TN Cable TV operators black out Sun channels

Chennai, Sep 23: The Cable TV operators in Tamil Nadu today blacked out the telecast of Sun TV and its bouquet of channels in protest against the launch of Sun DTH service by the Maran families, the estranged grand nephews of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. The Sun TV group's announcement of DTH service with attractive package, has triggered panic among the cable operators, who were foreseeing a bleak future.

With its TRP rating already on the decline following the launch of Kaliagnar TV, the Sun DTH service was seen as a counter to the Tamil Nadu government's decision to start Arasu Cable TV Corporation, which the government said would be like another MSO.

The black out began yesterday with some parts of the city unable to see the channels offered by SCV, the MSO owned by the Marans. Sources in the Cable TV circle said the black out was part of a state-wide protest to draw the government's attention in this regard.

In some places, the Cable TV operators held protests in front of the offices of Sumangali Cable Vision (SCV). Meanwhile, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi assured that the interests of the cable operators would be protected.

In a statement here, he said their woes would be redressed once the Arasu Cable TV Corporation comes into being. He urged the cable TV operators to exercise restraint and not fall prey to forces acting with ulterior motives.

UNI