MUMBAI: Do you watch TV daily? If so, you need to know about this change that will come into effect from February 1. According to recent reports, the TV Broadcasters' Association in the country is planning to implement a tariff hike starting February 1. The decision to increase rates is attributed to a decline in advertising revenue and rising costs associated with content production.

As a result, DTH (Direct-to-Home) and cable network operators may raise the charges levied on consumers. The rate hike is expected to impact regular consumers the most. The TV broadcasters' move to raise the charges comes as the number of OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms in the country continues to grow. The revised rates will come into effect on February 1.

The Broadcasting Association stated that the cost of producing television content has increased significantly over the last few years. With advertising revenue declining sharply, they believe that increasing rates is the only viable option. The association also emphasized that the rate hike is essential for improving the quality of content.

Major broadcasters such as Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) and Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEE) have announced an increase in the prices of their channel packages by over 10%, as reported by The Economic Times. Jio Star has also announced a price hike. Sony Pictures Network will raise the price of its Happy India Smart India package from Rs 48 to Rs 54. Zee Entertainment's Family Pack Hindi SD will increase from Rs 47 to Rs 53, with the addition of the English entertainment channel Zee Café to the package.