Viasat has ceased offering the Russian channels RTR-Planeta, Ren Baltiya and First Baltic in the Baltic Republics.
Quoting Ulrik Bengtsson, CEO pay-TV emerging markets at Viasat, Lenta says the reason for doing so is the satellite broadcaster’s failure to reach an agreement with Baltic Media Alliance (BMA).
According to Bengtsson, the agent has unjustifiably increased prices and demanded the compulsory inclusion of other channels in the package that contained the three services. He added that the broadcasting of the three channels has been suspended rather than terminated and they will not be replaced by proprietary Russian channels.
Bengtsson also said that Viasat plans to hold talks with the channels to reach a commercial solution acceptable to all stakeholders.
Lenta points out that Eutelsat continues to broadcast RTR-Planeta and First Baltic throughout Europe, including the Baltic States.
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