ITV

Category: DTH Services

  • FAST frenzy: Viewers binge more, advertisers cash in, everyone wins!

    FAST frenzy: Viewers binge more, advertisers cash in, everyone wins!

    MUMBAI: Not too long ago, TV lovers had two choices—pay up for endless subscriptions or rely on old-school cable. But just when you thought you were stuck juggling streaming bills like a circus act, FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) swooped in like a digital superhero. Forget flipping channels—now, viewers get premium content for free, advertisers get their dream audience, and content providers rake in the ad dollars. It’s a win-win-win, and Amagi’s latest Global FAST Report 14 Edition proves it.

    The report unveils staggering double-digit growth in both hours of viewing (HOV) and ad impressions, making it clear that FAST isn’t some fleeting trend—it’s an advertising revolution. Gone are the days when ads interrupted your binge session; now, they power the very shows you love.

    Amagi crunched the numbers from 3,300+ channels streaming via its SSAI (Server-Side Ad Insertion) platform, Amagi Thunderstorm. The results? A jaw-dropping 95 per cent YoY surge in global HOV and a 65 per cent jump in ad impressions—because when it comes to FAST, the stream never stops, and neither do the ad dollars. If streaming had a crystal ball, it would be flashing ‘bright future ahead!’

    Key takeaways:

    . U.S. and Canada keep the FAST train running at full throttle, contributing the lion’s share of global ad impressions and HOV. Who needs cable when free streaming is this good?

    .  APAC is the new streaming superstar, boasting a blockbuster 132 per cent YoY increase in HOV and a 130 per cent spike in ad impressions. If FAST were a stock, you’d want to buy in now.

    . LATAM and EMEA aren’t sitting on the sidelines, with entertainment, news, and documentaries leading the charge. Because who doesn’t love free content that informs and entertains?

    .  Entertainment remains the undisputed champion of FAST, making up 40–45 per cent of global HOV. Drama, reality TV, and movies—FAST has it all, without the price tag.

    .  New FAST channels are shaking up the game, with 25 per cent of global HOV and ad impressions coming from channels launched after December 2023. The future of TV is FAST, and it’s only getting started.

    The streaming wars may be ongoing, but FAST has found its niche. Unlike SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand), which relies on subscription models, FAST offers premium content free-of-cost, funded entirely by ads. Viewers have spoken, and their preference for free, high-quality content has set the stage for an advertising revolution.

    Amagi’s consumer survey of 500+ U.S. households revealed key trends:

    . 75 per cent of respondents watch free, ad-supported streaming content.

    . 66 per cent reported watching FAST channels multiple times per week.

    . 67 per cent noticed and engaged with overlay ads, proving the model’s efficacy for advertisers.

    FAST isn’t just standing alone—it’s merging with traditional Pay TV and SVOD models. Pay TV services now offer FAST channels, SVOD giants like Warner Bros. Discovery are experimenting with ad-supported tiers, and FAST services are enhancing their content portfolios with premium offerings.

    With global advertisers shifting their focus from Pay TV to CTV (Connected TV) and FAST, content providers are being forced to rethink their distribution strategies. Industry leaders like Dazn are already unifying conventional broadcasting with FAST to create a seamless viewing experience.

    As more regions embrace FAST, expect to see a sharper focus on localised content, better ad targeting, and stronger partnerships between streaming giants and advertisers. The numbers don’t lie—a 95 per cent rise in viewing hours and a 65 per cent spike in ad impressions make one thing clear: FAST isn’t slowing down—it’s just getting warmed up.

    So, whether you’re an advertiser chasing eyeballs, a content creator searching for the next big platform, or just someone who loves free TV with a side of perfectly timed ads, FAST is your new best friend. 

  • Indian DTH subscriber base drops further to 59.9 million in June-Sept ’24 quarter

    Indian DTH subscriber base drops further to 59.9 million in June-Sept ’24 quarter

    MUMBAI: Almost every leading TV executive – whether Uday Shankar or Punit Goenka or Gaurav Banerjee – has spoken about his or her belief that television  in India has legs. No doubt they have to speak optimistically. Linear television revenues are what are currently funding their hard-pressed-for-earnings streaming businesses.

