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Tag: Dish TV

  • 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.

  • Dish TV to get new CFO from 1 October

    Dish TV to get new CFO from 1 October

    MUMBAI: Dish TV India is going to have a new chief financial officer (CFO) come 1 October 2024. Rajeev K Dalmia who is currently holding the post will vacate it on 30 September following his superannuation and will cease to be a key managerial personnel of the DTH operator.

    Replacing him is Amit Kumar Verma with effect from 1 October 2024.  This was decided by the Dish TV board on 18 September.

    It may be recalled that there was a change in the directors of Dish TV earlier this month at the AGM when the appointment of two independent directors Garima Bharadwaj and Azeezuddin Mohammad was not approved by the company’s members. They were immediately replaced by Amit Singhal and Parag Agarawal. Additionally, CEO Manoj Dobhal was also reappointed as a director at Dish TV. 
     

  • Dish TV approves raising funds up to Rs 1000 crore

    Dish TV approves raising funds up to Rs 1000 crore

    Mumbai: The Board of Directors of Dish TV, in their meeting on 24 July 2024, approved raising funds up to Rs 1,000 crore through equity shares, convertible bonds, or debentures, in one or more phases. They also sanctioned the establishment of a wholly-owned subsidiary in India.

    The subsidiary will operate under a name approved by the relevant authority, focusing on distributing products and services through a robust digital platform and offering related services. The name of the subsidiary is pending approval from the concerned authorities. It will have a proposed capital of Rs 10 lakh and would infuse the same amount towards the company’s share capital.

    In a regulatory filing, Dish TV stated that the Board has granted initial approval to explore and initiate the fundraising process through various permissible means under applicable laws. This includes issuing equity shares, convertible bonds, debentures, warrants, preference shares, FCCBs, or any other equity-linked securities. The fundraising amount will not exceed Rs 1,000 crore, to be conducted in one or more installments, subject to necessary approvals.

  • “If I wanted to play only one role, then Shefali is not a bad role to follow”: Shefali Shah

    “If I wanted to play only one role, then Shefali is not a bad role to follow”: Shefali Shah

    Mumbai: Actress Shefali Shah, known for her versatile performances across TV, OTT, and film, has consistently delivered diverse roles spanning various genres. She recently unveiled the Dish TV Smart+ services in Delhi. The ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Service offers a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem with content, devices, and offers to ensure accessibility on ‘Any Screen, Anywhere’. At the Dish TV event, she shared insights into her journey as an artist, reflecting on the challenges she faces in avoiding repetition on screen. She also discussed her role as a mother in this tech-savvy era, highlighting her efforts to guide her children along the right path.

    Opening about the challenges of repeating roles, Shah said, “It’s not difficult for me. I am an actor because I want to play different roles. If I wanted to play only one role, then Shefali is not a bad role to follow. You know, so it’s not difficult for me. In fact, that is what excites me. “Oh, this is completely different. I have done this. Let’s do this.” So, this question is not difficult for me. It’s exciting for me.”

    Revealing her parenting journey and how she is trying to inculcate the right reading habit in this era of binge-watching on OTT, Shah shared, “There is a very nice thing I read somewhere: “The most important thing you give your children is roots and wings.” Now, for parents to accept that my children have grown up and are going to make their own decisions is a little difficult for parents. But it is a fact. Mene bachpan mein unhne sikhaya, padhaya. However, finally, what they will do will depend on them as they grow up. And whether they listen to me or not, they will accept what they want. So, I read a lot. And I kept telling the children, “You must read, you will love it.” Both the children were not into reading, which was very sad for me. But then, as they grew up, suddenly they started reading. And not the stuff that I read. I read everything. But they started reading a lot of stuff which tells them life hacks. You know, my older one wants to be a businessman. My younger one wants to do something else. So, they started reading on their own. This realisation happened to them when they started reading. As a parent, honestly, children do what they have to do. You can control them until a certain age. After that, they will do everything.”

    The ‘Dish TV Smart+’ service offers all Dish TV and D2H customers, both new and existing subscribers, the ability to enjoy popular OTT apps alongside their selected TV subscription pack. This ecosystem enables entertainment on any screen, at any place, and at any time through Watcho, the OTT Super App, smart devices such as set-top boxes, and smart android STBs. Additionally, Dish TV will partner with leading TV and Mobile Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seamlessly incorporate their services into these devices, enhancing the overall user experience.

  • “Our core business is providing content”: Sukhpreet Singh

    “Our core business is providing content”: Sukhpreet Singh

    Mumbai: Dish TV is transforming the entertainment landscape in India with the introduction of its innovative offering, ‘Dish TV Smart+’. As a pioneering move in the industry, this initiative redefines the way customers experience entertainment by providing seamless access to both TV and OTT content across all screens, without any additional charges.

