Airtel Digital TV has removed all channels from Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) from its Direct-to-Home (DTH) packs. This move comes shortly after Tata Play dropped Sony channels in May, also due to disagreements over fees and content value.
Several Airtel DTH customers recently reported that Zee’s channels suddenly disappeared from their television packages, causing confusion among subscribers. According to industry sources, the change is due to a standoff between Airtel and ZEEL over pricing.
Zee is reportedly asking for a 10–15% increase in annual subscription fees, which Airtel has rejected. The DTH provider is facing broader market challenges and is unwilling to pass on the extra costs to customers.
A spokesperson from Airtel confirmed the decision, saying, “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.”
In simpler terms, Zee channels have been removed from the bundled DTH plans, but customers can still watch them by selecting and paying for them separately using the à la carte option.
This situation closely mirrors the ongoing Tata Play–Sony conflict. Earlier this year, Tata Play removed 25 channels from Culver Max Entertainment (formerly Sony Pictures Networks India) over similar disagreements.
The issue eventually reached the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT). Recently, the tribunal offered partial relief to Tata Play, putting a hold on a ₹128.42 crore demand notice from the broadcaster. Instead, Tata Play was ordered to deposit ₹40 crore within two weeks.
TDSAT ruled that there is a prima facie (on the face of it) case in Tata Play’s favor and that the balance of convenience lies with the DTH operator. This means the court felt Tata Play had a valid reason to object and it would be fair to pause the payment until the case is resolved.
Meanwhile, Culver Max has taken the case to the Bombay High Court, challenging another TDSAT order. That order prevented Sony from making public statements about the Tata Play dispute.
In its writ petition filed on June 6, Culver Max argued that the order goes against its freedom of speech and trade rights. The broadcaster also alleged that Tata Play removed 25 channels without notice, violating both their contract and TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) rules.
These back-to-back disputes between broadcasters and DTH platforms signal a growing divide in the Indian television distribution system. The core issue revolves around pricing models, channel value, and transparency.
As broadcasters demand higher fees to reflect the rising cost and value of content, DTH platforms are pushing back, unwilling to pass these increases onto customers. This tug of war over tariffs is leading to legal action, broken contracts, and limited channel access for viewers.
Notably, this friction is occurring at a time when India’s entertainment ecosystem is rapidly evolving, with both linear TV and streaming platforms competing for market share.
In the weeks ahead, the industry may see more blackouts, courtroom battles, and consumer confusion, as DTH companies and broadcasters struggle to agree on what content is worth and how it should be delivered to the audience.