GMM Grammy Defends Self On Euro 2012

[webfact]

EURO 2012

GMM Grammy defends self on Euro '12

USANEE MONGKOLPORN,

WATCHIRANONT THONGTEP

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- GMM Grammy insists it has done the right thing to prevent losses among its business partners and their customers, in regard to its decision to allow the viewing of live Euro 2012 matches in Thailand on only its own channels and those of its partners.

GMM Grammy is sole holder of the soccer tournament's match broadcasting rights in the Kingdom.

Dew Waratangtagoon, managing director for platform strategy at Grammy content provider GMM Z, said yesterday that to resolve the dispute with pay-TV operator True-Visions, the company had written on June 8 to the tournament's overall broadcasting-rights owner, Uefa, seeking to allow TrueVisions to rebroadcast live matches for its viewers on the free-TV channels 3, 5 and 9 carried on the TrueVisions network.

It has also offered to TrueVisions the leasing of its set-top boxes to TrueVisions subscribers to enable them to watch live Euro 2012 matches on these free-TV channels on TrueVisions network, pending the permission from Uefa.

"Though this offer is very tough for TrueVisions, we still believe the company understands our reasons," Dew said.

He added that TrueVisions was the prioritised business partner for GMM Grammy to broadcast the tournament jointly. However, although GMM Grammy had opened negotiations with the pay-TV operator late last year, the two sides had failed to reach a satisfactory agreement.

After the talks broke down, GMM Grammy struck deals with new partners, namely DTV and Cable Thai Holding, to rebroadcast the signal from selected free-TV channels: ThaiTV3, TV5 and Modernine TV. Those owning GMM Z set-top boxes can also view the matches, he said.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) yesterday said it was ready to slap a fine on TrueVisions at 4.30pm today if it had by then still failed to comply with the watchdog's June 7 order to enable its subscribers to view live Euro 2012 matches on channels 3, 5, 9 carried on its network.

The agency's broadcasting committee notified TrueVisions of the potential fine of Bt20,000 per day, which would be retroactively imposed from June 8. Committee chairman Natee Sukonrat also warned those wanting to apply for upcoming NBTC broadcasting licences that the regulator would take their past behaviour into consideration when deciding which businesses should get a licence.

It will look at whether they have done anything to affect broadcasting market competition or the interests of consumers, he said.

The watchdog yesterday also ordered its consumer protection subcommittee to devise measures to remedy the situation whereby True-Visions customers cannot view Euro matches on their normal channels.

TrueVisions wrote to the NBTC opposing its June 7 order, arguing that it amounted to forcing it to violate GMM Grammy's Thai broadcasting rights. It also asked the NBTC to revoke the order, so as to comply with the copyright protection law. In an effort to appease its subscribers, TrueVisions has given them a free upgrade, valid from yesterday until July 10.

During the period, its Platinum package subscribers will be able to access all nine "a la carte" channels: HBO Signature, HBO Hits, HBO Family, Discovery Science, TLC, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Home & Health, Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

Gold package members will be able to access all Platinum channels, while subscribers to other packages will be able to access all six TrueSports channels.

The NBTC is drawing up rules to establish clear practice regarding the broadcasting of copyrighted programmes on free-TV channels, to prevent any possible problem stemming from this type of broadcasting in the future, Natee said.

-- The Nation 2012-06-12

[asiawatcher]

Monopolistic back-dooring again. And a 20,000 Baht fine per day? That would be about one small soi in a moo baan monthly subscription. Yep - I think they will heel and be humble and respectful after such a heavy fine.

[theblether]

There's a lot of garbage being written on this subject, GMM have the rights. End of story.

It's normal practise in the West for major players such as Sky TV to bid for the rights and retain them.

It's called business.

FIFA and UEFA, along with F1 and the IOC are the sharpest operators in the World of TV rights. True have come up against the real big boys and lost.

[redsox44]

There's a lot of garbage being written on this subject, GMM have the rights. End of story.

It's normal practise in the West for major players such as Sky TV to bid for the rights and retain them.

It's called business.

FIFA and UEFA, along with F1 and the IOC are the sharpest operators in the World of TV rights. True have come up against the real big boys and lost.