    With ‘Dish TV Smart+’, both new and existing subscribers of Dish TV and D2H can enjoy a plethora of popular OTT apps alongside their chosen TV subscription pack. This comprehensive service ecosystem ensures that entertainment is available anytime, anywhere, on any screen, be it through the Watcho OTT Super App, smart devices such as set-top boxes, or Android STBs. Moreover, Dish TV is forging partnerships with leading TV and Mobile Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seamlessly integrate their services into these devices, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.

    Not long ago, there was apprehension among TV channels, DTH, and Cable TV operators regarding the rapid rise of OTT entertainment in India. However, the landscape has evolved significantly since then. Today, TV networks have adapted by launching their own OTT platforms, while DTH operators have shifted their approach to become aggregators of content.

    Indiantelevision.com on the sideline of the launch, caught up with Dish TV & Watcho corporate head of marketing Sukhpreet Singh. During the interview, Singh discussed the rationale behind the launch of their new initiative and shed light on the challenges encountered within the pay TV ecosystem and the DTH industry.

    Edited excerpts

    On the need of launching Dish TV Smart+

    The need is the fact that we are in the content distribution. We don’t differentiate between where the content is coming from Customers watch content in linear platforms as well as OTT. Our job was to bring all that together in a way which is a good experience and affordable for the customers.

    On the features that differentiate Dish TV Smart + from other Dish TV offerings

    First thing is we are the only DTH at a price of 200+ both that provides DTH and OTT. Secondly, we are the only one who’s providing a complete ecosystem of DTH plus OTT packs along with devices and OTT apps. I think we are the only one that is able to provide any screen, anywhere and anytime at that price point.

    On Dish TV Smart + integrating traditional satellite TV with online streaming services

    All the traditional satellite channels are available on hardboxes. If you look at it, we have our traditional boxes, connected boxes and our OTT app which doesn’t need a box. In that app, we have live TV, OTT content from various OTT apps. So if you take all of them together, whatever customer you are, whatever devices you have, we will be able to provide you with content.

    On Dobhal showcasing pay TV + smart TV to be increased by 183 million by 2030 during the presentation and the challenges faced in pure pay TV ecosystem

    What was shown in the presentation was pay TV + smart TV. There is going to be a lot of hybrid consumption, that is what we are trying to tell. If you only look at the pure pay TV, they might not grow. If you take pay TV, smart TV and all the hybrid consumption, that will work. What we are seeing is people are watching a lot of content, even if it’s streaming content, they are watching it a lot on television. Consumption on television is not decreasing, that is what we described. That increase is basically pay TV and smart TV. People are gonna watch a lot more content on television and like I said, it is very narrow to describe yourself as the only satellite and DTH provider. Most of the major broadcasters are providing traditional linear services also and streaming & OTT services. Most of the major OTT apps come from the broadcasters. They are also trying to innovate. It brings me back to the point that it doesn’t matter where the content is coming from and there are all types of customers. Even in a single family, there are people watching television, there are people watching OTT only on their mobile, there are people watching OTT on smart TVs. Our job is to provide content for the modern Indian family.

    On TRAI’s Performance Indicator Report highlighting the decline of the active subscriber base for pay DTH by 2.06 per cent from 66.62 million in December 2022 to 65.25 million in March 2023

    Yes! The numbers which you can see in the TRAI reports, they are all in sync. We all know that if we are talking about only traditional ways of watching content then obviously it will come down. But we have to look at our business which is providing content whether it is traditional or new, doesn’t matter. Every traditional thing changes into new. Our core business is providing content. If the traditional way is coming down, then the new way will go up. If we are focused only on the traditional way, we will also go down.

    On the future of content consumption in India

    The way we see it from the business perspective, the number of hours that people spend while watching content is exploding. People have so much content to watch that they get confused. Right from niche content to blockbuster ones, everything is available along with many languages. Now you have such high quality content in regional languages. Even if you take a very niche language, then you will find a lot of beautiful content available, thanks to OTT platforms that are making it possible. So it’s a great time for content, it’s a great time for consuming content for all kinds of screens and our job is to make it possible. 

  • Dish TV revolutionizes entertainment with ‘Dish TV Smart+’ services

    Dish TV revolutionizes entertainment with ‘Dish TV Smart+’ services

    Mumbai: Dish TV, has taken a path-breaking initiative to redefine the entertainment experience in India. The leading DTH provider in a first-of-its-kind move has announced its ground-breaking proposition ‘Dish TV Smart+’. This launch marks a pioneering milestone in the industry, providing customers access to TV and OTT content on any screen, anywhere, without any additional cost. It ensures convenience, flexibility, and enhanced entertainment options, empowering customers to tailor their viewing experience.

