Advanced Television

Madras DTH hit with 30% tax

September 16, 2011

By Chris Forrester

DTH broadcasters beaming programming over the state of Tamul Nadu must pay a 30 per cent entertainment tax, local reports state. The idea is said to ensure continued support for State-backed Arasu Cable. The tax will directly hit Sun Direct, the local DTH player, with a 17 per cent market share.

Other media-related taxes levied by the Tamil Nadu local government include a 25 per cent tax on India’s Premier League (IPL) cricket being played in and around the Chennai (Madras) region.

According to the Bill, the DTH service providers, who transmit private satellite channels directly to consumers’ house in the state, will be imposed 30 per cent as entertainment tax on overall prices levied, excluding the service tax.

There’s also an extra tax on cinema admissions. The current 15 Rupees tax on a 100 Rupees cinema ticket is to be doubled.

Categories: Articles, Broadcast, DTH/Satellite, Policy, Regulation