Smash TV and Multiplus

In an article entitled MP Urges PBS To Buy Rights For World Cup (April 19) it is stated that Smash TV is "being carried by Melita Cable" and that "Smash TV cannot be received by Multiplus subscribers as it had refused to form part of the Multiplus package on grounds that people should not be made to pay for a station that is transmitted for free".

On the Melita website, Smash TV is included under the Reception Tier for which one is required to pay Lm3.33 per month, equivalent to Lm39.96 per annum.

The Multiplus website shows that other local channels (TVM, Super 1, Net, Education 22) are included in the Free+ package. Access to the Free + package is granted on purchasing the receiver (which is a one-time cost) plus an annual fee of Lm12 for a Multiplus Smartcard (i.e. viewing card). Since all other local TV channels are included in the Free+ package, it is very reasonable to expect that Smash TV would have been included with them in that tier, had the channel accepted to be carried by Multiplus.

In short, to get Smash TV, a Melita Cable subscriber must pay nearly Lm40 per annum while a Multiplus subscriber pays a yearly Lm12.

I am baffled. If what is reported in the article is correct, the channel has no qualms that subscribers to one operator must pay Lm40 but then finds the Lm12 annual fee of another operator too much to swallow. Was the choice of Smash TV as the local free-to-air channel to carry the World Cup games (as dictated by law and the Malta Communications Authority) by Melita Cable a pure coincidence, I humbly ask?

I am at a loss; an explanation by Smash TV management would be most welcome.

On a positive note, channel management has installed repeaters to extend reception nationwide and in the clear at no cost. This is commendable. However, I see no reason why Multiplus subscribers are denied the opportunity of receiving Smash TV or made to install another aerial. As I see it, the Multiplus offer is very price competitive. So refusing to be carried by one particular operator only seems to result in loss of potential audience, something Smash management should not like.

May I suggest that the channel continues broadcasting free-to-air but accepts carriage on all local operators giving a real choice to the customer. If Smash TV is included in the Multiplus channel line-up, I would expect it to be added to the Free+ package along with the other local channels at no extra cost to customers (apart from the Lm12 they already pay).

Perhaps the MCA can also look into this.