ITV

Category: DTH

  • Yes Bank acquires 24.19% stake in Dish TV

    Yes Bank acquires 24.19% stake in Dish TV

    MUMBAI: Yes Bank has acquired 24.19 per cent stake in Essel Group-promoted direct-to-home (DTH) operator Dish TV India Ltd. The bank has informed in a regulatory filing that it has acquired 44,53,48,990 equity shares having nominal value of Re 1 per share. Shares have been acquired on invocation of pledge of shares in a one-time transaction.

    “Shares have been acquired pursuant to invocation of pledge of the shares subsequent to default/breach of terms of credit facilities sanctioned by Yes Bank to Essel Business Excellence Services Ltd, Essel Corporate Resources Private Ltd, Living Entertainment Enterprises Private Ltd, Last Mile Online Ltd, Pan India Network Infravest Lrd, RPW Projects Private Ltd, Mumbai WTR Private Ltd,” Yes Bank said.

    Dish TV reported consolidated unaudited subscription revenues of Rs 798.2 crore and operating revenues of Rs 867.8 crore in the third quarter of FY 20. The company has a bandwidth capacity of 1,422 MHz with an ability to deliver more than 655 channels and services including 40 audio channels and 70 HD channels and services.

    The DTH operator emerged as one of the largest DTH operators with a huge subscriber base after a merger with Videocon D2H back in 2018. Earlier this year, merger talks between Dish TV and Airtel Digital TV reportedly ended with basic differences over each company’s valuations.

  • D2H launches DIA, an AI-enabled chatbot for customer service

    D2H launches DIA, an AI-enabled chatbot for customer service

    MUMBAI: D2H has launched the ‘D2H Intelligent Assistant’ (DIA), chatbot using the latest AI technology, for its customers. D2H Intelligent Assistant (DIA) is a one-stop solution platform for customers to solve their service queries through an automated assistant in real-time. For seamlessly handling customer problems and issues, a conversation mode approach in a friendly live chat format is used.

    Catering to the evolving needs of the customers for better, faster and more accurate resolutions of service queries and issues, ‘D2H Intelligent Assistant’ (DIA) comes with an array of exciting features, DIA seeks to make it easier, faster and simpler for D2H customers to resolve their queries and issues. 

    It is designed to process user requests and queries 24X7 through deep analytics and its artificial intelligence engine. DIA is enabled with a highly sophisticated machine learning system that enhances accurate, personalized customer service through a constant process of self-evolution and learning.

    D2H, Dish TV India Ltd corporate head-marketing Sugato Banerji said, “We have observed a growing need among our customers to opt for self-service channels for their routine queries and issues. Keeping this trend in mind, we are launching DIA – D2H Intelligent Assistant – a state of the art AI based intuitive chatbot that resolves a wide range of customer queries and issues on its own. DIA will significantly add to improving our customer service experience. The launch of DIA reaffirms the D2H promise of bringing the best of technology solutions for its customers.”

    DIA appears as a pop-up feature on the website and introduces itself as “DIA”. One can initiate a conversation by simply entering a message and enjoy a rich, personalised experience, delivering real-time responses, timely and pertinent to one’s D2H account. It also offers solutions to issues related to recharge offers, current balance, add-on service upgrades and even suggests best recharge offers.

  • Prasar Bharati relaxes DD FreeDish fees for FTA channels

    Prasar Bharati relaxes DD FreeDish fees for FTA channels

    MUMBAI: The Covid 2019 pandemic is not just decimating human lives it has also resulted in the broadcasting sector falling sick with shootings ceasing, ad revenues shrivelling, and subscription revenues drying up. To cope up with the rapidly turning toxic business environment, free-to-air (FTA) channels wrote to minister of information &  broadcasting Prakash Javadekar in April seeking a waiver of carriage fees on DD Free Dish. Then strangely there was silence from both sides, apart from a few howls from the FTA owners.

    Howevever, reports are that the pubcaster has heeded their plea and given them the option to defer their installments for the next three months or pay them partly.

    In a letter/email dated 17 May – which is currently available with Indiantelevision.com –   Prasar Bharati has stated that a channel can avail of deferment from the requirement of paying the carriage fee in an advance monthly statement, up to three months, subject to it furnishing separate bank guarantees towards the amount of each installment amount with interest after availing of this deferment for three months. This deferment is applicable for May, June and July. 

    It has also added that the channels have to furnish the bank guarantee by 22 May for the instalment of May and for June, July by 27 May and 27 June respectively. Moreover, if a channel has already paid the instalment for May, it can avail the benefit for the next three months. 

