Hathway to provide MSM channels on <i>a la carte</i> following TRAI order

The MSO has to pay up Rs 14.5 cr in outstanding dues before October 31, TRAI said

Following a tussle with Multi Screen Media (MSM) regarding its decision to providing the network’s channels on a la carte basis, multi system operator Hathway Cable and Datacom Limited is now free to do so, provided it clears the outstanding dues amounting to Rs 14.56 crore to MSM before October 31.

Confirming its intent to provide the MSM channels (Sony Entertainment Television SAB Tv, Sony Pix, AXN, Sony Max etc) on a la carte basis, the MSO said that it has decided not to renew its current contract with Multi Screen Media (Sony Entertainment channels) due to the unappealing content of its channels and continued decline and inconsistency in ratings.

“Dropping ratings and average content cannot be a base for a broadcaster to take distribution platforms for a ride by demanding hefty growth year on year. In fact, it requires major correction in the subscription fees that the broadcaster charges. The concern with Sony Entertainment Television, the flagship channel of Multi Screen Media (MSM), has been witnessed over the last year wherein their content lacks appeal and demand as compared to other leading networks and does not deserve a growth, which was raised by us to the broadcaster. All the other channels in the MSM bouquet are also irrelevant and don’t offer any compelling content,” said a spokesperson from Hathway.

He adds that recent figures reinstate the fact that the flagship channel, Sony Entertainment Television has been on the decline in all major audience markets. Based on the BARC ratings released for the period of 1-7 August, 2015 for CS 4+ All India, Sony Entertainment TV stands at fifth position with only double-digit GRP of 77 compared to other leading GECs like Star Plus (197 GRP), Colors (157 GRP), Zee TV (122 GRP), Life Ok (106 GRP).

“MSM had moved to TDSAT and filed a petition against our move to shift their channels to ala-carte. We are happy to state that TDSAT dismissed MSM’s petition Vide order dated 14 August 2015," said a company spokesperson.

Responding to this Rajesh Kaul, president, MSM Media Distribution said: “They can go a la carte with the MSM bouquet, but they have to pay up. Since they do not have the required funds right now, the tribunal has allowed them to make the payment in three instalments before October 31.”

Hathway has taken a decision not to renew its contract with Multi Screen Media in DAS 2 markets where it has expired based on the above reasons. In DAS 1 markets, where the contract expires on 31st October 2015, Hathway will offer Multi Screen Media channels on a la carte basis to the consumers and not as part of any of the packages till the expiry of the contract.