ITV

Category: Cable TV

  • Den Networks: Profitability rises; revenues drop in Q2 FY 2025

    Den Networks: Profitability rises; revenues drop in Q2 FY 2025

    MUMBAI: National multisystem operator Den Networks has reported a drop in revenues in Q2 FY 2025 ended 30 September 2024, even as its profitability has improved as compared to year ago same period on a consolidated basis.

    In regulatory filings with the Bombay stock exchange (BSE), DEN declared Rs 2490.80 million in operating revenue as against an operating revenue of Rs 2766.13 million in the year ago Q2 period. That is a drop of around 9.95 per cent. Its subscription revenue too saw a dip to Rs 1210 million from Rs 1460 million in the same year-ago period. EBITDA plunged 35 per cent to Rs 280 million in Q2FY2024 as compared to Rs 430 million in Q2FY 2024.

    Unlike GTPL Hathway which reported a drop in its net profit, DEN Networks said its net profit rose 13.94 per cent to Rs 520.5 million in  Q2 FY 2025 as against Rs 456.8 million in the quarter ended 30  September 2023. Its

    On a half yearly basis ended 30 September 2024, the company’s total consolidated revenue crashed to Rs 4966.08 million as against Rs 5497.94 million in the half year ended 30 September 2023. Its profit after tax for the latest H1 FY 2025 period rose to Rs 949.40 million as against Rs 878.85 million in H1 FY2023.Its operating profit  before working capital changes fell to Rs 465.74 million from Rs 589.15 million. The cash the company generated from operations nosedived to Rs 222.69 million (Rs 677.28 million).

    Den Networks’  share price was shaved by 47 paise to close at Rs 51.75 at the end of trading.

     

  • GTPL Hathway: net profit plummets, revenue rises nine per cent in Q2 FY 2025

    GTPL Hathway: net profit plummets, revenue rises nine per cent in Q2 FY 2025

    MUMBAI: Ahmedabad-hqed GTPL Hathway Ltd’s results for Q2 FY 2025 ended on 30 September 2024 are a bit of a mixed bag, according to the company’s filings with the Bombay stock exchange.

    Total consolidated income rose nine per cent to Rs 8,620 million as against Rs 7,900 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Net profit however plunged 62 per cent at Rs 129 million as against Rs 344 million (Q2 FY2024). EBITDA for Q2 FY25 stood at Rs 1,138 million (Rs 1,351 million); EDITDA margin was at 13.2 per cent (17.1 per cent), operating EBITDA margin was at 22 per cent (25.2 per cent).

    GTPL Hathway’s active digital cable TV subscribers rose by 100,000 over the previous year’s corresponding quarter to touch 9.50 million, even as paying subscribers rose by a similar number reaching  8.80 million.

    Its broadband subs also jumped by 50,000 to get to 1.04 million with home passes standing at 5.95 million, a pole vault of 400,000 year on year.  Of the 5.95 million, 75 per cent are FTTX conversion ready, the MSO says. Average revenue per user for broadband stood at a chunky Rs 460 while data consumption per user was 350 GB per month, an increment of 13 per cent year on year.

    According to GTP Hathway managing director Anirudhsinh Jadeja what helped the cable TV MSO retain its no 1 position as the largest operator in the country in Q2 2025 is its sharp focus on innovation and enhancing customer experience. 

    Anubhai (as he is called in the trade) added: “Broadband business is witnessing healthy subscriber growth, propelled by both direct customer additions and with strategic use of our extensive partner network to expand. In the cable business, our efforts are focused on growing our subscriber base through a mix of organic growth and industry consolidation via acquisitions of existing operators and MSOs. This dual strategy strengthens our market position and builds on our success.”

    He explained that the company added the customer app GTPL Buzz, relaunched its website (gtpl.net), introduced TV everywhere, Blacknut cloud gaming, Distro TV, while integrating its AI-enabled app Giva for sales as well as support during the quarter.

    “These customer touchpoints have been designed for a consistent user experience and to deliver seamless interaction across platforms and devices,” said Anubhai.

    GTPL’s shares rose Rs 2.65 to end the day at Rs165.65.

  • GTPL Hathway announces change in directorate

    GTPL Hathway announces change in directorate

    MUMBAI: There has been a change in the directorate at GTPL Hathway. The Anirudhsinh Jadeja-promoted network has accepted the stepping down of Falgun Shah and Kunal Chandra – as independent directors, having completed their second term from 27 September 2024.  It made this announcement to the Bombay stock exchange in end-September.

