#e4mExclusive:  Sony channels go dark on GTPL, DEN, Hathway amid dispute over new RIO

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has disconnected its television channels from major cable television operators GTPL Hathway, DEN Networks and Hathway Cable & Datacom after the parties failed to conclude fresh distribution agreements under the broadcaster's latest Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO), according to industry sources.

All Sony channels have remained off air on the three cable platforms since June 10, impacting subscribers across multiple markets. 

People familiar with the matter said the disruption stems from disagreements over SPNI's latest RIO and the accompanying interconnection agreement.

Sources on the broadcaster's side claimed the cable operators had not signed the new agreement, while representatives of the cable industry alleged that Sony was leveraging channel disconnections to push consumers towards its streaming platform SonyLiv.

SPNI did not respond to e4m's queries till the time of publication.

The latest standoff comes close on the heels of Sony's ongoing distribution dispute with Tata Play, a matter that is currently pending before the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).

What the new RIO says

The broadcaster's Version 25 RIO, effective from April 1, 2026, requires distribution platform operators (DPOs) seeking Sony channels to execute the interconnection agreement strictly on an "as-is" basis. The document states that operators must enter into the agreement without making unilateral modifications and that any signed agreement containing unilateral changes would be treated as void.

The RIO further provides that when Sony publishes a fresh interconnection agreement, earlier agreements automatically become null and void and are superseded by the new framework.

The agreement also explicitly states that operators desirous of obtaining Sony's channels must not be in default of payment obligations to the broadcaster in order to be eligible for execution of the RIO.

In another provision that may have significance in the present dispute, the RIO notes that execution of the new agreement does not amount to a waiver of any outstanding subscription fees under earlier agreements and reserves Sony's right to seek recovery of past dues, including termination of the agreement for non-clearance of such dues.

Mandatory migration to new agreement

The new interconnection agreement contains a specific clause dealing with operators that were previously operating under Sony's earlier RIO Version 24.

According to Clause 13.3 of the agreement, Sony is required to issue a notice at least 60 days before the expiry of the previous RIO and the parties are expected to enter into the new agreement before the earlier arrangement expires. The clause further states that if the parties fail to execute the fresh interconnection agreement before the expiry of the previous RIO, the broadcaster would be entitled to disconnect retransmission of its channels.

Industry executives said this clause is at the heart of the current disagreement, with operators arguing that several provisions of the new framework require further discussion.

New channels and bouquet changes

The latest RIO also introduces a significantly expanded channel portfolio and bouquet structure.

Sony has proposed the launch of several new channels, including Kannada sports channel Sony Sports Ten 4 Kannada, Tamil general entertainment channels Sony Vizha and Sony Vizha HD, and Telugu general entertainment channels Sony Telugu and Sony Telugu HD. The agreement also allows the broadcaster to modify bouquets, discontinue channels or introduce new bouquets during the term of the contract.

Industry observers said the addition of new channels and revised bouquet structures could have implications for subscription economics and packaging strategies across distribution platforms.

Broader industry implications

The latest blackout revives concerns over recurring carriage disputes between broadcasters and distribution platforms despite the regulatory framework established by TRAI.

For consumers, the immediate impact is the loss of access to Sony's entertainment, movie, kids and sports channels, including Sony Entertainment Television, Sony SAB, Sony Max, Sony Pix, Sony Sports Ten channels and regional offerings carried by the network.

Moreover, from 1st July India England cricket series will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network, further impacting consumers. 

The dispute also arrives at a time when broadcasters and distribution platforms are increasingly balancing traditional pay-TV economics against the rapid growth of streaming services. Cable operators contend that prolonged channel blackouts risk accelerating subscriber migration toward digital platforms, while broadcasters argue that commercial agreements must be executed in line with the regulatory framework and published RIOs.

With Sony's separate dispute with Tata Play already under adjudication before TDSAT, the latest confrontation with GTPL, DEN and Hathway is likely to intensify scrutiny of broadcaster-distributor negotiations and the effectiveness of the current interconnection regime in preventing consumer disruption.