DTH
Videocon d2h offers interactive ad solution, launches Skoda microsite
MUMBAI: DTH is not just about distribution of entertaining content. It has the potential to provide innovative solutions to advertisers — to reach targeted clientele. Videocon has proved it.
DTH player Videocon d2h has announced its partnership with Skoda to offer its subscribers a chance to have a detailed view of the new Skoda Monte Carlo and Kodiaq through its HD set-top box (STB).
Using the maximum potential of technology, Videocon d2h is the first DTH player to launch a microsite on DTH Platform through a unique yellow button application that is available for the premium customers.
On pressing the button on the remote, a microsite opens up which showcases exterior and interior pictures of Skoda Kodiaq along with other features.
To enhance Skoda’s consumer experience, PHD India and Videocon d2h came together and created a virtual experience for viewing on the television sets. This innovation enables Skoda’s potential buyers to effortlessly view important features and aspects at their own convenience. The virtual experience was first tested with Skoda’s Monte Carlo, and has since been implemented during the launch of Kodiaq.
Videocon d2h executive chairman Saurabh Dhoot said: “Our platform provides excellent advertising opportunities to marketers and advertisers. I am delighted at this partnership to provide an innovative and engaging advertising solution.”
Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera said: “This interactive advertising service shows our capability to innovate using technology and deliver returns. We look forward to provide more of such innovative advertising solutions on our platform to other advertisers.’’
Skoda HOD – marketing Tarun Jha said, “Škoda tries to bring new technology experiences continuously. This is another attempt to bring the car to the customer at his convenience.”
PHD Media GM – planning Dipesh Dadhich said, “This work is another example of PHD’s mission to find a better way for our clients, delivering outstanding results and industry-leading innovation in the process.”
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.
