TV3 also bans Slingshot advertising

5 August, 2014

TV3 also bans Slingshot advertising

TV3 has joined SKY TV and TVNZ in banning Slingshot’s latest TV ads.

The TV ads briefly feature the ISP’s Global Mode service, which allows Kiwis to access Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming video services.

Slingshot GM Taryn Hamilton says he understands the broadcasters have been collectively talking to the content providers about how to shut Global Mode down.

“This collusion is just the latest example of big business trying to quash competition.

“It’s completely unjustified and we don’t think New Zealanders should stand for it. All three of our big broadcasters have now clearly demonstrated that they are not willing to listen to what their customers want and are instead focusing their efforts on trying to shut Global Mode down.

“We knew this was a hot topic and Kiwis were desperate for change, but this reaction from our broadcasters is quite astonishing and unprecedented.”

Hamilton says Mediaworks conceded to him that it is under pressure from US studios to act.

Rick Shera, partner at Lowndes Jordan, who is acting for Slingshot, says:

“Unblocking geographically restricted content is not new. Neither are parallel imports. New Zealanders have been legally doing this with zone controlled DVDs and imported goods for years because our laws were changed to allow it.

“What has surprised the incumbent broadcasters is that instead of making people import DVDs in order to view otherwise expensive or unavailable content, Slingshot has innovated to let its customers import that content online. That does not change the fact that it is perfectly legal.

“Since GlobalMode is legal it follows that any ads for it are not misleading and don’t contravene the ASA’s codes. Anyway, I’d be surprised if the ASA would entertain a complaint which is not about the ads themselves, but really about the broadcasters wanting to block legitimately imported content coming into New Zealand.”

Slingshot is proudly 100% Kiwi owned and operated, and is the third largest ISP in New Zealand. Slingshot has deployed the largest Unbundled Local Loop network in New Zealand, having built access to over 150 exchanges throughout New Zealand. Slingshot is focused on delivering a great Kiwi service and creating local jobs with all staff, including the Contact Centre, based in New Zealand.

ENDS

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