Mexico moves up digital switchover to 2015

MEXICO CITY -- Mexico is upgrading its terrestrial analog-to-digital switchover date, from 2021 to 2015, following a election Tuesday in Mexico's Top Court unsuccessful to derail the initiative. Leader Felipe Calderon first released the decree to maneuver the switchover date throughout his annual national address, similar to the U.S. Condition from the Union address, on Sept. 2, 2010, however the idea met a wall of political and legal obstacles. The leader along with other advocates are marketing the move in an effort to level the over-the-air playing area centered by Mexico's top two tv stations, Televisa and Azteca, who control 95% from the share of the market. The decree also mentioned that digital ripper tools boxes could be imported and offered in a "fair" cost to assist the switchover. The response was largely negative among congress. The Senate declared it unconstitutional, kicking the ruling as much as our prime court, stating that just the Federal Telecommunications Commission (Cofetel) might make this type of decision. However, there has been common accusations that Cofetel is heavily affected by Televisa and Azteca, who face real competition stemming from certain facets of the brand new technology, particularly digital multiplexing, that could greatly expand the amount of over-the-air channels. On Monday, our prime court categorized the decree being an executive rule that needs eight of 12 idol judges to election against it for that court to invalidate it. Only seven idol judges chosen against it on Tuesday. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com