Concerns loom over TV broadcasters and streaming platforms as they grapple with the potential ramifications of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's (MIB) proposed legislation. This directive would mandate content certification by an evaluation committee prior to its broadcast, sparking debates about the implications on creative freedom.
The active subscriber base of pay-direct-to-home (DTH) platforms has declined by 1.37 million to 65.25 million for the quarter ended March from 66.6 million in the trailing quarter, according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) performance indicator report.
The regulator has asked the TV broadcast industry to give their views on upgrading DD Free Dish to an addressable platform. The TRAI has also requested input from stakeholders about the migration process for DD Free Dish to become an addressable platform as well as the timeline for implementing the proposed migration plan.
Over the course of a year, the active pay DTH subscriber base has declined 4.8% from 68.89 million in September 2021. Of the 65.58 million active subscribers, Tata Play had the largest share at 33.03%, followed by Bharti Telemedia at 26.49%. Dish TV was at 21.67% and Sun Direct 18.81%.
Tata Play and Dish TV are among the first movers in the TV distribution industry to launch OTT bundles, while the latest player to join the bandwagon is cable TV major GTPL Hathway. GTPL Hathway has launched the ‘Genie+’ service in partnership with 15 OTT apps.
The union ministry of information and broadcasting wrote to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India this week asking for an intensive audit of all DTH service providers going back to their year of inception or grant of licence by the government.
The report said Airtel executives have had discussions with Dish TV parent Essel Group's founder, Subhash Chandra, for the deal.
Dish TV is facing competition from the rapid growth of new distribution platforms like OTT and increased penetration of the free DTH platform of public broadcaster Doordarshan, and needs funds to upgrade and convert all its existing STB into smart boxes offering multiple services, the official, who wished not to be named, said.
The Essel group Direct-to-Home service provider had week sought an extension citing time required for any change in the CEO or the board of directors of the company, as it needs the approval of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
In a regulatory filing, Dish TV India said "5,11,97,105 shares have been invoked by the trustee(s) on behalf of lenders to whom shares of Dish have been pledged".
The DTH license fee matter has already been through several rounds of litigation, the final outcomes of which are yet to be argued and concluded, the company said adding it will update the exchanges in the event of any material developments that take place in relation to this.
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