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| News | | | | The Independent | Commenting on the news that the European Commission is launching an investigation into the market distortion of mobile termination rates (Mobile giants' £80bn nuisance call), The Independent suggested that "while the major operators would clearly like to hang on to the largest possible fees for the longest possible time, most acknowledge that the rates have to come down. The debate is about the question of degree".
James Barford was asked for his view. He said: "It is in the mobile operators' best interests to keep their rates as high as possible – that is just economics, but termination charges are not an extra bit of money that the mobile operators are pocketing – competitive markets don't work that way and there are pluses and minuses to each system. The average cost is lower in the US, but mobile services are more accessible in Europe and the pricing for less wealthy users is better."
| | 27 Jun 2008 | | | | The Times | Expressing concern for the plight of small radio stations following a wave of consolidation in the industry, (Local Radio Loses Its Roots), The Times commented: "Despite the cheery on-air banter of the DJs, these are tough times for commercial radio. There is no evidence that the consolidation of Britain’s commercial radio stations to date has stimulated better programming, higher listening figures or struck back at the BBC".
Grant Goddard was asked for his view. He said: "Consolidation alone will do nothing to improve the industry’s performance in ratings or revenues in the long run... What commercial radio still desperately requires is a forward-looking strategy.”
| | 22 Jun 2008 | | | | Variety | Commenting on the ambitious plans of the French Government to stamp out internet piracy (France sets date for anti-piracy law; Offenders to lose Internet access), Variety quoted French Culture and Communications Minister Christine Albanel, who claimed that the new proposals will cut unauthorised downloading by 70-80%.
Alice Enders was asked for her view. She said: ``The problem has always been that legal action against a person on a site has been considered like Godzilla against Bambi, very disproportionate. The idea of having a soft-enforcement mechanism is more appealing. The measure will not halt physical piracy and copying works after they've been downloaded legally. Copying CDs for friends, for example. That's become accepted social practice."
| | 19 Jun 2008 | | | | More ... |
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