DTH
Dish TV revolutionizes entertainment with ‘Dish TV Smart+’ services
Mumbai: Dish TV, has taken a path-breaking initiative to redefine the entertainment experience in India. The leading DTH provider in a first-of-its-kind move has announced its ground-breaking proposition ‘Dish TV Smart+’. This launch marks a pioneering milestone in the industry, providing customers access to TV and OTT content on any screen, anywhere, without any additional cost. It ensures convenience, flexibility, and enhanced entertainment options, empowering customers to tailor their viewing experience.
With the ‘Dish TV Smart+’ service, all Dish TV and D2H customers, including new as well as existing subscribers can enjoy popular OTT apps along with their chosen TV subscription pack. The ‘Dish TV Smart+’ services ecosystem enables entertainment on any screen, anywhere, anytime through Watcho-the OTT Super App, Smart devices including set-top boxes, and smart android STBs. Dish TV will also collaborate with top TV and Mobile Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seamlessly integrate their services into these devices, thereby enriching the overall user experience.
Commenting on the new proposition, Dish TV India Ltd Manoj Dhobal, stated, “Since its inception, Dish TV has transformed the entertainment consumption landscape, pioneering new ways for people to enjoy their favourite content. With this new proposition, we are poised to make an even greater difference, setting a new standard for immersive and accessible entertainment experiences. The launch of ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services represents more than just a proposition; it embodies the vision to redefine entertainment consumption in India, which is getting smarter and bigger. In a market flooded with options, customers often find themselves overwhelmed. We aim to simplify their choices by offering a holistic and complete entertainment solution. We firmly believe that both traditional television and OTT platforms are indispensable in today’s age, and with our proposition, we aim to reaffirm their equal importance.”
“At Dish TV, customer satisfaction is non-negotiable, and every decision is centered around delivering value and convenience. ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services not only benefit our customers by providing them with unparalleled access to entertainment but also ensures that their preferences and satisfaction remain at the forefront of our endeavours. With ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services, we are catering to all needs of a modern Indian family, staying true to our motto – Naye Bharat Ka Smart Connection,” Manoj Dobhal added.
To effectively communicate this visionary proposition, Dish TV has initiated a comprehensive marketing campaign spanning multiple channels, including Television, Digital, Print, and Corporate outreach, aiming to amplify its message of entertainment accessibility on any screen, anywhere.
For existing subscribers, Dish TV will leverage its channels and platforms, employing push notifications, in-app notifications, and emailers. Meanwhile, for new customers, the emphasis will be on TV and digital channels to ensure widespread visibility and awareness of the offering.
Dish TV & Watcho corporate head of marketing Sukhpreet Singh said, “With ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services, we’re not just introducing a new proposition; we’re leading a paradigm shift in entertainment consumption. Through our multi-channel marketing approach, we are committed to directly engaging with consumers, ensuring broad awareness and adoption. As a brand, we prioritize staying ahead of trends and adapting to evolving audience preferences. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of our strategy, and we are committed to delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences that cater to their diverse preferences and lifestyles.”
DTH
DD Free Dish e-auction revenue dips to Rs 642 crore as slot sales fall
Revenue dips as revised norms reshape bidding in 94th round
NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati’s DD Free Dish has closed its 8th annual, and 94th overall, e-auction for MPEG-2 slots with total collections of Rs 642 crore for the period April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
That is lower than last year’s Rs 780 crore haul, with 55 slots sold compared with 61 in FY25–26. The softer topline reflects both a slimmer inventory and a recalibrated auction framework.
This was the first auction conducted after amendments to the e-auction methodology, including tighter eligibility norms and a revised reserve price structure for MPEG-2 slots. The stated aim was greater transparency and more serious participation. The immediate outcome appears to be more measured bidding in certain categories.
Day one set the tone. Eight slots were sold, six in the premium Bucket A+ and two in Bucket A. The strong early action in A+, which typically houses Hindi GECs and movie channels, reaffirmed the enduring appeal of mass Hindi programming on the platform.
Among the broadcasters securing slots in the initial rounds were Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Sony Pictures Networks India, Viacom18’s Colors network, Sun Network and Shemaroo Entertainment. Their continued presence signals that, despite the pull of digital platforms, Free Dish remains a strategic must have for legacy networks chasing scale in price sensitive markets.
The final bouquet of 55 channels leans heavily towards Hindi news, movies, devotional fare, Bhojpuri and regional programming.
In Hindi news, familiar heavyweights such as Aaj Tak, ABP News, India TV, News18 India, Republic Bharat and Zee News made the cut. Entertainment and movie offerings include Colors Rishtey, Star Utsav, Dangal TV, Sony Pal, Shemaroo TV, Goldmines, B4U Movies and Zee Biskope. Devotional viewers will find Aastha, Sanskar and Sadhna Gold among the selected channels.
Regional representation includes Sun Marathi, Fakt Marathi, PTC Punjabi and GTC Punjabi.
Equally telling were the absences. Broadcasters such as Big Magic, Filamchi Bhojpuri, India News, Bharat Express, Movieplex Maithili, TV9 Marathi, Shemaroo Marathibana, Zee Chitra Mandir and Satsang did not participate. The pullback is particularly visible across Marathi, Bhojpuri, Maithili and spiritual programming. Industry observers point to the revised reserve prices, tighter eligibility norms and a reassessment of commercial viability as possible factors.
DD Free Dish continues to beam into over 40 million homes, largely in rural and semi urban India. For advertisers and broadcasters alike, it offers efficient access to Bharat markets where pay TV penetration remains uneven and OTT subscriptions are limited.
The moderation in revenue this year may be read as a pause rather than a retreat. Fewer slots, a reworked auction playbook and evolving broadcaster strategies have clearly shaped outcomes. Yet premium Hindi entertainment retains its pull, and the platform’s mass reach remains hard to ignore.
As the FY26–27 line-up settles in, the mix of winners and walkaways will define the private satellite channel landscape on DD Free Dish for the year ahead.
