ArdorComm Media Group

Contact Us
Thursday, October 9, 2025 1:38 PM
logo
Menu
logo

Media Entertainment & Art Community

ZEE Entertainment Achieves 4-Year Peak in TV Market Share at 18.2%

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEE) has touched a four-year milestone, securing an 18.2% market share in linear television while reaching 855 million viewers across 99% of Indian TV households. The network announced that eight of its channels now lead their respective genres. Hindi GEC Zee TV hit a three-year high with nearly 15% market share in July (HSM Urban, 15+) and ranked as the top pay Hindi GEC among premium rural audiences. Fresh shows like Tumm Se Tumm Tak and Saru emerged as slot leaders. In the movie space, Zee Cinema dominated the Hindi genre, powered by the blockbuster TV premiere of Pushpa 2, which recorded the biggest television opening of FY26 so far. Lifestyle channel Zee Zest also retained its leadership for the third consecutive year. Regional markets played a key role in driving growth. ZEE’s southern share climbed to 17.2% (FY26 YTD), nearly three points higher than FY22. Zee Kannada maintained its dominance with a 44% share, while Zee Tamil posted record highs with Ayali and Karthigai Deepam. Zee Telugu scored a massive 18.1 TVR with the premiere of Sankranthiki Vasthunam, the biggest Telugu TV debut in two years. In other regions, Zee Sarthak led Odia GECs for the fifth year, Zee Talkies topped Marathi movies for a sixth year, and Zee Marathi grew its relative share by 10% over two years. Zee Bangla reclaimed the No. 1 spot in West Bengal Urban, while Zee Bangla Cinema emerged as the leader in the Bangla movie genre. Chief Content Officer Raghavendra Hunsur credited the success to ZEE’s strong storytelling across languages, saying the network’s mix of original shows and hit films continues to resonate with audiences nationwide. Rituparna Dasgupta, EVP – Network Research and Planning, highlighted ZEE’s unmatched reach across Bharat, underscoring its role as a “trusted family member” in Indian households. ZEE has also strengthened its regional lineup with the launch of Zee Power (Kannada) and Zee Bangla Sonar. Source: Economic Times

ZEE Entertainment Achieves 4-Year Peak in TV Market Share at 18.2% Read More »

Govt to Unveil Centralised Digital Music Licensing Registry by October 2025

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) is gearing up to launch a centralised digital music licensing registry within the next two months, in collaboration with rights societies. The initiative, expected to go live by October 2025, is part of a broader strategy to expand and streamline India’s live entertainment industry. The announcement followed the first meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on live events, held on 26 August at the National Media Centre and chaired by I&B secretary Sanjay Jaju. Representatives from multiple ministries—including culture, youth affairs and sports, skill development, finance and DPIIT—participated, along with the Sports Authority of India and state governments from Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. Key industry players such as BookMyShow, Wizcraft, Saregama, District by Zomato and Touchwood Entertainment, along with associations like Ficci, CII, Eema and Ilea, also joined the deliberations. Rights organisations including IPRS, PPL, RMPL and IMI Trust were part of the discussions. Among the major takeaways were plans to integrate approvals for live events into the India Cine Hub portal to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, create a model policy for multi-use of public venues like stadiums, and include live-entertainment skills in the national skills framework. Proposals for financial incentives—such as GST relaxations, blended finance options, subsidies and MSME recognition—were also put on the table. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently highlighted live entertainment as a catalyst for employment, tourism and cultural impact. The sector, currently valued at ₹20,861 crore (2024), is expanding at nearly 15% annually, driven by increasing demand in both metro and emerging cities, as well as growing interest in music tourism. According to Jaju, the government’s ambition is to position India among the world’s top five live entertainment destinations by 2030, unlocking the potential for 15–20 million jobs. “The JWG will focus on leveraging the concert economy to boost infrastructure, create jobs, attract tourists and strengthen India’s soft power,” he noted. The JWG, constituted in July under the directive of Union I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, will continue to meet periodically to monitor progress and submit policy suggestions. Its work builds on the recommendations outlined in the white paper India’s Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative, presented earlier this year at the Waves 2025 summit. Source: PIB

Govt to Unveil Centralised Digital Music Licensing Registry by October 2025 Read More »

Cable TV Operators Seek GST Cut to 5% Amid Rising Costs

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) has urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to lower the goods and services tax (GST) on cable television services from 18% to 5%, citing mounting financial stress and rising consumer bills. In its appeal, the federation argued that such a move would not only align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for GST reforms but also ensure affordable access to television services for millions of households across India. According to AIDCF, cable TV currently reaches more than 64 million homes and sustains around 1–1.2 million jobs. However, the sector is struggling with steep hikes in broadcaster tariffs, shifting consumer preferences, and growing competition from unregulated OTT platforms. “Satellite channel prices have spiked by nearly 600% in recent years, causing a 35–40% surge in monthly consumer bills. A GST cut would help ease this burden and maintain affordability,” said Manoj P. Chhangani, Secretary General of AIDCF. The federation highlighted that the industry, made up of 852 multi-system operators and about 1.6 lakh local cable operators—most of them small entrepreneurs in towns and villages—is under severe liquidity pressure. A lower GST rate, it said, would help sustain operations, curb subscriber churn, and enable investment in broadband services, complementing the government’s Digital India initiative. Representing over 60% of India’s cable TV market, AIDCF has requested that the demand be considered at the 56th GST Council meeting scheduled for September 3–4 in New Delhi. The council is also reviewing a proposal to simplify the GST structure by merging the current four-tier system (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) into two slabs—5% and 18%. Source: Economic Times  

