Protecting broadcasters in the digital era

• Pages: 16-18

p. 16 2013 | 2

PROTECTING

BROA DCASTERS

in the digital era

Since the 1960s, the development of transmi ssion technology and re ceiving equip-

ment has caused broadcasti ng to evolve considerably. New ways of distributing

services have bee n created as well as new types of programs and serv ices. Signi-

cant increases in cha nnel capacity have ena bled broadcasters to offer the pu blic

a larger choice of schedu led programs. The developm ent of cable networks and

broadcasting satellites has ope ned up a greater number of signal transport o ptions,

and satellite technology has inc reased the global dimen sion of broadcasting. The

massive ongoing conversion to digital transmission of programs and content is cre-

ating countless opportunities for efcient and cost-effective delivery of high-quality

content and for interoperability with other electronic media. In the digital environ-

ment, however, broadcasters are facing a severe problem of signa l piracy. In view

of these and other challeng es arising from the evolution of bro adcasting, WIPO’s

member states are working to develop a n updated international legal framework that

addresses present-day operatin g realities. The following inter view with Ingrid Del-

tenre, Director-General of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) offers

a broadcaster’s perspective on the issue.

Photo: EBU

Radio and T V broadcasters a re critical ly

important in developing and sustaining

an informed a nd engaged societ y. e

EBU and other broad casters around t he

world are convi nced of the urgent need

to update the r ights availa ble to them.