Cable TV
Discovery Channel content to be preloaded in select Nokia handsets
MUMBAI: Discovery Communications has formed a mobile content deal with Nokia which aims at delivering to consumers Discovery’s high quality, knowledge-based content preloaded onto Nokia s latest mobile devices and wireless personal devices.
This tie-up is symbolic of Discovery’s aggressive efforts to create content for new distribution platforms across the globe, and Nokia’s drive to leverage its mobile technology to offer consumers great user experiences.
The initial phase of the deal provides consumers ready access to a Discovery produced “Best of Discovery” montage clip on the Nokia N92 mobile device and Nokia 770 Internet Tablet. The clip includes inspiring and engaging video of nature scenes, landscapes, animals, and city-scenes. Also, Discovery’s content will be demonstrated on Nokia’s devices in many trade shows.
Discovery Communications senior executive VP of strategy and development Donald A. Baer said,”Cooperating with Nokia, which is widely recognized as one of the most innovative companies in the world, allows Discovery to bring its high quality content to consumers wherever they are, whenever they want it.The worldwide appeal, utility and flexibility of Discovery’s content make it a great fit for on-the-go applications.”
“Discovery Communications is an ideal partner in cooperation to show the world the very best of what both companies have to offer-engaging and knowledge-based information on sophisticated and innovative devices.This collaboration allows Nokia to continue its leadership in mobile communications as we find better and smarter ways to connect people to our partners’ information and entertainment services,” said Nokia senior VP of multimedia experiences Ilkka Raiskinen.
Discovery has now deployed its content for mobile devices from 21 different wireless carriers in 11 countries. launched direct-to-consumer WAP portals in the United Kingdom and Asia as well as a broadband portal in the U.K. and rolled out video on demand with 20 carriers in 10 countries.
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.