    That television is under further duress has become even clearer from the latest Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) quarterly report of telecom performence indicators for the period Jul y 2024 to September 2024.

    The continued drop in DTH  active subscriptions is alarming: the figure for end September 2024 is 59.9 million. The comparative figure for June 2024 was 62.17 million subscribers. In September 2023, there were 64.18 million active subs

    With four DTH operators in operation,  it’s not as if they are doing nothing to retain customers. They have been giving customers the freedom to create their own packs, they have slashed prices for their set top boxes, they have been offering easier payment terms and HD services, they have been doling out value-added services for cheap, and they have started OTT aggregator services,  broadband is being offered by them  at reasonable prices.

    But lo and behold, nada, nothing seems to be halting the slide of consumers dumping their satellite TV dishes.

    A few thoughts to ponder  for DTH operators:  

    When will the law of diminishing returns come into play as subscribers drop off? 

    At what level will the business become unviable? 40 million subs, 30 million, to service the well-spread-out India? 

    When will there be a major shakeup? 

    And what will lead to one or two players falling off the treadmill?

    Already, reports keep popping up that talks are continuing between Tata Play and Airtel for the latter to acquire the former. When and if it does happen, we’ll be down to three DTH operators.

    Also, solutions need to be evolved to stop the slide –   complaining about the gold rush towards DD Free Dish is not the best answer.

    2025 is a new year.

    A chance to relook at the business.

    A chance to see if Tata Play’s white-label-service model can be replicated and monetised by licensing it to other  players  in less developed markets to keep revenues coming in.

    A chance to experiment on how customers can be retained..

    Is customer service of the platinum class a good bait?  

    This has been talked about ad nauseum for quite some time; service can be the big differentiator.

    Convenience  be brought in and, if possible, local programming which can be picked up from the more advanced cable TV MSOs and retransmitted.

    There will come a time when subscribing to a nice plateful of streamers will become too expensive. Already some complaints are being voiced about the OTT bundles in the US. The commonly heard plaint is that they are  as – if not more – expensive than the pay TV bundles

    In India, we don’t have to wait for that to happen – Indian pay TV is cheap – very cheap. More than 400 linear channels are available in India for as low as Rs 300-350  on DTH and cable TV. An OTT aggregator will have to struggle to offer as much content at that price.

    The reality is both free TV and OTTs are here to stay. The question is: is India’s pay TV?

    (Picture of Dishes atop house courtesy Dish TV India) 

  • Tata Play launches Deiveegam, a new collection of Tamil devotional content

    Tata Play launches Deiveegam, a new collection of Tamil devotional content

    MUMBAI: This is for the spiritually-inclined or those seeking peace of mind which is a large part of India’s population of 1.4 billion.  

    Whether it’s the captivating mythological narratives, the moving devotional music, or the tranquil darshans from Tamil Nadu’s sacred temples,  these are available on Tata Play Deiveegam which is a new collection of devotional content that the pay TV operator launched recently. With the introduction of this dedicated platform, Tata Play encourages viewers to delve into Tamil Nadu’s rich spiritual legacy like never before. This meticulously curated service provides an authentic experience of Tamil spirituality, enabling audiences to fully engage with enduring traditions of devotion and the deep beauty they encompass.

    The aim of Tata Play Deiveegam is to broaden the reach of Tamil Nadu’s spiritual heritage. This platform showcases devotion and spirituality while maintaining the authenticity of its linguistic and cultural roots.

    Whether you’re looking to enhance your faith, reconnect with ancient customs, or appreciate the moving essence of Tamil spirituality, this Tata Play Special offers a sacred space for exploration and engagement with these profound expressions of devotion. 

    The lineup features mythological shows such as Original Ramayan, Adhi Parasakthi, Uttar Ramayan, and Shri Krishna, along with devotional music, daily astrology, and spiritual discourses led by prominent spiritual figures like Sadhguru, Maraban Maindham Muttiah, Dr. Suresh T, Tirupur Krishnan, and others. 

