Latest news with #AllIndiaDigitalCableFederation
India.com
19 hours ago
- Business
- India.com
Bad news for employees of this industry as 577000 workers have lost jobs due to...
If you are part of the generation that grew up in the 1990s and 2000s, you will be familiar with the golden era of cable television, which was the only home entertainment outlet prevalent across every region of India. With the fast-paced growth of technology, that space has relinquished its space and faded slowly over the years. With the arrival of digital platforms and shifting viewer habits, the cable TV industry has continued to experience a steady decline, causing an unprecedented downturn over the last seven years. According to the State of Cable TV Distribution in India report by the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) and EY India, nearly 5.77 lakh jobs in the sector have been lost between 2018 and 2025. In 2018, an estimated 151 million households in India had Pay-TV connections. That number fell to 111 million by 2024, as defined in the report. Pay TV allows users to subscribe to many television channels (much like a cable bill) for a fixed amount of money. The report also projects that there will be 71 – 81 million Pay-TV subscribers by 2030. This shows that in comparison to 2018 the user base could be cut almost in half by 2030. A reduction of nearly 40 million subscribers can be attributed to a variety of reasons: the increase in price of TV channels, the popularity of OTT services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, and free alternatives like DD Free Dish. People are spending more time on streaming services and less time on traditional television channels. This decrease has caused large economic losses to the cable TV industry. In 2019, the combined revenue of the four main DTH (Direct-to-Home) operators and ten major Multi-System Operators was ₹25,700 crore. In 2024, the revenue was ₹21,500 crore, or about a 16% decrease. In the same five years, the profit margin (EBITDA) for these DTH and MSOs also fell substantially by 29%, from ₹4,400 crore in 2019 to ₹3,100 crore in 2024.
Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
AIDCF Releases Landmark Report Highlighting Job Loss Crisis and Urges for Urgent Reforms in India's Cable TV Sector
PRNewswire New Delhi [India], June 10: All India Digital Cable Federation today launched a landmark study titled 'State of Cable TV Distribution in India'. Developed in collaboration with EY India, the report offers critical insights into the challenges, evolution, and future of India's cable television ecosystem. It brings together extensive field data and sectoral analysis to present a comprehensive view of the Cable TV distribution landscape. Based on inputs from over 28,000 Local Cable Operators (LCOs) across India, the report highlights a sharp decline in cable TV subscriptions--driven by rising channel costs and competition from unregulated platforms--which, in turn, has led to a significant employment crisis. Key findings of the report include: * The workforce of surveyed LCOs declined by 31% since 2018, with a reported loss of 37,835 jobs. When extrapolated nationally, the estimated job loss ranges between 1.14 lakh and 1.95 lakh. * Pay TV households declined by 40 million, from 151 million in 2018 to 111 million in 2024. * 93% LCOs reported a decline in their subscriber base since 2018; * 49% of LCOs reported a drop in theirmonthly income. * 35% reported subscriber loss of over 40%. Key reforms suggested by the report include: * Enabling of level-playing field across all content distribution mediums * Permitting differential pay TV pricing for different territories based on ability to pay * Activating over 20 million inactive STBs in India * Restrict or limit the provision of live or slightly delayed transmission of pay TV content for free on other platforms * Take a unified stand against piracy Mr. Sanjiv Shankar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs; Former Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, shared his remarks: "This report is truly one of its kind--comprehensive, data-driven, and grounded in the realities of the ground-level cable ecosystem. It brings into focus the structural shifts and challenges within the sector, and provides a valuable evidence base for future policy-making." Mr. S.N. Sharma, CEO of DEN Networks Limited and President of AIDCF, expressed his enthusiasm about the report: "This report is perhaps the most comprehensive bottom-up view of the Pay TV distribution sector in recent times." "The report presents not just statistics but stories of lost livelihood impacting families and entrepreneurship, and they need be heard across the broadcasting ecosystem." "While the report presents conservative estimates, the situation is even more grave. When factoring in the closure of approximately 900 MSOs and 72,000 LCOs over the past six years, the total cumulative job loss is estimated to exceed 5.77 lakh." "We urge all stakeholders -- including broadcasters, regulators, and our parent ministry -- to use the report as a base to bring practical reforms and support the cable TV industry to thrive once again." Mr. Ashish Pherwani, Partner, Media & Entertainment