    The duo has been replaced by Dhiren Dalal and Sunil Sanghvi who came on board as independent directors from 28 September.

    It may be recalled that GTPL Hathway had disclosed in its annual report for the year ended 31 March 2024 that its rapid expansion in Andhra Pradesh , Telangana, Tamil Nadu, the north-east, Delhi, Harayana and Uttarkhand had led to an increase in its active subscribers by 550,000 to reach 9.5 million while its paying subscribers rose 600,000 to touch 8.8 million on a year on year basis. Its standalone revenue too rose to Rs 2028.52 crore and its net profit to Rs 76.24 crore. 

  • West Bengal cable TV operators raise tariffs by 5-10 per cent: PTI report

    West Bengal cable TV operators raise tariffs by 5-10 per cent: PTI report

    MUMBAI: Cable TV operators have increased customer tariffs by five to 10 per cent, according to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI) referring to the state of west Bengal.

    Quoting various cable TV network owners in Kolkata, the report revealed that the price hike was enforced on the fraternity, courtesy the rise in content costs demanded by broadcasters in August. The PTI report further stated that the cable TV ecosystem was trying to find a balance between rising costs and not put the entire burden on the end customer at home. 

    Meghbela Broadband co-founder Tapabrata Mukherjee was quoted as saying that his network has not yet raised customer prices as it has been absorbing costs for the past two months. 

    “We can no longer sustain it,” he told  PTI. “On an average, we will raise tariffs by five to six per cent, though other broadcasters have hiked rates by more than 10 per cent, and in some cases, by as much as 20 per cent.”

    India Cablenet Co director Suresh Sethia informed  PTI that SitiCable’s minimal tariff hike is a strategy to compete with mobile users who prefer short-form content on platforms like YouTube and Facebook. The network has also launched Tubers TV, allowing users to submit short-form content up to eight minutes long, which has gained popularity.

    “Our price hike ranges between 5-10 per cent across different packages,” Sethia explained. “Overall, cable connections in Bengal have decreased to around 68 lakh from one crore four years ago.”

    That’s a challenge, that pay TV distribution faces nationally. 
     

  • GTPL Hathway creates buzz with new services,

    GTPL Hathway creates buzz with new services,

    MUMBAI: It’s hoping that it’s new offering will get its customers buzzing. MSO  GTPL Hathway has announced the launch of its customer application GTPL Buzz. The app enables subscribers to experience new GTPL offerings like TV Everywhere Cloud Gaming and Distro TV and access and manage their accounts with the cable TV MSO and broadband provider. Additional services are planned to be made available within GTPL Buzz in the near future. The app is available on the Android Play store as well as on iOS (Apple Store).

    Cloud Gaming: GTPL Buzz introduces the first-ever commercial launch of Blacknut Cloud Gaming in India. Blacknut Cloud Gaming is the world’s leading pure player cloud gaming service. The subscription-based game streaming service allows GTPL to offer the largest catalogue of premium AAA games with more than 500 premium titles to its customers. With Blacknut Cloud Gaming service, gamers can now enjoy their favorite titles anytime, anywhere, without the need to invest in expensive gaming consoles. With five profiles, everybody in the family can enjoy their favourite games simultaneously across mobiles, tablets, PCs, android set Top boxes as well as smart TVs.

    TV Everywhere: The GTPL Buzz app enables customers with active cable TV and/or broadband connections to view live TV content, anytime – anywhere, on their mobile devices, thus providing them the convenience of watching live TV channels anywhere for the true experience of TV Everywhere. The service, branded as GTPL Live TV, requires customers to simply login with their registered mobile number and enjoy the freedom to watch live TV channels across two additional devices simultaneously while continuing to watch all the available channels on their set top boxes.

    Distro TV: GTPL Buzz has also integrated the Distro TV services, which provides online streaming channels,  including a mix of news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle content in Indian as well as international languages. This redefines GTPL’s entertainment landscape for its customers, offering seamless access to a global content library through GTPL Buzz. The TV Everywhere services and Distro TV services will also be available on the GTPL website soon.

