ITV

Tag: Taj TV

  • Zee Entertainment bets big on micro-dramas and streaming distribution

    Zee Entertainment bets big on micro-dramas and streaming distribution

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises is placing a Rs 90 crore wager on the future of India’s fragmented media landscape, betting that micro-dramas and consolidated distribution will unlock new revenue streams as audiences scatter across platforms.

    The company’s board approved investments in optionally convertible debentures of two recently incorporated subsidiaries on 14 August. The bigger bet—Rs 50 crore—goes to ZBullet Enterprises, launched just two months ago to develop “Bullet,” a micro-drama application targeting younger viewers with bite-sized series. The remaining Rs 40 crore will flow to Advance Media Distribution Ltd (AMDL), a wholly owned subsidiary designed to consolidate Zee’s entire content distribution empire.

    AMDL represents the more strategic play. The new entity will handle distribution for all Zee Entertainment and Zee Media channels, plus the company’s streaming platform Zee5. It will also take over distribution of Watcho, an over-the-top platform owned by DTH operator Dish TV that Zee currently distributes. Beyond its parent company’s assets, AMDL plans to distribute third-party television channels and streaming services on a commission basis.

    The consolidation strategy follows a well-trodden path in Indian broadcasting. Zee previously shifted its television distribution to Taj TV before bringing it back in-house. Viacom18, now merged with Star India, operated through IndiaCast, while Sony Pictures Networks manages distribution through its own subsidiary.
    The logic is compelling: as audiences consume content across both traditional television and digital platforms simultaneously, a unified distribution approach promises to unlock subscription revenue from both streams. The move also positions Zee to serve smaller channels and streaming platforms that lack the resources and expertise to manage complex distribution arrangements themselves.

    ZBullet’s micro-drama focus, meanwhile, mirrors successful platforms in China where ultra-short episodic content has captivated mobile-first audiences. For a company built on Bollywood films and Hindi soap operas, the shift towards smartphone-friendly formats represents a significant strategic pivot.

    Neither venture has generated revenue yet, with both still preparing to commence operations. The investments will be made in tranches as business plans are finalised. But the timing suggests Zee recognises that India’s entertainment future belongs to companies that can master both content creation and distribution across every conceivable platform.

  • TDSAT rules in favour of broadcaster against MSO

    TDSAT rules in favour of broadcaster against MSO

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal has reiterated that failure to collect fees from subscribers is not sufficient ground for any multi-system operator or distributor for non-payment of earlier dues or monthly subscription to a broadcaster.

    Member B B Srivastava agreed with an earlier TDSAT order on 6 October 2014 quoted by Taj TV counsel Upender Thakur which is the respondent in the petition filed by Manthan Broadband Service Pvt Ltd.

    The Tribunal in Petition No. 144(C) of 2014 (Sun Distribution Services Pvt. Ltd. vs Digicable Network (lndia) Pvt Ltd.) had observed:

    “To my mind, the failure to collect from the ground is not a sufficient justification for not making payment to the broadcaster its earlier dues and the current monthly license fees in time.”

    After hearing counsel for both sides, TDSAT extended by 10 days the time given to Manthan to clear its dues to Taj TV ‘by way of one time indulgence.’

    Also read:   VXL and linked LCOs barred from receiving signals from any other MSO

    Also read:   TDSAT forbids VXL Digital to receive signals from any MSO after dispute with Indiacast

  • TDSAT rules in favour of broadcaster against MSO

    TDSAT rules in favour of broadcaster against MSO

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal has reiterated that failure to collect fees from subscribers is not sufficient ground for any multi-system operator or distributor for non-payment of earlier dues or monthly subscription to a broadcaster.

    Member B B Srivastava agreed with an earlier TDSAT order on 6 October 2014 quoted by Taj TV counsel Upender Thakur which is the respondent in the petition filed by Manthan Broadband Service Pvt Ltd.

    The Tribunal in Petition No. 144(C) of 2014 (Sun Distribution Services Pvt. Ltd. vs Digicable Network (lndia) Pvt Ltd.) had observed:

    “To my mind, the failure to collect from the ground is not a sufficient justification for not making payment to the broadcaster its earlier dues and the current monthly license fees in time.”

