DTH
Tata Sky makes choosing new packs a child’splay
MUMBAI: Tata Sky, India’s leading content distribution platform launched their subscriber communication campaign to educate subscribers about the seamless process of changing packs according to the new pricing regime. The campaign #Ab123kardaalatohlifejingalalais a series of 3 ad films that highlighthow Tata Sky makes choosing subscribers’ favourite channels a child’s play that can be accomplished in steps 1,2,3.
The filmsdraw similarities betweenthetasks for toddlersto changing your channel packs both of which are perceived as cumbersome. Through the toddlers in the ad film, Tata Sky explains how it is a matter of just 3 simple steps to choose packs under the new pricing regime.
1 – Select Pack
2 – Match Budget
3- Confirm Pack
The first ad has a toddler in a walker, having fun spinning around. The baby explains how spinning around is fun but also can be a headache but choosing your favourite packs are not at all a headache. In fact, it is as simple as steps 1,2,3 on her mobile.
The second ad has a toddler eating breakfast with ‘kaddu’ pumpkin puree all over his face. The baby grumbles how adults are lucky as they can choose their own food and their favourite channels & packs by simply following the 1,2,3, steps on the Tata Sky Mobile App.
The third film has a baby in diaper holding the rail of her cradle with a troubled expression. She then is relived when she says “It’s done (Ho Gaya). Now its diaper changing time. It is also time for you all to select your channels & packs”. After a brief false alarm on passing just gas, the baby continues to explain how after the simple steps of 1,2,3. She urges you to take help from their nearest dealer or visit the Tata Sky Mobile App.
Sukesh Nayak, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India – Westsaid, "Tata Sky has always endeavoured to deliver quality entertainment in a simple manner. So, when the recent ruling change with respect to channel packs and price was announced, we ensured the process was as easy as child’s play for all Tata Sky subscribers. The creative idea was literally built on the product promise."
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.
