Finnish telco DNA has become the latest operator to enter a carriage dispute with media company Discovery Communications and its pan-European sports broadcaster Eurosport.
DNA said it is preparing to suspend the distribution of Discovery and Eurosport channels as of January 1, citing the “disproportionate increase” in the distribution fees sought by Discovery. Discovery has been involved in numerous similar carriage disputes with European operators over the past year.
Pekka Väisänen, senior vice-president of DNA’s consumer business, said in a statement: “We are actively working on reaching an extension agreement with Discovery. Negotiations are ongoing, and we hope that they will lead to a resolution as soon as possible.”
The dispute comes as Discovery and Eurosport prepare for the first Olympic Games under their rights deal with the International Olympic Committee.
Discovery and Eurosport have acquired media rights in a host of European markets, including Finland, for four editions of the Olympic Games, from 2018 to 2024. The 2018 winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, Korea commence on February 9.
DNA’s current agreement with Discovery expires at the end of the year.
“We find it strange that DNA are going out with this information now, as we are currently discussing how we can structure our partnership for the future,” a spokeswoman for Discovery Networks Finland Oy told the Broadband TV News website.
“Our hope is to find a solution together with DNA before the current deal expires, so that Finnish viewers can continue consuming our sports and entertainment, including the winter Olympic Games.”