The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) has appointed Matthew Cheetham as General Manager of the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP).
AVIA is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members.
Over the last four years, CAP has made substantial inroads into the systemic problems of video piracy faced by the broadcast and streaming video industry in the region. The blocking of pirate sites is becoming more common in many markets, laws have been introduced to limit access to illegal set-top devices, constructive relationships have been forged with intermediaries to limit access to pirate services, and investigations and prosecutions have been stepped up. And yet the problem remains the single biggest impediment to the growth of the legitimate content creation industry and ecosystem.
Cheetham, a qualified lawyer specialising in copyright protection, will take over from Aaron Herps with immediate effect. He will build on the accomplishments achieved by CAP to date, with the aim of creating a stronger and healthier environment in which the video industry can prosper.
"CAP is critically important to AVIA and the industry as a whole, and I am delighted that in Matt we have such a seasoned and experienced executive taking over,” said AVIA’s CEO, Louis Boswell.
“Matt will bring his own ideas and energy to the role and I am confident CAP and the industry's anti-piracy efforts will grow in strength under him.”