DTH
CCI approves Tata Sons' acquisition of 10% stake in Tata Play from Temasek
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Tata Sons' acquisition of a 10% stake in Tata Play from Baytree Investments, increasing its stake to 70%. Tata Play is also in discussions with Bharti Airtel to merge their DTH businesses. The merger could value the combined entity at approximately ?6,000-7,000 crore, with Airtel projecting a majority stake.
Tata Sons' move to boost stake in Tata Play gets CCI regulatory clearance
Tata Sons' acquisition of an additional 10% stake in Tata Play from Temasek Holdings has been approved by the Competition Commission of India. This increases Tata Sons' share to 70%, with Walt Disney owning the remaining 30%. Tata Play and Airtel Digital TV are planning a merger to create a $1.6 billion entity amidst the shift towards digital streaming.
JioStar brings Sports18 channels under Star Sports umbrella
JioStar's integration of Sports18 channels into the Star Sports Network boosts its total to 24 channels, enhancing reach for live sports in India. With inclusive programming and regional content, Star Sports aims to make live sports accessible and engaging for all TV households across the country.
Sports18 channels rebranded as Star Sports in major expansion move before IPL 2025
JioStar has successfully integrated Sports18 channels into the Star Sports Network, expanding to 24 channels. This strategic move, which took effect on March 15, 2025, aims to enhance Star Sports' reach and engagement with sports fans across India, while offering a wider array of live sports content.
I-T Department digs deep, explores unusual sources for info gathering
It is happening across businesses and states, with the taxman snooping around for transaction details with organisations in financial services, hospitality, healthcare, real estate, manufacturing, and those linked to telecom and direct-to-home services. The aim is to collect evidence of tax evasion, misreporting, and racketeering by verifying various dealing records with the claims made by individuals and entities, under the scrutiny of the I-T Department.
Reliance Jio's home broadband base 90% higher than Bharti Airtel's in Q3: CLSA
Reliance Jio gained nearly 2 million home broadband subscribers in Q3FY25, reaching 17 million total, a 90% lead over rival Bharti Airtel's 9.2 million. CLSA highlights that Jio's success is driven by its 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) service, and with expansion to smaller towns, about 70% of Jio's FWA subscribers are from beyond the top 1,000 cities.
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South India stays loyal to Pay-TV in times of OTT
Despite the decline in pay-TV subscriptions in the Hindi speaking market due to the rise of OTT platforms and DD Free Dish, the south Indian pay-TV market remains resilient. Key factors include affordability, strong regional content, and low competition from alternative platforms.
Pay-TV revenue to decline by 1-3% in FY26 due to subscriber churn: ICRA
Indian pay-TV industry revenue is expected to decrease by 1-3% in FY2026. This is due to subscribers moving to OTT platforms and DD Free Dish services. Subscriber base decline will be partially offset by higher ARPU through bundled and premium content. Increased content costs and network investment will reduce margins.
Karnataka HC rules against inclusion of service tax in entertainment tax calculation on DTH
The Karnataka High Court has ruled that service tax should not be included in calculating entertainment tax on TV broadcast subscription fees under the Karnataka Entertainment Tax Act. The court set aside the Karnataka Appellate Tribunal's order and remanded the case for reconsideration, directing a fresh decision within three months.
Dish TV CEO seeks immediate rollout of TRAI recommendation on reducing DTH licensing fee
Dish TV CEO Manoj Dobhal urged the government to swiftly implement TRAI's recommendation to reduce the licensing fee for the DTH industry from 8% to 3% of AGR. This move could drive investment, foster innovation, and enhance consumer access to quality services, ensuring long-term industry sustainability.
Airtel shares in focus as company confirms talks with Tata Group to merge Tata Play with Bharti Telemedia
Bharti Airtel shares are in focus as the company confirmed discussions with the Tata Group to merge Tata Play, its DTH business, with Bharti Telemedia. The merger aims to boost Airtel's non-mobile revenues, with Airtel set to hold a majority stake of 52-55%. The deal would also grant Airtel access to Tata Play's 19 million homes.
Stocks in news: IndiGo, Bharti Airtel, Wipro, SpiceJet, UltraTech Cement, Coforge, Bharat Electronics
Burman family-controlled financial services firm Religare Enterprises approved the appointment of four directors -- Abhay Kumar Agarwal, Arjun Lamba, Gurumurthy Ramanathan and Suresh Mahalingam.
Airtel says in talks with Tatas to combine Tata Play with Bharti Telemedia
Bharti Airtel is in talks with the Tata Group to merge Tata Play’s direct-to-home business with Airtel’s Bharti Telemedia. The merger aims to enhance Airtel’s non-mobile revenues through convergence, with Airtel expected to hold a majority stake. The potential deal would mark a significant transaction in India’s DTH space.
Tata Play, Airtel Digital TV near merger plans as DTH industry struggles amid streaming boom
Tata and Bharti groups are finalizing a merger of their DTH businesses, Tata Play and Airtel Digital TV, due to consumer shifts to digital platforms. The merger, structured through a share swap, will boost Airtel's revenues and is to be managed by Airtel's senior management.
