MUMBAI: The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has welcomed the decision by the Singapore Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts minister Lee Boon Yang, not to intervene in exclusive carriage agreements between parties in Singapore’s pay-TV industry.

The decision delivered on 27 July maintains the policy of non-interference in contracts between parties in the pay television market set by the Media Development Authority (MDA), the local media regulatory agency.

The MDA conducted a public and industry consultation in 2006 and concluded that exclusive arrangements do not substantially restrict new entrants to the pay television industry in Singapore. The MDA also recognised the importance of allowing industry players maximum freedom to negotiate carriage agreements on mutually agreed terms in order to create and provide compelling content to consumers.

“We believe that the best way to develop a competitive pay-TV market is to allow the industry maximum freedom to negotiate commercial contracts in a dynamic media marketplace. The decision sends a positive message about Singapore’s commitment to establishing itself as a regional media hub. A free and open market facilitates the creation of compelling content that will greatly benefit consumers,” said MPA senior vice president and regional director, Asia-Pacific Mike Ellis.