Broadcast of Indian television channels halted in Nepal

KATHMANDU: The broadcast of Indian television channels operating in Nepal has been halted due to a prolonged lack of foreign currency recommendations. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced that Indian television networks stopped their broadcasts from Thursday, impacting popular channels under the Colors, Star, Zee, and Sony networks.

Gajendra Kumar Thakur, the joint secretary and spokesperson of the ministry, stated, “Primarily, the broadcasts of channels under India’s Colors, Star, Zee, and Sony networks have been halted. Since Chaitra 15, 2079 BS (March 29, 2023), they have not received foreign currency recommendations.”

Thakur emphasized that providing foreign currency recommendations is not an issue if done according to the law and regulations. However, he condemned the networks for halting broadcasts to pressure the government.

The government implemented a new system on Shrawan 1, 2080 BS (July 17, 2023), leading to the halt of these broadcasts. Indian channels had initially resisted adopting the à la carte pricing system, which sets separate prices for each channel, but later showed readiness to comply when the government stood firm.

“These channels have opposed setting separate prices for each channel, which is not acceptable,” Thakur added.

According to the ministry, approximately one billion rupees worth of foreign currency recommendations for all foreign channel providers is currently pending. This situation has created a significant gap in television content for viewers in Nepal, who are accustomed to a variety of Indian programming.

The halt in broadcasts underscores the ongoing financial and regulatory challenges between Nepal and foreign television networks. The government remains firm in its stance, urging compliance with the new pricing system to ensure a fair and transparent process for foreign currency recommendations.