DTH
South India stays loyal to Pay-TV in times of OTT
Despite the decline in pay-TV subscriptions in the Hindi speaking market due to the rise of OTT platforms and DD Free Dish, the south Indian pay-TV market remains resilient. Key factors include affordability, strong regional content, and low competition from alternative platforms.
Pay-TV revenue to decline by 1-3% in FY26 due to subscriber churn: ICRA
Indian pay-TV industry revenue is expected to decrease by 1-3% in FY2026. This is due to subscribers moving to OTT platforms and DD Free Dish services. Subscriber base decline will be partially offset by higher ARPU through bundled and premium content. Increased content costs and network investment will reduce margins.
Karnataka HC rules against inclusion of service tax in entertainment tax calculation on DTH
The Karnataka High Court has ruled that service tax should not be included in calculating entertainment tax on TV broadcast subscription fees under the Karnataka Entertainment Tax Act. The court set aside the Karnataka Appellate Tribunal's order and remanded the case for reconsideration, directing a fresh decision within three months.
Dish TV CEO seeks immediate rollout of TRAI recommendation on reducing DTH licensing fee
Dish TV CEO Manoj Dobhal urged the government to swiftly implement TRAI's recommendation to reduce the licensing fee for the DTH industry from 8% to 3% of AGR. This move could drive investment, foster innovation, and enhance consumer access to quality services, ensuring long-term industry sustainability.
Airtel shares in focus as company confirms talks with Tata Group to merge Tata Play with Bharti Telemedia
Bharti Airtel shares are in focus as the company confirmed discussions with the Tata Group to merge Tata Play, its DTH business, with Bharti Telemedia. The merger aims to boost Airtel's non-mobile revenues, with Airtel set to hold a majority stake of 52-55%. The deal would also grant Airtel access to Tata Play's 19 million homes.
Stocks in news: IndiGo, Bharti Airtel, Wipro, SpiceJet, UltraTech Cement, Coforge, Bharat Electronics
Burman family-controlled financial services firm Religare Enterprises approved the appointment of four directors -- Abhay Kumar Agarwal, Arjun Lamba, Gurumurthy Ramanathan and Suresh Mahalingam.
- Go To Page 1
Airtel says in talks with Tatas to combine Tata Play with Bharti Telemedia
Bharti Airtel is in talks with the Tata Group to merge Tata Play’s direct-to-home business with Airtel’s Bharti Telemedia. The merger aims to enhance Airtel’s non-mobile revenues through convergence, with Airtel expected to hold a majority stake. The potential deal would mark a significant transaction in India’s DTH space.
Tata Play, Airtel Digital TV near merger plans as DTH industry struggles amid streaming boom
Tata and Bharti groups are finalizing a merger of their DTH businesses, Tata Play and Airtel Digital TV, due to consumer shifts to digital platforms. The merger, structured through a share swap, will boost Airtel's revenues and is to be managed by Airtel's senior management.
TRAI proposes broadcast fee overhaul under new authorisation regime
TRAI recommends reducing fees and guarantees for broadcasting services and phasing out DTH license fees by FY27. It proposes transitioning to an authorisation system under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, integrating MSOs and LCOs, and examining OTT platforms’ inclusion. Interoperable set-top boxes are encouraged to enhance consumer choice.
Pay-TV players fret as channels return to DD free dish
Leading broadcasters JioStar, Zee Entertainment, and Sony Pictures Networks India are set to relaunch free-to-air Hindi general entertainment channels on DD Free Dish. This move may intensify subscriber churn from pay-TV to free platforms, although it could also generate significant ad revenue for broadcasters.
Dish TV's net loss surges to Rs 47 crore in Q3
Dish TV reported a massive 16.6-fold increase in net loss for Q3 2024, reaching Rs 46.5 crore. Operating revenues dropped by 20.7% due to competition from OTT platforms and free DTH services. The company announced the creation of a subsidiary, Dish Bharat Ventures, to manage a new e-commerce platform, aiming for recovery in the next fiscal year.
Bharti Airtel stocks jump nearly 4% in early trade after strong Q3FY
Bharti Airtel shares surged 3.6% after reporting a nearly six-fold jump in Q3FY25 net profit to Rs 14,760.7 crore, driven by Indus Towers consolidation and tariff hikes. Revenue grew 13% YoY to Rs 46,878 crore, while ARPU improved to Rs 245. Airtel added 4.95 million subscribers, boosting its 4G/5G base.
Bharti Airtel Q3 net profit zooms 6-fold on Indus Tower consolidation, rate hikes
Bharti Airtel’s consolidated net profit for the fiscal third quarter has more than doubled on-year, on account of one-time gain incurred by consolidation of majority stake in Indus Towers.
Parliamentary panel to review media laws in meeting on January 31
A parliamentary committee will meet on January 31 to review media laws due to rapid technological changes and evolving consumer behavior. The Press Council of India and the information and broadcasting ministry will offer insights. The exploration of a unified Media Council remains a topic of interest.
Tata Sons seeks CCI clearance to acquire additional 10 pc stake in Tata Play
Tata Sons seeks approval from the Competition Commission of India to acquire an additional 10 per cent stake in Tata Play from Temasek Holdings' affiliate, Baytree Investments. Upon approval, Tata Sons will increase its holding in Tata Play to 70 per cent. The parties assert that the transaction will not adversely affect competition in relevant markets.
BBC Studios weighs exiting India content production business amid challenges
BBC Studios, a subsidiary of BBC Group, is exploring options for its India content production business, including a potential exit, due to issues like consolidation and reduced content budgets from TV broadcasters and OTT platforms. This scenario has intensified competition among content producers.
GTPL Hathway spends Rs 265 crore on capex in 9 months FY25
Reliance Industries-backed GTPL Hathway invested Rs 265 crore in its cable TV and broadband businesses in the first nine months of the financial year. The company plans to launch its HITS service by next quarter, having invested Rs 100 crore in the project. GTPL Buzz has one million subscribers.
10 Best TVs under 15,000 to buy in 2025 for budget-friendly smart entertainment
The best TVs under 15,000 listed below offer a perfect blend of affordability and advanced features, making them ideal choices for budget-conscious consumers. These TVs come with high-definition resolutions along with smart functionalities like built-in Wi-Fi, Android or Google TV and access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. With sound technologies like Dolby Audio, they deliver impressive audio experiences, while features like voice control, screen mirroring and multiple connectivity options add to their convenience.
TV channels raise tariffs despite shrinking base as costs bite
TV broadcasters like SPNI and ZEEL are increasing channel bouquet rates by over 10% due to rising content costs and a challenging advertising environment. This comes as the pay-TV industry faces subscriber loss to OTT platforms and free alternatives like DD Free Dish.
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 players' FY24 revenue down amid major subscriber loss
Indian private DTH operators Tata Play, Bharti Telemedia, Dish TV, and Sun Direct experienced a 5% revenue decline amid a consumer shift to digital platforms. Bharti Telemedia was the only provider to show revenue growth. The industry faced significant subscriber losses, and consolidation discussions have intensified.
User Additions: It's a mixed bag for DTH companies
The pay Direct-to-Home (DTH) industry experienced mixed results in the third quarter, with strong subscriber additions during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in October and November, but losses in December as subscribers shifted to alternative platforms like OTT and DD Free Dish. The industry gained an estimated 1 million+ subscribers in October and November but lost an equal number in December, resulting in no net gain for the quarter. Bharti Airtel's DTH unit, Airtel Digital TV, achieved its highest net additions in 12 quarters, while Dish TV reported its best Q3 since FY19 in terms of new subscriber additions.
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.
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.
Load More