    After hearing counsel for both sides, TDSAT extended by 10 days the time given to Manthan to clear its dues to Taj TV ‘by way of one time indulgence.’

    Also read:   VXL and linked LCOs barred from receiving signals from any other MSO

    Also read:   TDSAT forbids VXL Digital to receive signals from any MSO after dispute with Indiacast

  • TDSAT orders Asianet systems’ audit in dispute with Taj TV

    TDSAT orders Asianet systems’ audit in dispute with Taj TV

    NEW DELHI: The Broadcast Engineering Consultants (India) Ltd (BECIL) has been directed by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to carry out commercial audit of the system of Asianet Satellite Communication Ltd following its miscellaneous application against Taj TV Pvt Ltd.

    Tribunal member B B Srivastava said in his order of 6 September that a report should be submitted within four weeks taking into account the concerns raised by Taj TV and the reply of the petitioner. Taj TV will bear the cost subject to final adjudication by the tribunal regarding the responsibility for payment of the cost of audit.

    Hearing on this application has been listed for 18 October, 2016.

    The order came after Asianet counsel Shirin Khajuria submitted that her client had reservations to the contentions by Taj TV in its reply and that these were mala fide. She said her client was not averse to the audit by BECIL.

    With reference to another pending application, Taj TV was directed to file its reply within a week. Taj TV Counsel Upender Thakur submitted that he would make available in a sealed cover to the tribunal documents enumerated in para 6 of that application within the same period. This application will be heard on 20 September, 2016.

    Khajuria also submitted that Taj TV may be directed to file on oath all the documents and information as mentioned in para 6 of this second application with a view to ensure supply of signals on non- discriminatory and reasonable basis in the State of Karnataka.

  • TDSAT orders Asianet systems’ audit in dispute with Taj TV

    TDSAT orders Asianet systems’ audit in dispute with Taj TV

    NEW DELHI: The Broadcast Engineering Consultants (India) Ltd (BECIL) has been directed by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to carry out commercial audit of the system of Asianet Satellite Communication Ltd following its miscellaneous application against Taj TV Pvt Ltd.

    Tribunal member B B Srivastava said in his order of 6 September that a report should be submitted within four weeks taking into account the concerns raised by Taj TV and the reply of the petitioner. Taj TV will bear the cost subject to final adjudication by the tribunal regarding the responsibility for payment of the cost of audit.

    Hearing on this application has been listed for 18 October, 2016.

    The order came after Asianet counsel Shirin Khajuria submitted that her client had reservations to the contentions by Taj TV in its reply and that these were mala fide. She said her client was not averse to the audit by BECIL.

    With reference to another pending application, Taj TV was directed to file its reply within a week. Taj TV Counsel Upender Thakur submitted that he would make available in a sealed cover to the tribunal documents enumerated in para 6 of that application within the same period. This application will be heard on 20 September, 2016.

    Khajuria also submitted that Taj TV may be directed to file on oath all the documents and information as mentioned in para 6 of this second application with a view to ensure supply of signals on non- discriminatory and reasonable basis in the State of Karnataka.

  • TDSAT directs West Bengal network Saptak Digital to clear Taj TV dues

    TDSAT directs West Bengal network Saptak Digital to clear Taj TV dues

    NEW DELHI: West Bengal cable TV network Saptak Digital has been asked by the Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to clear its outstanding dues to Taj TV of Rs 2,11,989 and Rs 2,48,006 for non-DAS and DAS areas as per terms and agreement of the previous agreement.

    Listing the matter for 7 September, member B B Srivastava also directed that for enjoying the signals the monthly payment will also have to continue to be made in accordance with the terms of the same agreement.

    The Tribunal said in its order of 9 August that the payment has to positively be made within two weeks.

    It however clarified that all these payments would be without prejudice to the rights and contentions of Saptak and subject to the final decision of the Tribunal.

    Meanwhile, the two sides were again asked to “sit down immediately after effecting the payment to resolve their differences and for signing the interconnect agreement in accordance with the TRAI regulation of March 2016.

  • TDSAT directs West Bengal network Saptak Digital to clear Taj TV dues

    TDSAT directs West Bengal network Saptak Digital to clear Taj TV dues

    NEW DELHI: West Bengal cable TV network Saptak Digital has been asked by the Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to clear its outstanding dues to Taj TV of Rs 2,11,989 and Rs 2,48,006 for non-DAS and DAS areas as per terms and agreement of the previous agreement.

