Article Star-MSO fight to hit sport buffs hard

[IndianMascot]

The battle of attrition between broadcaster Star Network and multi-service operators (MSOs) is threatening to hit the viewers hard. Not only will the cable bill go up if Star Network has its way to do away with package rates and go for a la carte offer, sports lovers will take the worst hit unless the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) enforces guidelines on Star Network.

While broadcasters can distribute channels individually and allow market dynamics to determine the price, MSOs have alleged that Star has flouted a Trai norm requiring a broadcaster to give a 21 days' notice to MSOs and 15 days' notice to viewers when any change in pricing is made.

Operators expect most cable homes to order Star Plus and Star Jalsha, the two general entertainment channels that telecast popular serials. That would mean forking out Rs 29 (taxes extra) every month. For those who wish to see Star Jalsha Movies, it is an additional Rs 17. Viewers with a taste for English programmes, subscribing to Star Movies, Star Action and Star World will cost Rs 33 a month.

However, the situation will get expensive and complicated for sports lovers. Star Network has four sports channels StarSports 1, 2, 3 and 4 that together cost Rs 118, the highest among channels of any genre.



Star-MSO fight to hit sport buffs hard - The Times of India

 

[DashMajor]

I think MSO Alliance now needs to protest against STAR goes to Media and expose STAR and threaten them to remove their channels from the platform itself and ask dishtv and some other DTH too follow this suit.

 

[Deepu]

All MSO's should decide not to carry any of the Star Sports channels. Then I am sure Star will come forward to have dialogue with them

 

[IndianMascot]

I think its high time all MSO make a Union against Star India

 

[Technoglitch]

During the early stages when CAS was introduced in 4 metro cities, star vijay wasnt available on analog cable in chennai as star was adamant that subscribers would buy the channel but the trp ratings proved opposite hence it was made FTA in chennai only.

 

[IndianMascot]

Similar thing need to be done with remaining star channels. Once everyone boycott, they will automatically start loosing TRP.

But in this game, DTH operators will get the benefit.

 

[Technoglitch]

Star needs a lesson to be taught, once the demand is less then the price would be lowered.

 

[Sanjeev]

Yes star is on high ego and someone should crush that

 

[DashMajor]

All MSOs should remove STAR / FIC channels from the platform not even ala carte, remove completely from platform. Then only STAR will ready to kneel down like the way dishtv did when they planned to remove and infact removed these channels from base pack for couple of days. STAR can be broken only thing needed is unity in MSO Alliance and let STAR sits on the shoulders of DEN and Asianet Digital.

 

[scorpionking76]

Every one is right in their view point. Star which is sponsoring many sports and investing in talents hence i don't think they will want to lower the price as they will also be worried on ROI (Return on Investment). Also major tournaments are in their kitty (WW) hence ignoring them is like we are deprived of entertainment in Sports, Movies etc. To offset they are charging higher. The only solution will be for the Govt of India to intervene and bring in some legislation to rein in this monopoly. Correct me if i am wrong.