Agree. For years people have complained about True not being customer friendly. Question always came up as to why True was the only game in town. Now that there seems to be another player everyone seems bothered. Like u said it's business, one pays for a service, one has the right to use that service. When True dropped ASN very few seemed to care. Euro 2012 it a completely different srory due to the popularity of football here. Again I say, now these football fans know just how many felt months ago when out of the clear blue True dropped ASN without any warning. I only hope GMMZ continues to grow and give True a run for it's money. If True actually cares for it's customers I am sure they can or should have worked out with an agreement with GMMZ months ago but they keep refusing to negotiate. True knew for months this was coming. Their stone walling looks to me like True thought since GMMZ was going to give broadcast rights to local free channels they would do their usual thing and steal the contents for free. I say too bad.....

[brewsterbudgen]

There's a lot of garbage being written on this subject, GMM have the rights. End of story.

It's normal practise in the West for major players such as Sky TV to bid for the rights and retain them.

It's called business.

FIFA and UEFA, along with F1 and the IOC are the sharpest operators in the World of TV rights. True have come up against the real big boys and lost.

Agree. For years people have complained about True not being customer friendly. Question always came up as to why True was the only game in town. Now that there seems to be another player everyone seems bothered. Like u said it's business, one pays for a service, one has the right to use that service. When True dropped ASN very few seemed to care. Euro 2012 it a completely different srory due to the popularity of football here. Again I say, now these football fans know just how many felt months ago when out of the clear blue True dropped ASN without any warning. I only hope GMMZ continues to grow and give True a run for it's money. If True actually cares for it's customers I am sure they can or should have worked out with an agreement with GMMZ months ago but they keep refusing to negotiate. True knew for months this was coming. Their stone walling looks to me like True thought since GMMZ was going to give broadcast rights to local free channels they would do their usual thing and steal the contents for free. I say too bad.....

Correct. ASN was obviously not financially viable for True as there's very little market for American sports among Thais. Grammy decided it was for them, so they bought it. That's how it works.

[Scorpio1949]

I refuse to buy a box from GMM but in the same time I realize that I with action I loose my matches but that is my problem and not a GMM mistake. True proved to be a company who is only in it for the money ( which is also allowed ) Time to look for another provider and with me I hope many will do the same. Suggestions on alternatives are welcome

Edited June 12, 2012 by Scorpio1949

[brewsterbudgen]

I refuse to buy a box from GMM but in the same time I realize that I with that loose my matches but that is my problem and not a GMM mistake. True proved to be a company who is only in it for the money ( which as also allowed ) Time to look for another provider and with me I hope many will do the same. Suggestions on alternatives are welcome

What else would they be in it for ???

Edited June 12, 2012 by brewsterbudgen

[JoeLing]

Problem solved, True Vision Customers can watch Mickey Mouse instead of Football.

Just wonder what True will give us during the Olympic games to watch, the Panda Channel?

[h90]

I don't understand why it is so important if they show that game or not. It is just a game, not world news....

[garrya]

It 'is only the True that betrayed its customers. Grammy is doing its business as usual. True had the position to help its customers then missed the opportunity. Just the normal way of doing business by True. End of story.

[ratcatcher]

I don't understand why it is so important if they show that game or not. It is just a game, not world news....

Perhaps that's why it's in the Thailand news section?

[mic6ard]

Cut the BS. I bought the good old wired antennae. Hooked it up to my LED TV.

I'm not paying GMM for a box to watch a football tournament. But then again I believe that they've got the NFL!!! hmmmmm.

[ferguston]

I refuse to buy a box from GMM but in the same time I realize that I with action I loose my matches but that is my problem and not a GMM mistake. True proved to be a company who is only in it for the money ( which is also allowed ) Time to look for another provider and with me I hope many will do the same. Suggestions on alternatives are welcome

I refuse to buy a box from GMM but in the same time I realize that I with action I loose my matches but that is my problem and not a GMM mistake. True proved to be a company who is only in it for the money ( which is also allowed ) Time to look for another provider and with me I hope many will do the same. Suggestions on alternatives are welcome

Come on it's only 1,500 baht for a GMM box. You can watch Euro 2012,Eurosport,ASN plus many Thai channels for your GF or wife.

The "compensation" offered by True will offset some of the cost of the box plus you are supporting a company willing to take on Truevision.

