Wednesday, April 3, 6:00 – 8:15 p.m.
The Production and Distribution of Video Programming: Basics and Advanced Issues

The production and distribution of video programming raises many licensing issues, both basic and much more complex.  Digital transmission and retransmission of video programming raises new issues. All of these issues will be explored in this CLE session.

The first panel discussion will explore basic licensing issues in video programming.  What kinds of rights and clearances need to be obtained to produce a video program?  What distribution models are there?  What kinds of agreements are used for distribution of video programs?  What are compulsory licenses and what role do they play in the distribution of video programming?

The second panel will explore more complex topics in licensing.  What is the role of fair use in the production and distribution of video programming?  How are a programmer’s rights to control the reproduction of its works implicated in the digital distribution of video programming?  Does the Betamax decision still remain valid in a digital world?  Should it remain valid?  How has digital distribution disrupted traditional distribution avenues for video programming and what implications does it have for agreements for the distribution of programming?

AGENDA

6:00 – 6:05 p.m.         Welcome and Introduction

6:05 – 7:05 p.m.         Basic Rights and Clearance Issues for Video Programming and Distribution

Moderator:
Ben Golant, Attorney Advisor-Office of Policy and External Affairs at USPTO

Speakers:
Mike Beller, Associate General Counsel, PBS
Jennifer Elgin, Of Counsel, Wiley Rein LLP
Michael Turner, VP – Business and Legal Affairs, Discovery Communications
Ben Ivins, Senior Associate General Counsel, National Association of Broadcasters

7:05 – 7:15 p.m.         Break

7:15 – 8:15 p.m.         Advanced Issues in Video Programming and Distribution

Moderator:
Michael Nilsson, Partner, Wiltshire & Grannis LLP

Speakers:
Bob Garrett, Partner, Arnold & Porter LLP
John Hane, Counsel, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Seth Davidson, Partner, Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP
Jeff Blum, Senior Vice-President and Deputy General Counsel, DISH Network