ITV will protect its main linear channels across broadcast and streaming platforms, using the Friend MTS 24×7 Global Monitoring Service. These linear channels feature exclusive, premium content including Six Nations Rugby, the FA Cup, the England Women’s football team matches, the upcoming UEFA EURO 2024 tournament, entertainment including The Masked Singer and Celebrity Big Brother, and drama such as Red Eye and Trigger Point.
“ITV’s aim is to contribute to making piracy unsustainable and through appointing Friend MTS we will be working together to enhance our anti-piracy activities in the UK,” said Sarah Tierney, Director of Distribution at ITV. “As a key part of our strategy to optimise broadcast and supercharge streaming, it’s important that we maximise ITV’s reach while protecting audiences from the material consumer harms of pirate sites and meeting our contractual obligations with rights holders.”
Consisting of proprietary fingerprinting technology and automated detection systems and a full-time operations team, illegal streams are identified across the internet for immediate takedown. The platform also facilitates the removal of links from primary search engines.
Further reading
ITV teams up with Friend MTS in the battle against piracy. Press release. June 4, 2024. Friend MTS
Why it matters
“We are seeing a tide of key entertainment brands turning to us to help them fight piracy and keep their content secure,” said Chris Gibbs, Senior Vice President of Sales at Friend MTS. “Our unrivalled capabilities not only reduce exposure to piracy but ensure advertiser messaging is seen by the right people, which is paramount for an ad-funded businesses like ITV.”
