DTH
DirecTV expands Intl programming platform with Korean language package
MUMBAI: DirecTV is continuing to grow its international programming platform, WorldDirect, with the addition of three leading Korean-language networks – MBC, YTN, and Christian Television Systems (CTS).
In addition, DirecTV also offers the Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), a top-rated Korean network, which launched on the WorldDirect platform last year.
SBS, MBC and YTN will be available as part of the new DirecTV KoreanDirect package, which is currently available to DirecTV customers nationwide for $26.99 per month. CTS will be available on an a la carte basis for $4.99 per month, according to an official release.
DirecTV International VP Aaron McNally said, “DirecTV is offering the Korean community living in the United States not only the best Korean-language programming lineup, but also the leading English-language program offering as well. We are truly a one-stop shop for the best television viewing experience available. By partnering with the leading networks in Korea, DirecTV is able to provide a superior programming lineup compared to its competitors, and deliver a programming package that keeps the Korean community informed, entertained and connected to their homeland.”
SBS, a top-rated Korean network, has designed its programming to feed the needs of all its viewers by providing content that is both informative and entertaining. MBC
MBC is a top-rated, 24-hour Korean network. “M” stands for “Munwha” in Korean, which means “culture” in English. MBC offers programs such as news, sports, cultural programs, variety shows, drama, comedy and documentaries.
YTN is the only 24-hour a day, comprehensive Korean news channel. The network, encompassing local branches and 100-plus foreign correspondents bringing news from over 50 major cities around the world, provides Korean-Americans with up-to-the-minute news and events coverage from Korea and around the world.
Founded by the Korean Primary Christian Denomination, CTS is a gospel broadcasting channel serving Christian Koreans in the United States. For more information on how to receive KoreanDirect, customers should call (800) 378-3309.
The DirecTV WorldDirect platform has launched 39 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign-languages, including Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian and Ukrainian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States.
DirecTV customers will need to use a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a local channels package will require a second smaller dish.
DTH
DD Free Dish e-auction heats up with 26 MPEG-2 slots sold in two days
Hindi movies, GEC and news dominate; Star Utsav Movies tops Day 2 at Rs 213.45 crore
MUMBAI- The bidding war on DD Free Dish is turning into a blockbuster and the slots are selling faster than popcorn at interval. Prasar Bharati’s 8th annual MPEG-2 e-auction delivered another strong day on Tuesday, with 18 more channels securing spots across movies, regional music and news buckets, taking the two-day total to 26.
Day 2 belonged to the movies and news categories. In Bucket A (Hindi Movies), Star Utsav Movies led the pack at Rs 213.45 crore, pipped only narrowly by Zee Action at Rs 213.4 crore. Goldmines landed at Rs 13.35 crore and Zee Anmol at Rs 13.3 crore, showing razor-thin price bands and fierce competition. Bucket B saw Zee Bioscope top at Rs 10.6 crore, Bhojpuri Cinema Rs 10.5 crore, B4U Bhojpuri Rs 10.2 crore, while Showbox, Unique TV and B4U Music each closed at Rs 10.25 crore.
News channels in Bucket C stayed tightly bunched: NDTV, Aaj Bharat, Zee News and India TV all secured slots at Rs 8.6 crore, with News Nation and ABP News slightly higher at Rs 8.65 crore. Bucket D rounded out with Russia Today at Rs 9.75 crore and GTC Punjabi at Rs 7.92 crore.
Day 1 had already set a premium tone, with eight slots snapped up – six in Bucket A+ (Hindi/Urdu GEC, starting reserve Rs 15 crore) and two in Bucket A (Hindi/Urdu Movies, starting Rs 12 crore). Sony PAL topped Day 1 winners at Rs 16.55 crore, Star Utsav Rs 16.25 crore, Shemaroo TV Rs 16.35 crore, Zee Anmol, Colors Rishtey and Sun Neo at Rs 16.40 crore each. Sony WAH took a Bucket A slot at Rs 13.95 crore and Zee Anmol Cinema at Rs 13.45 crore.
The surge reflects broadcasters’ hunger for DD Free Dish’s estimated 43–45 million rural and semi-urban households, where Hindi GEC and movies remain advertising goldmines.
The auction runs under the revised E-auction Methodology 2025 (amended 9 January 2026), with escalating reserves – Round 2 Bucket A+ at Rs 16 crore, Round 3 Bucket A at Rs 13 crore – and stricter eligibility to weed out speculative bids. Channels must be operational, available in the relevant language, and already carried on at least one private DTH, DD Free Dish or registered MSO.
With premium genres flying off the shelf, the coming rounds will test how deep pockets really are as reserves climb and tactical down-bidding gets harder. In India’s largest free-to-air universe, these auctions aren’t just about slots – they’re about who gets to stay on the screen that reaches deepest into the heartland.
