DD ignores TRAI suggestion, refuses to share cricket signals

TRAI had recommended sharing of content on a non-discriminatory basis. In other words, it should be aired on cable, Direct to Home and terrrestrial mode.

Sarma said he had convinced the BCCI that DD’s signals will be available both on terrestrial mode and cable.

The Corporation yesterday had inked a deal for the India-Australia, South Africa series and the Platinum jubilee celebrations with Pakistan, and will telecast them on DD-National, DD-Sports, Direct DD and All India Radio to earn close to Rs 100 crores. ‘‘Once the matches are in DD homes, they will be watched by everyone unlike the times when one channel had the exclusive rights,’’ said Sarma.

When asked about the sanctity of its recommendations, TRAI chief Pradip Baijal, said it was for the Government to decide. ‘‘We are a carriage regulator and had recommended non-discriminatory sharing of signals. But it is difficult to give a straight answer to the problem. If huge money is spent on rights, the issue of non-discriminatory sharing of signals has to be examined in that light,’’ Baijal said.

Zee’s Jawahar Goel said an arrangement between Prasar Bharati and his DTH platform Dish TV, will allow for signals to be seen by his subscribers. But Sarma is non-committal on sharing signals with Zee’s DTH. ‘‘We are examining the issue.’’ The Corporation is planning to sell radio rights to Australia.