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Tag: Tata Play

  • Tata Play forges new FanCode Sports partnership

    Tata Play forges new FanCode Sports partnership

    MUMBAI: Following the inclusion of  sports destination FanCode in OTT aggregator app Tata Play Binge  in December 2023, the DTH operator has now announced the launch of Tata Play FanCode Sports, giving its subscribers a front-row seat to a smorgasbord of sporting action including cricket, football, kabaddi, golf and motorsports.

    The new platform promises to deliver over 100 hours of live sports monthly, covering more than eight major sports and featuring blue-ribbon tournaments such as the Carabao Cup, Copa del Rey, and Concacaf Champions Cup. Cricket enthusiasts haven’t been left on a sticky wicket either, with Australia’s Tour of West Indies and South Africa’s Tour of Zimbabwe also on the menu.

    Formula 1 fanatics are in for a treat as the service brings coverage of all 24 Grand Prix weekends to screens across India. Viewers can witness Lewis Hamilton don the famous Ferrari red for the first time as he reignites his rivalry with Red Bull’s high-flying Max Verstappen.

    The platform will showcase global sporting megastars including football icons Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Mohamed Salah, and Lionel Messi, alongside cricket heavyweights Nicholas Pooran, Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada, and Aiden Markram.

    “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with FanCode,” said  Tata Play  chief commercial &  content officer Pallavi Puri. “This exciting collaboration marks a significant milestone, enabling us to offer a seamless viewing experience across screens, enhancing the diversity and accessibility of live sports content.”

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco added: “After our successful collaboration on Tata Play Binge, we are thrilled to continue our partnership with Tata Play to bring FanCode to millions of new homes.”
    The 24/7 ad-free service will be available on EPG No. 485 and through the Tata Play mobile app for Rs 75 per month—a small price to pay for front-row tickets to the sporting world’s greatest hits.

  • Zindagi DTH celebrates women’s month with iconic female-led dramas

    Zindagi DTH celebrates women’s month with iconic female-led dramas

    MUMBAI: March isn’t just another month—it’s a time to celebrate resilience, strength, and the captivating stories of women who dare to defy norms. And what better way to do that than with an electrifying lineup of women-led dramas? Zindagi DTH is rolling out an unforgettable selection of shows under the theme Mein Aur Meri Dastaan, featuring powerhouse performances, gripping narratives, and female protagonists who refuse to fade into the background.

    Leading the charge is Pani Jaisa Pyaar, a drama that dives deep into love, sacrifice, and destiny. Starring Saba Qamar, Mikaal Zulfiqar, and Ahsan Khan, this poignant tale follows Sana, a young woman torn between societal expectations and personal dreams. Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster as her journey of resilience and heartbreak unfolds on 18 March 2025.

    For those who love a good mix of heartbreak and hope, the fan-favourite Mere Humsafar makes a grand return. Starring Hania Aamir and Farhan Saeed, this tearjerker follows Hala, a woman navigating life’s challenges while searching for her place in the world. Prepare to be mesmerised as the drama airs on 16 March 2025, in Zindagi’s Jashn-e-Superstar slot.

    Adding some lighthearted yet thought-provoking drama to the mix is Kuch Ankahi, featuring the dynamic duo Sajal Aly and Bilal Abbas. This modern drama balances career struggles, relationships, and the evolving role of women in society, all while maintaining a refreshing touch of humour. Available for streaming from 9 March 2025, this is one comeback you won’t want to miss.

    Talking about her role in Mere Humsafar, Aamir shared, “Playing Hala has been an emotional and thrilling journey. Her resilience, strength, and ability to find hope in the darkest times mirror the spirit of so many women around the world. I’m honoured to be part of a story that continues to resonate with audiences and celebrate perseverance.”

    But that’s not all. The celebration of women continues with even more riveting dramas: Inkar, starring Yumna Zaidi and Imran Ashraf, streaming from 15 March 2025; Baaghi, led by the unstoppable Saba Qamar, airing on 22 March 2025; and Ayesha, starring Yasra Rizvi and Sarmad Khoosat, hitting screens on 9 and 23 March 2025.

    Catch all these iconic dramas exclusively on Zindagi DTH or head over to Zindagi’s Youtube channel for a binge-worthy experience. This women’s month, brace yourself for powerful stories that inspire, challenge, and celebrate the indomitable spirit of women.