The only alternative I know of is streaming matches from the internet. My internet speed is too slow to do this.

I'm happy with what has happened to the matches not being on True. I would never have found out about GMM !

[colind88]

I can't believe the comments I am reading. Too much sun and Chang for sure.

This has nothing to do with TrueVisions. This is all about Grammy and its partners either trying to sell set top boxes or extort a large fee from True for the rights. True according to the NBTC "must carry" the matches as it is in their contractual obligation with the airing of terrestrial TV stations. This is correct. But Grammy are not allowing them access to the signal based on a complete load of B....... that UEFA need to approve the airing. They do not- it is a load of nonsense. Grammy is the full rights holder in Thailand for both terrestrial and satellite otherwise how could they air through their own boxes??? Also the claim to have just done a deal with DTV And Cable Holding -so did they seek approval for that from UEFA -not likely.

The NBTC Vice Chairman said "True is using legal loopholes to hold consumers hostage for business gains". What planet is this guy from. There is no business gain to True if you logically think about it and it is Grammy holding the consumers hostage.

Grammy cites concerns that the True signal can be received outside of Thailand. True has said it will encrypt the signal. So close that argument. And anyway how many Astro boxes from Malaysia are in the Kingdom-thousands. Its a huge blag by Grammy trying to confuse the issue. There is no issue. The law says True must air the programming and Grammy is stopping it from doing so. NBTC should fine itself for failure to ensure that Grammy gives True the decryption keys.

Get with the programme guys this is not about True airing the Euro in its own right it is about Grammy blocking regular programming on terrestrial channels carried by True.

Nuff said

Edited June 12, 2012 by colind88

[reenatinnakor]

I don't understand why it is so important if they show that game or not. It is just a game, not world news....

Google a famous quote by Bill Shankly.....if you don't know it already.

You're in the minority I'm afraid.

[dominique355]

My god, does this government have no other more urgent business than making sure, people can watch (mind numbing) European football?

It is quite astonishing how quickly NBTC can react to a situation involving football and how it drags it feet when organizing the auction for 3G!

Glad to know they have their priorities straightened out.

[colind88]

There's a lot of garbage being written on this subject, GMM have the rights. End of story.

It's normal practise in the West for major players such as Sky TV to bid for the rights and retain them.

It's called business.

FIFA and UEFA, along with F1 and the IOC are the sharpest operators in the World of TV rights. True have come up against the real big boys and lost.

Yes GMM have the rights but in their wisdom they have decided to sell on the rights to terrestrial TV. True carry the terrestrial channels and are legally obligated by NBTC to carry all content. GMM have ordered the terrestrial channels to block the signal going through to True. True is not to blame here. GMM are trying to get a fee from True for something that should be carried in the normal course of airing the terrestrial channels. Technically GMM are holding True to ransom and who gets fined? Well this IS Thailand :-)

The actual fault lies with the NBTC who do not have the proper laws in place to cover such instances. A must carry rule in most countries has a copyright exemption in place to cover this contingency. We don't seem to have got that far yet in the Kingdom.

Edited June 12, 2012 by colind88

[beano2274]

I have neither True or Grammy but watched the football the other night on Terrestrial channels.

If True wanted to show the Euro they would have sat down at the table with Grammy months ago, not 8days or so before the thing started, also they had the chance last year, and since True did not want Grammy sold some of the rights on, to get some of their investment back. True kept on advertising that they would show Euro but they forgot that they had to do a deal with someone, now the stuff has hit the fan.

True are all about money not customer relations.

[cobby27]

I really don't give a shit who's fault it is I just want the footie on I had a mass walkout last night costing me around 20000 baht

I'd like to just walk in and tell em to shove it but I don't know any alternatives as having every prem game is a must... Anyone can suggest alternatives?

[brewsterbudgen]

I have neither True or Grammy but watched the football the other night on Terrestrial channels.

If True wanted to show the Euro they would have sat down at the table with Grammy months ago, not 8days or so before the thing started, also they had the chance last year, and since True did not want Grammy sold some of the rights on, to get some of their investment back. True kept on advertising that they would show Euro but they forgot that they had to do a deal with someone, now the stuff has hit the fan.

True are all about money not customer relations.

