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In a growing standoff that raises questions about the power dynamics between distribution platform operators (DPOs) and broadcasters, major DTH players Tata Play and Airtel Digital TV have removed channels of Sony and Zee Network, respectively, from their base packs. Sources cite disagreements over tariff hikes proposed by the broadcasters.

Broadcasters, including Culver Max Entertainment (formerly Sony Pictures Networks India) and Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), are allegedly demanding a 10–20% increase in annual subscription fees. However, DTH operators are resisting the hike, citing stagnant average revenue per user (ARPU) and increasing customer churn, especially in a price-sensitive market.

The dispute turned public in May when Tata Play dropped Sony channels from its packs. The DTH operator claimed the broadcaster displayed a scroll on channel for subscribers to move to other operator. Tata Play then approached the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to challenge a ₹128.42 crore demand notice issued by Culver Max. TDSAT directed Tata Play to deposit ₹40 crore and temporarily stayed the broadcaster's disconnection notice.

Culver Max subsequently moved the Bombay High Court, contesting a TDSAT order that barred it from making public statements about the channel removals, signalling how contentious and complex the negotiations have become.

In a parallel development, Airtel Digital TV subscribers were caught off guard when Zee channels disappeared from their DTH packages. The move, which has not been accompanied by any transparent communication from ZEEL, is reportedly a result of Airtel’s resistance to subscription fee hike proposed by the broadcaster.

Industry veterans say this is not new. A senior broadcasting executive, requesting anonymity, told Storyboard18, "This is a common tactic used by DTH operators. When major sporting events or premieres are scheduled, they sometimes remove the channels to pressure broadcasters, impacting their viewership and advertiser interest."

Another broadcaster echoed the sentiment, adding, "Advertisers begin to question a channel’s reach. These removals directly impact channel's business. Content creation has become costly and it is an industry norm to increase subscription fee on timely basis to sustain business. In the long run, such hiccups will impact DTH operators, leading to subscribers to opt for other DTH or cable operator." 

However, Tata Play MD and CEO Harit Nagpal rejected allegations of coercion, clarifying, "This is not a channel takedown situation. When someone has a dispute and takes down a channel, it means none of their subscribers can view it. That's not the case here. We’ve not removed any Sony channels from Tata Play’s platform. This is a regular practice we follow, driven by data and aimed at improving affordability for our subscribers.” 

Nagpal further said, “We observed that there’s a wide gap between channels people subscribe to and the ones they watch. Often, when channels are bundled, people pay for all but watch only one or two. We particularly monitor customers who are slow to recharge—5, 7, sometimes even 15 days late. That’s an indicator they don’t see value in what they’re paying. We remove channels for users who are least engaged but also offer them a way to bring it back.” 

Airtel issued a similar clarification, stating that all Zee Network channels remain available on its platform and can be added individually at market rates. “Due to recent changes in broadcaster tariffs, Zee Network channels will no longer be part of the Airtel DTH base packs. These pack prices will be adjusted accordingly. All Zee network channels are available on Airtel DTH and can be added individually to the list of subscribed channel at their respective MRPs via channel selection options.” the company spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, regulators have been urged to step in. “Consumers don’t understand these disputes. If they don’t receive what they paid for, they simply migrate to other platforms. It’s time regulators intervened to protect viewer interests,” said another industry veteran.

Despite queries sent by Storyboard18, both Culver Max and ZEEL have not commented publicly on the matter.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/breaking-after-tata-play-airtel-tv-drops-zeel-channels-amid-tariff-dispute-69827.htm">Read more: Breaking: After Tata Play, Airtel TV drops ZEEL channels amid tariff dispute</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/culver-max-moves-bombay-hc-against-gag-order-by-tdsat-in-tata-play-dispute-69797.htm">Read more: Culver Max moves Bombay HC against gag order by TDSAT in Tata Play dispute</a>



Sony, Zee channels off DTH packs: Are DPOs 'arm-twisting' broadcasters?

In a fresh escalation of tensions between broadcasters and distribution platforms, Airtel Digital TV has removed all Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) channels from its DTH base packs. This development comes on the heels of Tata Play dropping Sony channels in May over similar issues related to tariffs and content value.

Several Airtel DTH subscribers reported the abrupt disappearance of Zee channels from their packages, sparking confusion and speculation. Sources suggest the move is a result of a standoff between Airtel and ZEEL, with the broadcaster reportedly demanding a 10–15% hike in annual subscription fees—an increase Airtel is unwilling to accept amid broader industry headwinds.

