DTH war: Zee rapped for not giving signal to Tata Sky

Broadcast tribunal TDSAT on Monday came down heavily on Zee-Turner for not providing its channels to Tata Sky, a direct-to-home service provider and ordered that the channels should be made available by this evening.

Criticising the media group over non compliance of its order, TDSAT Chairman Justice Arun Kumar said, "Tricks would not work... at least I did not expect this from you... you are more interested in earning money rather than implementation of the order".

During the proceedings Zee-Turner, a 74:26 joint venture between Zee Telefilms and Turner International India, a sister concern of Time Warner contended that Tata Sky was yet to address issues "regarding territory and piracy" mentioned in their terms and conditions.

"To ensure this, we would have to do a site inspection of their base office," Zee-Turner said adding that it had already contacted Tata Sky on Friday.

But the respondent denied permission for inspection saying that their offices were closed on Saturday and Sunday. In response, Tata Sky charged Zee-Turner with unilaterally deciding the terms and conditions.

"They are saying that only after they are satisfied they would give the signals." To this, the tribunal said, "you are more interested in fairness rather than signals ... it could be done later also ... if you are not satisfied then come to us".