    Listing the matter for 7 September, member B B Srivastava also directed that for enjoying the signals the monthly payment will also have to continue to be made in accordance with the terms of the same agreement.

    The Tribunal said in its order of 9 August that the payment has to positively be made within two weeks.

    It however clarified that all these payments would be without prejudice to the rights and contentions of Saptak and subject to the final decision of the Tribunal.

    Meanwhile, the two sides were again asked to “sit down immediately after effecting the payment to resolve their differences and for signing the interconnect agreement in accordance with the TRAI regulation of March 2016.

  • TDSAT directs MSO to pay Rs 2.45 crore as interim payment to Taj TV, sign agreement

    TDSAT directs MSO to pay Rs 2.45 crore as interim payment to Taj TV, sign agreement

    NEW DELHI: Grant lnvestrade Ltd has been directed by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to make an on-account payment of Rs 2.45 crore in two equal installments to Taj Television and execute an interconnect agreement on RIO terms effective from 21 June 2016.

    Chairman Justice Aftab Alam and member B B Srivastava said the payments in two equal installments will be first within four weeks of 14 June 2016 and the second .within six weeks from the date of the first payment.

    The interim payments and those under the RIO agreement will be without prejudice to the rights and contentions ofthe parties.

    Taj Television told the Tribunal that its dues in terms of the last interconnect agreement comes to Rs 2.15 crores as on30 April 2016. Adding to it the subscript1on up to 20 June 2016 @ of Rs 92 lakhs per month the dues according toMr. Bhatia, would come to Rs four crore.

    (Justice Aftab Alam has since completed his term at Chairperson of the Tribunal.)

  • TDSAT directs MSO to pay Rs 2.45 crore as interim payment to Taj TV, sign agreement

    TDSAT directs MSO to pay Rs 2.45 crore as interim payment to Taj TV, sign agreement

    NEW DELHI: Grant lnvestrade Ltd has been directed by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to make an on-account payment of Rs 2.45 crore in two equal installments to Taj Television and execute an interconnect agreement on RIO terms effective from 21 June 2016.

    Chairman Justice Aftab Alam and member B B Srivastava said the payments in two equal installments will be first within four weeks of 14 June 2016 and the second .within six weeks from the date of the first payment.

    The interim payments and those under the RIO agreement will be without prejudice to the rights and contentions ofthe parties.

    Taj Television told the Tribunal that its dues in terms of the last interconnect agreement comes to Rs 2.15 crores as on30 April 2016. Adding to it the subscript1on up to 20 June 2016 @ of Rs 92 lakhs per month the dues according toMr. Bhatia, would come to Rs four crore.

    (Justice Aftab Alam has since completed his term at Chairperson of the Tribunal.)

  • TDSAT to Taj TV: Restore signals to All Digital Network

    TDSAT to Taj TV: Restore signals to All Digital Network

    NEW DELHI: Taj Television India Pvt. Ltd has been directed by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to restore the supply of signals to All Digital Network India Ltd with the MSO agreeing it will makes the aggregate payment of five instalments of Rs 86,64,000 each payable by 30 June.

    The supply of signals thus restored, shall continue provided further payments, if any, are made in terms of the schedule, according to the order by chairman Aftab Alam and member B B Srivastava who listed the case for 22 July. The tribunal also recalled its order restraining the petitioner and GTPL from making any withdrawals from their bank accounts.

    Earlier, a payment schedule was submitted before the tribunal on behalf of GTPL which had accepted to pay off the dues of All Digital Network to Taj Television. Under that schedule, five instalments of Rs 86,64,000 each were payable to Taj Television by 30 June with the fourth and fifth instalment falling due on that date.

    But the tribunal was informed on 3 June that neither the GTPL nor All Digital had paid a single instalment under the schedule. Further, it was told that GTPL is also reported to have walked out of the arrangement with All Digital.

    However, All Digital counsel Manikya Khanna told the tribunal that since GTPL was not complying with the commitment given on its behalf, All Digital accepted its liability to pay the dues of Taj TV and it will make payment in terms of the schedule earlier given on behalf of GTPL.