Sector, EY India, remarked that: "This is a first-of-its-kind report that captures the true pulse of the cable TV distribution network in India. Its scale, depth of field data, and insight into last-mile realities make it a valuable resource for both industry and policymakers alike." The report was released during a special event held at Shangri-La Eros, New Delhi, where senior policymakers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders from across the broadcasting and media landscape came together to deliberate on the findings and implications of this industry-first report. The report can be accessed from AIDCF's official website or by clicking on this link. About All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) All India Digital Cable Federation is the apex body for Digital Multi-System Operators (MSOs) in India. AIDCF is the official voice for the Indian digital cable TV industry and works towards the overall growth of the sector. AIDCF has consistently championed the interests of the cable TV distribution industry and remains committed to promoting a fair, competitive, and sustainable broadcasting ecosystem. The members of the federation have a combined market share of > 65%. Members of AIDCF includes Asianet Satellite Communications Limited, DEN Networks Limited, Fastway Transmission Private Limited, GTPL Hathway Private Limited, Hathway Cable & Datacom Limited, Kerala Communicators Cable Limited, NXT Digital, SITI Cable Network Limited and UCN Cable Network Private Limited. Photo:
Business Upturn
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
AIDCF Releases Landmark Report Highlighting Job Loss Crisis and Urges for Urgent Reforms in India's Cable TV Sector
NEW DELHI , June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — All India Digital Cable Federation today launched a landmark study titled ' State of Cable TV Distribution in India ' . Developed in collaboration with EY India, the report offers critical insights into the challenges, evolution, and future of India's cable television ecosystem. It brings together extensive field data and sectoral analysis to present a comprehensive view of the Cable TV distribution landscape. Based on inputs from over 28,000 Local Cable Operators (LCOs) across India , the report highlights a sharp decline in cable TV subscriptions—driven by rising channel costs and competition from unregulated platforms—which, in turn, has led to a significant employment crisis. Key findings of the report include: The workforce of surveyed LCOs declined by 31% since 2018 , with a reported loss of 37,835 jobs . When extrapolated nationally, the estimated job loss ranges between 1.14 lakh and 1.95 lakh . , with a reported loss of . When extrapolated nationally, the estimated job loss ranges between . Pay TV households declined by 40 million , from 151 million in 2018 to 111 million in 2024. , from 151 million in 2018 to 111 million in 2024. 93% LCOs reported a decline in their subscriber base since 2018; LCOs reported a since 2018; 49% of LCOs reported a drop in their monthly income . of LCOs reported a . 35% reported subscriber loss of over 40%. Key reforms suggested by the report include: Enabling of level-playing field across all content distribution mediums across all content distribution mediums Permitting differential pay TV pricing for different territories based on ability to pay for different territories based on ability to pay Activating over 20 million inactive STBs in India Restrict or limit the provision of live or slightly delayed transmission of pay TV content for free on other platforms Take a unified stand against piracy Mr. Sanjiv Shankar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs; Former Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, shared his remarks: 'This report is truly one of its kind—comprehensive, data-driven, and grounded in the realities of the ground-level cable ecosystem. It brings into focus the structural shifts and challenges within the sector, and provides a valuable evidence base for future policy-making.' Mr. S.N. Sharma, CEO of DEN Networks Limited and President of AIDCF, expressed his enthusiasm about the report: 'This report is perhaps the most comprehensive bottom-up view of the Pay TV distribution sector in recent times.' 'The report presents not just statistics but stories of lost livelihood impacting families and entrepreneurship, and they need be heard across the broadcasting ecosystem.' 'While the report presents conservative estimates, the situation is even more grave. When factoring in the closure of approximately 900 MSOs and 72,000 LCOs over the past six years, the total cumulative job loss is estimated to exceed 5.77 lakh.' 