    With the ‘Dish TV Smart+’ service, all Dish TV and D2H customers, including new as well as existing subscribers can enjoy popular OTT apps along with their chosen TV subscription pack. The ‘Dish TV Smart+’ services ecosystem enables entertainment on any screen, anywhere, anytime through Watcho-the OTT Super App, Smart devices including set-top boxes, and smart android STBs. Dish TV will also collaborate with top TV and Mobile Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seamlessly integrate their services into these devices, thereby enriching the overall user experience.

    Commenting on the new proposition, Dish TV India Ltd Manoj Dhobal, stated, “Since its inception, Dish TV has transformed the entertainment consumption landscape, pioneering new ways for people to enjoy their favourite content. With this new proposition, we are poised to make an even greater difference, setting a new standard for immersive and accessible entertainment experiences. The launch of ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services represents more than just a proposition; it embodies the vision to redefine entertainment consumption in India, which is getting smarter and bigger. In a market flooded with options, customers often find themselves overwhelmed. We aim to simplify their choices by offering a holistic and complete entertainment solution. We firmly believe that both traditional television and OTT platforms are indispensable in today’s age, and with our proposition, we aim to reaffirm their equal importance.”

    “At Dish TV, customer satisfaction is non-negotiable, and every decision is centered around delivering value and convenience. ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services not only benefit our customers by providing them with unparalleled access to entertainment but also ensures that their preferences and satisfaction remain at the forefront of our endeavours. With ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services, we are catering to all needs of a modern Indian family, staying true to our motto – Naye Bharat Ka Smart Connection,” Manoj Dobhal added.

    To effectively communicate this visionary proposition, Dish TV has initiated a comprehensive marketing campaign spanning multiple channels, including Television, Digital, Print, and Corporate outreach, aiming to amplify its message of entertainment accessibility on any screen, anywhere.

    For existing subscribers, Dish TV will leverage its channels and platforms, employing push notifications, in-app notifications, and emailers. Meanwhile, for new customers, the emphasis will be on TV and digital channels to ensure widespread visibility and awareness of the offering.

    Dish TV & Watcho corporate head of marketing Sukhpreet Singh said, “With ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services, we’re not just introducing a new proposition; we’re leading a paradigm shift in entertainment consumption. Through our multi-channel marketing approach, we are committed to directly engaging with consumers, ensuring broad awareness and adoption. As a brand, we prioritize staying ahead of trends and adapting to evolving audience preferences. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of our strategy, and we are committed to delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences that cater to their diverse preferences and lifestyles.”

  • Dish TV launches dynamic AV vans for ‘Zing Super Offer’ across HSM

    Dish TV launches dynamic AV vans for ‘Zing Super Offer’ across HSM

    Mumbai: Dish TV, a prominent DTH service provider, has launched a strategic outreach initiative targeting Hindi-speaking market (HSM) regions across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh East & West, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar to popularise its Zing Super offering through on-ground activities, tailored for tier-2, tier-3 towns, and deep rural areas. The company is using all decked-up dynamic interactive audio-video (AV) vans to promote its special ‘Zing Super offer’ and provide entertainment avenues to the HSM market, with the aim to attract potential customers towards the evolved entertainment experience of pay television.

    Dish TV provides both pay-TV channels and free channels on its platform to offer customers a choice between pay-TV and Free TV viewing. The Dish TV van activity has been instrumental in directly connecting with customers by demonstrating both pay-TV and FTA through live programming demos and on-the-spot resolution of complaints of existing subscribers. The vans will also showcase educational channels and distribute stationery to children to build an emotional connection with families.

    Dish TV India Ltd CEO Manoj Dobhal said, “At Dish TV, we’re committed to delivering top-notch entertainment to our valued customers. Our ‘Zing Super’ offer provides 300+ channels for an extended period of time with the flexibility to add pay channels on an à la carte basis whenever required. With our unique initiative, using interactive dynamic AV vans, we aim to highlight the content quality of pay-TV vis-a-vis FTA through live programming on the spot, which helps in converting FTA customers by bringing them onto the pay platform at a reasonable entry price.”

    As part of the campaign, dynamic vans will traverse these targeted markets, generating awareness, facilitating on-the-spot new sales and resolving customer complaints.

    Customers can avail the exclusive offer during the campaign period and receive exciting gifts with every purchase, ensuring a delightful experience for all customers.

  • VBS 2024: The Churning Video Distribution Ecosystem – What’s next?

    VBS 2024: The Churning Video Distribution Ecosystem – What’s next?

