Latest news with #LCO


Time of India
12 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Pay TV homes fall by 40 mn, 1.14-1.95 lakh job cut at local cable operators since 2018
New Delhi: The number of paid TV homes fell by 40 million to 111 million in 2024 from 151 million in 2018, leading to an estimated employment reduction of 1.14 lakh to 1.95 lakh by the local cable operators, according to a report. The employment generated by the LCOs has fallen by 31% since 2018, according to findings of a joint report by the industry body All India Digital Cable Federation (AICPDF) and EY India. The decline in pay TV homes is due to growing popularity and adoption of digital means of content consumption, such as OTT platforms, connected TVs and free DTH service, which led to a fall from 151 million in 2018 to 111 million in 2024. "The impact of this decline in pay TV homes has been significant, particularly on the local cable operator (LCO) ecosystem," said the report titled " State of Cable TV Distribution in India". The impact of this decline in pay TV homes has been significant, particularly on the local cable operator (LCO) ecosystem, said the report, which is based on a survey of 28,181 LCOs between November and December 2024. They collectively reported reducing the number of employed people by 37,835. "The key impact of this decline is that employment generated by the LCOs has fallen by 31% since 2018," the report said adding "Extrapolating this to all-India level, the approximate reduction could be between 1.14 lakh and 1.95 lakh, given that TRAI data suggests there are approximately 85,000 registered LCOs in India and AIDCF 's 12 members claim 1.62 lakh LCOs between them." The study further said 93% of LCOs reported a decline in their subscriber base and 49% reported a drop in their monthly income. Besides, 35% of the LCO reported a subscriber loss of over 40% from 2018. According to the study, the key challenge faced by the LCOs is their inability to increase collections from customers when broadcasting majors has increased their channel rates. Moreover, another factor, which are leading to cord-cutting, are a lack of "quality content on linear TV " which is not on par with the quality of content on OTT platforms. There is also a "decline in second TV set connections" within households, besides "consumers movement from pay TV to OTT platforms, Free Dish and Connected TVs". The study has pot views from the cable industry that could be evaluated, including " a level-playing field across all content distribution mediums -Free TV, OTT platforms, FAST channels and pay TV" and "permitting differential pay TV pricing for different territories based on their ability to pay." Commenting on the report, AIDCF President and CEO of DEN Networks S N Sharma said it provides a comprehensive bottom-up view of the Pay TV distribution sector in recent times. "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," he said. PTI


Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
Pay TV homes fall by 40 mn, 1.14-1.95 lakh job cut at local cable operators since 2018
New Delhi, June 9 (PTI) The number of paid TV homes fell by 40 million to 111 million in 2024 from 151 million in 2018, leading to an estimated employment reduction of 1.14 lakh to 1.95 lakh by the local cable operators, according to a report. The employment generated by the LCOs has fallen by 31 per cent since 2018, according to findings of a joint report by the industry body All India Digital Cable Federation (AICPDF) and EY India. The decline in pay TV homes is due to growing popularity and adoption of digital means of content consumption, such as OTT platforms, connected TVs and free DTH service, which led to a fall from 151 million in 2018 to 111 million in 2024. "The impact of this decline in pay TV homes has been significant, particularly on the local cable operator (LCO) ecosystem," said the report titled "State of Cable TV Distribution in India". The impact of this decline in pay TV homes has been significant, particularly on the local cable operator (LCO) ecosystem, said the report, which is based on a survey of 28,181 LCOs between November and December 2024. They collectively reported reducing the number of employed people by 37,835. "The key impact of this decline is that employment generated by the LCOs has fallen by 31 per cent since 2018," the report said adding "Extrapolating this to all-India level, the approximate reduction could be between 1.14 lakh and 1.95 lakh, given that TRAI data suggests there are approximately 85,000 registered LCOs in India and AIDCF's 12 members claim 1.62 lakh LCOs between them." The study further said 93 per cent of LCOs reported a decline in their subscriber base and 49 per cent reported a drop in their monthly income. Besides, 35 per cent of the LCO reported a subscriber loss of over 40 per cent from 2018. According to the study, the key challenge faced by the LCOs is their inability to increase collections from customers when broadcasting majors has increased their channel rates. Moreover, another factor, which are leading to cord-cutting, are a lack of "quality content on linear TV" which is not on par with the quality of content on OTT platforms. There is also a "decline in second TV set connections" within households, besides "consumers movement from pay TV to OTT platforms, Free Dish and Connected TVs". The study has pot views from the cable industry that could be evaluated, including " a level-playing field across all content distribution mediums —Free TV, OTT platforms, FAST channels and pay TV" and "permitting differential pay TV pricing for different territories based on their ability to pay." Commenting on the report, AIDCF President and CEO of DEN Networks S N Sharma said it provides a comprehensive bottom-up view of the Pay TV distribution sector in recent times. "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,' he said.


Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Caitlin's joy as she marks 10 full seasons of conducting Lanarkshire Cecilian Orchestra
Founded in 1956 and now a registered charity it took its name from the patron saint of music A music teacher is set to mark 10 full seasons of leading an orchestra that formed in Blantyre almost 70 years ago. Caitlin Hollinger is the conductor of the Lanarkshire Cecilian Orchestra (LCO) . The orchestra founded in 1956 is a registered charity and took its name from Saint Cecilian – the patron saint of music. The orchestra will perform its Spring Concert this Friday. Caitlin, a graduate in violin and conducting from Edinburgh Napier University, works for South Lanarkshire Council as an Instrumental Music Teacher in primary and secondary Schools, specialising in Violin and Voice. She also conducts the South Lanarkshire Schools Choir and is the Musical Director of the Wee Sing Community Choir in East Kilbride. 'I find it hard to believe that I am about to conclude my 10th season,' said Caitlin. 'Time flies when you're having fun, as they say. This is actually my 11th year as Conductor but Covid managed to steal an entire season from us. 'It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to have been at the helm of such an amazing organisation and to watch the orchestra grow and develop, year on year.' The amateur orchestra has grown in numbers so much in recent years that it struggles to find suitable venues to perform its three concerts each year. Caitlin continued: 'In my first season with the LCO, the orchestra was a relatively small ensemble. It's hard to believe now, but we had a cello 'section' of only one player. 'The organisation has grown to almost 60 members and we perform some of the greatest works within the orchestral repertoire. 'I have had so many memorable, musical moments over the last decade. From the fun-filled, family entertainment of our annual Christmas Extravaganzas to the heartfelt, mature performances of our Spring Classical Concerts or the exciting thrills and spills of our themed season finales, each concert brings something new for all of us. Away from music the mum-of-three loves nothing more than spending time with her husband, her sons and the family's two dogs, and loves the outdoors. 'Never make the mistake of asking me about my West Highland Way adventure,' Caitlin said. 'You will be stuck listening to me for hours. My next hiking challenge is The Great Glen Way.' There have been many highlights during the last decade-plus with LCO but one emotional performance tops the lot for Caitlin. 'It is very difficult for me to choose a stand-out performance from the past decade but, if pressed, I would have to choose last season's performance of the Beethoven Violin Concerto with Mark Wilson,' said Caitlin. 'Mark's mum, Sally Wilson, was our leader for many years until her passing in 2020. "Mark's incredible performance of the violin concerto, performed on Sally's violin and accompanied beautifully by the orchestra, is a moment that will stay with me for the rest of my days. The fact that Mark subsequently agreed to take on the role as leader of the orchestra is simply wonderful. 'I have had the privilege of conducting such a wide range of music over the years: towering Classical symphonies and concerti, modern Film and Musical Theatre Scores and even Rock and Pop scores. There really is something for everyone's tastes at an LCO concert. 'It is the friendliest, most welcoming and supportive organisation I have ever been involved with and I truly believe that this is why we have endured, are flourishing and are fast approaching our 70th anniversary. I cannot wait to see what the next decade holds'. Lanarkshire Cecilian Orchestra will perform The Universe and Beyond - Orchestral Concert this Friday, May 30 at Sherbrooke Mosspark Parish Church, 240 Nithsdale Road, Bellahouston, Glasgow G41 5AD *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