True didn't want to show the Euros - they didn't buy the rights. However, as has already been pointed out, Grammy sold on the rights to Channels 3, 7 & 9 which are carried on the True platform and then blocked the channels on True. True cannot be expected to buy everything!

[ferguston]

I really don't give a shit who's fault it is I just want the footie on I had a mass walkout last night costing me around 20000 baht

I'd like to just walk in and tell em to shove it but I don't know any alternatives as having every prem game is a must... Anyone can suggest alternatives?

If you run a bar/restaurant. GMM will sell you a box which allows you to show Euro matches to customers. If you are in Pattaya go to Power Buy,Big C even 7/11 and ask. It costs a bit more than the 1,500 baht I paid for my "house" box.

[colind88]

I really don't give a shit who's fault it is I just want the footie on I had a mass walkout last night costing me around 20000 baht

I'd like to just walk in and tell em to shove it but I don't know any alternatives as having every prem game is a must... Anyone can suggest alternatives?

The matches are on local Thai TV -all you need is an aerial. Otherwise an Astro Box and card (illegal but widely used)

[colind88]

I really don't give a shit who's fault it is I just want the footie on I had a mass walkout last night costing me around 20000 baht

I'd like to just walk in and tell em to shove it but I don't know any alternatives as having every prem game is a must... Anyone can suggest alternatives?

If you run a bar/restaurant. GMM will sell you a box which allows you to show Euro matches to customers. If you are in Pattaya go to Power Buy,Big C even 7/11 and ask. It costs a bit more than the 1,500 baht I paid for my "house" box.

Is the commentary in English?

[carra]

If you live in a condo, unplug true from the aerial socket and plug the tv straight in to aerial socket in the wall, most condos have an aerial on the roof that carries the free channels. I have it the bedroom for the wife, we also have extra channels run through there from the condo.

Those in houses buy a simple aerial and plug it ion, i know the picture is not great and the commentary is in Thai but ho hum

[bombis]

I dont get the problem and why Grammy has to defende themselves: They have the rights, end of story. If True offers sth to their customers that they cannot deliver because negotiations breakdown, they are the bad/dumb guys.

[Cardiff1963]

I don't understand why it is so important if they show that game or not. It is just a game, not world news....

Obviously never been a sportsman

[flamesfan]

I can't believe the comments I am reading. Too much sun and Chang for sure.

This has nothing to do with TrueVisions. This is all about Grammy and its partners either trying to sell set top boxes or extort a large fee from True for the rights. True according to the NBTC "must carry" the matches as it is in their contractual obligation with the airing of terrestrial TV stations. This is correct. But Grammy are not allowing them access to the signal based on a complete load of B....... that UEFA need to approve the airing. They do not- it is a load of nonsense. Grammy is the full rights holder in Thailand for both terrestrial and satellite otherwise how could they air through their own boxes??? Also the claim to have just done a deal with DTV And Cable Holding -so did they seek approval for that from UEFA -not likely.

The NBTC Vice Chairman said "True is using legal loopholes to hold consumers hostage for business gains". What planet is this guy from. There is no business gain to True if you logically think about it and it is Grammy holding the consumers hostage.

Grammy cites concerns that the True signal can be received outside of Thailand. True has said it will encrypt the signal. So close that argument. And anyway how many Astro boxes from Malaysia are in the Kingdom-thousands. Its a huge blag by Grammy trying to confuse the issue. There is no issue. The law says True must air the programming and Grammy is stopping it from doing so. NBTC should fine itself for failure to ensure that Grammy gives True the decryption keys.

Get with the programme guys this is not about True airing the Euro in its own right it is about Grammy blocking regular programming on terrestrial channels carried by True.

Nuff said

Want some cheese with your wine!! GMM has 400 million reasons to sell their set tops! True had the option to share the costs and in True form dropped the ball again!!

[cowslip]

this is about football right?

[Jayman]

My god, does this government have no other more urgent business than making sure, people can watch (mind numbing) European football?

It is quite astonishing how quickly NBTC can react to a situation involving football and how it drags it feet when organizing the auction for 3G!

Glad to know they have their priorities straightened out.

How else can they insure the gambling on the games is done fairly?

[ronthai]

this is about football right?

I think so, but then I don't care.

Just one of the many many people who really do not care about soccer/football