MUMBAI: Star India has deferred the launch of five upcoming channels – Vijay Music, Star Sports 3 HD, Star Gold 2 HD, Star Movies Select and Disney Channel HD. In an intimation to distribution platform operators, the network did not provide any reason for the delay.

The channels were first announced in January’s RIO. Most of the channels were to launch on 1 February while Disney Channel HD was scheduled for launch on 1 March. Star Gold 2 was supposed to be rebranded from Movies OK.

Additionally, Star India also announced that it is offering an extension to DPOs whose contracts expired on 31 March and they failed to enter into new agreements. They have been provided an extension till 30 April as an ‘interim measure’.

“This is to inform all distributor of television channels (“DPOs), whose subscription license agreement executed with Star India Private Limited and/or Disney Broadcasting India Limited has expired on 31 March 2020 or is expiring by efflux of time on 29 April 2020 (and have not signed the subscription license agreement version three dated 1 January 2020), is further extended for a period ending on 30 April 2020 as an interim measure by way of extension letters, on terms and condition detailed therein,” says the intimation.

A similar announcement was made on 20 March giving them an extension on agreements that expired on 29 February, up to 31 March. It is unsure where these extensions are being provided due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis which has impacted all industries including the broadcasting and cable TV industry.