  • Bharti Airtel confirms it is discussing potential Tata Play DTH merger

    Bharti Airtel confirms it is discussing potential Tata Play DTH merger

    MUMBAI: Bharti Airtel has confirmed it is in discussions with the Tata group regarding a potential merger of their direct-to-home (DTH) operations. 

    In a brief statement, filed with the Bombay stock exchange, Bharti Airtel acknowledged that the two companies are in bilateral talks exploring the combination of Tata Play Ltd with Bharti Telemedia Ltd, a subsidiary of Airtel. The potential transaction would need to be structured in a manner “acceptable to all parties.”

    It however cautioned that discussions remain at an early stage, with no firm agreements reached.

    The clarification follows reports in mainstream media about an imminent “mega DTH merger” between the two business groups.

    If successful, the merger would create one of India’s largest DTH operators, potentially reshaping the country’s pay television landscape.

    Neither company has provided details regarding timeframes, valuation, or potential regulatory hurdles that would need to be addressed for the transaction to proceed.

  • Tata Play & Airtel Digital TV to Merge in Share Swap Deal – Economic Times report

    Tata Play & Airtel Digital TV to Merge in Share Swap Deal – Economic Times report

    MUMBAI — A major consolidation is underway in India’s television distribution landscape as Tata Play and Airtel Digital TV prepare to merge through a share swap, according to a report by The Economic Times.

    The deal will see Airtel holding over 50 per cent of the combined entity, effectively consolidating India’s direct-to-home (DTH) sector as viewers increasingly shift towards digital streaming platforms.

    Tata Play, formerly known as Tata Sky, is India’s largest DTH provider and was previously a joint venture with Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, which was later acquired by Disney in 2019. Through this merger, Airtel will gain access to Tata Play’s 19 million subscribers, bolstering its strategy to bundle telecom, broadband, and DTH services.

    The merger follows the 2016 consolidation of Dish TV and Videocon d2h, and comes amid Reliance Industries and Disney combining Star India and Viacom18 to form JioStar, now India’s largest media company with Rs 26,000 crore revenue in FY24.

    First reported by The Economic Times on 8 October 2024, the agreement is expected to be formalised soon. Airtel is likely to control 52-55 per cent of the new entity, while Tata Play’s shareholders, including Disney, will retain 45-48 per cent. Tata Sons is reportedly seeking two board seats, while Airtel’s management is expected to lead operations.

    “This will be a non-binding agreement,” an executive familiar with the deal told the newspaper. “Both parties have been engaged for months and are expected to resolve outstanding issues quickly.”

    Both companies are valued at between Rs 6,000-7,000 crore each. Airtel Digital TV operates under Bharti Telemedia Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharti Airtel. Tata Sons owns 70 per cent of Tata Play after acquiring Temasek Holding’s 10 per cent stake in April 2024 for Rs 835 crore, valuing Tata Play at $1 billion, down from its pre-pandemic $3 billion.

    Disney is expected to maintain its stake in the merged entity. As of September 2024, the two DTH providers had a combined 35 million subscribers, generating over Rs 7,000 crore in revenue in FY24. Tata Play also serves 500,000 broadband customers.

  • What makes Harit Nagpal’s Adapt tome great to look at, not just read

    What makes Harit Nagpal’s Adapt tome great to look at, not just read

    MUMBAI: Just got my hands on Tata Play CEO Harit Nagpal’s tome Adapt – to Thrive, not just survive. I must say better late than never. It appears to be an amazing read. But a lot has been written about what we as managers can learn from his stories about challenges and how to overcome them.

    I don’t know if a lot has been written about how the book looks, that is, its striking art work and cover design. At least, I could not locate it despite a lot of deep google searches. 

    The cover design is by Westland (the publisher of the book) design head Saurabh Garge who has been behind some of the gee-whiz looks of books that it brings out. 

    To begin with, the visual metaphor Saurabh has used aligns seamlessly with the book’s exploration of how businesses must evolve to thrive in dynamic environments.

    A large part of the cover is dominated by a curled tail of a chameleon, a reptile renowned for its adaptative capabilities. The animal’s tail has a myriad of colours showing its ability to change quickly (probably in micro-seconds) depending on its environment and the threat to its survival and thriving. The design employs a clean and minimalist aesthetic, ensuring that the chameleon remains the focal point, thereby reinforcing the book’s message of strategic adaptation.

    Similarly, corporations too have to be agile and quick to adapt to the crazily-spinning almost-out-of-control and ever-changing dynamic environment. 
    Harit Nagpal

    Also, the color scheme of the book title from cool colour like the blue green to the warmer yellows and oranges to the hot red clearly elucidates the cycle that organisations need to go through from start up to maturity wherein sales become red hot. And they also become noticeable. The same colour gradient has been followed at the back of the book and even in the spine with the title now going clean white. 

