New television and radio stations warned against piracy
On January 31st - The Intellectual Property Unit Specialist, Kingsley Nkonde, has warned community radio and television stations in the country to desist from broadcasting movies and music videos without owners' rights, the Zambia News and Information Service (ZANIS) reports.
Nkonde said that the affected broadcasting stations risk facing the law adding that it was illegal to broadcast programmes without a contract with the artists. He told ZANIS that for any programmes to be broadcast on any television station, a contract with the proprietors has to be signed before the material is aired.
The Intellectual Property Unit Specialist observed that most of the movies and music videos played particularly on some named TV Stations were latest movies which he described as dangerous. Nkonde said it should be noted that the movie Industry has got its own regulations which are supposed to be followed at all times.
Recently the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) seized over 40 bales of pirated tapes and digital video discs (DVDs) worth K173 billion from China destined for the local market. The authority through its Lusaka International Airport officials confiscated the pirated products in which one DVD contained a collection of over 20 movies and the items are currently at Lusaka International Airport warehouse.
He further cautioned all production houses to also be mindful of Owners Rights when using songs as back ground music to always get approval before use.
Nkonde commended the Zambia Revenue Authority ZRA, for seizing pirated products at the airport. He noted that the seizure of pirated products at the airport is the biggest since the enforcement agencies started confiscating counterfeits and pirated goods.
Nkonde also commended the copy right Unit at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services MIBS, for embarking on sensitization campaigns.
He noted the need for more sensitization to be done in local languages adding that alot of people who are affected come from rural communities. Nkonde said that deliberate move is needed to be put in place by stakeholders, Brand Owners and Business Owners to sensitize the public and not to leave every thing to government alone. He noted the need for Brand Owners to also do adverts in local Languages which will also add value to the local people in rural areas.
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