Broadcasters suggest hike in channel charges; SC to resolve

Television channel broadcasters have moved the Supreme Court towards the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s resolution to cap channel worth in bouquets at Rs 12 from December 1.

The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Federation (IBDF) – a broadcasters’ physique – has positioned earlier than the apex court docket a proposal that entails shifting most of their common channels out of packages and providing them individually at a worth that’s 30%-50% larger than the prevailing charges. A verdict is anticipated later this month.

If the IBDF’s proposal is accepted, the month-to-month cable TV subscription worth might rise by round 50% from subsequent month. Some of the foremost broadcasters, together with Star & Disney India, Sony Pictures Networks India, Zee Entertainment and Viacom 18, have give you new tariffs maintaining their flagship channels out of bouquets and pricing them between Rs 15 and Rs 30.

Local cable operators worry such a hike will deal a crippling blow to the cable TV business.

“Two years ago, channel prices went up by around 40% and it led to a dip in subscription in Kolkata. This time, another 25%-30% hike has been proposed which, in effect, will lead to a 50%-60% rise in subscription charges since 2019,” mentioned Tapash Das, joint convenor of All Bengal Cable TV and Broadband Operators’ United Forum.

As per the proposal, main sports activities, leisure, infotainment and film channels will now be priced between Rs 15 and Rs 30. TGI