Broadcasters in Kolkata approach SC, seek hike in channel rates

KOLKATA: Television channel broadcasters have moved the Supreme Court against the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s decision to cap channel price in bouquets at Rs 12 from December 1. The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Federation (IBDF) — a broadcasters’ body — has placed before the apex court a proposal that involves moving most of their popular channels out of packages and offering them individually at a price that is 30%-50% higher than the existing rates. A verdict is expected later this month.

If the IBDF’s proposal is accepted, monthly cable TV subscription price could rise by around 50% over 2019 from next month. Some of the major broadcasters, including Star & Disney India, Sony Pictures Networks India, Zee Entertainment and Viacom 18, have come up with new price lists keeping their flagship channels out of bouquets and pricing them between Rs 15-30.