Tata Play starts removing Sony channels from its packs; Sony India says no notice given and …

DTH giant Tata Play and entertainment conglomerate Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) are at a clash again. Tata Play has begun removing SPNI channels from its channel packs, citing declining viewership as the reason for the move. However, SPNI has vehemently opposed the decision, labeling it arbitrary and retaliatory. SPNI portfolio of popular channels includes Sony Entertainment Television, Sony MAX, and Sony PIX.
According to a report in news agency PTI, from August 1, Tata Play (formerly Tata Sky) is de-packaging SPN channels from its curated packs, removing less watched channels and accordingly adjusting monthly charges

What Tata Play CEO said

Tata Play MD and CEO Harit Nagpal justified the move, stating that the platform is simply optimizing its offerings.He assured subscribers that any removed channels can be easily re-added for an additional fee. Nagpal said the platform is “streamlining channel packs by removing less-watched channels and adjusting monthly charges accordingly”.
“Subscribers, who wish to watch these channels can easily reinstate any of these removed channels by giving a missed call. We anticipate that at least 75 per cent of customers whose packs have been modified will benefit from the reduced charges,” Nagpal said.

What Sony Pictures Network India says

SPNI, on the other hand, has expressed surprise at Tata Play’s decision, dismissing the claim of declining viewership as misleading. The broadcaster alleges that this action is a direct response to its request for an audit of Tata Play’s subscriber management system, where discrepancies have been identified.
In a statement, SPNI said it is a “surprising decision” and the narrative built by Tata Play of “loss of viewership” is misleading. “This arbitrary decision seems to have been made without any notice to SPNI or apparent consideration for their subscribers’ preferences,” it said.
The broadcaster said: “We believe, it is a retaliation to exercising our audit rights on Tata Play’s subscriber management system, in which we have observed and communicated certain glaring discrepancies to Tata Play over the past few years”.
SPNI said it is confident that its loyal viewers, who value diverse and high-quality content, will continue to find our channels through other platforms nationwide.
“Our commitment to delivering top-notch entertainment remains steadfast, ensuring our audience never misses out on their favourite shows and channels, regardless of Tata Play’s whims,” it added.