    Mumbai: India is in the grips of seisnic changes regarding video and broadband consumption. Pay TV cord-cutting is rampant even as free TV subscriptions are on the rise and OTT buy-ins are churning with the signs up for certain platforms stagnating even as others are seeing rapid increases and some are seeing cataclysmic drops. Aggregators of OTTs are popping up on the horizon promising cheap bundles along with value-added services for cable TV and DTH. There’s a rush to set up free advertising-supported TV channels by TV set manufacturers and smart TV device makers. There’s the Jio factor where it seeks to convert most pay TV customers to free streaming of video content by offering free access to consumers at no cost. The consumer continues to demand bandwidth higher than ever imagined even as prices drop. Margins are under pressure as every player goes one-up on each other acquire and retain customers.

    The video and broadband distribution landscape has not been as vibrant as it is now.. How long will this pot-boiling continue? What will the magic potion of video and broadband look and taste like? And what’s the end game? Indiantelevision.com has held the 20th edition of Video and Broadband Summit better known as VBS at Sahara Star Hotel, Mumbai.

    The session chair for this panel was Ernst and Young LLP partner, media & entertainment advisory services Ashish Pherwani along with panelists: Fastway group CEO Prem Ojha, IndiaCast president Amit Arora, Dish TV CEO Manoj Dobhal, Warner Bros. Discovery & Eurosport South Asia head of distribution Ruchir Jain, Shemaroo Entertainment COO-broadcasting business Sandeep Gupta and Harmonic EMEA-APAC streaming market development director Alexandre Paugam

    Pherwani started off by saying by 2028, the TV world be breaking up into three largely equal partners and will have about 70 to 80 million pay TV and 65 to 70 million free-to-air services.

    Jain said, “We are very hopeful about the future right now. If you look at this, what’s going to happen is one is that the entire set of consumers are increasing in number. So I’m talking about how pay TV is gonna grow, connected TVs, and also about the free-to-air services, etc, so it’s the number of people coming into the media, who is going to invest. So that’s one big factor, the second big factor is the time scale

    Ojha opined that, “Our job is to keep the ground ready so that all this beautiful content and all these absorbing content can reach out to consumers the way they want it today.”

    Arora said, “So it is select all 3 platforms to seem to be consuming a lot of common content assets and that is going to change in the future formats will change may be the price point. I agree with that.”

    Dobhai said, “ We are brands with long-run legacies. And new ones coming up. Fortunately, unfortunately, I’m on the receiving end of it because we are the ones who showed the word of it all the country that you know what experience it brings when you watch an immersive content technology, upgraded version of it, satellite, and all that.”

    Gupta added that for Shemaroo, Gujarati is like building our own Prime Video. Because we are devoted ourselves to Gujrati. We are trying to expand on more areas as well. Other than that Shemaroo and ShemarooMe are mostly devoted to Gujarati.

    Lastly, Paugam replied, “Coming from the technology, part of things, especially the broadcast infrastructure, I think we see a big trend, and DTH cable stays strong. And for us, it stays at a huge part of our business helping protesters and operators distribute their content through those networks and optimize it. But the big growth is in streaming. And we’ve seen a tipping point globally, the number of subscribers from pay TV subscribers, being outpaced by the number of streaming subscribers. We’re moving from sending a unified feed and broke it down to everyone to sending unique guests and a unique feed to the end user. That gives us the ability to customize this unique feed. I think a lot of innovation and new technology that are emerging are around how do we leverage that streaming vessel to have the experience as personalized as possible.”

  • Dish TV Crisis: Shockingly four independent Directors were rejected by shareholders

    Dish TV Crisis: Shockingly four independent Directors were rejected by shareholders

    Mumbai – At extraordinary meetings of Dish TV shareholders, shockingly shareholders rejected the candidature of four independent candidates during the meeting. In recent developments, Dish TV India approved Sunil Khanna as an independent director and Ravi Bhushan Puri as an executive director.

    According to the mint report, due to the rejection of 4 independent directors, an Extraordinary General Meeting ( EGM) was called out on 3 March, and the resignation of Independent director Zohra Chatterjee effective from 2 June. The appointment of new directors Sunil Khanna, and Ravi Bhushan Puri became effective after Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) approval.

    According to Dish TV’s statement, Ravi Bhushan Puri will not be entitled to additional remuneration for an aforementioned appointment. He will continue with the designation of ‘ Corporate Head of Broadcasting’ in the company.

    Dish TV faced a board strength shortfall that is not aligned with the mandatory requirements of SEBI ( Security Exchange Board of India) for six directors. Now in contingency by the disapproval of four independent directors, the company stated to have taken compliance measures with listing regulations.

    According to exchange filings, the appointment of Rajesh Sahni, Virender Tagra, Aanchal David, and Shankar Agrawal was rejected by minority shareholders. Before this EGM meeting development of Dish TV 13 Directors was rejected by shareholders in 2021.

    Internal financial stability problems will be addressed by shareholders of the company in the upcoming days.