Airtel Digital TV is removing Zee Entertainment channels from its packages due to a recent price hike, mirroring a similar dispute between Sony and Tata Play. Airtel will adjust pack prices and offer Zee channels on an a la carte basis. This move comes as DTH operators resist price increases amid declining pay-TV subscribers and rising competition from OTT platforms.

Indias OTT platformsincluding Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, and ZEE5are adopting cost benchmarking practices to manage rising content production expenses and improve profitability. Consultancy firms like EY, PwC, and Deloitte are helping these platforms establish cost reference points across projects.

The NCLAT has upheld a CCI order penalizing UFO Moviez India and Qube Cinema Technologies for anti-competitive practices related to digital cinema equipment supply. The tribunal dismissed their plea for a stay, citing the CCI's findings and directing them to deposit 25% of the penalty.

PVR Inox is strategically expanding its reach into international cinema, aiming to cater to India's diverse film tastes. Starting with Ballerina, the company plans to distribute major Hollywood titles and indie films from studios like Lionsgate and A24.

ZEE5, aiming for profitability, plans to slash operating losses by 50-60% in FY26, according to Amit Goenka. After reducing losses significantly in FY25, ZEE5 will focus on cost control and quality content, launching 100 titles with regional language focus. Despite competition from streaming giants, ZEE5's revenue grew by 6% in FY25.

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has challenged a TDSAT order in the Bombay High Court, which restrained SPNI from disconnecting Tata Play over a subscription fee dispute. The court has issued notices to TDSAT and Tata Play, scheduling further hearings. SPNI seeks a fee hike, while Tata Play resists, citing declining viewership and already substantial payments made.

upGrad has appointed media and tech veteran Ferzad Palia to lead its newly launched Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) business, marking a strategic expansion into mass-market, on-demand digital learning. Palia, formerly of JioCinema and Viacom18, will focus on building a scalable, AI-powered micro-learning ecosystem to cater to Indias next-gen learners.

India's cable television industry is facing a significant downturn, with an estimated 577,000 job losses projected between 2018 and 2025. This decline is attributed to a shrinking pay-TV subscriber base, dropping from 151 million in 2018 to a projected 71-81 million by 2030, fueled by rising channel costs, OTT competition, and free services.