    Additionally, the service boasts a comprehensive library of documentaries focusing on Tamil Nadu’s temples and deities, daily live temple darshans, and a variety of Tamil calendar events and pan-India live broadcasts, including Tiruvanamalai Karthigai Deepam, Srirangam Pagal Pathu Ra Pathu, and Mahashivratri Live. Viewers can enjoy a delightful mix of morning and evening aartis, followed by the Daily Astro Show hosted by Subash Balakrishnan.

    This 24/7 ad-free service is being powered by Shemaroo Entertainment and will be complimentary for the first five days following subscription, after which a nominal fee of Rs 2 per day will apply.

  • Dish TV collaborates with ARC

    Dish TV collaborates with ARC

    Mumbai: In a significant step toward promoting environmental awareness and responsible e-waste management, Dish TV partnered with ARC, an educational social impact startup. This collaboration addresses the urgent issue of e-waste and encourages communities to adopt sustainable practices. As a brand committed to sustainability, Dish TV focuses on initiatives that positively impact the social and economic development of the communities it serves, further strengthening its mission to uplift these communities.

    Dish TV and ARC launched their first e-waste drive at DPS Greater Faridabad, engaging over 700 students, teachers, and the school principal in a community effort to combat e-waste. This drive is part of a larger vision to equip future generations with the knowledge to make environmentally sound decisions.

    The initiative aims to educate students on the harmful impacts of e-waste on health and the environment. Through interactive workshops and hands-on activities, the program encourages critical thinking about their actions’ effects on the planet. It focuses on responsible disposal methods for discarded electronics, helping students recognize their roles in creating a sustainable future.

    A highlight of the campaign is ‘Diwali Defenders,’ a creative comic featuring young superheroes called the E-waste Warriors. This engaging concept promotes a ‘waste-free Diwali,’ encouraging students to bring old e-waste to school for responsible disposal. These young ‘defenders’ serve as role models, inspiring peers to lead environmental change in a fun way. The comic illustrates Dish TV’s commitment to making complex issues like e-waste management relatable for students.

    Dish TV India Ltd. CEO & executive director Manoj Dobhal said, “At Dish TV, we are committed to fostering sustainable practices that benefit our communities and the environment. This initiative to raise awareness about e-waste goes beyond responsible disposal; it empowers our youth to become proactive stewards of the environment. By educating students on the harmful effects of e-waste and promoting actionable solutions, we’re igniting a movement that inspires the next generation to lead the charge for a cleaner, greener planet. Together, we can transform our commitment into meaningful change and create a sustainable future for all.”

    “At ARC, we believe that sustainability thrives on collaboration, not competition,” said ARC founders Ritu Malhotra & Anit Gupta. “Our partnership with Dish TV marks an important step in raising awareness about responsible e-waste disposal. Educating children about the environmental and health impacts of e-waste empowers them to become proactive change-makers. The ‘Diwali Defenders’ campaign by Dish TV has resonated strongly with students, inspiring them to make a tangible difference at home and in their communities. This initiative is poised to divert significant amounts of e-waste from the informal sector, creating a ripple effect that benefits all stakeholders. Schools enrich their curriculum with vital waste management education, while ARC and Dish TV advance their social impact goals together.”

  • Dish TV and C21Media collaborate to launch ‘Content India 2025’

    Dish TV and C21Media collaborate to launch ‘Content India 2025’

    Mumbai: : Dish TV India Ltd is set to bring the global ‘content’ franchise to India for the first time ever with Content India 2025, in collaboration with C21Media. This three-day market and conference, to be held in Mumbai, will connect leading content creators and industry experts from around the world. The initiative aims to foster partnerships and enhance collaboration between India’s entertainment industry and global markets.

    The inaugural event will take place in April 2026, preceded by an invite-only Content India Summit from 1 to 3 April 2025, which will bring together key figures from both the global and Indian markets to define the mission and objectives for the main event. Content India will follow the format of C21Media’s international events, including Content Americas, Content Canada, Content London, Content LA, and Content Warsaw. The event will feature a marketplace, conferences and networking opportunities to connect creators, producers, distributors, platforms and channels.

    With Content India 2025, Dish TV once again takes the lead in the industry to provide a well-structured platform for content creators, tackling long-standing distribution challenges and ensuring that high-quality content reaches its intended audience.

