Licensees take on copyright laws 14 June, 2006
The Publican http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?sectioncode=7&storycode=52031 Portsmouth licensees to challenge copyright laws in bid to avoid using Sky Six Portsmouth licensees are pooling resources to challenge copyright laws in an effort to continue showing football matches via foreign satellite providers. The licensees show games through the Arab Radio and Television Network and Nova, a Greek operator. But they are accused of breaching strict copyright laws and are facing prosecution. The law prohibits games from being televised during the "closed period", from 2.45pm to 5.15pm on Saturdays. Derek Hopper, licensee of the Royal Exchange in Southsea, Portsmouth, says because he shows matches outside the closed period he is not breaking the law. But Media Protection Services, the organisation that conducts prosecutions on behalf of Sky, says showing games through a foreign network at any time is also illegal. Derek has joined forces with five other licensees from Portsmouth to fight the charges. Each licensee will have his or her case heard separately at Portsmouth Crown Court. Karen Murphy, licensee of the Red, White and Blue in Southsea, had her case heard on Wednesday. The hearing was adjourned until June 17. If the licensees are found guilty they each face a maximum fine of £5,000. ================================ George Antunes, Political Science Dept University of Houston; Houston, TX 77204 Voice: 713-743-3923 Fax: 713-743-3927 antunes at uh dot edu Reply with a "Thank you" if you liked this post. _____________________________ MEDIANEWS mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
