75% of movies broadcast by TV channels in Moldova are pirated

Three fourth of the pictures broadcast by the TV channels in Moldova are pirated, representatives of the Association for the Development of Culture and Protection of Copyright and Related Rights “Apollo” said in a news conference, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. According to “Apollo”, the largest part of the media institutions in the country do not respect the own internal regulations. Many institutions do not come into contact with the copyright owners or resort to different stratagems to simulate the existence of contacts with unauthorized or even inexistent companies. “Apollo” chairman Vasile Nastase said the unauthorized broadcasting of channels by cable operators or of TV products by television companies leads to disloyal competition towards the faithful broadcasters. “Apollo” called upon the competent bodies to be more attentive to this problem. It is for the adoption of a new Broadcasting Code and voiced hope that its approval will not be delayed owing to the private interests of decision makers managing media outlets. Among the most important changes proposed by “Apollo” is increasing considerably the fines imposed for piracy. The Association announced that among its partners are the U.S. Embassy in Moldova, the EU Delegation to Moldova, the Council of Europe Office in Moldova, and the World Intellectual Property Organization.