So while Dan told you about the new Aussie version of iTunes TV shows — that got me wondering — why can’t I get my Summer Heights High on?
If you were to look at my iPhone you’d find a lot of music that is simply unavailable here in the US of A. I’m talking about Aussie hip-hop, Senegalese rap, Estonian techno, Turkish pop, Polish hard rock and Japanese rock-pop. (Read: I’m curious about the rest of the world.)
So in the age of the Interwebs, how come I can’t legally have access to these potentially awesome (or potentially craptastic) foreign shows? My guess is that it has something to do with distribution rights or some such nonsense. Now, I understand why American broadcasters are reluctant to take foreign products due to limited airtime, but why oh why, when that restriction is gone, would foreign network like ABC and SBS (not to mention other foreign networks in Europe) not want to distribute their stuff to expats and curious Seppos like me?
I would say it is properly the same reason that many of us in Europe can't watch US and Canadian shows.
Which is really irritating.
I have a theory on why people download these things illegally... Simply because it is the only way to get them.
Information has no borders these days, why does media?