29 C Others / The Economic Times
Faced with subscriber churn and revenue decline, India's DTH operators are lobbying for a reduction in the 8% license fee. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is reviewing the fee structure and preparing a Cabinet note, potentially reducing it to align with TRAI's recommendations.
India's television broadcasting sector is grappling with challenges as advertising and subscription revenues face pressure. FMCG companies, major TV advertisers, are reducing ad spends, impacting broadcasters. The pay-TV base is declining post-IPL, further complicating revenue streams. While some companies show profit growth, the overall market navigates a complex landscape of shifting consumer behavior and digital competition.
Bollywood's theatrical revival faces a crucial test in the latter half of 2025 as big-budget Hindi films clash with highly anticipated southern releases. With films like 'War 2' and 'Coolie' vying for audience attention, the box office battle could significantly impact revenue, potentially costing each film 20-40 crore in North India alone.
Aamir Khan Productions is experimenting with a pay-per-view release of 'Sitaare Zameen Par' on YouTube, bypassing traditional streaming platforms. This marks a significant shift, as Khan aims to tap into the underutilized pay-per-view market in India. Industry experts are closely watching the film's performance and the potential impact on future distribution models, especially for A-list stars.
Responding to an unstarred question on the unauthorised circulation of Indian films, Dr. Murugan said the government remains fully conscious of the adverse impact of digital piracy on the creative economy. He outlined several steps taken to curb piracy, particularly involving pre-release content and international piracy networks operating via the dark web and torrent platforms.