body the Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAPA) has published its first Manifesto. The document aims to recognise past efforts of EU legislators when it comes to content protection and the fight against copyright infringement, whilst admitting that more can and should be done to address this growing […]

October 2, 2024By Colin Mann

Vodafone, Three respond to CMA remedies notice

UK telcos Vodafone and Three’s response to the UK Competitions and Markets Authority’s (CMA) Notice of Possible Remedies (Remedies Notice) has been published. The pair disagree with the CMA’s Provisional Findings, suggesting the merger will be pro-growth, pro-customer, pro-investment and pro-competitive for the UK. “It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform UK digital infrastructure with […]

October 1, 2024By Colin Mann

Newsmax settles Smartmatic case

Newsmax has decided not to risk court in the Smartmatic defamation case. On the eve of trial it has reached a settlement, so far kept confidential. The voting machine maker had alleged it was defamed by the outlet’s false claims that its machines were rigged to help steal the 2020 US presidential election from Donald […]

September 27, 2024

US: Spectrum boost for advanced satellite services

The US Federal Communications Commission has adopted new rules to open 1300 megahertz of contiguous spectrum for non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) fixed-satellite service operations in the 17.3-17.8 GHz band. It suggests this action promotes spectrum efficiency, fosters competition, and expands the ability of satellite operators to deploy advanced services, including high-speed Internet access to unserved and […]

September 27, 2024By Colin Mann