DTH
Digital media connectivity fuels TV viewing in the US: Study
MUMBAI: CBS Research has revealed surprising new data showing that as the American public at large becomes more connected to digital media, the more engaged they become in primetime television programming.
Additionally, as more TV viewers become aware of the 2009 deadline for broadcasters to switch to full digital transmissions, the likelihood of them investing in new digital TV sets increases by 40 per cent.
Those are just two of the major findings revealed by a study CBS Research has conducted examining consumers’ attitudes towards digital media, and the role television will play in the near future.
US broadcaster CBS chief research officer David F. Poltrack says, “This data clearly show a correlation between connectivity and primetime television viewing. Consumers who embrace the new media are the heaviest viewers of the top network primetime programs, and this sector of the audience is growing. By offering them new ways to connect to their favorite shows — whether it’s websites, podcasts, ringtones or other mobile features — we’ve been able to deepen the bond these fully connected viewers have with our programming.
“The research also illustrates that as viewers learn about the 2009 deadline for digital transmissions their attitudes towards investing in technology, like advanced home entertainment centers, to watch their favorite shows, changes radically. These findings really demonstrate the potential the broadcast networks have to further engage the public with our content as new technology expands our distribution options.”
The population is gradually moving up to higher levels of connectivity, This “fully connected” segment of the population, the segment with both a broadband and a digital television connection at home, has grown from 22 per cent in the fall of 2005 to over 30 per cent this fall. The ‘fully connected’ segment of the population is the segment that is most likely to watch the top broadcast network programs.
In addition, this segment visits network television web sites and is increasingly likely to stream clips and full episodes of network television programs on the Internet. Members of this upscale, better-educated ‘fully connected’ segment are today the most engaged with the popular network programs.
Although less than 30 per cent of the population is aware of the 2009 deadline for broadcasters to switch to full digital transmissions, approximately one-half of these people have already purchased a digital set and another 30% plan to before the changeover. Of those who are not aware, when told of the change, 40 per cent stated that they would upgrade to a digital set before 2009.
It is clear that, as people become aware of the upcoming digital changeover in 2009, the likelihood of them upgrading their home entertainment equipment increases. This is very encouraging since previous research has shown that people watch more television after obtaining a High Definition television set.
Just over one-half (56 per cent) of those surveyed were aware that you could watch network television programmes by streaming them over the Internet. Of those aware of this streaming option, 46 per cent have already streamed at least one programme. Of those not aware of this streaming option, whentold which programs were available for streaming, 62 per cent selected at leastone of the 33 available programmes that they probably would watch via streaming over the in the future.
It is clear that the potential for network programme distribution over the Internet is just beginning to be tapped.
DTH
GTPL Hathway posts FY26 revenue growth, Q4 slips into loss
Annual profit at Rs 5.88 crore; Q4 loss at Rs 5.90 crore
MUMBAI: A strong year met a shaky finish as GTPL Hathway closed FY26 on a high note only to stumble at the final hurdle. The company’s latest financials reveal a tale of two timelines: steady annual growth alongside a fourth-quarter dip that nudged it into the red. GTPL Hathway Limited reported total income of Rs 2,472.46 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, marking a clear rise from Rs 2,223.00 crore in FY25. Revenue from operations stood at Rs 2,450.78 crore, up from Rs 2,193.38 crore a year ago, signalling consistent traction in its core cable TV and broadband business.
Yet, beneath the annual growth narrative, the March quarter told a different story. The company posted a net loss of Rs 5.90 crore in Q4 FY26, a sharp reversal from a profit of Rs 0.91 crore in the preceding quarter and Rs 8.15 crore in the same period last year. Total income for the quarter came in at Rs 618.46 crore, largely flat sequentially but higher than Rs 569.33 crore reported a year earlier.
The pressure was visible across the cost structure. Total expenses for the quarter rose to Rs 620.64 crore, marginally exceeding income and tipping the company into a loss before tax of Rs 7.87 crore. This compares with a profit before tax of Rs 1.22 crore in the December quarter and Rs 11.32 crore in Q4 FY25.
For the full year, however, profitability held firm. GTPL reported a net profit of Rs 5.88 crore in FY26, significantly lower than Rs 47.80 crore in FY25, but still in positive territory despite higher finance costs and operating expenses. Operating expenses alone climbed to Rs 1,884.53 crore for the year, up from Rs 1,603.53 crore, reflecting the increasing cost of running and scaling network infrastructure.
Finance costs also rose notably to Rs 33.57 crore in FY26 from Rs 22.19 crore in FY25, while depreciation and amortisation expenses stood at Rs 189.19 crore, underlining continued investments in assets and technology. Employee benefit expenses, however, declined to Rs 63.42 crore from Rs 77.08 crore, offering some relief on the cost front.
An exceptional item of Rs 5.69 crore during the year also weighed on profitability, compared with Rs 3.79 crore in the previous year. Meanwhile, tax adjustments, including deferred tax movements and prior-year adjustments, played a role in shaping the final earnings outcome.
Despite the quarterly wobble, the broader picture suggests a company still expanding its top line while grappling with margin pressures. With paid-up equity share capital unchanged at Rs 112.46 crore, the focus now shifts to whether GTPL can convert its revenue momentum into more stable, sustainable profitability in the coming quarters.
In short, FY26 may have delivered growth on paper but the closing chapter serves as a reminder that in business, as in broadband, consistency is everything.
