RCS & RDS removes Discovery in fee row

Romanian cable operator RCS & RDS has revealed that it has dropped Discovery channels from its line-up because it believes the US broadcaster’s fees are too high.

In a statement, the operator said Discovery charged around three times more for its channels than similar networks do, while its audience share is only about 1%. RSC & RDS added that as Discovery charges in US dollars, the amount it charges for its channels is twice as high as it was in 2008 in local currency terms, and three times higher than in 2005.

“Arguments about the economic crisis, the decline in consumer purchasing power and exchange rate impact were never accepted by Discovery Group. In recent weeks, Discovery Group has agreed for the first time to discuss some concessions, but they do not solve the underlying problems,” RCS & RDS said.