    Overall, the cover design is both visually appealing and thematically resonant, effectively conveying the book’s focus on the importance of adaptability in achieving business success.

    (Adapt – To Thrive, Not just Survive by Harit Nagpal, pp 213, publisher Westland  Books, price Rs 599. To buy the book click here)

  • Tata Sons seeks CCI green signal for additional 10 per cent stake in Tata Play

    Tata Sons seeks CCI green signal for additional 10 per cent stake in Tata Play

    MUMBAI: Tata Sons, the promoter of The Tata group, is seeking to own a larger slice of its distribution platform operator Tata Play. It has sought approval from india’s fair trade regulator, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), to acquire an additional 10 per cent  stake in Tata Play. The stake will be purchased from Baytree Investments (Mauritius) Pte Ltd, an affiliate of Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, Temasek Holdings.

    Currently holding a 60 per cent stake in Tata Play, Tata Sons’ acquisition will increase its ownership to 70 per cent. Tata Sons is an investment holding company registered as a core investment company with the Reserve Bank of India, classified as a systemically important non-deposit taking core investment company.

    Tata Play, formerly known as Tata Sky, is a leading content distribution platform in India, offering pay TV  and direct-to-home (DTH) services. it also operates Tata Play Binge, an over-the-top (OTT) platform that aggregates popular streaming apps under a single subscription model.

    The proposed transaction has been notified to the CCI under sections 6(2) and 5(a) of the Competition Act, 2002. these provisions mandate regulatory approval for acquisitions exceeding certain thresholds.

    Both Tata Play and Tata Sons have asserted that the transaction will not adversely affect competition in any relevant market. They have appealed to the  CCI to  examine the deal in the context of India’s wired broadband internet services and the complementary linkages between Tata Sons’ internet services and Tata Play’s online platforms.

    Meanwhile, the buzz of a transaction between Airtel and Tata Play taking place seems to have died down. Apparently, valuations are an issue and the further loss of subscribers by the  pay TV ecosystem has put a dampener in any deal going forward, reveal sources close to the conversation. Also, the earlier transaction between the Essel group Dish TV and Videocond2h didn’t yield any clear identifiable long term benefits for the former as it struggles to sustain itself in a sector that is being gnawed away at by DD’s free DTH service FreeDish, and low cost streaming services. 

    And going by the way that Tata Sons has applied to the CCI is it possible that the group has decided to retain its broadband part of Tata Play while letting go off of the video services portion the Distribution platform operator provides?If that is the case, then who is the buyer?  Or is it that the group still sees potential in both the video and internet delivery components of Tata Play and has decided to continue to invest in both? The Tata group is not talking;  neither is Tata Play.

    Guess, we will have to keep watching this space. 

  • 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) 

  • 2024 The year that was – Convergence redefines India’s media landscape

    2024 The year that was – Convergence redefines India’s media landscape

    MUMBAI: As 2024 draws to a close, India’s media and entertainment sector has undergone a profound transformation, reshaping how content is created, distributed, monetised and consumed. The industry’s trajectory is no longer defined by linear growth but by convergence – a blending of formats, technologies, and audience experiences. This article explores the standout trends of 2024 that have positioned India at the forefront of the global media revolution. 

    The Rise of Unified Media Ecosystems 

    In 2024, the fragmentation of content across platforms prompted a surge in unified media ecosystems. Major players integrated cable, satellite, and OTT services into seamless bundles. Partnerships like those between Tata Play and JioCinema offered consumers a singular subscription covering live TV, streaming, and interactive content. The merger of Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema under the JioStar brand will further demonstrate this trend, combining Disney’s extensive content library with Jio’s robust technological and distribution infrastructure.  

    These developments addressed subscription fatigue by offering cost-effective and convenient bundled services. As telcos and streaming players increasingly leaned towards unified offerings, the next pivotal step emerged – creating singular OTT platforms to integrate multiple streaming services under one roof. Scalable and modular architectures have become essential, enabling flexibility and customisation to accommodate evolving service bundles and diverse consumer preferences. This shift underscores the industry’s adaptability in meeting the complex demands of modern consumers. 

    Sports Broadcasting Reinvented 

    India’s sports media landscape saw unprecedented innovation in 2024. Beyond traditional cricket broadcasts, kabaddi, football, and esports embraced hybrid delivery models. Augmented reality (AR) features allowed fans to experience matches with real-time statistics and dynamic visuals, while 5G-enabled immersive experiences brought stadium energy into living rooms. 