Airtel has confirmed the removal of ZEEL channels from base packs. Consumers can watch ZEEL channels on à la carte basis. Airtel Spokesperson said, “Due to recent changes in broadcaster tariffs, Zee Network channels will no longer be part of the Airtel DTH base packs. These pack prices will be adjusted accordingly. All Zee network channels are available on Airtel DTH and can be added individually to the list of subscribed channel at their respective MRPs via channel selection options.”

Storyboard18 has reached out to ZEEL for an official response, and this story will be updated accordingly.

This development mirrors an ongoing dispute between Tata Play and Culver Max Entertainment (formerly Sony Pictures Networks India). In that case, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) recently provided partial relief to Tata Play by staying the execution of a ₹128.42 crore demand notice issued by the broadcaster, instead directing the DTH operator to deposit ₹40 crore within two weeks.

The TDSAT order came after Tata Play challenged a disconnection notice dated May 21 from Culver Max. The tribunal, while admitting the petition, stated that there was a prima facie case in Tata Play’s favour and that the balance of convenience also tilted towards the DTH operator.

Meanwhile, Culver Max has approached the Bombay High Court challenging a separate TDSAT order that barred it from making public statements about the Tata Play dispute. In its writ petition filed on June 6, the broadcaster contends that the tribunal’s May 30 order infringes upon its right to free speech and trade, arguing that Tata Play dropped 25 of its channels without notice—an action it claims violates contractual obligations and TRAI norms.

The twin developments highlight increasing friction in the Indian television distribution ecosystem, with operators and broadcasters locked in disputes over pricing, transparency, and regulatory interpretation. As DTH players push back against steep fee hikes and broadcasters defend content value, the coming weeks may see more legal battles and shifts in consumer channel access.

Breaking: After Tata Play, Airtel TV drops ZEEL channels amid tariff dispute

With the Delhi High Court granting JioStar a first-of-its-kind “superlative injunction,” broadcasters such as Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) and OTT platforms are likely to piggyback on the judgement to seek proactive, sweeping anti-piracy relief. The order marks a shift toward anticipatory protection, empowering content owners to act fast against mobile apps and websites streaming pirated material.

The superlative injunction, granted by Justice Saurabh Banerjee on May 29, allows JioStar to take down unauthorized piracy platforms — including newly appearing websites, mirror domains, and mobile apps — without having to return to court for every violation. The legal breakthrough comes amid JioStar’s ongoing battle against platforms like IPTV Smarters that illegally streamed marquee events and other sports content.

The broader implications are significant. Legal experts believe ZEEL, SPNI and OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video among others — owning expansive content libraries and live sports rights — could invoke this precedent to obtain similar injunctions, dramatically improving enforcement capabilities.

<strong>Siddharth Chandrashekhar, Bombay High Court lawyer</strong>, emphasized the judgment’s strategic value for large broadcasters, “Broadcasters now have something much akin a legal template. SPNI, ZEEL, etc., can piggyback on this ruling to seek similar super-injunctions, shielding revenue-intensive content and combating link farms before they sprout. However Star's  legal, technical, and financial  muscle is not universally replicable.”

Chandrashekhar said, “Smaller players often lack tools for real-time monitoring, digital evidence collection, or jurisdictional enforcement. Domain hopping remains a real threat unless ISPs act swiftly and uniformly. While the precedent is powerful, enforcement consistency and digital traceability will determine whether others can replicate Star’s success.”

According to “The Rob Report” released by EY and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), the size of India’s piracy economy was ₹224 billion in 2023, ranking fourth against the segment wise revenue generated by India’s Media and Entertainment industry. Of this, ₹137 billion was generated from pirated content from movie theaters while ₹87 billion was generated from OTT platforms’ content. The potential GST losses of up to ₹43 billion were estimated to have been incurred.

<strong>Vindhya S Mani, Partner at Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan Attorneys</strong>, called the judgment a milestone in India’s IP protection landscape: “As a proactive IP jurisdiction, Indian judiciary as well as lawmakers continue to take different measures to tackle evolving forms of piracy. Therefore, the law and the Courts are well-suited to tackle piracy. The aspect of enforcement of laws and Court decisions is also improving with measures such as dynamic and superlative interim injunction measures.” 