'We urge all stakeholders — including broadcasters, regulators, and our parent ministry — to use the report as a base to bring practical reforms and support the cable TV industry to thrive once again.' Mr. Ashish Pherwani, Partner, Media & Entertainment Sector, EY India, remarked that: 'This is a first-of-its-kind report that captures the true pulse of the cable TV distribution network in India . Its scale, depth of field data, and insight into last-mile realities make it a valuable resource for both industry and policymakers alike.' The report was released during a special event held at Shangri-La Eros, New Delhi , where senior policymakers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders from across the broadcasting and media landscape came together to deliberate on the findings and implications of this industry-first report. The report can be accessed from AIDCF's official website or by clicking on this link. About All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) All India Digital Cable Federation is the apex body for Digital Multi-System Operators (MSOs) in India . AIDCF is the official voice for the Indian digital cable TV industry and works towards the overall growth of the sector. AIDCF has consistently championed the interests of the cable TV distribution industry and remains committed to promoting a fair, competitive, and sustainable broadcasting ecosystem. The members of the federation have a combined market share of > 65%. Members of AIDCF includes Asianet Satellite Communications Limited, DEN Networks Limited, Fastway Transmission Private Limited, GTPL Hathway Private Limited, Hathway Cable & Datacom Limited, Kerala Communicators Cable Limited, NXT Digital, SITI Cable Network Limited and UCN Cable Network Private Limited. Photo: View original content to download multimedia: Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PR Newswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
AIDCF Releases Landmark Report Highlighting Job Loss Crisis and Urges for Urgent Reforms in India's Cable TV Sector
NEW DELHI, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- All India Digital Cable Federation today launched a landmark study titled 'State of Cable TV Distribution in India'. Developed in collaboration with EY India, the report offers critical insights into the challenges, evolution, and future of India's cable television ecosystem. It brings together extensive field data and sectoral analysis to present a comprehensive view of the Cable TV distribution landscape. Based on inputs from over 28,000 Local Cable Operators (LCOs) across India, the report highlights a sharp decline in cable TV subscriptions—driven by rising channel costs and competition from unregulated platforms—which, in turn, has led to a significant employment crisis. Key findings of the report include: The workforce of surveyed LCOs declined by 31% since 2018, with a reported loss of 37,835 jobs. When extrapolated nationally, the estimated job loss ranges between 1.14 lakh and 1.95 lakh. Pay TV households declined by 40 million, from 151 million in 2018 to 111 million in 2024. 93% LCOs reported a decline in their subscriber base since 2018; 49% of LCOs reported a drop in their monthly income. 35% reported subscriber loss of over 40%. Key reforms suggested by the report include: Enabling of level-playing field across all content distribution mediums Permitting differential pay TV pricing for different territories based on ability to pay Activating over 20 million inactive STBs in India Restrict or limit the provision of live or slightly delayed transmission of pay TV content for free on other platforms Take a unified stand against piracy Mr. Sanjiv Shankar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs; Former Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, shared his remarks: "This report is truly one of its kind—comprehensive, data-driven, and grounded in the realities of the ground-level cable ecosystem. It brings into focus the structural shifts and challenges within the sector, and provides a valuable evidence base for future policy-making." Mr. S.N. Sharma, CEO of DEN Networks Limited and President of AIDCF, expressed his enthusiasm about the report: "This report is perhaps the most comprehensive bottom-up view of the Pay TV distribution sector in recent times." "The report presents not just statistics but stories of lost livelihood impacting families and entrepreneurship, and they need be heard across the broadcasting ecosystem." "While the report presents conservative estimates, the situation is even more grave. When factoring in the closure of approximately 900 MSOs and 72,000 LCOs over the past six years, the total cumulative job loss is estimated to exceed 5.77 lakh." "We urge all stakeholders — including broadcasters, regulators, and our parent ministry — to use the report as a base to bring practical reforms and support the cable TV industry to thrive once again." Mr. Ashish Pherwani, Partner, Media & Entertainment Sector, EY India, remarked that: "This is a first-of-its-kind report that captures the true pulse of the cable TV distribution network in India. Its scale, depth of field data, and insight into last-mile realities make it a valuable resource for both industry and policymakers alike." The report was released during a special event held at Shangri-La Eros, New Delhi, where senior policymakers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders from across the broadcasting and media landscape came together to deliberate on the findings and implications of this industry-first report. The report can be accessed from AIDCF's official website or by clicking on this link. About All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) All India Digital Cable