Viacom18's SD, HD sports channels set to debut on April 15

Viacom18 will be launching its two English sports channels Sports18 1 SD and Sports18 1 HD on 15 April, said the company's distribution arm IndiaCast in a public notice recently.

The SD and HD channels will be available at a reasonable price. The company has also slashed the price of its sports channels from Rs 12 to Rs 8. The charges will be applicable excluding taxes, levies and cess.

In addition, a one-month promotional offer for distribution platform operators (DPOs) is available where both the sports channels will not be charged any costs. The scheme will commence on 15 April and will expire on 14 May.

According to the media reports, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had granted fresh licenses to Viacom18 and Star India in June 2021. Four licenses were granted to both networks separately. Viacom18 is launching its new sports channel with these licenses.

Viacom18 has acquired rights to properties like FIFA World Cup, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue1, NBA, and Abu Dhabi T10 series. The network will be competing with Star Sports and Sony Sports Network channels. Sports broadcasting will become a three-player market with the entry of Sports18 1 SD and HD.