| The meeting was described as a "courtesy call,"
but the Dubai-based Taj Television Ltd CEO Chris McDonald admitted
that various issues relating to sports broadcasting were discussed
s part of a general discussion with the minister.
Asked specifically whether the issue of DD-Ten Sports wrangling,
now pending a decision in the apex court, was brought up, McDonald
replied in the negative.
McDonald was accompanied by Taj TV India head Sarmishta Rijhwani,
who added that "nothing specific" was brought up or discussed
during the meeting with Reddy.
Ten Sports is involved in a legal wrangle with Indian pubcaster
DD over the telecast of the India-Pakistan cricket series, held
after 14 years, in Pakistan last year. Ten has been claiming that
allowing DD to also show the cricket matches, the rights of which
ere obtained exclusively by Ten, has resulted in financial losses.
The Supreme Court, earlier, had directed DD to deposit Rs 500 million
with the court, which may be used to cover up Ten Sports alleged
losses, if proved in the court.
In turn, DD has been lobbying with the government to enact a legislation
that would ensure the terrestrial broadcaster also getting telecast
rights of any events that is deemed important for the country, irrespective
of the fact whether a private channel has obtained telecast rights
or not for India.
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