VTV will not restrict any coverage of the UEFA Euro 2012 football tournament in the print media, confirmed Do Thi Lan Huong, director of VTV’s Center of TV Advertisement and Services (TVAD).

“The prohibition only targets the Euro 2012 telecast on the television, Internet, mobile, and IPTV systems,” Huong told Tuoi Tre.

Earlier on Tuesday, Huong held a press briefing to announce VTV’s acquisition of the TV rights in which she said that Internet, mobile, and IPTV systems are not allowed to broadcast Euro-related coverage, while newswires are also prohibited from sharing video clips featuring Euro games and goals without a TV rights sharing agreement from VTV.

The statement has ignited objections from the media, who said that this will create a monopoly in broadcasting the football event for VTV.

“In brief, VTV only holds the rights that are related to animated footagesof Euro 2012, so any parties wishing to exploit this footage must be permitted to do so by VTV,” said Huong.

“The TV rights of Euro 2012 held by VTV in Vietnam have nothing to do with the print media.

“Photos printed in newspapers are static footage, and are thus not subject to any restrictions from the Euro 2012 deal VTV closed with its partners.”

Huong emphasized that any media agencies and newswires wishing to use video clips featuring the great goals at Euro 2012 must seek permission from VTV.

“Video clips featuring well-taken goals or stunning game situations lasting longer than 90 seconds are considered animated footage, and are controlled by the telecast contract,” she elaborated.

“Hence, newswires are required to file documents to VTV for negotiation if they want to embed those clips in their coverage.

“For those whose length is less than 90 seconds, the online newspaper has to seek permission from UEFA.”

Huong added that VTV will support news agencies which have shared the TV rights with it in applying for work permits from UEFA for their reporters at Euro 2012.

In the last press briefing, VTV said it is willing to share the telecast rights free of charge for any local TV stations, with the requirements that the recipients file a document to VTV for registration, and broadcast the full programs produced by VTV, including ads and the forecast and commentating shows.

Tuoitre