SATV, Channel 9's broadcast suspended due to non-payment of satellite bills
Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) has suspended the broadcasting of private television channels "SATV" and "Channel 9" due to non-payment of arrears.
"The decision to suspend broadcasting of SATV and Channel 9 was taken last night after the channels failed to pay the arrears, despite being asked repeatedly to clear their dues. Broadcasting from their satellite service has been suspended since last night. BSCL is very strict about collecting arrears," BSCL Chairman Shahjahan Mahmud told The Daily Star today.
SATV has already taken steps to pay the arrears and Channel 9 will also pay the bills soon, Mahmud said adding, "SATV's broadcast will be reinstated by noon today. Channel 9's broadcast will also be allowed immediately after their bill is paid."
Currently, 32 private and four government TV channels are broadcasting through Bangabandhu Satellite-1, the company chairman said. Besides, DTH (Direct to Home) service is also being provided through Bangabandhu Satellite-1.
"We have decided that all channels that have taken Bangabandhu Satellite-1 service will be disconnected if they do not pay the arrears till last December. Many channels have paid the arrears. The company has shown flexibility even though the bills are supposed to be paid every month. However, from now on, the company will be stricter in collecting bills," the BSCL chairman added.
Neither of the two private television authorities was immediately available for comment.
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