Hotel owners' association cries foul with Novex charging them exorbitant sums to screen Indian Premier League matches
Though the hotel owners' association and pubs in the city have decided to screen the DLF-IPL T20 matches, they are not happy with the amount of royalty being charged from them.
They have now decided to fight Novex Communication, the company that has been overcharging them for licences to broadcast the matches. Meanwhile, the restaurant association plans to boycott the screening. The matches are supposed to start from March 12.
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Koi farak nahi Albatta: Restaurateurs say that they don't need the IPL to bring in customers. File Pic |
'This is extortion'
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| The Other Side |
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"We are asking them to acquire licences for all the Multi Screen Media (MSM) channels, if they are screened in their premises, and not for just IPL. We are been authorised to collect licence fee (which will be valid for one year) from various commercial establishments," explained Ketan Kanakia, MD, Novex Communication. |
| "We have made representations to the Mumbai police regarding Novex's arm twisting and extortionary methods through retired police officers in their employ, as reported by our members. We have been promised a stringent action if they harass us. We have decided to go ahead with the screenings, and might consider the ban at a later stage if need be. We do not recognise Novex's authority," said Pradeep Shetty, chairman (Legal matters), Hotel and Restaurant Association - Western India (HRA-WI). He revealed that the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) had issued an order asking broadcasters not to take any action against hoteliers unless the matter is solved.
M R Vikram, director, Soda pub, Andheri, echos the sentiment. "Novex has no right to collect money from us.
We have already filed a case against them, and will continue screening the matches," he said.
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| MSM Channels |
| SET Max, AXN, Discovery, Animal Planet, MTV, Nickelodean, Discovery Travel & Living, Animax, NDTV 24x7, NDTV Profit, SAB. |
| No screening
The Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR which has 8,000 members), has decided that they will not screen any IPL matches this year, after AHAR members complained of harassment by Novex.
"This has gone too far now. We are getting them TRPs for free. We don't need the IPL to bring in customers; they will eat how much they want to eat. It is just a basic amenity. We won't screen the matches this year," said Narayan Alva, president of AHAR.
Nationwide issue
AHAR has written to IPL Chairman Lalit Modi and I&B minister Ambika Soni to address the matter. "This matter needs to be addressed on the Center level, as it is a nationwide issue. The agencies are charging fees as per their whims," added Alva.
According to a source, Novex is in negotiations with AHAR. "Novex has asked us for 1,000 members. Why will anybody give him fixed members to be harassed?" said the source. |
