KPN and Fox have to return to the negotiation table following the verdict of the judge that Fox can apply different pricing models for its Fox Sports channels from the various platforms.
KPN had asked the court to continue the current distribution agreement, that is runs out on Sunday, July 31, under the existing conditions. The operator claimed that Fox is looking to force Dutch platforms to include its Fox Sports 1 channel in their basic packages. However, the broadcaster said it is only offering a number of pricing models, one of which is to carry Fox Sports 1 in the basic tier.
The judge ruled that Fox can ask different prices from KPN, as the current contract is up for renewal. The contract with Ziggo, KPN’s main rival, as well as with the M7 Group (CanalDigitaal and Online.nl) runs a few more seasons. According to the judge, Ziggo opted for a longer contract, while KPN chose to sign a three-year deal.
The court proceedings also make clear that KPN balks at the minimum guarantees that Fox asks when the channels would be sold as exclusive premium channels rather than in the basic package. KPN thinks that this would make the channel two and a half times more expensive than under the current deal.
The full ruling can be found here (available in Dutch only)
