DTH
DTH, cable companies seek tech-neutral rules under new telecom regime
The television distribution industry in India is calling on the government to adopt technology-neutral regulations as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting prepares new authorization guidelines. Industry stakeholders are advocating for equitable treatment across satellite, cable, and internet platforms, while pressing for the implementation of the long-overdue recommendations from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to combat regulatory imbalances and a shrinking pay-TV sector.
Broadcasters wary as TV services face telecom-style rules
New draft rules propose telecom-style regulation for broadcasting services and internet-delivered television. Broadcasters worry about expanded definitions and stringent penalties under the Telecommunications Act. They also object to mandatory public service programming and content code compliance for authorisations. The proposed rules could restrict direct broadcasting through broadcaster apps and websites. These changes come as the sector faces shifting audience preferences and revenue pressures.
Tata Play Binge adds ETV Win to strengthen regional OTT offering
Tata Play Binge has integrated ETV Win, a Telugu streaming platform. This addition provides subscribers access to a vast library of Telugu films and shows. The partnership aims to enhance the platform's regional content ecosystem significantly. ETV Win offers over 499 Telugu films and popular television serials. This move strengthens Tata Play Binge's position in the growing Indian streaming market.
Sony Pictures Networks India profit climbs 16% in FY26 as sports drive growth
For the fiscal year 2026, Sony Pictures Networks India recorded an impressive 16% surge in profit, largely thanks to a robust cricket schedule and rising advertising revenues. However, subscription income fell by 4% amid distribution disputes. In contrast, licensing income flourished after JioHotstar acquired digital rights. Total costs escalated by 8%, reflecting higher employee and marketing expenses.
TV distributors push for lower payouts amid falling margins
Leading TV distributors like Tata Play and Airtel Digital TV are pushing for lower content fees from broadcasters. Facing subscriber losses and escalating channel prices, these platforms find current deals unsustainable. While some broadcasters are offering discounts, major players with strong channel portfolios are expected to resist demands for a 5-7% reduction, as the pay-TV market continues to shrink.
Subscriber losses push India's TV distribution industry towards consolidation as broadband, IPTV gain ground
India's TV distribution is shifting towards broadband and digital entertainment, forcing cable and DTH operators to confront subscriber losses to OTT and free services. This trend is fueling sector consolidation, with companies like ACT Group exiting cable TV to focus on broadband. Operators are repositioning, prioritising IPTV and bundled digital services as key growth drivers amidst declining pay-TV subscriptions.
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Bharti Airtel's Rahul Vatts named COAI Chairperson for 2026-27
Rahul Vatts of Bharti Airtel will lead COAI as Chairperson for 2026-27. Ravi Gandhi of Reliance Jio will be Vice-Chairperson. The announcement came after COAI's Annual General Body Meeting. The telecom industry body reviewed sector developments and discussed future priorities. This leadership change marks a new phase for strengthening India's digital communications ecosystem.
Tata Play loss widens to Rs 551 crore in FY26 as customers migrate to streaming, DD Free Dish
Tata Play faced a wider net loss and lower revenue in the 2025-26 financial year. Customers are moving away from DTH services to free platforms and streaming services. This trend has impacted Tata Play's subscriber base and market share. A dispute with Sony Pictures Networks India also contributed to the company's challenges. Average revenue per user saw a slight increase.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting releases draft rules to 'consolidate' broadcasting sector
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has released draft rules to bring television, radio, DTH, HITS, and IPTV services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. These proposed rules aim to simplify and harmonize the existing broadcasting regime, promoting ease of business. Broadcasters will need to ensure continuous channel operations and preserve programme recordings for monitoring.
Zee puts FIFA World Cup behind paywall to grow subscriber base
ZEE5 is offering dedicated FIFA World Cup subscription packs. Viewers will buy these packs directly. This strategy aims to boost ZEE5 subscriptions. Telecom bundling is being avoided for now. Two plans are available, ₹799 for three months and ₹1,699 annually. FIFA matches will not be in 4K. This approach prioritizes subscription growth.
Trai plan to regulate internet TV triggers pushback from OTT, broadcaster groups
In a bid to regulate, India's telecom authority TRAI is exploring potential guidelines for online television services, sparking a backlash from digital firms and broadcasters alike. They worry about the implications of rules that could disproportionately affect OTT platforms and digital news sites, which currently abide by IT regulations without the necessity of licenses.
FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming in India: When and where to watch online and on TV; check OTT platform and subscription plans
Indian football fans can now watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., with all matches available for streaming on Zee5. Traditional TV viewers can tune into the new Unite8 Sports network, ensuring comprehensive coverage across digital and broadcast platforms.
