Jio Star, the broadcasting giant born from the merger of Star India and Viacom18, has proposed significant price hikes for its channel packages.
According to The Times of India, the company has submitted its new broadcast tariff to regulators, introducing 83 channel packs encompassing 134 channels across genres like entertainment, sports, news, and infotainment.
The Star Value Pack (SVP) Hindi and SVP Hindi Basic for SD channels are now priced at ₹110 each, marking an 18% increase from the earlier standalone Hindi base packs offered by Star India and Viacom18.
Popular channels like Star Plus, Colors, Star Gold, and Star Sports are part of the lineup, bolstered by Jio Star’s exclusive rights to high-profile cricket events, including the IPL, ICC tournaments, and BCCI matches.
This pricing adjustment is part of an industry-wide trend. Competitors Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) have also raised their channel bouquet prices by over 10%.
Jio Star’s move reflects the increasing value of premium content in the broadcasting sector. Exclusive rights to marquee events like the IPL and ICC tournaments position Jio Star to command higher prices, signaling the shifting priorities of broadcasters toward maximizing revenue while offering high-quality viewing experiences.
While the new rates are under regulatory review, the final pricing will depend on negotiations between broadcasters and distributors, with the aim of minimizing the impact on consumers.
The merger of Star India and Viacom18 has created one of the most extensive channel portfolios in Indian broadcasting. Jio Star’s pricing strategy underscores the value of exclusive content in an increasingly competitive market, where consumers are willing to pay more for premium viewing options. However, this approach also raises questions about affordability and its impact on consumer preferences in the long term.
Jio Star’s proposed price hike represents a pivotal moment in India’s broadcasting landscape, balancing the growing demand for premium content with competitive pricing challenges. As regulatory negotiations proceed, Jio Star’s next steps will likely set a benchmark for pricing strategies in the industry.
Key Highlights:
• Jio Star has proposed an 18% price hike for its Star Value Packs, post the Star India-Viacom18 merger.
• The broadcaster’s 83 channel packs feature exclusive content, including IPL and ICC tournaments, driving the price increase.
• Competitors like SPNI and ZEEL have also raised prices, reflecting a broader industry trend.
• Final pricing will depend on regulatory reviews and negotiations with distributors.