ITV

Category: DTH

  • DirecTV drops Dish acquisition deal

    DirecTV drops Dish acquisition deal

    MUMBAI: Pay TV is going through its travails. A second attempt to create one of the largest pay TV operators in the US  fizzled out on Thursday with DirecTV terminating its plan to acquire rival Dish Network. Bondholders rejected the debt swap proposal that Direct TV made as part of the buyout. 

    The deal construct required DirecTV to pay a nominal $1 for equity and Dish’s bondholders to swap $9.75 billion of existing debt into roughly $8 billion of new bonds, thus asking the latter to take a 20 per cent discount.

    The offer was sweetened by reducing the loss to Dish by around $70 million, which was also rejected. DirecTV then gave Dish the ultimatum to accept the deal by 22 November, following which they would walk out of the door. Which it did when Echostar (the owner of Dish) did not come to an agreement.

    DirecTV CEO Bill Morrow said that the decision was taken to terminate the transaction “because the proposed exchange terms were necessary to protect DIRECTV’s balance sheet and our operational flexibility. We will advance our mission to aggregate, curate, and distribute content tailored to customers’ interests by pursuing innovative products and providing customers with additional choice, flexibility, and control. We are well positioned for the future with a strong balance sheet and support from our long-term partner TPG.”

    With this failed merger, the two will continue to battle with each for other for subscribers in an already shrinking pay TV market place. Both Dish and DirecTV have lost more than half their subscribers since 2013 when pay TV was at its peak. 
     

  • 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.”

  • Bharti Airtel to get new CEO in Shashwat Sharma come 2026

    Bharti Airtel to get new CEO in Shashwat Sharma come 2026

    MUMBAI: He’s been rated as one of the top Indian CEOs. But now Bharti Airtel’s managing director & CEO Gopal Vittal, along with Sunil Mittal, has put in place a plan wherein he will move out of his current position to executive chairman come 1 January 2026. Replacing him will be chief operations officer Shashwat Sharma who will step into his shoes.

    For now, Shashwat  is being appointed as CEO designate, responsible for the entire end-to-end consumer business.

    In the interim, the telco major has promoted Gopal to vice-chairman along with his existing duties as managing director.  In this role, while continuing to lead the India business, Gopal  will take on broader telecom responsibilities across the group. He is to be appointed to the board of Airtel Africa  as the Bharti nominee director to provide strategic guidance. In addition, he will be responsible for driving group synergies in select areas such as network strategy, digital and  technology, procurement and talent.

    Gopal will be responsible for mentoring and grooming Shashwat to take over as MD & CEO of Bharti Airtel. He will start to spend time between Delhi and Bangalore.

    The company announced changes at the board level too on 28 October. Rakesh Bharti Mittal, having served Airtel for nine years in his current term, will move on to the boards of Indus Towers and Bharti Hexacom. Replacing him is Rajan Bharti Mittal who returns to Airtel to be the Bharti board nominee.

  • Airtel Digital TV loses half a million subs in Q2 FY 2025

    Airtel Digital TV loses half a million subs in Q2 FY 2025

    MUMBAI: Bharti Airtel’s digital TV business’ revenue saw a marginal bump even as it shed a chunk of customers in Q2 FY 2025 ended 30 September 2024. India’s leading direct to home television (DTH) player saw a one per cent increase in revenues to Rs 7586 million (Rs 7515 million in  Q2 FY 2024).

    Airtel’s DTH sub base continued to see erosion with a drop of 546,000 subscribers in Q2 FY’25 to 15.8 million as against a loss of 196,000 subs in the previous years’ corresponding quarter. ( It had gained 194,000 subs in Q1 FY’25).  Monthly customer churn  climbed to 3.7 per cent (2.7 per cent). Average revenue per user was shaved by a rupee to Rs 158 in the latest quarter as against last year’s  corresponding quarter figures.

    EBITDA stayed nearly constant at Rs 4,243 million as compared to Rs 4,212 million in the corresponding quarter last year with EBITDA margin degrowing to 55.9 per cent as against 56.1 per cent. EBIT for the quarter was at Rs 12 million as compared to Rs 832 million in the previous quarter.  During the quarter, the company incurred a capital expenditure of Rs 4,252 million.

    During the quarter, Airtel and Apple entered in a strategic partnership to bring exclusive offers of Apple TV+ and Apple Music to Airtel customers in India. 

    Airtel digital TV then joined hands with Amazon Prime to offer live TV and Prime Lite benefits as part of its new Ultimate and Amazon Prime Lite plan. Subscribers of the Amazon Prime Lite plan that start Rs 521, can enjoy Prime Video on two devices in HD quality, in addition to enjoying linear TV channels. The Prime Lite subscription also includes other Prime benefits like free unlimited same-day delivery on over 10 Lakh products and next-day delivery on products on Amazon, early access to sale events and lightning deals and 5 per cent  cashback on purchases on Amazon.in with Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card. 

  • 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.”

  • Dish TV India incorporates new subsidiary

    Dish TV India incorporates new subsidiary

    MUMBAI: The ailing direct to home operator Dish TV on 10 October informed the Bombay stock exchange that it is going ahead and incorporating a new wholly owned subsidiary under the name of Dish Bharat Ventures Pvt Ltd. Its purpose: to the distribute its products
    and services through a robust digital platform and also provide ancillary services.