    In line with the revamp of the app, GTPL’s website (www.gtpl.net) has also been upgraded and revamped with a version which is modern, minimalistic, uncluttered and user friendly. The TV Everywhere and Distro TV services will be available to the entire customer base of GTPL soon, a massive value addition to the existing subscribed GTPL services, at no additional cost. The company services 12 million digital cable TV homes and a million broadband homes; as on June 30, 2024, it has approximately 9.60 million active digital cable TV subs and 1.03 million broadband subscribers and a broadband homepass of about 5.90 million.

    GTPL’s chatbot Giva, recently upgraded and launched on WhatsApp is now available within GTPL Buzz as well as on the revamped website and is planned to be available soon on the GTPL Facebook handle. The enhanced Giva, developed by Yellow.ai, a global leader in conversational AI, offers a one-stop solution for all GTPL services with the implementation of an NLP-trained multimodal AI chatbot, enabling seamless self-service, sales, and support.

    Says GTPL managing director Anirudhsinh Jadeja:  “GTPL has always been at the forefront of introducing technological enhancements to serve the customers’ ever evolving preferences. The launch of GTPL Buzz App and our enhanced Website are a huge step forward in this direction and sets the pace for us to continue exceeding our customer expectations. With the introduction of TV Everywhere services as well as integration of Distro TV services, we are excited to offer customers the convenience of gaining access to a wide range of Indian and international live TV channels on their devices, thus making access to content more inclusive.”

    “The India launch of Blacknut Cloud Gaming services will offer customers the best gaming titles at an economical subscription fee. The enhanced Giva offers 24X7X365 availability of self-help options across multiple modes including WhatsApp, website and GTPL Buzz, in addition to the 24X7 centralized call centre and various social media”, he adds

  • INVIDI Technologies partners with Hathway and DEN

    INVIDI Technologies partners with Hathway and DEN

    Mumbai: INVIDI Technologies has announced a partnership with Hathway Digital Ltd. (Hathway Digital), a wholly owned Subsidiary of Hathway Cable and Datacom Ltd (Hathway) and DEN Networks Ltd. (DEN). This collaboration marks a significant step in transforming the digital cable TV advertising landscape by introducing, for the first time, digital cable TV markets advanced targeted advertisement solutions to Hathway Digital and DEN’s extensive distribution network. This partnership will help in addressing the pressing need of the current day and age of reaching the right audience in the right markets in the most economical way.

    Both Hathway Digital and DEN will leverage INVIDI Technologies’ cutting-edge ad tech through this strategic alliance to deliver highly targeted and personalised advertisements to its diverse audience. This solution will ensure anomalies of linear TV advertisements is addressed and advertisements are delivered to the customers with required advertiser’s cohorts of customer profile. This innovative approach will open new avenues, improve media buying efficiencies and allow brands to reach specific viewer segments with tailored messages, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of their money spent on advertising campaigns.

    INVIDI Technologies COO Prasad Sanagavarapu stated, “Our collaboration with both Hathway and DEN represents a major advancement for content owners, viewers, and advertisers alike. By deploying INVIDI’s Addressable TV solutions, Hathway and DEN will enable brands to optimize their marketing spend by delivering relevant ads directly to their target audiences. This partnership underscores our commitment to enhancing the Indian advertising ecosystem with state-of-the-art technology.”

    A representative of DEN said, “We’re excited to integrate INVIDI’s technology into our operations. This partnership is a game-changer for our advertising partners, giving them the ability to target their audiences with unprecedented precision. For our subscribers, it means receiving more relevant and engaging content, which enhances their overall viewing experience. By bringing INVIDI’s advanced solutions to the Indian market, we’re not just improving our advertising offerings but also providing our subscribers with more relevant content and less ad clutter.”

    “We are delighted to bring first time in Digital Cable TV, targeted advertisement solution and partnering with INVIDI Technologies represents a major milestone in our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to our advertisers,” said a representative of Hathway Digital. “This partnership will redefine the advertisement on Digital Cable TV and enable us to offer a new level of precision in Linear TV advertising. With this, brands can connect with their audiences more meaningfully.”

  • Hathway and Den bring Invidi Tech’s addressable ad tech to digital cable TV

    Hathway and Den bring Invidi Tech’s addressable ad tech to digital cable TV

    MUMBAI: Invidi Technologies, a pioneer in addressable advertising technology, has announced a ground-breaking partnership with Hathway Digital Ltd. (Hathway Digital), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hathway Cable & Datacom Limited (Hathway)  and Den Networks Ltd. (Den), India’s leading multi-system operators (MSOs). This collaboration marks a significant step in transforming the digital cable TV advertising landscape by introducing, for the first time, digital cable TV markets advanced targeted ad solutions to Hathway Digital  and Den’s extensive distribution network. This partnership will help in addressing the pressing need of the current day and age of reaching the right audience in the right markets in the most economical way. 

