Cable TV
DEN Networks introduces 22 HD channels in Kochi
MUMBAI: DEN Networks is looking at serving its Kochi subscribers better. The multi system operator (MSO) has announced the launch of its HD package comprising 22 channels for its existing subscribers in Kochi. With this launch, DEN has become the only cable TV distribution company in Kerala to offer highest number of HD channels.
The HD package would include channels like, Star Plus, Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Star Gold, Star World, Life OK, NGC, NGC Wild, NGC Music, HBO Hits, HBO Defined, Star Movies, Movies Now, Romedy Now, Zee Studio, Star Sports HD1 and Star Sports HD2.
Commenting on the development, DEN Networks CEO S.N. Sharma said, “At DEN Networks, we have always believed in consistent improvement – both in terms of customer service and our offerings. Our ability to keep our customers in pace with the times has led to us being among the fastest growing players in Cable TV distribution in Kerala. Our new HD Package is yet another step towards bringing a richer, high definition TV viewing experience for our customers in Kochi.”
“Kerala has more than 1.2 million subscribers and most of them are early adapters when it comes to latest technology. At DEN Networks, our ability to sense the evolving demand and offer our customers customised solutions have helped us to garner increasing market share,” added Sharma.
“In the next few months, while we will increase our presence across all 14 districts of Kerala; we will also introduce this HD Package in other towns like Trivandrum, Kottayam, Kannur, Mallapuram, Pallakad etc,” he concluded.
DEN Network’s Cable TV services are available in 10 of the 14 districts in Kerala, namely Eranakulam (Kochi), Allapuzha, Kottayam, Trivandrum, Thrissur, Mallapuram, Pallakad, Kozhikode (Calicut), Kannur and Kasargode.
The MSO offers 200 SD channels and 22 HD channels in Kochi as of now, all the other places offering is 140 channels, which will be upgraded to 200 and 22 HD channels in the coming months. Also company will soon be introducing packages to subscribers in Kerala, that will offer the choice of deciding what bundle of channels to view and pay for. Kerala has a total market size of six million cable homes, out of which, DEN is having more than 20 per cent market share as of now and fast growing.
Cable TV
Hathway Cable appoints Gurjeev Singh Kapoor as CEO
Leadership change comes as cable TV faces shrinking subscriber base and modest earnings pressure
MUMBAI: Hathway Cable and Datacom has tapped industry veteran Gurjeev Singh Kapoor as chief executive officer, marking a leadership pivot at a time when India’s cable television business is under mounting strain.
Kapoor will take over from Tavinderjit Singh Panesar, who is set to retire in August after a long innings with the company. Panesar, chief executive since 2023, has held multiple leadership roles at Hathway, including his latest stint beginning in 2022.
Kapoor brings more than three decades of experience in media and entertainment. He most recently led distribution at The Walt Disney Company’s Star India business, now part of JioStar. His career spans television distribution and affiliate partnerships, with stints at Sony Pictures Networks India, Discovery Communications and Zee Entertainment.
Panesar, with over three decades in the industry, has worked across strategic planning, distribution and business development in media, broadcasting and manufacturing. His past associations include ESPN Star Sports, Star India, Apollo Tyres and JK Industries.
The transition lands as the cable sector grapples with structural disruption. Traditional operators are losing ground to streaming platforms, while telecom and broadband players tighten the squeeze with bundled offerings.
An EY report estimates India’s pay-TV base could shrink by a further 30 to 40 million households by 2030, taking the total down to 71 to 81 million. The slide follows a loss of nearly 40 million homes between 2018 and 2024, a contraction that has already wiped out more than 37,000 jobs in the local cable operator ecosystem.
Hathway’s numbers reflect the strain. The company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 93 crore for FY25, down from Rs 99 crore a year earlier. Revenue inched up to Rs 2,040 crore from Rs 1,981 crore. As of December 2025, it had about 4.7 million cable TV subscribers and roughly 1.02 million broadband users.
Kapoor steps in with a familiar brief but a shrinking playbook. In a market where viewers are cutting cords faster than companies can reinvent them, the new chief executive inherits a business fighting to stay plugged in.
