Broadcasting
Copyright Commission Seeks Collaboration Against Piracy
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) in pursuit of its mandate of strategic engagement with stakeholders and efficient administration of rights, recently enlightened stakeholders of the Commission’s absolute empowerment by law to prosecute pirates with regards to enforcement of Copyright.
This was disclosed by Mr. Augustine Amodu, Director of Enforcement, NCC, during a three (3) day strategic meeting with stakeholders in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Mr. Amodu stated this in reaction to the issue of right owners carrying out enforcement activities using the Police without proper authorization from the Commission or knowledge of Copyright Officers.
While emphasizing on the need to fight piracy to the barest minimum in the State, the Director of Enforcement appealed to producers and right owners to desist from illegal duplication of Copyright works.
The meeting which was highly interactive with stakeholders drawn from the Music, Movies Industry, Producers, Performers and CD Sellers provided a forum to differentiate between original CDs and pirated CDs as the Commission calls for more collaboration in the fight against piracy.
Meanwhile, the Director also sensitized the Printers and Book Sellers Association on the provisions of Section 38 sub section 5 of the Copyright Act which empowers the Copyright Inspectors to enter any shop at any reasonable time and inspect any copyright material suspected of being pirated. He called on Printers and Booksellers to involve Copyright Officers in the state before embarking on raids.
On challenges faced by Printers and Booksellers due to high cost of printing and Publishers printing abroad, Mr. Amodu informed the stakeholders of government policy of Public Private Partnership to ease their burden. He further urged the stakeholders to desist from selling pirated books to the public and report any illegal printer engaged in such to the Ilorin office of the Commission.
In a related development, the Director of Enforcement paid courtesy calls on the Commissioner of Police (CP) and Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the State to strengthen the existing relationship between NCC and the securities agencies.
During the visit to the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Amodu appreciated the Police Force for their support over the years in the fight against piracy while explaining the core mandate of the Commission to the CP. He used the forum to solicit for intensified collaboration against piracy in the State.
He cautioned the Police on the need to guide against Copyright owners who infringe the law by collecting money from sellers of Copyright works such as CDs and DVDs by engaging the Police for back up without the knowledge of Copyright Officers which contravenes Section 25 of the Copyright Act.
The CP promised to assist in the fight against piracy while assuring the Commission of a good working relationship.
Similarly, the visit to the Commandant NSCDC was marked with brief enlightenment on the mandate of the Commission, Intellectual Property generally and explanation on the various types of piracy such as book piracy, software piracy etc and other copyright issues because of the limited knowledge of the Civil Defence Corps on Intellectual Property.
Pledging the support of the Civil Defence Corps in the fight against piracy in the State, the Commandant called for more enlightenment on the activities of the Commission while lamenting the light punishment for pirates of which the Director Enforcement explained that the amendment of the Copyright Act is still in progress.
Highlight of the three (3) day visit was the interactive session with Staff of the Commission at the Ilorin Liaison Office on the way forward. The forum was used to explain further areas of infringement on Copyright and Cable Piracy.
Broadcasting
How to Beat DStv Price Increase with ‘Price Lock’ Feature
In today’s fast-paced world, where every penny counts, finding ways to save on essential services is more important than ever. And as part of its commitment to customer satisfaction, DStv has reiterated its “Price Lock” feature.
This is in response to the upcoming tariff increase, which the company understands may impose some financial strain on its valued customers.
What exactly does the “Price Lock” feature entail? The “Price Lock” feature offers customers the opportunity to retain their subscriptions at the current rate for 12 months.
To use the “Price Lock” feature, customers simply need to renew their subscriptions before the due date each month, ensuring uninterrupted access to their favourite DStv content at the current rate for the next 12 months.
But here’s the catch: only customers with an active subscription by the 30th of April qualify for this offer, when the tariff adjustment comes into effect.
Make sure you don’t miss the price lock offer! Simply download the MyDStv or MyGOtv app or dial *288# to subscribe, upgrade, or set up Auto-Renewal.
