Indian news channels to boycott IPL 3

News channels in India are said to be in a feud with the organisers of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) series.

Many of the leading Indian news networks have decided against covering match reports and updates from the much awaited tournament. Broadcasters are protesting against “arbitrary” guidelines and certain contentious clauses regarding footage of the Twenty20 event.

The News Broadcasters Association (NBA), which has 34 channels as its members, said the IPL authorities and the official broadcaster of the event “arbitrarily” refused to abide by the 2008 norms that had been endorsed by the news channels.

This followed a meeting with the IPL officials and representatives from MAX, the channel that will telecast live the IPL matches.

Broadcasters will have to adhere by the new guidelines outlined below by the IPL:
– TV channels can use up to 30 seconds of fresh footage but must not exceed seven minutes a day
– Footage cannot be repeated more than three times a day.
– A minimum delay of 30 minutes from the live coverage
– Websites are not permitted to broadcast any of the match footages archived or deferred due to the IPL’s contract with YouTube

“In view of this position unilaterally taken by IPL/MAX, members of the NBA are unable to offer to their viewers any coverage in relation to IPL or its proposed matches,” the NBA said in its statement.

“Inconvenience caused to our viewers by this unreasonable commercial approach of IPL/MAX is regretted,” the NBA added.

Earlier, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) had urged the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to ensure that broadcasters get a fair deal from the IPL with regard to telecast of footage.

In the UK, it looks unlikely the IPL will be shown on TV, with matches being streamed live on IPL’s channel on YouTube instead. BizAsia.co.uk will keep you posted on the developments.