UPC Broadband Slovakia subscribers are facing the prospect of no longer being able to watch TV channels from CME’s Markiza Group from July 1.
In a statement, Markiza says that on that day the contract between the two parties will expire, leaving around 134,000 UPC customers without access to the Markiza, Doma and Dajto channels. However, it remains open to negotiations on an extension to the contract.
Markíza Group CEO Matthias Settele explained that Markíza negotiates contracts regarding distribution rights with various Slovak operators every year. However, this is the first time in the last 10 years that the situation has reached a very real concern about the disconnection of channels for UPC customers.
“We have done everything in our power, unfortunately, we have not reached an agreement yet. We call on UPC to continue negotiations and not leave their 134,000 customers without access to Markiza Group channels. We always strive for a fair deal and offer transparent and comparable conditions to operators. These were accepted by all other operators. We regret that UPC has not yet accepted our standard offer and has not concluded a contract with us that would reflect the proposals for two offers for one year or three years. We hope that UPC cares about the availability of comparable services for their customers”.
At the same time, Markiza denies that it would unjustly or disproportionately increase the fees for its television channels. The price for their distribution has been below the European market average for a long time, and according to Settele, there is ongoing communication with all operators about their gradual increase.
“The fees for our channels are based on their value. At the same time, we have long-term and continuously informed our partners about gradual price increases until we reach a fair market remuneration, reflecting the contribution of our stations to the operators’ offer. At the same time, we provide them with the opportunity to conclude long-term contracts with us and prepare packages and services for their customers that can be offered for a longer period”.
Broadband TV News notes that IPC reacted quickly to Markiza’s statement. According to Zive, it welcomed Markiza’s efforts to sign a new contract.
It also said that it had until now reached an agreement with the broadcaster as it would like to offer subscribers the option of packages in which Markiza’s channels are not available. Some operators, including Antik and DSi Data, although give their customers the option of receiving Markiza and Joj Group channels for an additional fee.
