Bal Thackeray's death: Cable ops only show news channels

MUMBAI: Cable TV operators blacked out the broadcasting of entertainment channels on their digital networks since Saturday evening as a mark of respect to Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray who died the same afternoon.

The news channels, covering in detail the death of Thackeray and the Sunday?s funeral procession, were shown on digital cable networks. Mumbai is one of the three metros to have gone digital since 1 November.

The Mumbai Cable Operators? Association (MCOA) is led by Shiv Sena leader and Member of Legislative Council Anil Parab.

Even the sports channels were blocked in many parts of Mumbai.

The entertainment and sports channels, however, started beaming once the funeral rites were over.

The cinema theatres in Mumbai were also shut.