Mediaworks Takes Action To Protect Investment

Mediaworks Takes Action To Protect Rugby World Cup Investment

MediaWorks, owner of TV3, has today issued proceedings in the High Court in Auckland seeking an injunction against Sky Television for what it believes to be illegal coverage of the Rugby World Cup.

MediaWorks believes Sky is in serious breach of the rules surrounding “fair dealing” in its usage of footage from the Rugby World Cup.

“We have paid a very large sum of money for the exclusive TV rights to the Rugby World Cup, so that all New Zealanders can enjoy this significant event live and free,” said TVWorks Chief Operating Officer, Rick Friesen.

“We are simply acting to protect our interests, and the interests of the viewing public, so that this event can remain as a free-to-air broadcast,” he said.

In the spirit of the event, MediaWorks recently signed an agreement with TVNZ and Sky, allowing extended access to Rugby World Cup footage for news purposes. Despite this, Sky has used footage to which it has no right beyond the scope of the news agreement.

“We believe Sky’s behaviour to be unethical and illegal, and we will be taking whatever action we can to protect the interests of ourselves and every Rugby fan in New Zealand,” said Mr Friesen.

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