Tata Play switches off Sony channels in streamlining measure

Direct-to-home (DTH) operator Tata Play has begun removing TV channels of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) from the subscription plans of about 10 million users in a phased manner as part of a streamlining measure, which the broadcaster has described as “arbitrary”.

While streamlining channel packs is not an unusual practice in broadcasting and distribution, this is the first time, said experts, that a large network such as Sony was at the receiving end of it. Smaller broadcasters and niche TV channels are often evicted from DTH and cable platforms as part of a churning exercise based on viewership, media experts said, aimed at managing the long tail of channels.