    Prasar Bharati has also drawn up another option if a channel finds it difficult to furnish a bank guarantee. Instead of paying the full amount of the installments, it can pay 67 per cent of the carriage fee for three months, that is, May, June and July. However, the balance has to be paid later along with the interest with regular installments.

    The channels not seeking any of the relaxations have been offered an incentive of  0.5 per cent on the total payment. Moreover, channels which were removed or had opted out of the platform can also come back by availing these relaxations.

    There are close to 150 occupants on DD FreeDish. Thanks to the service’s wide reach and availability, Dangal – a regional language channel –  has more often than not beaten private satellite Hindi entertainment channels to the top spot in BARC’s ranking.

     

  • Tata Sky celebrates the joy of togetherness this international family day’

    Tata Sky celebrates the joy of togetherness this international family day’

    MUMBAI: Tata Sky, India’s leading content distribution and Pay TV platform, in partnership with Chimp&z Inc, celebrated International Family Day with the launch of a digital campaign under its larger Isko Laga Dala Toh #FamilyJingalala positioning. In times of social distancing when families have been spending more time together at home, Tata Sky took the initiative to knit these bonds stronger by celebrating togetherness through a meaningful message.

    The film takes us through the beautiful moments inside a home depicting how family members who were busy in their individual lives have now come together once again spending quality time as one unit. The film focuses on relationships, showcasing instances of togetherness in the current scenario like kids getting adequate sleep instead of rushing to get ready for school in the mornings; instead of Saturday outings, couples taking to cooking and enjoying delicious meals together; helping one another with household chores; fighting for the TV remote; and above all else, despite all norms of social distancing, families coming together to enjoy apno ke saath apna entertainment.

    Anurag Kumar, chief communications officer, Tata Sky, said: “We wanted to highlight the positives of these distressing times in a light hearted yet meaningful way through this campaign. Aimed at closing the gap between generations, the viewers will find the messaging of this campaign very relatable. It’s a slice of life depiction of the bitter-sweet relationship one has with their family members. Occasions like family meals and TV time have always brought people together and it is happening more so in todays times. We at Tata Sky therefore decided to bring alive these little nuances of life through this campaign on International Family Day.”

    Angad Singh Manchanda, CEO & Co-founder of Chimp&z Inc, said: “Since the lockdown brought us all together, we must wonder why it took a crisis to teach us the importance of our families. We had our means of individual entertainment so somewhere we stopped coming to the living room and have those little squabbles about taking control of the TV remote; one of things that symbolises coming together as a family. With the opportunity of celebrating the International Day of Families, we brought this message out through this campaign. Here’s hoping that it strikes a chord with our viewers and helps them cherish this family time.” 

    The campaign was further executed on Tata Sky’s social media handles with engaging activities on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook including – Guess the Gibberish, guessing catchphrases of dialogues common at home and Families on WhatsApp – encouraging followers to share screenshots of fun and lively chats on family WhatsApp groups.

    Ad Film Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKXsQu3zoT0&feature=youtu.be 

    Instagarm Links: https://www.instagram.com/p/CAF4EO6KDSe/

    For more information on Tata Sky, visit www.tatasky.com & watch.tatasky.com   

  • Tata Sky Fun Learn premieres Baahubali: The Lost Legends – S04 for the first time on Television

    Tata Sky Fun Learn premieres Baahubali: The Lost Legends – S04 for the first time on Television

    The magnum opus Baahubali, which crashed box office records, was later turned into a multi-episode animated series titled – Baahubali: The Lost Legends by SS Rajamouli, creator of the original Baahubali movies. Tata Sky, India’s leading content distribution platform for the first time on Indian television presents Baahubali: The Lost Legends S04 produced by Graphic India and Arka Mediaworks on Tata Sky Fun Learn. This animated series will be available in both English and Hindi.

    Filled with intrigue, war, action, and adventure, this season showcases, Mahishmati and its protectors face their greatest challenge as they find themselves, the targets of a mysterious new force, seeking revenge on the legendary kingdom. The season also features never-before-revealed stories about the characters from the film, including Prince Baahubali, Bhallaladeva, Kattappa, and Sivagami. Thereby introducing new characters and expanding the world of Baahubali.

    Catch the amazing series on Tata Sky Fun Learn 688 everyday at 1pm . The service is also available on Tata Sky Mobile App under Live TV

  • Tata Sky, Airtel Digital TV to air 3 educational Swayam Prabha channels

    Tata Sky, Airtel Digital TV to air 3 educational Swayam Prabha channels

    MUMBAI: Amid the countrywide lockdown, students are unable to attend classes and for their benefit, Tata Sky and Airtel Digital TV will air three educational Swayam Prabha channels. These channels were available earlier on DD Free Dish, Dish TV and Jio TV App.

