Latest news with #FreeDish
The Hindu
24-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
India's press and media ecosystem expands with over 1.55 lakh publications and 908 private TV channels: govt.
The number of publications registered with the Press Registrar General of India has increased from 1.05 lakh in 2014-15 to 1.55 lakh in 2024-25, according to the government. In response to a query in Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan on Wednesday (July 23, 2025) said the number of private satellite TV channels have also increased from 821 in 2014-15 to 908 in 2024-25. 'As of today, 92 private channels and 50 Doordarshan channels are available on DD Free Dish. Both private and DD channels operate in various regional languages, ensuring a wider audience reach across the country,' said the reply.
The Hindu
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
DD Free Dish expands reach with greater representation of languages from southern States
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L. Murugan on Wednesday (July 23, 2025) said the government had taken various proactive measures to increase the representation of languages from southern States on DD Free Dish. In a written response to a query in Lok Sabha, the Minister said DD Free Dish had experienced consistent growth in its reach over the past few years. As per industry estimates, it reached 49 million households nationwide as of 2024. The figure was 33 million in 2018. 'The Government has taken various proactive measures to increase the representation of South Indian language channels on DD Free Dish, including: for better regional representation, slots had been reserved for South Indian language channels in the e-auctions of DD Free Dish platform (done in 2025),' said the reply. The eligibility norms have been simplified to ensure greater participation from private broadcasters in the southern region. 'Furthermore, dedicated slots were offered for Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam channels in recent e-auctions. Three additional South Indian language private channels viz. TV9 Telugu, Aastha Kannada & Aastha Telugu, have been onboarded on DD Free Dish since April 1, 2025,' it said. Doordarshan's own regional channels, such as DD Tamil, DD Saptagiri, DD Chandana, DD Yadagiri, and DD Malayalam have also been onboarded. 'The channels are being technologically upgraded and better promoted to enhance their visibility. Apart from this, there are 27 educational channels on DD Free Dish, which are relaying programs in various South Indian languages,' said the reply. Responding to another question, the Minister said the government had undertaken measures for the modernisation and expansion of Akashvani and Doordarshan Kendras (DDK) across all the States. 'The Kendras are being upgraded under the Central Sector Scheme -- Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND). This includes major upgrades throughout the country, including Bihar, to strengthen public broadcasting. The scheme has been approved with a total outlay of Rs. 2,539.61 crore for the period 2021-26,' it said. The government has also sanctioned various projects for the modernisation of broadcasting infrastructure in Bihar. 'It includes ₹64.56 crore for modernisation of Akashvani Kendras and Rs.4.31 crore for modernisation of Doordarshan Kendras,' said the reply.
Malaysian Reserve
19-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
AIDCF Calls on MIB to Reject TRAI's Proposal on DTH License Fee Reduction
Urges Government to Uphold Competitive Balance and Spectrum Equity in Broadcasting Sector NEW DELHI, July 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) has submitted a formal representation to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) opposing the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) recommendation to reduce and eventually waive the license fee currently levied on Direct-to-Home (DTH) operators. AIDCF, India's apex body representing Digital Multi-System Operators (MSOs), has expressed serious concerns over the far-reaching consequences of this proposal. If accepted, it would deepen the regulatory imbalance between DTH and digital cable operators and jeopardize the viability of over 880 MSOs and 1.6 lakh Local Cable Operators (LCOs) nationwide. The potential fallout could also impact over 10 lakh livelihoods directly tied to the cable TV distribution sector. 'This move threatens the very foundation of equitable competition in the broadcasting distribution space. Spectrum for DTH is already allocated administratively—without auction or cost—whereas cable operators continue to bear substantial Right of Way (RoW) charges and heavy capital expenditure on underground infrastructure. Any waiver of license fees would not only distort the market but also violate the principle of regulatory neutrality,' said an AIDCF spokesperson. Reducing license fee for DTH will accelerate subscriber churn from digital cable TV operators, who as per AIDCF, are already struggling under financial duress due other unregulated platforms like Free Dish, FAST TV, OTTs and Digital DPOs. AIDCF has emphasized that the regulatory framework must reflect the full commercial value of the spectrum allocated to DTH operators. Instead of reducing or waiving the fee, the Federation recommends the development of a more balanced mechanism that ensures fair cost recovery from all platform providers, in line with spectrum valuation norms. AIDCF has urged the Ministry to reject TRAI's recommendation and maintain a level playing field that protects the economic viability of all stakeholders in the broadcasting distribution chain. Photo – –