Mani said, “The introduction of superlative injunctions will broaden the scope of relief in infringement actions by taking mobile applications, rogue websites, mirror applications, mirror websites, etc., within its scope. As a consequence of the broader scope of relief, broadcasters would now be able to avoid duplicative litigation and enforce a superlative injunction against all rogue platforms, thereby reducing costs and making enforcement more efficient.” 

Storyboard18 had first reported about Gujarat’s Gandhinagar Cyber Police, acting on a complaint from Star India, had arrested an alleged kingpin behind an illicit Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service that attracted roughly five million subscribers and generated an estimated ₹700 crore (US $84 million) in annual revenue.  

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/exclusive-gujarat-police-star-india-bust-%E2%82%B9700-crore-iptv-racket-streaming-pakistani-channels-66250.htm">EXCLUSIVE: Gujarat police, Star India bust ₹700 crore IPTV racket streaming Pakistani channels</a>

A senior counsel on condition of anonymity said, “OTT platforms can invoke this precedent to shield marquee releases. The logic behind anticipatory injunctions applies equally to Netflix originals and Prime debuts, especially when pirated versions are out within minutes of launch. However, OTT piracy is more fragmented and there are various mediums/applications Internet Pirates use such as Telegram, VPNs, torrenting, shadow websites. OTTs got a new firewall, but hackers still know the backdoor. The court gave OTTs a desi shield. Now they need a global sword.” 

India may have just armed its broadcasters and content creators with a legal sledgehammer — now, it's a question of how smartly and swiftly they swing it.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/breaking-major-iptv-piracy-ring-busted-in-dubai-following-disney-star-complaint-42678.htm">Read More: Major IPTV piracy ring busted following Disney Star complaint</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/gujarat-police-probes-radicalization-syria-links-in-%E2%82%B9700-crore-iptv-piracy-case-66419.htm">Read More: Gujarat police probes radicalization, Syria links in ₹700 crore IPTV piracy case</a>

ZEEL, SPNI to piggyback on JioStar’s super injunction in piracy crackdown

Zee Media Corporation Limited announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a major fundraising initiative through the issuance of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs) worth up to USD 465.9 million (Rs 399.78 crore). The bonds will be issued on a private placement basis to UNICO Global Opportunities Fund Ltd. and Sun India Opportunities Investing Fund.

This strategic move aims to bolster Zee Media's financial flexibility and is aligned with the External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India.

The decision was made during a board meeting held earlier today and disclosed to the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and BSE Limited. The bonds will carry a 5% annual coupon rate, remain unsecured and unlisted, and have a 10-year maturity. They will be issued on a private placement basis to two international investors — UNICO Global Opportunities Fund Limited and Sun India Opportunities Investing Fund (a VCC sub-fund).

The FCCBs will be issued in five series, and the funds will be drawn in tranches. The company has fixed the conversion price at ₹13.50 per equity share (including ₹12.50 as equity premium), based on the pricing formula under the 1993 FCCB Scheme. The "floor price" for the issuance has been set at ₹13.04 per equity share, with the relevant date for pricing determined as April 8, 2025.

Should the bonds be converted, Zee Media could potentially issue up to 2,961,353,58 new equity shares of ₹1 each. The FCCBs will not be listed on any stock exchange, domestic or international. The company has not reported any default history on coupon payments for prior FCCB issuances.

Zee Media approves 10-Year, 5% FCCB issue worth USD 465.9 Million

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT)has dismissed IDBI Bank's plea seeking insolvency proceedings against Zee Entertainment.  The NCLAT upheld the earlier order by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), which rejected IDBI's plea against the media company.

In an official communication addressed to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), ZEEL confirmed that the appellate tribunal upheld the NCLT's order.

The development follows ZEEL's earlier disclosure on August 1, 2023, in compliance with Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. In that filing, the company had informed stakeholders of the ongoing legal proceedings initiated by IDBI Bank.

“We are pleased to inform that the NCLAT has upheld the order passed by NCLT, thereby dismissing the appeal by IDBI Bank,” the statement from ZEEL read.

The appellate tribunal has also granted IDBI Bank the liberty to file a fresh plea against Zee Entertainment for defaults beyond the Covid moratorium period. IDBI Bank had sought insolvency proceedings against Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) to recover dues of ₹149.60 crore.

IDBI Bank, in its petition, claimed that Zee agreed to secure loans extended to Siti Networks through a Debt Service Reserve Account (DSRA) Guarantee. The lender says Siti Networks had to maintain the DSRA. It alleged that Zee submitted a guarantee and was responsible for any shortfalls in the DSRA. It adds that the media firm was informed about the shortfalls.