    Dish TV had earlier got clearance from its board on 24 July to set up the firm. And it  has got clearance from the ministry of corporate affairs to do the same on 10 October.

    It may be recalled that Dish TV controls 19.8 per cent market share of the DTH subscriber base in the country.  It notched up a revenue of Rs 9710.9 million in the year ended 31 March 2024 and it notched up a loss before exceptional, extraordinary items and tax of Rs 528.3 million, according to data available on moneycontrol.com.

  • Bharti Airtel responds to BSE query on Tata Play buyout

    Bharti Airtel responds to BSE query on Tata Play buyout

    MUMBAI: The Sunil Mittal-owned Bharti Airtel has responded to a query from the Bombay stock exchange (BSE) regarding news reports that it is in advanced talks to acquire the lossmaking DTH market leader and Tata group company Tata Play, led by Harit Nagpal.

    The company told the BSE that from time to time it or its subsidiaries evaluate various opportunities. And that it saw no reason why it should make any disclosures now, keeping in mind Securities Exchange Board of India (Sebi) regulations for listed companies.

    In a letter addressed to both the National Stock Exchange and BSE, it responded as follows:

    “We wish to clarify that the Company (on its own or through its subsidiary companies) evaluates various opportunities of alliances/ acquisitions and other similar avenues as per its requirements from time to time, in the ordinary course of business. There is no material event/ information that requires disclosure under Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
    Regulations, 2015 (‘SEBI Listing Regulations’). As a responsible corporate that follows the highest standards of corporate governance, the Company is fully conscious of its disclosure obligations under SEBI Listing Regulations and will duly make appropriate disclosures in compliance with applicable laws.”

    It may be recalled that The Economic Times had reported a couple of days ago that Tata Sons which holds a 70 per cent stake in Tata Play is looking at exiting along with Walt Disney, which holds 30 per cent.  The DTH provider’s valuation has reportedly plummeted from around $3 billion pre-covid to around $1 billion today. Tata Sons had bought out Singapore’s Temasek Holding’s  10 per cent investment in Tata Play for around $100 million in April 2024.  Bharti Airtel is expecting to close the purchase at the same valuation, the Economic Times report had stated. 

    Bharti Airtel owns the second largest DTH platform in India in Airtel DTH and the Tata Play acquisition will reportedly bolster its subscriber base. 

  • Dish TV partners with Samsung and Nagravision

    Dish TV partners with Samsung and Nagravision

    Mumbai: In a first-of-its-kind offering in the Indian DTH industry, Dish TV has launched a hassle-free TV viewing experience for Samsung TV customers via Nagravision and Samsung’s TVKey Cloud Technology. DishTV’s partnership with Samsung India, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, and Nagravision, the media and entertainment technology division of the Kudelski Group, to launch integrated DishTV smart+ services, makes it the first and the only DTH operator in India so far to deliver secure, premium content directly to Samsung Connected TVs without the need for a traditional set-top box and accessed via TV remote.

    The service developed in collaboration with Samsung India and Nagravision, seamlessly integrates Dish TV’s Smart+ service into select Samsung TV models. Samsung television customers in India can activate the built-in Dish TV service in their television sets and enjoy their favourite linear TV channels and OTT content without the need for installing a Set-Top box separately.

    Our new solution based on Nagravision and Samsung’s TVKey Cloud allows users to select Dish TV Smart+ as their preferred DTH service directly from the Samsung TV interface, simplifying the setup process and eliminating the need for an external set-top box. This built-in feature available on Samsung’s 2024 TV models- UHD 8 Series and above TVs integrates linear TV and streamed content into one seamless package. With unique on-chip security within Samsung TV’s, TVKey Cloud ensures top-tier content protection, delivering a streamlined, secure, and hassle-free user experience.

    To celebrate the launch, Dish TV Smart+ is offering a complimentary one-month subscription that provides access to a wide range of TV channels and 16 OTT apps through its in-house OTT platform, Watcho, at no extra cost. This exclusive offer enriches the viewing experience by seamlessly merging traditional DTH services with digital content into a single package.

    Dish TV India CEO & executive director Manoj Dobhal said, “At Dish TV, we believe in not just adapting to changing needs and innovations but in redefining them. The launch of TVKey Cloud represents a transformative leap for the DTH industry, delivering unmatched convenience and security directly to our customers’ Samsung Connected TVs. Our collaboration with Samsung India and Nagravision sets a new benchmark, prioritising customer needs, which are at the heart of our mission. This commitment to integrated, clutter-free entertainment reduces new customer acquisition costs, empowers consumers, and strengthens our position as a pioneering leader in this era of technology.”

    DishTV India corporate head- Marketing, Dish TV and Watcho, Sukhpreet Singh added, “We are thrilled to partner with Samsung India and Nagravision on this revolutionary initiative. By integrating traditional channels and OTT services into a single platform, we offer customers unparalleled flexibility and a wide range of content options. This partnership is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience by seamlessly merging our services with leading consumer devices. It brings advanced convenience directly to today’s living rooms, combining satellite TV with extensive OTT content.”

    “Our collaboration with Dish TV enables them to transform how they deliver secure, high-quality content directly to subscribers’ TVs,” said Nagravision executive VP & CMO Nancy Goldberg. “This launch demonstrates our commitment to both the Indian market and our continued investment in innovation to all segments of the media and entertainment industry. By aligning with Dish TV’s strategic goals, our solution offers consumers unparalleled access to premium, immersive content without needing additional hardware.”