TRAI proposes broadcast fee overhaul under new authorisation regime
TRAI recommends reducing fees and guarantees for broadcasting services and phasing out DTH license fees by FY27. It proposes transitioning to an authorisation system under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, integrating MSOs and LCOs, and examining OTT platforms’ inclusion. Interoperable set-top boxes are encouraged to enhance consumer choice.
Pay-TV players fret as channels return to DD free dish
Leading broadcasters JioStar, Zee Entertainment, and Sony Pictures Networks India are set to relaunch free-to-air Hindi general entertainment channels on DD Free Dish. This move may intensify subscriber churn from pay-TV to free platforms, although it could also generate significant ad revenue for broadcasters.
Dish TV's net loss surges to Rs 47 crore in Q3
Dish TV reported a massive 16.6-fold increase in net loss for Q3 2024, reaching Rs 46.5 crore. Operating revenues dropped by 20.7% due to competition from OTT platforms and free DTH services. The company announced the creation of a subsidiary, Dish Bharat Ventures, to manage a new e-commerce platform, aiming for recovery in the next fiscal year.
Bharti Airtel stocks jump nearly 4% in early trade after strong Q3FY
Bharti Airtel shares surged 3.6% after reporting a nearly six-fold jump in Q3FY25 net profit to Rs 14,760.7 crore, driven by Indus Towers consolidation and tariff hikes. Revenue grew 13% YoY to Rs 46,878 crore, while ARPU improved to Rs 245. Airtel added 4.95 million subscribers, boosting its 4G/5G base.
Bharti Airtel Q3 net profit zooms 6-fold on Indus Tower consolidation, rate hikes
Bharti Airtel’s consolidated net profit for the fiscal third quarter has more than doubled on-year, on account of one-time gain incurred by consolidation of majority stake in Indus Towers.
Parliamentary panel to review media laws in meeting on January 31
A parliamentary committee will meet on January 31 to review media laws due to rapid technological changes and evolving consumer behavior. The Press Council of India and the information and broadcasting ministry will offer insights. The exploration of a unified Media Council remains a topic of interest.
Tata Sons seeks CCI clearance to acquire additional 10 pc stake in Tata Play
Tata Sons seeks approval from the Competition Commission of India to acquire an additional 10 per cent stake in Tata Play from Temasek Holdings' affiliate, Baytree Investments. Upon approval, Tata Sons will increase its holding in Tata Play to 70 per cent. The parties assert that the transaction will not adversely affect competition in relevant markets.
BBC Studios weighs exiting India content production business amid challenges
BBC Studios, a subsidiary of BBC Group, is exploring options for its India content production business, including a potential exit, due to issues like consolidation and reduced content budgets from TV broadcasters and OTT platforms. This scenario has intensified competition among content producers.
GTPL Hathway spends Rs 265 crore on capex in 9 months FY25
Reliance Industries-backed GTPL Hathway invested Rs 265 crore in its cable TV and broadband businesses in the first nine months of the financial year. The company plans to launch its HITS service by next quarter, having invested Rs 100 crore in the project. GTPL Buzz has one million subscribers.
10 Best TVs under 15,000 to buy in 2025 for budget-friendly smart entertainment
The best TVs under 15,000 listed below offer a perfect blend of affordability and advanced features, making them ideal choices for budget-conscious consumers. These TVs come with high-definition resolutions along with smart functionalities like built-in Wi-Fi, Android or Google TV and access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. With sound technologies like Dolby Audio, they deliver impressive audio experiences, while features like voice control, screen mirroring and multiple connectivity options add to their convenience.
Jio, Airtel at loggerheads again over licence fee for DTH operators
Telecom giants Jio and Airtel clash over DTH license fee waivers. Airtel advocates for complete removal, citing parity with other platforms, while Jio opposes it, arguing DTH benefits from free spectrum, creating an unfair advantage. TRAI had previously recommended a phased reduction of the fee.
TRAI recommends scrapping of DTH licence fee after FY27
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended that the government should abolish the licence fee for direct-to-home (DTH) operators after the fiscal year 2026-2027. The TRAI suggests that the fee should be gradually reduced to zero over the next three years. The TRAI argues that DTH platforms should be treated equally with other distribution platforms that do not pay a licence fee.
DTH players seek 8% licence fee waiver to remain competitive
DTH body approached the Information and Broadcasting Ministry following a proposal under the consideration of the DoT to waive the licence fee on broadband services.
DTH operators should provide inter-operability of STBs, says TRAI Chairman
If the DTH service providers found it a difficult option, commercial interoperability should be ensured keeping in mind the interests of the consumers.
Kamal Haasan postpones Vishwaroopam launch but holds his DTH line
Haasan said he was postponing the launch of his magnum opus, reportedly made at a cost of Rs 95 crore, while at the same time insisting he wasn't going back on his DTH plans.
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