Jio Star, the newly formed broadcasting giant resulting from the merger of Star India and Viacom18, has submitted its broadcast tariff to regulators, proposing a significant price increase for its channel packages.
The broadcaster has introduced 83 packs comprising 134 channels, including a diverse range of entertainment, news, sports, and infotainment options.
According to the Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO), the Star Value Pack (SVP) Hindi and SVP Hindi Basic packs for SD channels have been set at Rs 110 each. This represents an 18% price increase over the combined cost of the previous individual Hindi base packs from Star India and Viacom18.
Jio Star’s offerings include popular channels Star Plus, Colors, Star Gold and Star Sports. It owns cricket rights to major events including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and those held by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), allowing it to command premium pricing among all broadcasters.
Industry-wide price increases
Jio Star’s move follows similar price hikes by competitors. Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) have also increased the prices of their base bouquets by over 10%. The final rates will be determined through negotiations between broadcasters and distributors, with the aim of minimizing the impact on consumers.
The price hikes are likely to impact consumers, although the final increase will depend on the outcome of negotiations between broadcasters and distributors. This development underscores the evolving dynamics of the Indian broadcasting industry and the ongoing efforts of broadcasters to maximize revenue while navigating the challenges of a competitive market.
Key highlights:
- Jio Star’s Premium Positioning: The broadcaster is positioning itself as a premium player in the market, leveraging its extensive portfolio, including channels like Star Plus, Colors, and Star Sports.
- Strong content portfolio: Jio Star boasts a diverse range of content, including major sporting events like the IPL and ICC tournaments, giving it strong leverage in pricing negotiations.
- Focus on regional markets: The broadcaster has introduced bouquet options for various regional languages, expanding its reach across India.
- Industry growth: The Indian broadcasting industry continues to grow, with combined subscription revenue of top broadcasters reaching Rs 17,842 crore in FY24.
