MultiChoice lives up to its name and is not a monopoly

Understanding detrimental monopolisation is something few people understand, including Icasa and the viewing publicRafa Nadal of spain: No choice in sports viewing may mean no sports to view. Picture: USA TODAY SPORTS/ROBERT DEUTSCHE

Nobody likes a monopoly. Eskom’s monopoly is the reason for high electricity prices and blackouts. But a lack of understanding of the true definition of a detrimental monopoly can lead to even more detrimental consequences. The SA and Nigerian governments’ clampdown on “exclusivity agreements” in the pay-TV market are examples of doing more harm than good by applying a misunderstanding of monopolisation and, in the process, damaging successful private-sector companies.

Detrimental monopolisation, in which markets are absolutely incontestable, is almost exclusively the result of government interference — and the proposed regulations on sports broadcasting in SA are no exception. It is precisely because of the necessity for competition that exclusivity agreements are concluded. The broadcaster that offers the sports bodies the best deal, wins the rights. It is important to recognise that the decision for this lies with the sports bodies, not pay-TV providers or government. To construe the outcome of this process as a monopoly is to misunderstand the concept, something widely done by government, regulator Independent Communications Authority of SA , and the public.

South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

TV GUIDE: Stay in with Rob Lowe tonightFrom a New York firefighter, to a top cop, and an ER doctor – here are 3 shows starring Rob Lowe.
Source: Channel24 - 🏆 48. / 51 Read more »

Snoop Dogg apologises for attacking TV anchor over Bryant storyRapper Snoop Dogg apologized for an obscenity-laced tirade in which he appeared to threaten a CBS news anchor. Mmh to add to your statement Snoop...you were wrong at the way you defended your friend but you weren't wrong for defending him...
Source: eNCA - 🏆 49. / 51 Read more »

MultiChoice lives up to its name and is not a monopolyA market must be contestable — rival firms must be free to enter, as is the case with pay-TV in SA, writes Martin van Staden
Source: BDliveSA - 🏆 12. / 63 Read more »

Little-known South African Kurt Abrahams closes in on Percy Tau's record in BelgiumKurt Abrahams is not a name known to many local football fans‚ but the Westerlo forward is closing in on the record of Percy Tau in Belgium last season.
Source: TimesLIVE - 🏆 28. / 59 Read more »

Little-known South African Kurt Abrahams closes in on Percy Tau's record in BelgiumKurt Abrahams is not a name known to many local football fans‚ but the Westerlo forward is closing in on the record of Percy Tau in Belgium last season.
Source: SowetanLIVE - 🏆 13. / 63 Read more »

Five favourite rooftop bars in JoburgLive the high life and admire the view from one of these five Joburg rooftop bars that are perfect for a sundowner
Source: SundayTimesZA - 🏆 47. / 51 Read more »