    Dish TV India Ltd  CEO & executive director Manoj Dobhal said, “India’s content industry stands at the cusp of global recognition, with unparalleled potential waiting to be realized. At Dish TV, we believe that fostering this ecosystem is not just a goal-it’s a commitment to India’s creative future. Our partnership with C21Media is a testament to our dedication, aiming to bridge the gap between local and international talent, and unlock opportunities for Indian creators on the world stage.”

    He added, “With Content India 2025, we are building a platform that empowers storytellers, streamlining their path from vision to global audience. As a leader in content distribution, we are proud to support this exciting journey, ensuring that India’s content industry not only grows but thrives globally.”

    C21’s editor-in-chief and managing director David Jenkinson stated, “The Indian content sector is prolific and it needs no help from the international community to succeed. However, there is an enormous opportunity to connect key players from the domestic business with those from the global community to bring about next-generation content that works worldwide. There is also a significant tech and post-production community in India and locations that are unrivalled anywhere in the world. We will showcase these at Content India.”

    “We are delighted to find a partner in Dish TV that is connected and agnostic, and we look forward to doing great things together,” he added.

  • Dish TV announces first weekly lucky draw winner of ‘Dish Ki Diwali’ campaign

    Dish TV announces first weekly lucky draw winner of ‘Dish Ki Diwali’ campaign

    India: Dish TV has announced the first Weekly Lucky draw winner of its festive ‘Dish Ki Diwali’ campaign, which is lighting up the festive season for one crore families with assured gifts. Mr. Narendra Singh Dodia, from Rajsamand, a city located in the Mewar district of Rajasthan, has won a brand-new TVS Jupiter Scooter in the first weekly lucky draw, making this Diwali extra special for him and his family.

    The ‘Dish Ki Diwali’ campaign started a few days ago and has received participation from across India. It offers exciting rewards for all Dish TV ,D2H and Zing customers. New subscribers can enjoy huge cashbacks and a one-month OTT subscription via the Watcho Max Plan. They are also eligible for weekly and bumper lucky draws with prizes like cars and more at the end of the campaign. Existing customers can win the Watcho Max Plan as an assured gift by simply recharging their accounts and will also be entered into the Weekly Lucky draw and Bumper Lucky draw.

    Narendra Singh Dodia is a small-scale businessman who manufactures mithai boxes for delivery throughout Rajasthan. Speaking on his win, Narendra Singh Dodia, said, “I’m so happy to win the TVS Jupiter Scooter through Dish TV’s Diwali campaign – Dish ki Diwali Assured Gifts Waali! It’s something I always wanted, and I can’t believe I won. This has made our Diwali truly special and unforgettable. It’s great to see that brands like Dish TV are thinking about their customers and doing things that bring happiness into our lives. It’s wonderful when companies go the extra mile to bring joy to their customers. My family and I will always remember this Diwali because of this amazing gift. I’m excited to take them for a ride and enjoy this moment together. We’ve been with Dish TV for years, and this just makes it even better!”

    Dish TV India Ltd zonal business head North, Amit Bhasin said, “Our ‘Dish Ki Diwali’ campaign is designed to bring joy to every customer connected with us. By recharging their connection with a minimum of ₹100, purchasing a new connection, or upgrading to our new setup box, customers are guaranteed an assured gift of our Watcho Max Plan. Additionally, we’re hosting weekly lucky draws, offering prizes such as scooters, android phones, microwaves, air fryers, TVs, and more, with draws happening five times. At the end of the campaign, we will culminate with a  bumper lucky draw featuring spectacular prizes, including cars, bikes, TVs, washing machines, and much more. Our vision is to celebrate this festive season by enhancing family connections and spreading happiness across the nation.”

  • Dish TV celebrates this Diwali with one crore families with assured gifts

    Dish TV celebrates this Diwali with one crore families with assured gifts

    Mumbai: Dish TV is all set to light up homes across the country this Diwali with its festive campaign, ‘Dish Ki Diwali.’ Embracing the spirit of togetherness and giving, Dish TV has launched special exciting offers for both new and existing Dish TV and D2H customers. This month-long initiative aims to unite families through premium entertainment and attractive deals, including huge cashback and lucky draws for new connections, as well as existing customers.