    Regional sports leagues also thrived by leveraging vernacular commentary and localised marketing, broadening their appeal and strengthening connections with diverse audiences. These efforts not only amplified audience engagement but also positioned regional sports as valuable contributors to India’s overall sports media ecosystem. 

    AI, Advertising, and Live Commerce Converge 

     Artificial intelligence, innovative advertising, and live commerce emerged as interconnected forces shaping the media landscape in 2024. AI-driven personalisation powered hyper-targeted recommendations and dynamic content delivery, tailoring experiences to individual, regional, or similar preferences. This capability extended into advertising, where AI analytics enabled micro-segmentation and dynamic ad formats. Brands also experimented with shoppable media embedded directly into OTT platforms, allowing users to interact with ads and make purchases seamlessly. 

    Live commerce further transformed engagement by integrating real-time shopping into live events. Cricket telecasts, for instance, featured exclusive merchandise drops available for purchase during key moments. Platforms with modular architectures and seamless third-party integrations supported these innovations, unlocking new revenue streams and enhancing viewer interactivity. These advancements reflect a significant evolution in how audiences engage with content and commerce simultaneously. 
     

    Deltatre

     Content Without Borders 

     In 2024, Indian content flourished on the global stage. Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video promoted Indian originals, while regional OTT platforms expanded into south Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This cross-border success highlighted the universal appeal of culturally rich narratives. 

    International co-productions became more common, with Indian creators collaborating with global studios. Flexible monetisation models, including ad-supported, subscription-based, and hybrid offerings, enabled experimentation and growth, allowing platforms to cater to diverse audience needs. This trend underscores the global demand for authentic storytelling and India’s role as a leading content powerhouse. 

    Collaborative Ventures and Audience Co-Creation Redefine Engagement 

    Collaborative ventures between creators, platforms, and brands surged in 2024. Co-productions between Indian and international studios introduced fresh storytelling perspectives, while brands acted as content producers, funding original series that aligned with their ethos. 

    Audiences also became active contributors, engaging in interactive storytelling, user-generated content campaigns, and fan-led initiatives. This participatory approach fostered loyalty and transformed viewers into brand advocates. Platforms embracing flexible monetisation strategies and modular architectures capitalised on this trend, delivering sustainable revenue through community-driven content models. Such initiatives highlighted the importance of deeper connections between creators and audiences in driving content innovation. 

    Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond 

    As we step into 2025, the role of technology in shaping India’s media landscape cannot be overstated. Scalable, modular platforms will be critical in enabling media companies to grow and adapt without overhauling their infrastructure.  

    These technological advancements will not only enable cost-effective scaling but also foster innovation, allowing the industry to explore new content formats, distribution models, and audience engagement strategies. 

    India’s media and entertainment sector is poised to lead the way in leveraging technology for inclusivity and innovation. By embracing modularity, scalability, and flexibility, stakeholders can address the complexities of a rapidly evolving market, ensuring sustained growth and global relevance. 

    The author is country manager India, Deltatre.

    (The picture  for this article featured on Indiantelevison.com’s home page was generated using Microsoft’s AI Image generator. No copyright infringement is intended)

  • 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.

  • Tata Play celebrates World TV Day with campaign on unity through television

    Tata Play celebrates World TV Day with campaign on unity through television

    Mumbai: Tata Play, India’s leading DTH and PayTV provider, launched a heartwarming campaign today to celebrate World Television Day, showcasing the power of television to unite a diverse India. Conceptualised by HumourMe, the ad-film beautifully conveys how television transcends barriers, bridges cultural divides, and fosters shared experiences.

    The campaign portrays a powerful message: “No matter how different all of us may be, TV unites us all together.” It presents television not just as a screen but as a medium that creates connection, laughter, and a sense of belonging. The ad-film opens with characters from vastly different walks of life, initially clashing and judging each other. As the story unfolds, they discover camaraderie and common ground, standing united by the stories brought to them through television.

    Tata Play’s campaign transforms the viewing experience into a celebration of togetherness and shared emotions, illustrating how television connects hearts and minds. The film was launched across Tata Play’s social media platforms earlier today and has already garnered widespread engagement, resonating strongly with audiences. This campaign reinforces Tata Play’s commitment to creating enriching experiences for its audience, leveraging the universal appeal of television to celebrate unity amid diversity.