DTH
Tata Sky adds beauty-based interactive channel
MUMBAI: Tata Sky has expanded its interactive channel list by adding Tata Sky Beauty, in partnership with FTheCouch (FTC) Beauty Studio, which is promoted by actor Suniel Shetty. It will feature your favourite actors sharing tips and tricks on makeup, skincare and the latest fashion trends in an easy to understand do-it-yourself (DIY) format.
On the launch of Tata Sky Beauty, Tata Sky chief commercial officer Pallavi Puri said, “Tata Sky has always launched interactive services that inspire and encourage its subscribers to learn, grow and improve in areas that interest them. Tata Sky Beauty is designed to build DIY skills in grooming, styling and care and will inspire women to look good and feel confident at all times!”
Celebrity make-up experts & stylists such as Bharat & Dorris, Ambika Pillai, Subhash Singh, Shan Mu, Aalim Hakeem, Anju Modi, Tarun Tahiliani, Kavita Bhartiya, Payal Jain and skin care experts such as Dr Swati Maheshwari will recreate Bollywood’s glamour from the comfort of your living room. The service also boasts of a pool of social media talents such as Shruti Anand, Noorin Sha, Hesha Cheema, etc.
Shetty had previously teamed up with Tata Sky for its Fitness & Acting Adda service. Tata Sky Beauty will also have a Kids Special segment to give tips and updates on hairstyles and fashion trends. On Sunday, a special vignette Zindagi Khoobsurat Hai and show Saas, Bahu Aur Beauty will give subscribers a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of TV celebrities.
FTC Talent Media & Entertainment co-founder and CEO Akshay Vatsa said, “Our vision at FTC has always been to create innovative content and provide our users with a convenient access to our offerings. Extending this thought, we are happy to launch FTC Beauty Studio with Tata Sky Beauty to help the audience learn and empower themselves to create their own beauty recipe, with the best in class experts.”
Tata Sky subscribers can avail the service at Rs. 59/- per month on Ch #119 and it will also be available on the mobile app.
DTH
DD Free Dish locks in 8 Mpeg-2 slots; Star, Zee, Sony, Colors lead day 1
With higher prices and tighter rules, India’s top broadcasters secure coveted free-to-air positions.
NEW DELHI: The battle for India’s television screens has officially begun. On the opening day of Prasar Bharati’s 8th annual e-auction, heavyweights like Star, Zee, Sony, and Colors successfully secured eight coveted Mpeg-2 slots on DD Free Dish.
According to the media reports, this year’s auction is a significant departure from the past. The process assumes added significance this year as it is the first after Prasar Bharati amended its E-auction Methodology, tightening eligibility conditions and revising the reserve price structure for Mpeg-2 slots.
Despite the stricter rules and higher costs, the industry’s major networks showed no hesitation. Of the eight slots sold on Monday, six belonged to the premium Bucket A plus (Hindi general entertainment) and two to Bucket A (Hindi movies).
Industry experts suggest that this early rush is all about reach. DD Free Dish currently beams into roughly 45 million households, mostly in rural and semi-urban areas. For broadcasters, missing out on this platform means losing access to a massive chunk of India’s viewing public.
The new rules, rolled out in January 2026, have raised the stakes significantly. For Bucket A plus (Hindi general entertainment channels), the reserve price now starts at Rs 15 crore, while Bucket A (Hindi movies) begins at Rs 12 crore, marking a notable increase from previous years.
To prevent tactical low-ball bidding, the prices will only go up in subsequent rounds. For instance, the second round for Bucket A plus jumps to Rs 16 crore. By front-loading the auction, Prasar Bharati ensures that the most popular channels pay a premium for the best positions on the dial.
One of the most talked-about changes in this 94th e-auction is the operational clause. To stop speculative bidding, channels must now prove they are already active on at least one private DTH platform or a registered cable operator. In short: if your channel isn’t already on air somewhere, you aren’t invited to the party.
While it sounds like a corporate chess match, the outcome dictates what millions of people will watch for the next year (from April 2026 to March 2027). With the big networks securing their spots early, viewers can expect the usual mix of high-drama soaps and blockbuster films to remain the staples of free-to-air TV.
As the auction continues, the industry is watching to see if smaller players can stomach the rising costs or if the free dish universe will become an exclusive club for the media giants.