    The ‘Dish Ki Diwali’ campaign offers enormous benefits for all Dish TV and D2H customers including new subscribers who come on its platform. There are huge cashbacks for new customers and a one-month subscription of all popular OTTs (Watcho Max Plan) as an assured benefit. They will also be eligible for a weekly lucky draw and a bumper lucky draw at the end of the campaign where they can win cars and other exciting prizes. On the other hand, the existing Dish TV and D2H customers can avail of a one-month Watcho Max Plan simply by recharging their Dish TV or D2H connection and also will be eligible for a weekly lucky draw and a bumper lucky draw. Customers can upload their festive photos through the link provided by DishTV and also share them on social media, expressing their joy and festive spirit while extending season’s greetings to the entire nation.

    To enhance the festive spirit and uphold its legacy of bringing families together, Dish TV is also introducing a series of exciting weekly and bumper lucky draws during the Diwali period. Customers who purchase new connection or recharge their subscriptions, regardless of the amount, will be eligible for weekly draws and get a chance to win prizes such as Scooty, Refrigerators, Televisions, and many more. Each week, 23 winners will be selected for over five weeks, providing multiple chances to win. Once a customer wins a weekly prize, they will not be eligible for subsequent draws, maintaining fairness and excitement for all participants. The campaign will culminate in a Bumper Lucky Draw featuring grand prizes, including a Kia SUV as the first prize, followed by Tata Tiago SUV, Alto cars, Pulsar bikes, iPhones, laptops, and more.

    Dish TV India Ltd CEO & executive director Manoj Dobhal said, “At Dish TV, we are passionate about entertainment on any screen, anytime anywhere, and enriching family moments. So, this Diwali, we are thrilled to launch our ‘Dish Ki Diwali’ campaign. As families come together to celebrate, we aim to elevate their experience with both TV and OTT entertainment and exclusive offers, exciting weekly lucky draws, and a grand bumper draw that will bring smiles and surprises to homes nationwide. We’re not just delivering entertainment; we’re creating joyful moments and fostering stronger bonds. With this campaign, we invite every household to embrace the magic of premium entertainment and the spirit of giving that makes Diwali truly special.”

  • APOS 24: Tata Play powers Philippines-based Cignal TV’s super app

    APOS 24: Tata Play powers Philippines-based Cignal TV’s super app

    MUMBAI: Tata Play has added another feather in its cap. Speaking at APOS in Bali this morning, Tata Play managing director & CEO Harit Nagpal announced -alongside Cignal TV’s president & CEO Jane Jimenez-Basas and Akash Digital TV CEO Tariq Alam – that the it  had provided its Tata Play Binge app’s platform as a service (PaaS) to Cignal TV. This follows quickly in the footsteps of Akash Digital in Bangladesh also opting for PaaS.

    The  Cignal Super app is the first ever OTT-aggregation platform to be introduced in the Philippines. Currently in its pilot phase, Cignal Super  app will soon give users a unified subscription to access content from various OTT platforms.

    “Tata Play’s intuitive user interface makes content discovery easy for our TV customers,” stated Nagpal at APOS. “We have applied the same principle while designing Binge. This will become even more relevant in the future as the number of apps increase. It is all about understanding what today’s viewer really needs: simplicity, choice, and affordability. And with Tata Play Binge’s cloud technology, we are making sure this vision can be scaled globally. The launch of the Akash Go app and now Cignal Super demonstrates the universal appeal of our platform and our rapid delivery times, allowing partners to create their own branded app.”

    Cignal Super will launch with partners including VIU, Lionsgate Play, Curiosity Stream, Fuse+, Pilipinas Live, and Cignal Play.
    “At Cignal, we’re excited to launch Cignal Super, the first of its kind in the Philippines.  With content becoming increasingly fragmented, and streaming subscription prices increasing, we believe this service will be compelling and relevant for our customers as we simplify access to content from multiple apps into one platform – with a single subscription, unified content discovery, and one affordable price. This further establishes Cignal’s continuing commitment to aggregate the best content for our customers, and we thank Tata Play and all our partners for enabling us to bring this product to life”, said Cignal TV’s Jane Jimenez-Basas. 

