DTH
DishTV expands its portfolio by 23 channels
MUMBAI: Dish TV has expanded its portfolio by adding 23 new channels. This includes nine high-definition channels and 14 standard definition channels, taking the total count of channels and services to more than 615.
High definition technology has taken the country by storm. Not only the urban but the rural hinterlands of the country have started adopting high definition viewing.
DishTV has taken the initiative to take HD to masses with the introduction of lowest entry pack and now with the addition of these 9 channels, the promise of widest range of HD channels continues. And with these additions, the company’s HD portfolio becomes stronger with a total of 68 HD channels on its platform. The list of channels are as follows:
Adding further to the offerings, DishTV has accumulated 14 standard definition channels to its gamut of channels and services. Having already built a strong connection with the regional audience through their eclectic range of regional channels, the addition of 14 more new regional standard definition channels exemplify DishTV’s commitment to cater to a wide range of viewers across all regions. The list of the respective channels are as follows-
In addition, to make HD more affordable and to get the most viewed HD channels at Rs.86 + taxes per month, DishTV has introduced HD Ala-carte (small HD entertainment add on packs) to capture the interest of consumers towards HD viewing by offering them more HD content and mix of genre at a nominal price of Rs.86+ taxes per month. This offering enables DishTV subscribers to select these ala-carte as per their preferences and needs. With this, DishTV made entry to HD very easy and simple with two-step process – select any base pack and add any of the HD ala-carte worth Rs.86 + taxes per month.
Commenting on these additions DishTV India chief executive officer Arun Kapoor said, “TV viewing in India has undergone a sea change over the years. From the days when people had a handful of channels, today, we live in an era where people are spoilt for choices. We at DishTV have always been at the forefront in enhancing TV viewing experience and exploring opportunities to bring wholesome entertainment to the audience. With a sharp focus on regional language content, the move aims at connecting strongly with the regional language subscribers. Addition of these 23 channels will not only strengthen our presence in the HD and SD space but will also diversify our offerings.”
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.
