An interim order passed by the Telecom Disputes and Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) directing Prasar Bharti to provide unencrypted signals of DD Sports to SITI Networks and Dish TV has brought to an end the exclusive streaming rights of Amazon Prime Video for the ongoing India’s Tour of New Zealand Cricket Series 2022.
The order also paves way for other cable operators and DTH platforms to follow suit and feed their customers the matches, for free.
Amazon Prime Video ventured into sports streaming with an exclusive multi-year deal. The streaming giant has also introduced advertising during live cricket. However, the platform witnessed a setback in the beginning of the series with rain playing spoilsport. TDSAT’s interim order comes as another blow to the platform.
Based on the terms of the arrangement with Amazon Prime Video, Prasar Bharati had until now encrypted the signals of DD Sports rendering the channels unviewable on other cable and DTH operators except DD Free Dish.
As per the TDSAT order, Prasar Bharti will have to provide unencrypted signals of DD Sports to SITI Networks and DISH TV, which is likely to open up the availability of the remaining matches of the tournament to all MSOs and DTH platforms.
Amazon in its argument before the TDSAT stated that it has the sole and exclusive copyright to the series. It said the petitioners cannot be permitted the contents of the series and as that would be a ‘gross violation’ of the copyright of Amazon. The arrangement between Amazon and Prasar Bharati is in view of the powers of Prasar Bharati to enter into any commercial arrangement, it contended.
TDSAT held that SITI and Dish have a prima facie case in their favour and the balance of convenience also lies with them. As per the Cable Television Networks Act, 1995, the ‘must carry’ obligation is a statutory requirement, it ruled.
