NCC probes cable operators breaking broadcast rights
Director General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Mr. John Asein says the commission is investigating cable operators for allegedly breaking the broadcast rights of some organizations.
Mr. Asein disclosed this during an interactive session in Abuja with representatives of Association of Cable Operators of Nigeria (ACON) led by its General-Secretary, Mr. Kalada Wilson.
He said that “any broadcaster found transmitting signals without rights will be apprehended and prosecuted as a broadcast pirate. It does not matter who the broadcaster is.
“The commission has received complaints from several right owners, including the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Star Times and Multichoice and the commission will henceforth, take measures to ensure that broadcast rights are protected.”
The director general stated that the NCC aligns with the federal government’s position of protecting the interest of Nigerians and legitimate foreign investors to ensure that all parties benefit from the multilateral agreements that the country is signatory to.
He noted that the commission would work with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to ensure that competition is not stifled and encourage a business environment that would guarantee the growth of local television operators.
“We are in the era of globalisation. While we welcome and protect foreign investors, we must also protect the national economic interest. The NCC will always take the path that our interests are well protected in copyright law and in the interests of the local industries.
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“We will not do anything inimical to our national interest but we should also be mindful of our international posture, bearing in mind that foreign interests registered in Nigeria enjoy the same protection as local industries,” Asein added.
He said that the commission is intensifying its enforcement of broadcast rights in the country and advised licensed cable operators to respect and protect signals of broadcasting organisations, in line with the copyright law, international treaties and global best practices.
“We will not tolerate broadcast piracy in whatever form. While the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is the best interpreter of its own broadcast code, the NCC will continue to monitor the broadcast space and enforce respect for copyright in accordance with the copyright law and international treaties to which Nigeria is signatory,” he stated.