The Wire
19-07-2025
- Business
- The Wire
AIDCF Calls on MIB to Reject TRAI's Proposal on DTH License Fee Reduction
Urges Government to Uphold Competitive Balance and Spectrum Equity in Broadcasting Sector NEW DELHI, July 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) has submitted a formal representation to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) opposing the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) recommendation to reduce and eventually waive the license fee currently levied on Direct-to-Home (DTH) operators. AIDCF, India's apex body representing Digital Multi-System Operators (MSOs), has expressed serious concerns over the far-reaching consequences of this proposal. If accepted, it would deepen the regulatory imbalance between DTH and digital cable operators and jeopardize the viability of over 880 MSOs and 1.6 lakh Local Cable Operators (LCOs) nationwide. The potential fallout could also impact over 10 lakh livelihoods directly tied to the cable TV distribution sector. "This move threatens the very foundation of equitable competition in the broadcasting distribution space. Spectrum for DTH is already allocated administratively—without auction or cost—whereas cable operators continue to bear substantial Right of Way (RoW) charges and heavy capital expenditure on underground infrastructure. Any waiver of license fees would not only distort the market but also violate the principle of regulatory neutrality," said an AIDCF spokesperson. Reducing license fee for DTH will accelerate subscriber churn from digital cable TV operators, who as per AIDCF, are already struggling under financial duress due other unregulated platforms like Free Dish, FAST TV, OTTs and Digital DPOs. AIDCF has emphasized that the regulatory framework must reflect the full commercial value of the spectrum allocated to DTH operators. Instead of reducing or waiving the fee, the Federation recommends the development of a more balanced mechanism that ensures fair cost recovery from all platform providers, in line with spectrum valuation norms. AIDCF has urged the Ministry to reject TRAI's recommendation and maintain a level playing field that protects the economic viability of all stakeholders in the broadcasting distribution chain. Photo - Logo - (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Wimbledon's triumph, Balaji's digital leap & FreeDish's rise
Welcome to this week's dive into the dynamic world of Media and Entertainment! From Wimbledon captivating new audiences to India's TV landscape undergoing a seismic shift, and a major production house embracing a digital-first future, it's clear the industry is in constant motion. Get ready to uncover the trends redefining viewership, advertising, and content creation. Curious what's making waves in Media & Entertainment this week? Wimbledon's rising viewership and steady ad rates attract marketers Wimbledon's soaring viewership in India, especially among affluent audiences, makes it a hotbed for marketers. Its stable ad rates offer a cost-effective way to reach premium consumers, attracting more brand partnerships and highlighting quality audience engagement over sheer numbers in a fragmented media landscape. Read more.. Why you should care : Wimbledon offers marketers a prime, affordable platform to reach high-value audiences. It's a strategic case study for effective premium brand engagement in sports media. Balaji Telefilms bets on films, digital as traditional TV loses steam Balaji Telefilms is pivoting from traditional TV to films and digital content, addressing challenges like pay-TV erosion. With Netflix partnerships and a revamped ALT Balaji, films are set to drive growth. This strategic shift showcases the evolving landscape of content creation and distribution, emphasizing digital-first models. Find out more. Why you should care : This move by a major player highlights the global shift from linear TV to digital streaming and film production. It indicates where future content investment and consumption will likely be concentrated. FreeDish and the changing dynamics of Indian television DD Free Dish has become India's largest TV platform, reaching millions with free content. Its appeal, especially among low to middle-income audiences, is reshaping Indian TV economics. Major broadcasters are rejoining, favoring Free Dish for broad reach and competitive ad rates, blurring lines between free and pay TV. Click here. Why you should care: Free Dish's dominance is reshaping TV advertising and content strategies in India. It signals a major shift towards accessible, free content and impacts how broadcasters and advertisers strategize for mass market reach. More Stories to Read: Delhi HC bars Kuku FM from streaming disputed shows in Pocket FM copyright case JioStar appoints Ishan Chatterjee as CEO sports as Sanjog Gupta joins ICC, ET BrandEquity RCB Dethrones CSK as IPL's Most Valuable Franchise in '25 Streaming platforms focus on 'second screen' to script growth SUN TV row: MK Stalin works out truce between Maran brothers, Dayanidhi unlikely to pursue legal notice against Kalanithi The media landscape is buzzing, but what's truly resonating with you? Drop your thoughts on LinkedIn and tag us @ETBrandEquity. Stay tuned for more insights into the ever-evolving world of media and entertainment. Until next Friday, -Team ETBrandEquity
