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Tata Play removes Sony’s TV channels from consumer packs, citing low popularity.
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Sony considers legal action, claiming the move is retaliatory and arbitrary.
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Tata Play allows subscribers to access Sony channels through a missed call or a la carte.
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and Tata Play are in a dispute over the removal of Sony’s TV channels from Tata Play’s consumer packs. Tata Play claims that Sony’s channels, including Sony Entertainment Television (SET), are losing popularity and has started removing them from their bouquet. However, SPNI alleges that the move is retaliatory and arbitrary, coming after they requested an audit of Tata Play’s subscriber management system due to discrepancies.
Tata Play CEO Harit Nagpal stated that the removal of Sony’s channels will save consumers Rs 50-60 and that over 50% of their subscribers have opted for SPNI’s Hindi channel pack. However, SPNI claims that the decision was made without prior notice and violates their contract. The two companies have a contract in place, renewed in Q1 this year.
Subscribers who want to access Sony’s channels can still do so through a missed call or by subscribing to the channels a la carte. The dispute highlights the tensions between broadcasters and DTH operators in India’s television industry.
