Airtel and Zee's Brawl Over Extra Paycheck 💸
Shake-Up in Your Favorite DTH Services 📺
Airtel discontinues Zee channels from its standard packages due to disagreements on pricing.
By BE Staff ,* our website* Publication Date: June 11, 2025 at 11:38 PM IST* More on: Airtel Digital TV, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, DTH services, tariff issues, channel removal, Tata Play, Culver Max Entertainment, Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal* Connect: Telegram, Facebook, Copy Link
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Enrichment Insights 💡
This battle between Airtel Digital TV and Zee Entertainment Enterprises is all about rising fees. Zee asked for a 10-15% increase in annual subscription fees, which Airtel flat-out refused to cover[1][2][3]. As a result, all Zee channels vanished from Airtel's base packs. But don't fret, subscribers can still add Zee channels individually[1][2]. The amount Airtel currently pays to Zee is believed to be between ₹300 and ₹400 crore, but the specifics of their agreement remain hidden[2].
Smokin' Dispute Between Tata Play and Sony Pictures Networks 🔥
Enrichment Insights 💡
Tata Play and Culver Max Entertainment (formerly Sony Pictures Networks India) find themselves in a similar disagreement over rising tariffs. Sony hiked the base bouquet's price by over 10% in January, which Tata Play couldn't swallow[1][3]. Their ongoing dispute has led to the intervention of the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT). TDSAT ordered Tata Play to make a partial payment, pausing Sony's disconnection notice[1][3]. Sony took their gripe to the Bombay High Court, challenging restrictions on public disturbance over the issue[1][3].
TDSAT Steps In as the Peacekeeper 💪
Enrichment Insights 💡
When broadcasting and telecommunications disputes arise, TDSAT swoops in to settle matters fairly. For example, in the case between Tata Play and Culver Max Entertainment, TDSAT directed Tata Play to make a partial payment, delaying Sony's disconnection notices[1][3]. TDSAT plays a pivotal role in resolving disputes, providing a balance between broadcasters and distribution platforms.
These battles underscore the ongoing tension between broadcasters and distribution platforms, reshaping India's broadcasting landscape and affecting viewers' access to channels.
- In the media industry, financial disputes about rising tariffs and subscription fees have led to conflicts between broadcasters and distribution platforms, such as the recent spat between Airtel Digital TV and Zee Entertainment Enterprises, which was discussed in the article about the brawl over extra paycheck.
- The advertising industry may be affected by such conflicts, as they can impact the viewership and reach of channels, potentially affecting the profits of companies that rely on advertising revenue.
- These tussles between broadcasters and distribution platforms showcase the complexities within the business and finance aspects of the entertainment and media industry, where ongoing negotiations and agreements shape the accessibility of content to viewers.