    "To enable learners to continue their education and learning even sitting at home in this difficult situation arisen due to unfortunate outbreak of COVID-19, Tata Sky and Airtel DTH operators were requested to air some Swayam Prabha channels on their DTH platform and they have agreed to do so," union human resource development minister Ramesh Pokhriyal said, according to a PTI report.

    Swayam Prabha is a group of 32 DTH channels devoted to telecasting of high-quality educational programmes on 24X7 basis. The course contents are covering diverse disciplines such as arts, science, commerce, performing arts, social sciences and humanities subjects, engineering, technology, medicine and agriculture. The contents are provided by NPTEL, IITs, UGC, CEC, IGNOU, NCERT and NIOS. 

  • Tata Sky makes Tata Sky Fitness free for all subscribers

    Tata Sky makes Tata Sky Fitness free for all subscribers

    MUMBAI: While everyone stays indoors for 21 days, health is bound to take a step back. But, to boost people's workout regime, leading DTH operator Tata Sky will provide free access to Tata Sky Fitness – one of the most popular and longest-running services on the platform, to all its subscribers. Minister of state for youth affairs & sports Kiren Rijiju has recognised this initiative that comes at a time when it is imperative for people to join the drive to stay at home during the current countrywide lockdown.

    This initiative will benefit Tata Sky’s entire subscriber base, reaching more than 50 million people, allowing them to keep up their fitness regimen from the safety and comfort of their own homes.

    Tata Sky Fitness, available in English, Hindi & Telugu allows subscribers to get fit with celebrity fitness experts including Yasmin Karachiwala, Kaizzad Capadia, Abbas Ali, Shivoham, Luke Coutinho, Deepika Mehta, etc. at their own leisure. The service offers a daily slot dedicated to women’s fitness, fitness for senior citizens, nutrition advice and celeb fitness secrets along with interactive sessions.

    Tata Sky Fitness is available on #110. It is also available on Live TV and VOD on the Tata Sky Mobile App. 

  • Tata Sky comes up with new offering – Adbhut Kahaniyan

    Tata Sky comes up with new offering – Adbhut Kahaniyan

    MUMBAI: If suspense as a feeling drives your content viewing needs, Tata Sky has come up with the best fix in the form of its newest service offering – Tata Sky Adbhut Kahaniyan. It has partnered with Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd to curate this one stop destination for crime, thriller and horror content that can be touted as one of the best in Hindi entertainment.

    Featuring a wide range of specially compiled library of TV shows, web series and movies, the service promises to be a haven for all aficionados who love edge of the seat entertainment. Additionally, the service will also showcase first-ever-adapted stories from the very popular Hindi heartland magazine, ‘Manohar Kahaniyan’. Exclusively created for Tata Sky, this original series will have stories based on true events. The thriller & crime shows will be showcased between 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm time-band under the banner Killer-Thrillerand the horror shows will be showcased in the 9.30 pm – 11.30 pm time band under the segment Horror Zone. The service has gone live from 5 March.

    Bollywood’s favourite villain and the very versatileAshutosh Rana who is famed for his spine-chilling films such as Sangharsh and Dushman Has been roped-in as the face of the service.

    Sharing her thoughts on the launch of the service, Tata Sky chief commercial and content officer Pallavi Puri said, “Genres like crime, thriller and horror has witnessed great traction over the past few years. While there are multiple options for these genres available on linear television and OTT platforms, currently there isn’t a single destination catering to all the three content genres. Realising this need-gap we decided to bring to our subscribers – Tata Sky Adbhut Kahaniyan – a curation of the best Hindi content library of TV shows, web series and movies in crime, thriller and horror genre.With this launch, we shall continue to focus on catering to the diverse entertainment needs of our subscribers.”

    “Crime-mystery as a genre has enthralled viewers for many generations. I’m excited to be associated with Tata Sky to be the face of Adhbhut Kahaniyan. The service is a complete package of gut-wrenching stories that will keep you completely engrossed,” actor Ashutosh Rana said.

