The Indian arm of ESPN and Dish TV are locked in a bitter dispute over signal use.
ESPN has threatened to withdraw its signals to Dish TV, accusing it of unauthorised use of its signals. It has threatened to deactivate three popular sports channels, ESPN, Star Sports and Star Cricket in 21 days, saying there has been no agreement between the two on the disputed issues.
Dish TV has called it a “pressure tactic" according to the Hindustan Times.
In a statement, ESPN Software India said: “This is to inform subscribers of Dish TV India… that ESPN, Star Sports and Star Cricket services… are liable for de-activation after expiry of 21 days due to non-signing of agreement, illegal provisioning/retransmission of services and breach of applicable regulations including reporting requirements.”
RC Venkateish, CEO of Dish TV, said: “I simply do not understand the reason for this notice. There is absolutely no ground for ESPN India to issue it.”
ESPN India refused to comment.
