Broadcast News

Bookmark and Share
19/07/2006

Major new anti-piracy campaign target local councils

The UK’s video retailers have been joined by cinemas in the fight against DVD piracy by embarking on their first national campaign aimed at raising awareness among local authorities to the harm done by piracy.
More than 3,000 retail and rental outlets and cinemas across the country have written to their local council leaders, urging them to put more resources behind Trading Standards services to enforce against DVD piracy. The letters highlight the fact that piracy supports local crime and puts businesses under immense pressure. Store chains involved in the campaign include HMV, Virgin, Woolworths, Asda, WH Smiths and Blockbuster as well as cinema operators Odeon, Vue and Cineworld and many independents.
Major new film releases lose 39% of box office receipts and a further 25% from official DVD sales due to piracy. This translates into an approximate cost of £280 million to the rental, retail and cinema business in cannibalised sales, out of a total film industry loss of over £700 million through physical and digital copyright theft. These losses are not sustainable for those relying on the film industry to make a living.
Commenting on the campaign, Lavinia Carey, director general of the British Video Association and a director of the industry campaign, says: “Local retailers and cinemas are genuinely worried by the issue of DVD piracy - it presents a real threat to their businesses. Some of the best known high street names are under threat and to make matters worse, the crime is often taking place right under their noses. This campaign highlights to local authorities that enforcement against piracy contributes to local crime reduction and protects local businesses from unfair competition. Feedback so far suggests that councillors are very receptive.
“The impact of piracy is far reaching. It causes the closure of shops because they can’t compete, leading to a reduction in business rates payable with a knock-on effect on the local economy. This in turn can increase local unemployment and sends out the message that crime does pay. Illegal traders also harass shoppers and often using children to front their stalls at markets.”
(GB)
Solidmate Ltd Memory Card Hire London

Top Related Stories
Click here for the latest broadcast news stories.

08/03/2023
AV Gives Launches 2023 Fundraising Campaign
In celebration of International Women's Day, AV Gives has launched its 2023 fundraising campaign and networking initiatives in support of Rosie Rivete
09/06/2005
Local government officials encouraged to join fight against DVD piracy
DVD piracy and its connection to a wide variety of criminal activities will be brought under the microscope at the eighth Local Government Conference
16/12/2010
Local TV To Be On Internet, Says Shott
A report into the conditions necessary for financially viable local TV stations has been published. The key findings of the report included that in th
14/06/2004
Industry Trust to raise awareness of DVD piracy
The Industry Trust for IP Awareness, formed by distributors and retailers in March this year to tackle the problem of DVD piracy, has revealed some of
16/02/2011
STV Goes Live With Edinburgh Websites
Scotland's STV has launched three new local websites dedicated to Edinburgh as it continues to expand its online network for cities, towns and communi
15/06/2005
DVD anti-piracy campaign places spotlight on serious crime
Evidence of the links between piracy and serious crime was strengthened with the recent publication of a new report containing detailed case studies c
09/11/2004
Campaign highlights DVD piracy and organised crime link in Northern Ireland
The links between DVD piracy and organised crime have been highlighted at the launch of Northern Ireland's biggest ever DVD piracy consumer awareness
13/07/2004
DVD anti-piracy campaign puts crime gangs in the frame
Links between DVD piracy and organised crime have been highlighted with the publication of new evidence, compiled by the Industry Trust for IP Awarene
28/04/2015
OSN Eliminates Over 60% Of Illegal Links Of Matches At ICC Cricket World Cup
Over 60 per cent of illegal links of matches at the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup were eliminated by OSN, the MENA region's leading pay-TV network. OSN a
23/02/2006
Dedicated Met Film Piracy Unit launches
A new police unit dedicated to combating film piracy and the organised criminal networks sustaining the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit fi
31/10/2022
BBC Sets Out Plans To Reshape Its Local Services Across England
The BBC has set out plans to reshape its local services across England to deliver greater online impact and more original journalism. The BBC will als
20/07/2022
LiveU Expands Local Presence In Spain
Responding to an ever-increasing demand in Spain, and to best serve a growing range of requirements, LiveU has expanded its local presence in the coun
20/01/2022
Dynamic Infographic Details Full Scope of Opportunity For Local TV Advertising Pros
Marketron has unveiled a dynamic infographic designed to give local TV advertising professionals a clear understanding of 2022 digital advertising tre
06/08/2007
£500,000 For Independent Local Cinemas To Improve Access And Facilities
Independent cinemas across the UK will be able to apply for Lottery funding to update their buildings, improve facilities and boost access for audienc
16/11/2021
VO Joins Forces With LFP
Viaccess-Orca (VO) is joining forces with Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), the governing body that runs the major professional football leagues