Zee opposed the lender’s plea and sought its dismissal. It also opposed the issuance of a notice. Earlier in May 2023, the Mumbai bench of the NCLT had dismissed the bank’s insolvency plea against Zee.

No insolvency for Zee: IDBI’s plea dismissed by Appellate Tribunal

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) has received GST notice from the Commercial Tax Officer, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. The order demands INR 0.40 million (including penalty) for ineligible Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims, along with INR 16.56 million in interest for excess ITC availed between July 2017 and March 2018. 

ZEEL believes the case has merit and will appeal within three months under the TNGST Act. The company assured investors that the order will not materially impact its financials or operations. The violation stated reads GST demanded towards excess ITC claimed in GSTR-3B.

ZEEL in its disclosure to stock exchanges stated that they have received a GST Order passed under Section 74, of TNGST/CGST/IGST Act, 2017 determining tax payable under GST of INR 0.40 million (including penalty) on ineligible ITC claimed and interest towards discrepancies arising in excess availment of ITC of INR 16.56 million for the period July 2017 to March 2018.

ZEEL in its filing stated, "The Company believes that there are merits in the case and will take necessary legal recourse under the available law by filing an appeal with three months before the adjudicating authority as per the provisions of TNGST Act. There is no material impact on financial, operations or other activities of the Company."

ZEEL gets GST notice of Rs 16.60 million for ineligible ITC claims

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has directed Zee Media Corporation Limited to pay Hinduja Global Solutions Limited 50% of the outstanding amount within one week. The matter is scheduled for further directions on February 4, 2025.

Zee Media approached TDSAT, alleging that the respondent issued a unilateral, arbitrary, and illegal notice on January 3, 2025, stating that the RIO between the parties would expire on January 9 and that all 18 channels of the petitioner would be switched off.

The plea also stated that the respondent had issued a communication on December 12, 2024, which was claimed to be a disconnection notice due to alleged outstanding dues owed by the petitioner. The plea further noted that the RIO-based agreement remained valid until January 31, 2025.

TDSAT member Subodh Kumar Gupta ordered that, as an interim measure, Zee Media, the petitioner, is to pay Hinduja Global Solutions ₹1,69,70,832 of the total outstanding amount of ₹3,39,41,664 by 5:30 PM on January 13, 2025, through demand draft or online payment.

The order also stated, “The respondent should not take any further coercive action against the petitioner until the next hearing date.”

For the remaining 50% of the amount, the petitioner must submit their payment offer to the Tribunal by the next hearing and provide a copy to the respondent. The Tribunal clarified that this payment would not constitute an admission of facts by either the petitioner or the respondent.

The petitioner requested TDSAT to declare the notices dated January 3, 2025, and December 16, 2024, as void ab initio and legally invalid. The petitioner also sought a declaration that the Marketing Service Agreement dated February 9, 2024, is beyond the scope of TRAI Regulations and that any outstanding amount under this agreement cannot justify the disconnection of TV channels governed by the Subscription Agreement under the regulatory framework.

TDSAT directs Zee Media to pay Hinduja Global Solutions Rs 1.69 crore in a week

In its ongoing investigations into Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has rejected a settlement application filed by the company and its chief executive officer (CEO), Punit Goenka. The regulator has also expanded the scope of the investigation, under which the media firm’s former chairperson, Subhash Chandra, is also under the scanner.

In an adjudication order issued on Thursday, the market regulator pointed out that Zee and Goenka had filed a settlement application for alleged violations of the Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations. SEBI had issued a show-cause notice in the matter in July 2022.

“The panel of Whole Time Members of SEBI rejected the settlement applications and also referred the matter to SEBI for further investigation. In this regard, it has been observed that subsequent to the completion of the investigation in the instant matter, it has been decided by the Competent Authority to proceed against the Notices under Section 11B of SEBI Act 1992,” said SEBI in the order.
 
The market regulator has highlighted that the allegations in the July 2022 show-cause notice will be subsumed with the findings of the further investigation carried out by SEBI.

SEBI added that the examination report and all other documents relied upon will be treated as an integral part of the further investigation, and the earlier show-cause notice will be incorporated in further notices to be issued in the matter.

