The reported disappearance of popular channels like National Geographic and Nat Geo Wild from pay TV packages in Vietnam, as noted by a newspaper affiliated with the Communist Party of Vietnam, is indeed concerning. These channels, owned by Disney, are widely enjoyed by viewers in Vietnam and their absence could potentially lead to an increase in piracy.
The Ministry of Information and Communications in Vietnam is reportedly concerned about this development, as it could create conditions that allow piracy to flourish in the country. This is a valid concern, especially considering reports from multiple high-level trade sources in the U.S. indicating that piracy has been a persistent issue in Vietnam for years.
The withdrawal of popular channels from pay TV packages could leave consumers seeking alternative means to access the content they desire, potentially turning to pirated sources. To address this issue effectively, it’s important for stakeholders in the media industry to work together to find solutions that balance the interests of content creators, distributors, and consumers while combating piracy.
The disappearance of popular TV channels from pay TV subscription packages in Vietnam, particularly those owned by Disney, is indeed a significant development. This withdrawal could potentially exacerbate the issue of piracy in the country, as consumers may turn to unauthorized sources to access the content they desire.
Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Nguyen Thanh Lam, attributes this exodus of channels to the shifting landscape of the entertainment industry, with a focus on the growing popularity of video-on-demand services over traditional television. Disney’s launch of its Disney+ streaming platform is cited as a contributing factor, with the company opting to prioritize this platform over traditional cable TV.
While Disney+ has expanded its availability to several Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam is notably absent from the list of supported regions. This lack of legal access to Disney’s content in Vietnam could potentially drive consumers towards piracy as an alternative means of obtaining the desired content.
The Vietnamese government has expressed concerns about the potential impact of these channel withdrawals on piracy in the country. Recognizing the importance of making content legally accessible to consumers, the government likely views the availability of legal channels as a crucial factor in combating piracy.
Overall, the situation underscores the importance of ensuring that legal avenues for accessing content are readily available to consumers, as this can help mitigate the risk of piracy and protect the interests of content creators and distributors alike.
According to the Ministry of Information and Communications, although the withdrawal from the pay cable TV market in Vietnam is due to a change in the business orientation of the above channels, this also raises many concerns about the gap that these channels will leave behind. What is left is an opportunity for pirates, pirated websites, and illegal profits to run rampant when people’s need to watch sports, watch movies, listen to music….is very large
The significant increase in pay TV subscribers and revenue in Vietnam highlights the strong demand for television content in the country. However, the withdrawal of international television channels, such as those owned by Disney, poses challenges for consumers seeking access to popular content. The government’s concern about the potential impact on piracy underscores the importance of ensuring legal avenues for accessing content are available to consumers.
The government’s perspective, as expressed in the Communist Party-owned publication, suggests that the loss of international television channels may create opportunities for domestic channels to attract more customers. However, it also acknowledges the risk that continued support for pirated websites could deter businesses from investing in official services, ultimately disadvantaging consumers.
Despite efforts to address piracy issues in Vietnam, such as crackdowns on pirated sports content, challenges remain in effectively combating piracy, particularly concerning enforcement against piracy sites and operators. The lack of clear enforcement measures against these sites, as noted by the U.S. Department of Trade, underscores the complexity of addressing piracy in the digital age.
Overall, the situation highlights the need for collaboration between government entities, entertainment companies, and other stakeholders to develop effective strategies for combating piracy and ensuring the availability of legal content options for consumers in Vietnam.