Broadcasting
OJI Demands Ban on Netflix, TikTok, Others over Same-Sex Content
Civil Society Organisation (CSO) under the auspices of Open Justice Initiative (OJI), has threatened to drag the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to court if it fails to ban Netflix, TikTok, and others over the alleged broadcast of offensive same-sex content on Nigeria’s airwaves.
The CSO, also urged NBC to ban other social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, etc with regard to the subject matter.
Donald Ayibiowu, lawyer and programme officer of OJI, gave the warning in a letter addressed to Mr. Charles Ebuebu, director-general of the NBC.
The certified true copy of the letter titled: “Need to ban and bar the continuous broadcast of offensive same-sex contents on Nigeria’s airwaves by Netflix and other specialised broadcast outlets”, made available to newsmen in Abuja, was received by the Commission on April 23, 2024.
The letter said, “We write to draw the esteem attention of your commission to some obnoxious and repugnant same-sex contents being aired or transmitted by some broadcast outfits operating within the Nigeria broadcast space, which platforms includes Netflix and some social media entities.
“These abhorrent contents being campaigned about borders on the promotion of amorous relationships between persons of same sex on the said platforms.
“We received complaints on this topic from well-meaning Nigerians and religious organisations and further discovered that the broadcast contents/materials on these platforms are laced with embedded scenes/episodes where same-sex relationships are practically being propagated.
“We also conducted research on some social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter (X), Facebook (Meta), etc with regards to this subject, and found same hazardous and illegal same-sex content being promoted and transmitted.
“It is clear that there is an agenda to surreptitiously lure the unsuspecting young population of this country to this satanic habit/lifestyle of same-sex practice in Nigeria by subtly introducing same through entertainment and showbiz industry, albeit through the airwaves.
“It is now commonplace to see some of these illegal contents being conveyed on social media and specialised platforms in Nigeria.
“We wish to point out that these contents are clearly being aired or transmitted in contravention of our extant laws such as Sections 4(2) and 5(2} of the Same-Sex Mariage (Prohibition) Act, 2013,” he said.
The lawyer said the act being subtly propagated and promoted via the mediums was targeted at destroying the moral fibre and rectitude, erode, dislodging and polluting the society with unacceptable inhuman values.
He said it was also to erode the age-long cultural practices and sacred religious belief system of male and female gender only as created by God Almighty.
Ayibiowu said, that if the commission failed to block, restrict or scrap the same-sex promotional material/contents from Nigeria airwaves, “we shall proceed to seek further redress in pursuit of our goal of saner Nigeria airwaves”.
Broadcasting
FCCPC to Review Multichoice’s Tariff Hike
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has promised to review recent price increases in MultiChoice cable subscriptions to ensure subscribers in Nigeria get value for their money.
Recall that the leading pay TV operator, recently announced increase in the subscriptions for its DStv and GOtv packages by at least 25 per cent.
Multichoice announced the increase in tarrifs in a message sent to subscribers on Wednesday and said that the new regime will be effective May 1.
The company stated this in the statement signed by John Ugbe, chief executive officer was titled, ‘Price Adjustment on DStv and GOtv Packages.’
The pay-TV firm cited the rise in the cost of business operations as the rationale behind the price increase.
The company said, “We understand the impact this change may have on you – our valued customer, but the rise in the cost of business operations, has led us to make this difficult decision.
“It remains our mission to provide the best entertainment and viewing experience to you and are committed to continue to deliver high-quality content and unparalleled service. So, from Wednesday, 1 May 2024, the price adjustment will take effect.”
But Adamu Abdullahi, acting chief executive officer, FCCPC, in a chat with Channels Television on its Dateline Abuja programme on Thursday, provided an update on the summons issued to the owner of a Chinese store in Abuja accused of discriminatory and sharp practices.
He also commented on the adherence to the order given to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, stating that sanctions are imminent for all verified infractions identified by the agency.
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