Electronic Media Must Operate Within Intellectual Property Norms

Chairman of the Broadcasting Commission, Dr. Hopeton Dunn, said the regulatory agency, which monitors electronic media and cable operators in Jamaica, is strongly committed to ensuring that all players in the local industry operate within fair and established norms of intellectual property.
Dr. Dunn was speaking on January 18 at the official launch of HBO Latin America in Jamaica at the Spanish Court hotel on St. Lucia Avenue in New Kingston.
He said the Commission considers intellectual property to be a very important value and asset. “We believe that it is only fair and appropriate that the necessary licensing arrangement should subsist in the use of intellectual property,” he said.
Dr. Dunn added: “Jamaica is a country that is very much known for its cultural content and production and as much as we hope to market our products to income and value to all the interested persons in the world, so too do we believe that those who are marketing their products should get fair value and operate within established norms of intellectual property.”
The launch follows the recent signing of a deal between multi-million dollar telecommunications firm, Flow and HBO Latin America Group, which brings to an end, weeks of negotiations between the two groups and also months of waiting on the part of Jamaican cable subscribers.
The Broadcasting Commission chairman said he hoped the relationship between Flow and HBO will be long lasting, particularly for the benefit of the Jamaican consumer.
Principal Director for Information and Technology in the Office of the Prime Minister, Jo-Ann Archibald, said the Government of Jamaica is delighted about the recent agreement, which she said, recognises the Caribbean as a distinct market for HBO.
She said that Jamaica is a fertile ground for creative content that can have universal appeal, which could be explored by HBO executives.
“HBO has demonstrated its creativity and leadership in the cable industry over the years and I’d like to take the time to commend to them the talent and creativity of the Jamaican people, the strength of our brand and the international impact of our music, sporting personalities, dance, theatre and academia,” she said.
Miss Archibald added: “We look forward to specials on HBO featuring the Jamaican entertainers, our music and events, such as our world class music festivals and athletics championships. We are of the firm belief that in as much as we welcome and enjoy brilliant content originating in North America, we are in a good position to enrich the viewing experiences of our brothers and sisters in North America and indeed other parts of the world where HBO has strong presence.”
Under the agreement, Flow has already started to re-broadcast the HBO package developed for this region that includes channels such as HBO, HBO Plus, HBO Family, Cinemax, Max Prime, and HBO HD.
As part of the deal, Flow customers are able to enjoy a “free-view” until January 31. Starting February 1, viewers will be able to choose and subscribe to their favourite HBO channels to see original series, movies and sporting events.