IndiaCast pulls the plug on DEN Networks in Uttar Pradesh

[Thakur]

MUMBAI: IndiaCast Media, which distributes the TV18 Broadcast and Disney UTV channels, has pulled the plug on DEN Networks in Uttar Pradesh after negotiations on a new commercial contract broke down. This is perhaps the first time that a broadcaster has switched off its channels to DEN Networks in Uttar Pradesh, a state where the multi-system operator (MSO) is a dominant player. DEN’s presence in the state is through joint ventures. Incidentally, IndiaCast and DEN have inked content deals across the other parts of the country. In Uttar Pradesh, there could be no settlement on carriage fees and subscription payouts. The television channels distributed by IndiaCast have gone dark for DEN customers in the state of Uttar Pradesh with the exception of Noida and Ghaziabad. The switch-off happened yesterday afternoon. A senior IndiaCast official said that it has secured carriage deals with DEN Networks and its JVs across India, but the deal with JVs in UP has been stuck. “As the negotiations with the networks in UP failed, we had to switch off the signals due to non-payment of dues and non-renewal of agreement. Our agreements with most other networks of DEN outside UP have been renewed. We had no option but to deactivate our channels,” said IndiaCast Media Distribution EVP Amit Arora. DEN’s JV partners in Uttar Pradesh allege that the content aggregator is demanding an increase in subscription fee along with a reduction in the carriage fee payout. “They (IndiaCast) are asking for an effective 40 per cent increase, net off carriage (subscription minus carriage fees). This is not acceptable to us. We will take a decision on what course of action to take,” said a DEN JV partner on condition of anonymity

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