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MUMBAI: Top broadcasters are reducing the a la carte price of each of their flagship general entertainment channels to Rs 12 per month from Rs 19 as a festive offer even as the sector regulator is reviewing its new tariff order.

Zee Entertainment EnterprisesNSE -1.02 % (ZEE) on Friday dropped the MRP of six of its GECs – Zee TV, Zee Marathi, Zee Bangla, Zee Telugu, Zee Kannada and Zee Sarthak — to Rs 12 per month for every individual channel as part of a ‘Festive Bonanza Offer’.

Rivals Star India introduced similar promotional offer for its 16 a la carte channels including channels like Star Plus, Maa TV, Star Jalsha, Vijay, Asianet and Hungama TV.

Viacom18 and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN), too, are set to reduce the MRP of their flagship GECs to Rs 12 by Monday, multiple industry insiders told ET.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had set a price cap of Rs 19 per month for channels if broadcasters wanted the channel to be part of a bouquet as part of its new tariff order that came into effect on February 1.

The tariff order was one of the biggest changes in the Indian broadcasting history, allowing consumers to choose their favourite TV channels and pay only for what they like to watch.

However, after the complaints from consumers about increase in monthly cable bills and other issues, Trai issued a consultation paper on August 16 wherein, among other issues, it sought response from stakeholders on whether the price cap of Rs 19 per month should be relooked at.

About its festive offer, a ZEE spokesperson said, “This offer will be valid through the festive season, (after which) we will evaluate the consumer response and take steps accordingly.”

[“source=economictimes”]

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