DTH
IMCL engages Cloudpoint Technologies to manage key aspects of its B2C segment
KOLKATA: In keeping with its focus on enhancing its services to its subscribers, IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd (IMCL) has engaged Cloudpoint Technologies to manage key aspects of its B2C segment, in Mumbai initially. Cloudpoint, which has been engaged by IMCL since last year to provide strategic advisory and support services for its direct points, will now take on the mantle of providing key services to IMCL’s direct CATV subscribers in Mumbai – ranging from revenue collection and end-to-end customer lifecycle management to upselling and cross-selling. Cloudpoint will deliver these services through a dedicated team completely focussed on the core objective of consumer satisfaction.
IMCL chief operating officer NK Rouse said, “It is our constant endeavour to enhance consumer experience through superior service and also foster growth through engagements with specialist firms. This initiative is one such endeavour and is in line with one of the guiding principles of our Hinduja Group – “Partnership for Growth”. It is not only going to unlock opportunities for bringing about desired growth, but also result in superior consumer experience through agile and focussed consumer service for our direct point consumers.”
“We are obviously delighted to be a part of IMCL’s amazing journey, now with a deeper engagement – moving from strategic advisory role to operational execution. Team Cloudpoint will strive to achieve the objectives which the company has set for itself,” Cloudpoint Technologies director and co-founder Himanshu Patil said.
With ever-changing consumer expectations and requirements, more pronounced during these challenging times; it is imperative to move closer to the consumers and extend world-class service to create the desired consumer delight. This engagement would add significant value to the direct consumer journey by enhancing agility, coupled with an improved support system.
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.
