Tamil Nadu cable operators switch off Zee channels over discounts

MUMBAI: Three large cable operators in Tamil Nadu – the state-owned Arasu Cable, Kalanithi Maran-owned SCV, and VK Digital – are at loggerheads with Zee Entertainment EnterprisesNSE 3.64 % over channel discounts.

As per multiple local cable operators (LCOs) in Tamil Nadu, Arasu Cable and SCN have switched off ZEE’s channels from their platform, while VK Digital has removed Zee Tamil from the base pack and changed its placement on its service.

The issue, operators say, is related to dispute over discounts. The timing is crucial as ZEE is launching a Tamil movie channel, Zee Thirai, in the market.

“The whole dispute is because these multi-system-operators (MSOs, the term used for large cable operators) are trying to extort more discounts from ZEE,” said a LCO, who works with SCV.