Sony Pictures' Channels Return to Tata Play's DTH Packages

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) channels have returned to Tata Play's direct-to-home (DTH) packages after the two parties reached an amicable agreement. Tata Play began eliminating SPNI channels from its package on August 1, citing the declining market share of the broadcaster's main Hindi general entertainment channel, Sony Entertainment Television (SET).

Prior to the disagreement, SPNI's Hindi channel package accounted for more over half of Tata Play's 20 million subscribers. "Everything is now in order, and SPNI channels are available and accessible in all Tata Play packs," an SPNI official stated.

Broadcasters normally prefer to include their channels in all distribution platform bundles to increase audience reach, which is vital for ad monetization. "As was planned, we adjusted the packs of certain customers with the provision that customers can add back channels at any time according to their preferences," according to a representative for Tata Play.

SPNI alleged that the removal of channels from bundles was in response to its request to undertake an audit of the DTH operator's subscriber management system (SMS), contradicting Tata Play's position. The broadcaster claimed to have found inconsistencies in Tata Play's SMS.

The broadcaster was considering legal action when the channels were withdrawn, despite the fact that the two companies had a valid content agreement in place.

The Indian pay-TV sector is facing challenges due to subscriber attrition and a drop in average revenue per user (APRU). The pay-TV universe consists of 110 million homes, with cable and DTH equally distributed.

Tata Play CEO Harit Nagpal stated that the DTH provider was completely within its rights to remove channels from bouquets in order to decrease the burden on customers. He further claimed that the elimination of Sony Pictures Networks India channels from packages would save Rs 50-60.

"As a service provider, I am duty-bound to take care of the interests of my broadcast partners by providing them reach and my customers by reducing the burden on them," he's said.