Federation is the apex body for Digital Multi-System Operators (MSOs) in India. AIDCF is the official voice for the Indian digital cable TV industry and works towards the overall growth of the sector. AIDCF has consistently championed the interests of the cable TV distribution industry and remains committed to promoting a fair, competitive, and sustainable broadcasting ecosystem. The members of the federation have a combined market share of > 65%. Members of AIDCF includes Asianet Satellite Communications Limited, DEN Networks Limited, Fastway Transmission Private Limited, GTPL Hathway Private Limited, Hathway Cable & Datacom Limited, Kerala Communicators Cable Limited, NXT Digital, SITI Cable Network Limited and UCN Cable Network Private Limited. Photo: View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Over 500k cable TV jobs lost in India as OTT eats into market: Report
The cable television industry in India experienced a sharp contraction over the past seven years, with an estimated 577,000 jobs lost between 2018 and 2025. The downturn coincides with a steady decline in subscriber numbers, driven by changing consumer habits and intensified digital disruption. These insights were released by the State of Cable TV Distribution in India report on Monday, published jointly by the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) and EY India. According to the report, pay-TV households fell from 151 million in 2018 to 111 million in 2024, with projections suggesting this number could decline to between 71 million and 81 million by 2030. This 40 million drop in subscriptions was attributed to rising channel prices, increased competition from OTT platforms, and the growing popularity of free-to-air options such as the government-backed DD Free Dish. Revenue, Ebitda fall as cable TV operators shut shop Financially, the sector has also struggled. The combined revenue of four major direct-to-home (DTH) operators and ten leading multi-system operators (MSOs) fell to ₹21,500 crore in FY24 from ₹25,700 crore in FY19, a decline of more than 16 per cent. Over the same period, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) dropped 29 per cent to ₹3,100 crore from ₹4,400 crore. The job losses have hit local cable operators (LCOs) especially hard. Based on responses from over 28,000 LCOs across 34 states and Union Territories, the State of Cable TV Distribution in India report found that their workforce has shrunk by 31 per cent, resulting in nearly 38,000 job losses. On a national level, the number of LCO-related jobs lost is estimated to be between 114,000 and 195,000. Combined with the closure of approximately 900 MSOs and 72,000 LCOs since 2018, the cumulative job loss exceeds 577,000. Decline in pay-TV households in India Sector is resilient but need policy support Despite these challenges, industry leaders are cautiously optimistic. Executives such as Uday Shankar (JioStar), Punit Goenka (Zee Entertainment), and Gaurav Banerjee (Sony Pictures Networks India) argue that linear television continues to be resilient. They cite the 85 to 90 million households still paying for TV services as a sign of untapped potential, especially among DD Free Dish users and homes in media-dark regions. Ashish Pherwani, partner at EY India, said nearly 100 million homes in India still do not have cable or satellite TV, a gap that could be bridged with low-cost plans and affordable set-top boxes. But in many regions, especially near borders, affordability remains a hurdle. 'This is the first report to truly reflect the realities on the ground,' he said, urging policymakers to treat it as a basis for targeted intervention. Reforming the industry: Pricing, set-top boxes and more To address the crisis, the report recommends reforms, including: Enabling a level playing field across all content distribution platforms — cable TV, DTH, HITS, and IPTV. Allowing regional pay-TV pricing based on local affordability. Reactivating over 20 million dormant set-top boxes. Restricting free or delayed broadcast of pay-TV content on alternative platforms. Forming a unified front to curb piracy, which costs the media sector over ₹20,000 crore annually. Cable TV sector: Shrinking base, rising costs At the ground level, the picture remains stark. Some 93 per cent of LCOs reported a decline in subscribers since 2018, with nearly half noting a drop in monthly income. Over a third said they had lost more than 40 per cent of their subscriber base. LCOs highlighted several operational hurdles, including their inability to raise customer fees amid rising input costs. The growing migration of viewers to OTT services, DD Free Dish, and smart TVs, along with concerns over the declining quality of television content, has further strained their viability. Additionally, fewer households are now subscribing to multiple TV connections. As SN Sharma, CEO of DEN Networks and AIDCF President, said, the collapse of small cable operations isn't just a business issue; it has wiped out incomes for thousands of families who depended on them. 'It's not just statistics — these are stories of lost livelihoods and disrupted entrepreneurship,' he said, urging regulators and broadcasters to act before the ecosystem erodes further.
