Archive for August 7th, 2012

TPP Fair Use Proposal Leaks Raising Concerns About New Restrictions

KEI has posted a leaked version of the U.S. fair use proposal for the Trans Pacific Partnership. The leak raises significant concerns about the language that may create new restrictions. It also highlights a divide among TPP countries (Canada has yet to participate in the negotiations) with Australia supporting the […]

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August 7, 2012 2 comments News

French Culture Minister Says Three Strikes Law Disproportionate

France’s new culture minister has sent a strong signal that HADOPI, the agency responsible for administering the country’s three strikes and you’re out law, has been a failure. Aurelie Filippetti says she plans to slash funding for HADOPI, noting that it has failed to develop legal alternatives and that suspension […]

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August 7, 2012 2 comments News

Is the Competition Bureau Ready to Take on Media Convergence?

Canadian broadcasters and broadcast distributors have pursued a convergence strategy for the past decade that has created one of the world’s most concentrated media markets. Four powerhouses – Bell Media, Rogers, Shaw, and Videotron – have been left standing with those companies now dominating broadcast television, radio, and broadcast distribution from coast to coast.

While it may already be too late, the proposed $3 billion Bell Media – Astral merger may represent the final opportunity to address mounting concerns over the competitive impact of a converged market. My weekly technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) notes the new Bell Media – Astral entity will control approximately 45 per cent of the commercial radio market in Canada along with a dizzying array of television stations, specialty television channels, as well as wireless, satellite, and Internet services.

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August 7, 2012 Comments are Disabled Columns

Is the Competition Bureau Ready to Take on Media Convergence?

Appeared in the Toronto Star on August 5, 2012 as Is The Competition Bureau Ready to Take on Media Convergence? Canadian broadcasters and broadcast distributors have pursued a convergence strategy for the past decade that has created one of the world’s most concentrated media markets. Four powerhouses – Bell Media, […]

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August 7, 2012 Comments are Disabled Columns Archive