Dish TV FY26 loss widens as subscription revenue shrinks amid OTT pressure
Dish TV India faced a significant financial setback in FY26, reporting a wider consolidated loss. Subscription revenue saw a sharp decline due to intense competition from OTT platforms and changing viewer habits. The company's operating revenue and EBITDA also slipped.
Ad slowdown dulls impact of HC relief on TV landing page revenues
Broadcasters face a tough advertising market. The Kerala High Court's decision on TV ratings provides temporary relief for cable and DTH operators. However, declining ad revenue forces broadcasters to cut spending on promotional tools like landing pages. This impacts operator income as they rely on these placements. The industry is adapting to changing viewer habits and economic pressures.
India’s TV industry faces deeper pressure as viewers, advertisers move online
India's television industry is facing significant challenges. Advertising demand is slowing, and fewer people are subscribing to pay-TV. Viewers and advertisers are moving to digital platforms. Even major sports events are not stopping this trend. Companies like Zee Entertainment and Sun TV are reporting lower advertising revenue. This shift to digital is impacting traditional television broadcasting.
Cable, DTH vs streaming: Battle lines drawn at Trai over FAST TV rules
India's old television distributors and new digital companies are in a regulatory fight. The debate is about whether internet-delivered TV services should face the same rules as traditional cable and DTH. Traditional players want stricter regulations for new platforms. Technology companies oppose this. The government is seeking recommendations to frame a framework for these services.
IBDF joins legal battle over streaming of TV channels on Prasar Bharati’s WAVES platform
The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation has joined a legal battle concerning Prasar Bharati's WAVES platform. The dispute centers on whether OTT services can stream live TV channels. The All India Digital Cable Federation argues against this, citing distribution rules. Prasar Bharati contends TRAI lacks jurisdiction over OTT content. This revives earlier debates on internet-delivered television services.
DTH companies may get licence fee relief
Faced with subscriber churn and revenue decline, India's DTH operators are lobbying for a reduction in the 8% license fee. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is reviewing the fee structure and preparing a Cabinet note, potentially reducing it to align with TRAI's recommendations.
All India Digital Cable Federation urges Centre to reject TRAI's proposal to reduce DTH license fee
The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) has urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to reconsider TRAI's proposal to reduce DTH license fees, arguing it would create unfair competition. AIDCF contends that DTH operators benefit from free spectrum while cable operators face substantial infrastructure costs.
Jio, Airtel at loggerheads again over licence fee for DTH operators
Telecom giants Jio and Airtel clash over DTH license fee waivers. Airtel advocates for complete removal, citing parity with other platforms, while Jio opposes it, arguing DTH benefits from free spectrum, creating an unfair advantage. TRAI had previously recommended a phased reduction of the fee.
DTH industry revenue falls 10% to Rs 11,000 crore in FY23
The combined operating revenue of four private direct-to-home (DTH) companies in India, including Tata Play, Bharti Telemedia, Dish TV, and Sun Direct, declined nearly 10% in FY23 to Rs 11,072 crore, compared to Rs 12,284 crore the previous fiscal year. The four DTH companies incurred a net loss of Rs 2143 crore cumulatively, with Dish TV posting the biggest loss of Rs 1684 crore.
TRAI recommends scrapping of DTH licence fee after FY27
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended that the government should abolish the licence fee for direct-to-home (DTH) operators after the fiscal year 2026-2027. The TRAI suggests that the fee should be gradually reduced to zero over the next three years. The TRAI argues that DTH platforms should be treated equally with other distribution platforms that do not pay a licence fee.
DTH players seek 8% licence fee waiver to remain competitive
DTH body approached the Information and Broadcasting Ministry following a proposal under the consideration of the DoT to waive the licence fee on broadband services.
Govt approves revised DTH guidelines; to issue 20 year licence with 10 year renewal
While the Commerce Ministry had spoken of 100 per cent FDI in the DTH sector, the guidelines of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry needed to be changed.
TRAI releases recommendations on KYC of DTH operators
TRAI said there is no need to mandate physical verification at regular intervals as it will incur a huge cost to the DTH operators and inconvenience to the consumers.
DTH operators should provide inter-operability of STBs, says TRAI Chairman
If the DTH service providers found it a difficult option, commercial interoperability should be ensured keeping in mind the interests of the consumers.
Doordarshan to expand its DTH service
Doordarshan is planning to make an aggressive pitch in the DTH market by increasing the number of channels to nearly 120 on its DTH service 'Free Dish'.
Kamal Haasan postpones Vishwaroopam launch but holds his DTH line
Haasan said he was postponing the launch of his magnum opus, reportedly made at a cost of Rs 95 crore, while at the same time insisting he wasn't going back on his DTH plans.
SC to examine legality of MP entertainment tax on DTH services
Earlier, other DTH operators - Tata Sky, Bharti and Sun Direct - had also approached the apex court challenging the the entertainment tax by the MP government.
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