Associated Press
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Lowell Chamber Orchestra Announces Bold and Diverse Seventh Season
LOWELL, Mass., May 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) is thrilled to announce its seventh season, promising an ambitious lineup of performances that continue to challenge the conventional boundaries of classical music. Building on its reputation for innovation, accessibility, and artistic excellence, LCO's 2025–2026 season will spotlight groundbreaking works, emerging and established composers, and an unwavering commitment to community engagement — all presented free of charge. The season is once again organized in collaboration with 'A World of Music' Concert Series at Middlesex Community College, where LCO is the college's resident orchestra. The season, titled 'New Perspectives,' reflects LCO's mission to bring underrepresented voices and contemporary compositions to the forefront, alongside reinvigorated interpretations of the classical canon. The season opens with 'Classical Magic' on October 12, featuring Boccherini's evocative 'La casa del diavolo,' Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 2 with soloist William Suh—the winner of the 2025 LCO International Young Artist Competition—and Mozart's iconic Symphony No. 40. In December, audiences will experience 'String Virtuosity', a program designed to showcase the technical brilliance of the string section through music by Corelli, Hindemith – featuring violist Jessica Cooper – a world premiere by Nancy Skolos, and J.S. Bach. The season continues in February with a powerful and wide-ranging concert highlighting music from the African-American diaspora, embracing traditions that span classical, gospel, jazz, and beyond. This concert is done in collaboration with Berklee School of Music. April's performance, 'Monumental Sounds', juxtaposes the elegance of Martines' overture to 'Isacco', the passion of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 performed by acclaimed pianist Chi-Chen Wu, and the dynamism of Beethoven's Symphony No. 8. This program also includes the US premiere of 'Resiliens', a work by composer Felipe Oliveira, selected as the winner of LCO's 2025 International Call-for-Scores. The season concludes in June 2026 with the annual Pride Month and a renewed celebration of LGBTQ artistry in 'Pride: A Rainbow of Artistry.' 'Each season is an opportunity to explore music that speaks to the present moment,' says LCO Music Director Orlando Cela. 'This year, we're amplifying voices that deserve to be heard and crafting programs that ask audiences to listen differently — to reconsider what classical music can be.' With performances that span genres, centuries, and cultures, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra continues to lead as a champion of inclusivity in classical music. By spotlighting living composers, emerging artists, and historically overlooked figures, the orchestra invites audiences to reconsider what classical music is—and what it can become. All concerts remain free and open to the public, reinforcing LCO's commitment to accessibility and cultural enrichment for the Greater Lowell community. VIDEO (YouTube): For media inquiries, interviews, or press passes, please contact: Antonio Mak Press Contact, Lowell Chamber Orchestra Email: [email protected] Follow us on social media: Instagram: @lowellchamberorchestra YouTube: Facebook: NEWS SOURCE: Lowell Chamber Orchestra Keywords: Music and Recording, Lowell Chamber Orchestra, classical music, A World of Music Concert Series at Middlesex Community College, LOWELL, Mass. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Lowell Chamber Orchestra) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P125939 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.

Associated Press
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
The Lowell Chamber Orchestra announces winners of its fourth international young artist competition
- As part of LCO's mission to increase the cultural footprint of the city of Lowell, LCO runs two competitions to help promote the careers of young talent - LOWELL, Mass., April 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) is proud to announce the winners of its fourth international young artist competition. Cellist William Suh won first prize, soprano Emma Robertson won second prize, and oboist Anqi Zhou won third prize. As part of his winning, Suh will be performing with LCO during next season. Six judges chose three winners from among 194 entries from all over the world. 'The level of playing is astounding,' says Music Director Orlando Cela. 'We the judges had a very difficult time deciding who should receive which prize. Every contestant is a testament that classical music is alive and well, and its future secure.' As part of LCO's mission to increase the cultural footprint of the city of Lowell, LCO runs two competitions – one for composers and one for performers – to bring the best world talent to Lowell, and help promote the careers of young talent. All LCO concerts are free to attend, bringing down the socio-economic barriers to access prime quality classical music concerts. On Saturday, April 26, 2025, audiences will have a chance to hear last year's young artist competition winner – violist Jeremy Kienbaum, who will be performing romances by Max Bruch and Adolphus Hailstork. Other works in the program include the beloved 'Pulcinella' by Igor Stravinsky, and the American premiere of 'Till Voices Wake Us,' by Simon Andrews (winner of LCO's 2024 Call-for-Scores). For more information, visit VIDEO (YouTube): Nikki Huang, winner of the LCO 2023 International Young Artist Competition, performs Emmanuel Séjourné's Marimba Concerto (2015 version). NEWS SOURCE: Lowell Chamber Orchestra Keywords: Music and Recording, The Lowell Chamber Orchestra LCO, music, classical music, opera, orchestra, performing arts, international young artist competition, Anqi Zhou, William Suh, Emma Robertson, LOWELL, Mass. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Lowell Chamber Orchestra) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P125632 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.