Vietnam Television clarifies why channels were removed from cable TV platforms

Vietnam Television reports that although its channel package generates significant revenue for businesses, the costs it receives are not commensurate, necessitating renegotiations.

Channels VTV2 and VTV3 have been unavailable on TV platforms such as FPT Play, TV360 and MyTV since Jan. 16, with no resolution as of Jan.19.

The platforms too have cited their inability to reach an agreement with VTV as the reason for the disruption.

In a statement on Sunday, VTV said it began negotiations with pay-TV providers in November 2024 to establish a new cooperation model aimed at balancing « the value of content, VTV’s investment costs and the interests of viewers and businesses. »

« Several providers have reached agreement with VTV to continue retransmitting its channels. For others, without a legal basis, VTV cannot maintain the full channel package. »

VTV emphasized the significance of its channel package, describing it as « a vital driver of subscriptions and revenues for telecom companies. »

While VTV1 remains a free-to-air channel, others from VTV2 to VTV9 and VTV Can Tho have been distributed under retransmission contracts for years. « The licensing fees currently paid to VTV do not accurately reflect the value its content brings to pay-TV platforms, » the broadcaster said.

Negotiations are ongoing, with a meeting involving the Ministry of Information and Communications scheduled for Jan. 20. In the meantime viewers can access VTV’s full channel package on the VTVgo digital platform, terrestrial digital television and pay-TV services that have reached agreements with VTV, such as VieON.

The number of channels on pay-TV platforms has been declining in recent years.

In 2023 multiple channels under The Walt Disney Company ceased broadcasting in Vietnam, and on Jan. 15, 13 VTC channels, along with VOVTV and Nhan Dan TV, were removed as part of a major streamlining operation.

As of December 2024 there were 21.2 million pay-TV subscriptions in the country, a 1% increase from the previous year.

The ministry targets a figure of 22 million by the end of 2025.

By Luu Quy  – VnExpress.net – January 19, 2025