YouSee has warned customers that Discovery Networks’ channels might not be a part of its ‘Bland Self’ packages from the New Year.
In a statement the Danish operator said it wanted negotiations to continue, but it was getting close to the new year.
In the Danish market Discovery Networks also includes the Eurosport channels and the general entertainment channel Kanal 5.
“It has been important for us to find a solution with Discovery Networks so that our customers continue to have access to their content and channels. That is why we have worked on various possible solutions in the negotiations. Partly where Discovery Networks ‘content could continue as part of Bland Self, but also solutions where we have offered to continue with several of Discovery Networks’ channels in the fixed packages, including Kanal 5, where the football team’s qualification matches are shown.”
YouSee puts the current impass down to it being unable to raise prices because of regulatory issues. At the same time while viewers want to pay less for channels, in part due to changing viewing habits, the channels want to charge more.
“There are still many customers who prefer fixed TV packages. Our foremost task is to ensure a fair price and the right content for them. Although many TV channels have fewer viewers than before, they continue to be more expensive for us distributors.”
Launched in 2014, Bland Self allows customers to build their own ‘personal’ TV package. It’s currently the operators most popular TV package among new customers.
