DTH
Dishtv launches movie-on-demand service
MUMBAI: Dishtv, Subhash Chandra’s Essel Group-promoted DTH platform, has announced the launch of its movie-on-demand (MoD) service. The feature will offer two movies per week, allowing viewers to control the choice and timing of the movie.
Dishtv subscribers can order the movie through IVR/Phone, SMS, or by logging onto www.dishtvindia.com. The subscriber is authorised to view the movie within 24 hours for Rs 40.
According to Dishtv India managing director Sunil Gupta, the company is in dialogue with filmmakers and producers to secure rights to distribute as well as release their films via its newly offered MoD platform. “Our goal is to provide a balance of offbeat and independent movies, in addition to a wide selection of mainstream movies. Dishtv views VoD as an opportunity for filmmakers to reach a large audience.”
Speaking on the service, he adds further, “Unlike traditional pay-per-view, the consumer can watch the film of his choice at any time. In the current broadcasting environment, programme timing and selection is the exclusive prerogative of the broadcaster. With MoD, the consumer has complete control over the content.”
A research conducted by the company indicates that movies shown on a schedule doesn’t interest consumers much because of their daily chores and routine. “Moreover, they will go to a nearby shop at any time to get VCD’s on rent. This service will allow consumers to view their choice of movie in true DVD format at more convenience, also reducing the damage caused by video piracy,” says Gupta.
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.