    Both Hathway Digital and Den will leverage Invidi Technologies’ cutting-edge ad tech through this strategic alliance to deliver highly targeted and personalised advertisements to diverse audiences. This solution will ensure anomalies of linear TV ads is addressed and they  are delivered with the required advertiser’s customer profile cohorts. This innovative approach will open new avenues, improve media buying efficiencies and allow brands to reach specific viewer segments with tailored messages, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of their money spent on ad campaigns.

    Says Invidi Technologies chief operating officer Prasad Sanagavarapu: “Our collaboration with both Hathway and Den represents a major advancement for content owners, viewers, and advertisers alike. By deploying Invidi’s  addressable TV solutions, Hathway and Den will enable brands to optimise their marketing spend by delivering relevant ads directly to their target audiences. This partnership underscores our commitment to enhancing the Indian advertising ecosystem with state-of-the-art technology.”

    Adds a Den representative:  “We’re excited to integrate Invidi’s technology into our operations. This partnership is a game-changer for our advertising partners, giving them the ability to target their audiences with unprecedented precision. For our subscribers, it means receiving more relevant and engaging content, which enhances their overall viewing experience. By bringing Invidi’s  advanced solutions to the Indian market, we’re not just improving our ad offerings but also providing our subscribers with more relevant content and less ad clutter.”

    “We are delighted to bring first time in digital cable TV, targeted ad solutions and partnering with Invidi Technologies represents a major milestone in our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to our advertisers,” points out a Hathway representative. “This partnership will redefine the ads on digital cable TV and enable us to offer a new level of precision in linear TV advertising. With this, brands can connect with their audiences more meaningfully.”

    Addressable TV advertising represents a departure from traditional broad-spectrum TV ads. Unlike conventional methods, which cast a wide net, addressable ads allow for precise targeting based on viewer demographics, interests, and behaviours. This tailored approach not only improves the relevance of the advertising content but also boosts engagement and maximises the return on investment for advertisers by minimising wasted impressions.

    Combining Hathway Digital and Den’s extensive distribution network and reach with Invidi’s advanced targeting capabilities, this partnership will deliver a robust ad solution that bridges the gap between linear digital cable TV’s wide audience and digital precision targeting, providing brands with a powerful tool to connect more effectively with their ideal customers.

    (Pix: courtesy Barc)

     

  • TCCL fails to make overdue payments for Disney Star’s channel

    TCCL fails to make overdue payments for Disney Star’s channel

    TCCL has failed to make overdue payments for Disney Star’s channels, despite collecting subscription fees in advance from its customers. Even after continuous discussions and multiple reminders regarding the overdue payments, TCCL has yet to settle its financial obligations

    TCCL’s failure to pay outstanding dues to Disney Star, has led to a situation where Disney Star had to suspend all its channels from TCCL. This decision comes after repeated attempts to resolve the payment issue, leaving numerous viewers in Tamil Nadu unable to access their favorite Disney Star channels.

    Viewers who relied on and trusted TCCL for their entertainment needs find themselves in a fix right now. Popular channels known for their engaging content, including top-rated shows and movies on leading channels like Star Vijay, Vijay Super, Vijay Takkar, Star Movies, National Geographic Channel, Star Suvarna, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Hungama TV etc. are no longer available to TCCL customers.  

    Disney Star hopes that TCCL acts immediately and clears its dues so that the subscribers may resume enjoying their Disney Star channels without further delay.

    For those affected, it is recommended to reach out to TCCL to express concerns regarding the service disruption and ask for a reduction in subscription fees. Additionally, viewers are encouraged to switch to alternate operators allowing them access to all channels provided by Disney Star.  

  • Arasu Cable TV faces broadcaster backlash over Rs 500 crore unpaid dues

    Arasu Cable TV faces broadcaster backlash over Rs 500 crore unpaid dues

    Mumbai: Broadcasters have voiced their concerns as TN govt-owned firm Arasu Cable TV (TACTV) fails to pay Rs 500-cr dues. Numerous broadcasters including Sony, Zee, Viacom, Disney Star, and Sun TV have raised concerns regarding unpaid dues which according to sources have been outstanding for over a year.

