Friend MTS extends United Media deal

[AlphaKing]

Friend MTS is to continue providing anti-piracy protection for United Media’s premium sports content.

United Media is part of United Group, the leading telecommunications and media platform in Southeast Europe which operates in all six countries of the former Yugoslavia.

Commenting on the development, Dusko Martic, head of content security & DPO at United Media, said: “Our sports channels, including Sport Klub 1, Sport Klub 2, Sport Klub 3,Sport Klub 4 and Sport KlubHD, are all protected with Friend MTS’ automated content monitoring and enforcements services, along with our key sporting events on Nova S, Nova M, Nova BH and Nova TV.

“United Media is very proactive with respect to stopping content theft, and our internal security team operates closely with Friend MTS to protect our assets, which include many high-profile sporting events like the UEFA games.”

The channels and events are protected by Friend MTS’ Global Monitoring Platform, which uses fingerprint-based content recognition to identify streaming piracy in just a few seconds. Take down services are triggered automatically to speed action against illegal redistribution.

Simon Hanna, regional VP EMEA at Friend MTS, added: “With the prolific growth in streaming piracy clearly impacting revenues and subscribers in the entertainment industry, it’s essential for content theft to be prioritised with concerted action taken by content owners, broadcasters and operators.

“Streaming piracy can be addressed effectively when it is tackled rigorously by operations and technical teams working closely together.”