Television
Rs 128 crore DTH duel: TDSAT pushes Tata Play vs Culver Max case to March 30
High-stakes broadcast standoff hits pause as tribunal delays hearing after technical glitch
NEW DELHI: The long-running tussle between Tata Play and broadcaster Culver Max Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., formerly known as Sony Pictures Networks India (Spni), over subscription dues hit another pause on Friday, with the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) adjourning the matter to March 30.
The dispute began in May 2025 when Tata Play removed 25 Culver Max channels from its DTH packs, citing contractual disagreements. Culver Max countered that the move breached their interconnection agreement and regulatory norms, prompting it to issue a disconnection notice claiming Rs 128.42 crore in unpaid dues.
Tata Play challenged the notice, and in May 2025, TDSAT granted interim protection, allowing channels to remain on air after a Rs 40 crore deposit. Despite the temporary truce, both parties continued to clash over outstanding payments, reconciliations, and bouquet packaging changes. Culver Max claimed over Rs 63 crore was still unpaid even after adjustments, while Tata Play insisted most dues were settled and remaining differences were routine reconciliations.
Friday’s proceedings were brief, cut short by technical glitches, and at the request of the petitioner. The bench, led by chairperson justice Dhirubhai Naranbhai Patel and member Sanjeev Banzal, deferred the case, keeping eyes on the high-stakes broadcasting standoff firmly on the calendar for March 30.
Senior advocates Amit Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for Culver Max and Tata Play respectively, with both sides prepared for what has become one of India’s most closely watched DTH-broadcaster battles.
The saga has not only raised eyebrows over millions in broadcast dues but also spotlighted the delicate dance between bouquet reshuffles, regulatory compliance, and big-ticket payments in the DTH world.
Sports
Kaacon Sethi retires as CMO of Dainik Bhaskar Group after 12 years
Led brand, content and revenue innovation across media, sports and entertainment.
MUMBAI: After nearly a dozen years of shaping narratives and building brands, Kaacon Sethi is signing off from the marketing playbook at least for now. The long-time chief marketing officer at Dainik Bhaskar Group has stepped down, bringing to a close a 12-year stint that saw her steer the organisation through evolving media and revenue landscapes.
During her tenure, Sethi worked at the intersection of advertising, content and commerce collaborating closely with advertisers to craft client solutions and develop content-led offerings that went beyond traditional formats. Her role increasingly focused on aligning editorial strengths with brand objectives, unlocking new revenue streams in a media ecosystem undergoing rapid transformation.
Her journey at Bhaskar, she noted, was among the most defining phases of her career, one that allowed her to build, experiment and contribute across marketing, branded content and business strategy. From strengthening market presence to driving newer initiatives such as “Urban Bharat”, her work reflected a broader shift in how media organisations approach audience engagement and monetisation.
Sethi also highlighted the collaborative environment within the organisation, describing it as a space where ideas were tested, debated and pursued with conviction, an approach that helped shape several of the group’s marketing and content innovations over the years.
With experience spanning media, entertainment and sports marketing, her exit marks the end of a significant chapter not just for her but also for the organisation’s evolving marketing strategy.
For now, Sethi plans to take a short break before moving on to the next phase of her career. If the past 12 years are any indication, the pause may be brief but the impact is likely to linger longer.