The markets regulator is investigating the alleged fund diversion by Chandra and his son, Punit Goenka. The initial order pertains to a letter of comfort (LoC) granted to the tune of Rs 2,000 crore. However, SEBI had submitted before the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) that more LoCs were under scrutiny, including one to the tune of Rs 4,210 crore issued by Chandra in his capacity as the chairman of Essel Group.

The contents of the Show Cause Notice dated July 06, 2022 issued by the Adjudicating Officer (AO) to ZEEL, Chandra and Goenka will also be incorporated in the new SCN to be issued following further investigations.


ZEE Case: SEBI rejects settlement plea; expands probe on ZEEL, Goenka

The Bankruptcy Court in Mumbai recently dismissed an application filed by Phantom Studios India (PSIPL) that sought to implement the merger scheme between Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) and Sony Group companies, Bangla Entertainment Private (BEPL) and Culver Max Entertainment (CMEPL).

PSIPL, formerly known as Mad Man Film Ventures, held approximately 1.3 million shares of Zee Entertainment, valued at around ₹50 crore, at the time of its tribunal filing. Last month, the tribunal officially revoked its approval for the proposed $10 billion merger between ZEEL and Sony's Indian media units, CMEPL and BEPL.

"During the course of the hearing, we were informed that PSIPL attended the shareholder meeting and voted in favor of the scheme. As Section V, Paragraph 10 allows withdrawal by parties, PSIPL cannot insist on the scheme’s implementation," stated the division bench, consisting of Judicial Member Lakshmi Gurung and Technical Member Charanjeet Singh Gulati, in its October 24 order.

The companies also argued that the tribunal lacked the authority to enforce a scheme that had not taken effect and noted that the scheme's approval was conditional.

In August, ZEEL and Sony's Indian units reached a non-cash settlement to resolve all disputes stemming from their failed merger. Both companies agreed to withdraw claims in the ongoing arbitration at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre and related proceedings in the NCLT.

This settlement, focused on independently pursuing future growth, followed Sony’s January termination of the merger, citing ZEEL's unmet closing conditions and leadership disagreements. Sony subsequently filed a $90 million arbitration claim against ZEEL.

Mumbai Court dismisses Phantom Studios’ bid to enforce Zee-Sony merger scheme

The Independent Investigation Committee (IIC), constituted by the Board of Directors of ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEE), has cleared the company of allegations raised by market regulator SEBI regarding the alleged siphoning of funds amounting to Rs 2,000 crore. The IIC report was submitted to the company’s Board on Wednesday.

ZEE formed the IIC on February 27, chaired by Justice Dr. Satish Chandra, a former judge of the Honorable High Court of Allahabad. The committee also included ZEE’s two Independent Directors: Mr. Uttam Prakash Agarwal, Chairman of the Audit Committee and former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, and Dr. P.V. Ramana Murthy, Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, a lawyer, author, and academic expert in HR and organizational development with over 30 years of experience across renowned global brands.

Dr. Satish Chandra, Chairman of ZEE’s Independent Investigation Committee and Former Judge of the Allahabad High Court, stated, “We have invested a significant amount of time and energy to conduct a detailed review of all the allegations, and the necessary submissions have been made to the Board. The required records and information were obtained from the Company, its management, and promoters over the last few months, which were duly verified by the Committee, along with a team of experts from the financial domain.”

Chandra further added, “The efforts of Committee members, Dr. Murthy and Mr. Agarwal, along with the external advisors, allowed us to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all the points. The Committee acknowledges the support provided by the management, which enabled us to complete the review in a timely manner. Based on our report, we have not found anything adverse or improper in the Company’s operations, and a detailed report has been submitted to the Board outlining our findings.”

The committee stated in its report that it reviewed the allegations raised by the regulatory agencies and verified all the documents and information provided by ZEE during the investigations conducted by SEBI. The committee also sought advice from reputable external audit firms (empaneled with regulatory agencies), as well as taxation and regulatory experts, to ensure a comprehensive review of all points.

The committee’s report indicates that ZEE has implemented necessary remedial measures for past issues already reviewed by SEBI. The Committee also noted that the transactions under investigation did not adversely impact the Company or its shareholders. These transactions were found to be part of the normal course of business, and no material irregularities were identified.

The Committee found no need for further corrective or disciplinary measures, policy changes, or legal steps.

Following the submission of its findings, the Board has advised the Company to proactively settle any pending adjudication proceedings with SEBI in a timely manner, in the interest of shareholders and all stakeholders of the Company.