We often hear the words like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. It is undeniably a trend which sets out what is in and what is not. Advertising of a company’s goods or services is usually for a certain price. However, what will a company lose if it gives preference to another if in return they also get what they want --- cheaper or even for free advertising of their television shows. I say there is reciprocity which is convenient to both parties.
Social networking is unquestionably the most popular way to reach to people in different social status. Nowadays, Facebook and Twitter are the most commonly used social networks. Let us not forget that there are other social networks that also offer applications and games distinct of their own. Nevertheless, I cannot blame if Facebook and Twitter are at its best. They too have their share of struggle for recognition. It is for the viewers to choose whether they will like it or not or to follow or not.
Are the Broadcasting Companies wrong to give preference?
In my point of view, these Broadcasting Companies have their freedom to choose what kind of marketing strategy to use for their benefit. It is still in hands of the viewers whether to agree to the invite or not. We must also bear in mind that social networks do not have the same features, they may be similar but not entirely the same. So, one social network may be better than the other. Hence, Broadcasting Companies may choose what is more convenient to them.
Is there Unfair Competition?
You can refer to Section 168.3 of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (R.A. 8293) for better understanding of who shall be deemed guilty of Unfair Competition.
Broadcasting networks may not be influencing its viewers in order to deceive and defraud them, neither inducing its viewers to false beliefs nor making false statements. However, in my opinion, there is unfair competition committed against the other social networks for giving preference to Facebook and Twitter because these Broadcasting Companies overlooked the existence of other social networks. Viewers were only given utmost two options either to like or to follow.
In my opinion, viewers are not naive. They have their own preference in watching television shows or what social network to log in to. It is up to the social networks to develop competent applications , games and the like that can catch the interest of the people and not rely to “free advertisement” of Broadcasting Companies. It is the unique concept of features that separates what is best from the others. In the end, both Social Networks and Broadcasting Networks share the same interest --- to win favorable response from the people.
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DISCLAIMER
The writer is new to blogging and not yet an expert in the field of law. Furthermore, this blog is made for academic purposes which mean that this is a subject requirement. All of my writings were made to express my opinion in certain topics that were assigned to us.
