Telenet to drop ProSiebenSat.1 channels

Belgian cable operator Telenet is set to drop ProSiebenSat.1’s channels from its basic channel tier after failing to agree new terms with the German media firm. 

Telenet said that as of April 16 it will cease to distribute the digital TV signals of ProSiebenSat.1’s channels, claiming the firm had asked for an “unreasonable increase in their remuneration” for stations that failed to attract high viewer figures.

“In compiling our choice of channels for digital television, we choose channels that offer added value to our customers. With this strategy in mind, we look at each transmitter critically and evaluate continuously the market value of the digital channels in our basic offer,” said Telenet’s senior VP of public affairs and media relations, Ann Caluwaerts.

Telenet currently offers the ProSiebenSat.1-owned Sat.1 and Prosieben networks among a host of other foreign stations as part of its basic TV offering. Other German stations, that will still be available on the platform, include ARD, ZDF, RTL and VOX.