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Major FTA channels to pull out of DD Free Dish as hope for carriage fee waiver dims
MUMBAI: Businesses have been struggling to stay afloat since the Covid2019 pandemic has broken out in the country. A number of TV channels have since then been in dire straits as productions have paused, leading to a shortage of fresh content coupled with falling advertising revenue. While pay channels can still look at subscription revenue, free-to-air (FTA) channels are running out of options to chalk out a sustainable business model. As the appeal to waive off carriage fee for the public broadcaster-run DD Free Dish has fallen on deaf ears, the chances of FTA channels pulling out of the free DTH platform rise.
While Free Dish has been an inevitable part of FTA channels' strategy, the platform has also generated over Rs 400 crore of revenue on the back of these channels. After a good phase of increased reach post the new tariff order, FTA channels have entered a dark phase due to the pandemic. A consortium of those channels appealed to the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) to waive off carriage fee at least for a quarter.
Even after repeated requests, Prasar Bharati has stated that a channel can avail of deferment from the requirement of paying the carriage fee in an advance monthly statement, up to three months, subject to it furnishing separate bank guarantees towards the amount of each instalment amount with interest after availing of this deferment for three months n a letter/email dated 17 May. It has also offered to pay 67 per cent of the carriage fee for three months. But the latest notification clearly shows the pubcaster’s firm decision of not waiving off carriage fee to these troubled businesses.
FTA channels are of the view that this move will not help them in the crisis. “The expense remains the same for the channels but advertising revenue comes down at 15-20 per cent that covers only minimum expenses. It does not even cover the full salary of employees while we have decided to pay full salary to our employees. Even if the payment is deferred for three months, we don’t know from where the revenue will come. We don't want the loan but a waiver of the carriage fee. I think it won't help anyone although it depends on sustaining capacity,” Happii Digital and Broadcasting Network director Kailash Adhikari says.
“The decision of Prasar Bharati remains the same; now it's upon the broadcasters. Two to three channels are also suspended from the platform,” he adds. Asked about their plan, he says that they don’t want to withdraw currently. But he adds that if this situation prolongs, then it is a mammoth exercise for everybody in the industry.
“The new notification says they will offer deferment instead of waiver which will offer some liquidity for the short term but the main issue is after three months the burden increases. It’s small support and I think it is not going to make any material impact on the decision or business as such,” a spokesperson of a large FTA broadcaster says. He also mentions that after seeing the latest notification, it might stick to the decision of pulling out from DD Free Dish this month.
He also adds that two to three channels have already gone off. Even if some channels pay now, they can go off later after observing the situation for one month, he adds.
“This move of deferred payment and charges of interest is not something FTA channels were looking at. However, I believe the government is also under pressure to completely waive off because this was through an e-auction that was considered. Under the e-auctions and the policies, only the PMO or a minister at a higher level can take a call on this and I believe it is still unnoticed and unheard at that level,” a spokesperson from a Marathi FTA channel adds.
He notes that if advertising revenue does not fall back in proper books by the month of June, then it will become difficult for people to survive. “We are observing the situation and we believe the lockdown won’t extend beyond 31 May because it is already about 60-plus days that Maharashtra has been under lockdown. So a lot of people will try to kickstart and resume the activity as early as possible because the economy needs to be pushed,” he reflects a gleam of hope.
Notably, Swami Films Entertainment Pvt Ltd which runs two FTA channels on DD Free Dish moved the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) against Prasar Bharati for interim relief against disconnection of the channel from its DTH platform. The state broadcaster offered two more alternatives to the broadcaster. The tribunal noted that it was a fair stand with more alternatives being offered to the broadcaster.
Swami Films requested for some more time to consider the alternative reliefs as a final solution and even as an interim arrangement. TDSAT did not pass any interim order till the next date of hearing.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