  • Tata Play introduces anime local

    Tata Play introduces anime local

    Mumbai: Tata Play’s platform service portfolio gains momentum with its latest addition – Anime Local. Bringing the best of Japanese animation to audiences in India, Anime Local on Tata Play, is an ad free service available to all Tata Play subscribers in three different languages – Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam. For ease of access, the service will also be available simultaneously on the Tata Play mobile app for portable, on-the-move viewing.

    Anime Local on Tata Play seeks to entice the viewers with a large bouquet of curated anime content, from thrilling action epics to heartwarming coming-of-age stories, at just Rs. 2 per day.  The service will feature popular anime shows like Naruto, Sergeant Keroro, Ninjaboy Rantaro, Naruto Shippuden, Black Clover, Robotan, among many others, in Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam languages.

    Commenting on the successful launch of another niche programming service, Tata Play’s chief commercial and content officer, Pallavi Puri said, “The evolving preferences of our TV audiences have been the driving force behind the innovative programming we’ve envisioned for our platform services. Anime Local on Tata Play will be yet another jewel to our exhaustive offering. The palette for Anime content has been growing, and our new service will provide top notch content, to suit that growing appetite. We thank our partner Culver Max Entertainment for putting together this curation for us.”

    Adding to the same, Sony YAY! – business head (CMEPL) Leena Lele Dutta commented, “In today’s world, where innovation drives the evolution of entertainment, anime has emerged as a global sensation and is rapidly growing in India. To meet this growing enthusiasm, we are thrilled to launch ‘Anime Local’ with TATA PLAY, that aims to revolutionize the anime viewing experience for Indian fans.”

  • DTH industry sees sharp decline: 1.32 million pay subscribers lost in July-September 2023

    DTH industry sees sharp decline: 1.32 million pay subscribers lost in July-September 2023

    Mumbai: The Direct-to-Home (DTH) television industry has long been a cornerstone of the entertainment landscape, offering viewers access to a wide array of channels and programming from the comfort of their homes. However, recent data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) reveals a significant decline in DTH subscribers during the period of July to September 2023. According to the report, DTH services lost approximately 1.32 million pay subscribers during this timeframe, raising questions about the evolving dynamics of the pay-TV market.

    The decline in DTH subscribers is a reflection of several factors reshaping the television industry. One of the primary drivers behind this trend is the increasing popularity of alternative viewing platforms, such as Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming services and video-on-demand (VOD) platforms. With the proliferation of high-speed internet connectivity and the availability of affordable smartphones and smart TVs, consumers now have more choices than ever before when it comes to accessing content.

    The pay DTH subscriber base decreased by 2.02 per cent from 65.50 million in the quarter ended June 2023 to 64.18 million in QE September 2023. According to TRAI’s Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicator Report, pay DTH attained a total active subscriber base of around 64.18 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. This is in addition to the subscribers of the DD Free Dish (free DTH services of Doordarshan).

    Since the introduction of the DTH Sector in the year 2003, Indian DTH (direct-to-home) services have displayed phenomenal growth, according to TRAI. During the QE 30th September 2023, there were four pay DTH service providers in the country including Tata Play with 32.43 per cent share followed by Bharti Telemedia with 27.01 per cent and  Dish TV India with 21.54 per cent share. Sun Direct TV had a 19.02 per cent share in QE in September 2023.

    As per TRAI report and as of September 30 2023, there are 995 MSOs registered with MIB. As per the data reported by MSOs and HITS operators, as of September 2023, there are 11 MSOs & 1 HITS operator who have a subscriber base greater than one million. With GTPL Hathway leading the charts with over nine million subscribers.

    As per broadcasters’ reporting in pursuance of the Tariff Order dated 3rd March 2017 as amended, out of 904 permitted satellite TV channels which are available for downlinking in India, there are 361 satellite pay TV channels as of 30th September 2023.

    TRAI said, out of 361 pay channels, 257 are SD satellite pay TV channels and 104 are HD satellite pay TV channels.