    Transporting viewers into the world of mystery and thrill, Tata Sky Adhbhut Kahaniya will actively engage viewers through gripping stories curated from across platforms. A perfect blend of hit shows and movies from the past as well as original content, viewers will be treated to shows like Aahat, Karamchand, Powder, Gehariyaan, Revolver Rani, Gangster and many others. Adding diversity to the programming line-up,the stories fromManohar Kahaniyanwill bring alive thrilling moments through episodes like Rajwada Ka Rahasya, Acid se rachachakravyuh, AdrishyaPyaar, Saazish and many more.The service will be available on the Tata Sky Mobile App under the Video on Demand (VOD) section as well.

    About the association, Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd CEO Hiren Gada said, “I am excited to announce another unique partnership with Tata Sky, where we are introducing an interesting service called Tata Sky Adhbhut Kahaniyan, that will showcase stories of crime, thriller and horror genres. Shemaroo constantly aims at getting the best content for its audiences and strives to deliver on the promise of great entertainment, and through this association, we again aim to achieve the same.”

    To promote this service Tata Sky has come up with an interesting digital campaign to lure the viewers of crime, thriller and horror genre. An intriguing brand film has also been shot with Ashutosh Rana to bring alive the essence of the property. Tata Sky subscribers can tune into 144 to catch this service. Subscribers can avail the service at Rs 2/- per day through the Tata Sky Mobile app or by logging on to tatasky.com. 

  • Tata Sky launches new value-added service Tata Sky Hits

    Tata Sky launches new value-added service Tata Sky Hits

    MUMBAI: Tata Sky, leading content distribution and Pay TV platform, has launched its new value-added service Tata Sky Hits. Featuring a selection of some of the most popular, iconic and award-winning Hollywood television content from the 80s and 90s, Tata Sky Hits is all set to invoke nostalgia with this distinctive curation.

    Encompassing all genres of content including drama, comedy, crime, action and romance, some of the key titles exclusively available on the service include: Baywatch, Charlie’s Angels, Charmed, Miami Vice, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Three’s Company, Murder, She Wrote, Knight Rider, Sabrina The Teenage Witch, The Lucy Show, Family Ties, Diff’rent Strokes and many more. The never-seen-before HD service will feature the choicest of hit TV series from Hollywood and international majors such as NBCUniversal, ViacomCBS, Sony Pictures, Fremantle, ITV Studios and others.

    Tata Sky chief commercial and content officer Pallavi Puri said: “At Tata Sky we are always looking at serving the discerning content needs of our subscribers. With Tata Sky Hits we are giving our subscribers an exclusive platform to indulge in their favourite Hollywood shows from the 80s and 90s. The diverse assortment of English shows from the good old days that Hits has curated is exceptional and fulfils a need gap for our evolving viewers who are constantly looking for unique entertainment destinations that are not available elsewhere be it TV or OTT.”

    “I am very excited with the launch of our service on Tata Sky. This is a major milestone for Rewind Networks,” said Rewind Networks CEO Avi Himatsinghani. “We are confident that the great success of HITS in Asia will be replicated in India, with the service’s solid curation of the best Hollywood TV series from previous decades. Viewers of Tata Sky Hits are going to love some of the best international shows and storytelling that they grew up on – in HD for the first time”

    Through Tata Sky Hits, subscribers can now relive the iconic & memorable characters from yesteryear shows starring Pamela Anderson, David Hasselhoff, Don Johnson, Michael J. Fox, Lucille Ball, Mariska Hargitay, Angela Lansbury, Shannen Doherty, Farrah Fawcett, Melissa Joan Hart, Gary Coleman and many others on Television as well as on-the-go on the Tata Sky Mobile App under Live TV and catch-up. Tata Sky Hits is now available to all subscribers at a nominal cost of Rs 75 per month.

  • Dish TV – Bharti Airtel deal called off over valuation differences: report

    Dish TV – Bharti Airtel deal called off over valuation differences: report

    MUMBAI: The deal between direct-to-home (DTH) operator Dish TV’s promoter Essel Group and Bharti Airtel has been called off due to differences over valuation, according to a report in Business Standard.

    Now, the promoters of Dish TV have begun talks with a global financial investor which does not have operations in India, for half of their stakes. According to the report, Essel Group will use the cash from the sale to repurchase a five percent stake in its flagship property Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) in the next 12 months.

    The strategy is eventually to go up to 26 per cent, the report added. The Essel group expects Rs 2,000 crore from the deal, if it goes through. Last year, it sold 16.5 percent out of its 22.37 percent stake in ZEEL.

    As Bharti Airtel is looking out at expanding its DTH business to face the challenge thrown by Jio, the deal would have helped Sunil Mittal’s Airtel to emerge as the largest force in the DTH sector. Dish TV’s subscriber base is way higher than that of Airtel Digital TV.