Tata Play Drops Sony Pictures Network Channels Over Low Viewership

Tata Play is dropping less-viewed Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) channels from its packages, citing low viewership.

Subscribers can reinstate these channels by calling a specific number. Tata Play’s CEO, Harit Nagpal, said the change aims to streamline offerings and reduce costs for many users.

SPNI has criticised the decision, calling it arbitrary and retaliatory after recent audits revealed issues with Tata Play’s subscriber data.

Despite this, SPNI remains confident its popular channels will be accessible through other platforms.

SPNI, a part of Sony Group, serves over 700 million viewers in India, while Tata Play, partly owned by Tata Sons, has about 10 million subscribers and reported  Rs 4,304.62 crore in revenue for FY24.

The move has sparked a broader debate about the dynamics between broadcasters and service providers, highlighting the tensions in the industry over channel distribution and viewer preferences.

The outcome of this dispute could influence how similar conflicts are handled in the future.