    In response to the prolonged non-payment, the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) addressed a letter in March to Tamil Nadu’s IT and Digital Services minister Palanivel Thiagarajan and TACTV’s managing director, A John Louis, calling for a fair and sustainable business environment.

    “Given the severity of this issue and its adverse impact on the industry, we urgently seek your esteemed intervention to expedite the clearance of TACTV’s subscription dues. Resolving this matter promptly is vital for restoring confidence and stability in Tamil Nadu’s broadcasting ecosystem,” the IBDF stated in the letter dated 13 March.

    Sources indicated that the Tamil Nadu state government has not yet addressed the broadcasters’ requests, citing TACTV’s financial difficulties.

    Thiagarajan was quoted as saying by the Tamil newspaper Dinamalar on 29 June that Arasu Cable owes Rs 525 crore in fees to television broadcasting companies. The Tamil Nadu Government Cable company is in a critical state. It’s up to the contractors to provide the necessary support.

    When asked why broadcasters haven’t cut off TV channel access to TACTV, a leading broadcaster’s executive mentioned fears that the state government might retaliate against their business in the region. Another executive highlighted concerns about potential copyright issues and signal piracy if they disconnected the service.

    Broadcasters have the option to appeal for pending dues through the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).

    TACTV has also not complied with a 2022 Central government advisory directing Union ministries, state governments, and union territory administrations to cease involvement in broadcasting or distribution activities by 31 December 2023. This advisory aimed to prevent the politicization of broadcasting, as content could potentially promote the ruling party and influence voters.

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has included similar provisions in the draft broadcasting bill, which will gain legal authority once enacted. MIB officials have discussed the issue with TACTV, but the matter remains sub judice.

  • Dish TV launches ‘Own Your Customer’ initiative

    Dish TV launches ‘Own Your Customer’ initiative

    Mumbai: Dish TV India, a leading DTH service provider, has launched its marquee and unique ‘Own Your Customer’ (OYC) as part of its partnership with Local Cable Operators (LCOs). This collaboration with Dish TV will deliver a superior TV viewing experience to customers in a simplified manner eliminating the need for extensive infrastructure such as optical fiber, transmitters, nodes, and amplifiers. This partnership will ensure robust connectivity while enhancing the overall reliability of the network.

    After COVID-19, while OTT platforms and DTH services continued to grow, traditional cable TV services suffered a minor setback. In such a situation, the ‘Own Your Customer’ (OYC) initiative launched by Dish TV will prove helpful to cable operators in strengthening their customer base. Cable operators were concerned about their declining customer base as they wanted to shift to DTH to avoid interruptions in their TV viewing experience. This Dish TV’s initiative will not only provide a perfect solution but will also help them retain their customer base without additional overhead costs.

    With this OYC initiative, LCOs and MSOs (Multisystem Operations) will enjoy complete control over their networks and act as distributors of Dish TV in their respective areas such as recharge and activation through their self-operated portal, eliminating dependence on external entities. Consumers will now experience better technology with the assistance of their cable operators. Moreover, LCOs will have the opportunity to install broadband, enabling customers to utilize new digital technologies like the Dish TV Android Box from the comfort of their homes, not only further strengthening the broadband connection provided by LCOs but also providing end-to-end solution to customers.

    Commenting on the initiative, Dish TV India Ltd CEO Manoj Dobhal, stated, “We are delighted to introduce the ‘Own Your Customer’ campaign, a first-of-its-kind and unique initiative in media distribution. It marks a major change in cable TV distribution. This initiative by Dish TV will not only empower LCOs and MSOs but will also enable them to expand their customer base and reduce operating costs, while Dish TV will gain access to new customers and reduce servicing overheads. This relationship ensures that both parties are committed to driving industry-wide change while providing unmatched value and services to customers.”

    Through OYC, Dish TV reaffirms its commitment to supporting the growth of LCO businesses. Its primary objective is to revitalize the cable TV industry with the combined strength of both DTH and cable networks. Dish TV is fostering the growth of LCOs and MSOs by enhancing their customer relationships and introducing a customer-centric approach to TV distribution.

    This unique initiative by Dish TV has garnered significant attention and interest from customers in the television distribution sector. It is expected to play a pivotal role in reshaping the future of entertainment distribution.