Cable TV Operators Seek GST Cut to 5% Amid Rising Costs Read More »

Online Gaming Bill becomes law after President’s assent

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

President Droupadi Murmu has approved the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, officially turning it into law just a day after the Rajya Sabha cleared it. The new legislation imposes a complete ban on online money gaming services, prescribing penalties of up to three years in jail and fines as high as ₹1 crore for operators. Advertising such banned platforms could attract up to two years imprisonment and fines of ₹50 lakh. The Rajya Sabha passed the bill in just 26 minutes, following the Lok Sabha’s approval in seven minutes, despite opposition protests questioning the rushed process. Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, defending the law, said millions were being pushed into debt traps. “From time to time, society faces social evils. It is the responsibility of the government and Parliament to intervene with appropriate laws,” he told the House. He also cited official estimates showing that 450 million players have collectively lost over ₹20,000 crore to money-based online gaming. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move, stressing that the law will promote e-sports and social gaming while shielding society from the dangers of gambling-driven online games. “This Bill highlights our commitment to make India a hub of gaming, innovation, and creativity. It will encourage healthy gaming while protecting people from harmful effects of money gaming,” he said. However, the decision has sparked outrage within the industry. Representatives of the ₹31,000 crore sector argue that the ban is a “death knell” for legitimate businesses, warning that offshore operators will benefit while Indian companies suffer. They pointed out that the sector employs over 200,000 people and has attracted ₹25,000 crore in foreign investment since 2022. In the immediate aftermath of the law’s passage, major platforms including Dream11 and WinZO announced they would shut down operations. Source: Hindustan Times

Online Gaming Bill becomes law after President’s assent Read More »

Online Gaming Bill 2025 introduced in Lok Sabha: Blanket ban on money games sparks debate

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday introduced The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, even as opposition members voiced protests. The Bill, cleared by the Union Cabinet a day earlier, proposes a complete ban on online games involving monetary stakes, citing growing concerns of addiction, financial distress, and suicides among youth. Soon after the Bill was tabled, proceedings were adjourned until 2 PM. MeitY clarifies intent Explaining the move, IT Secretary S. Krishnan said the Bill addresses two key issues — recognising the scope of the online gaming industry while also curbing harmful real-money games. He emphasised that this is a “societal decision,” noting that the government had weighed concerns of job losses but prioritised public well-being. He added that a regulatory authority will be established to classify permissible and banned games. eSports and social games, including subscription-based formats without monetary rewards, will remain legal. What the Bill proposes Under the draft law: Offering online money games could attract up to three years in jail or fines up to ₹1 crore. Advertising such services could lead to two years in jail or fines up to ₹50 lakh. Banks and financial institutions enabling transactions for money games may also face penalties. Repeat offenders risk harsher sentences — three to five years in jail and higher fines. Importantly, the Bill does not criminalise players, treating them as victims rather than offenders. The legislation defines an “online money game” as any game where players pay fees, deposit money, or stake assets with the expectation of monetary returns — irrespective of whether it is skill-based or chance-based. It aims to curb gambling risks, financial exploitation, money laundering, and mental health crises while fostering a safe space for eSports and game development in India. Industry backlash Industry groups, including the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), E-Gaming Federation (EGF), and the Federation of India Fantasy Sports (FIFS), have warned of severe fallout. In a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, they claimed the blanket ban could wipe out over 2 lakh jobs, force the shutdown of more than 400 companies, and push users toward unregulated and illegal platforms. They highlighted that online skill gaming has become a ₹2 lakh crore industry, generating ₹31,000 crore in revenue and contributing ₹20,000 crore in taxes annually. The sector, growing at 20% CAGR, was projected to double by 2028, with India’s gamer base already exceeding 50 crore players by 2024. Industry voices fear that the ban could derail India’s progress as a digital innovator, discourage foreign investment, and trigger large-scale unemployment. Public health perspective Supporters of the Bill, however, argue it is a much-needed safeguard. “This is more than regulation — it is protection,” said Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals. “Online money games have exposed children and youth to exploitation and mental health risks. This step puts wellbeing first.” Source: Economic Times  

Online Gaming Bill 2025 introduced in Lok Sabha: Blanket ban on money games sparks debate Read More »

DD Free Dish Strengthens Lead in TV Distribution, Amid Dispute Over Reach

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

Prasar Bharati’s free direct-to-home (DTH) platform, DD Free Dish, has reinforced its position as India’s largest television distribution service. However, debates continue over the true extent of its reach. Official estimates put its user base at 49 million households in 2024, up from 33 million in 2018. Independent agencies, such as Chrome DM, believe the actual footprint is far bigger, suggesting it has already crossed 60 million homes, surpassing the combined customer base of all private pay DTH operators (around 57 million). The confusion stems from DD Free Dish’s unencrypted signal, which makes tracking households impossible. A plan to introduce encrypted MPEG-4 boxes for measurement never materialized, leaving most viewers with inexpensive MPEG-2 set-top boxes that cannot be monitored. Launched in 2004, DD Free Dish is unique as India’s only subscription-free DTH service. Viewers spend just a one-time amount of up to ₹2,000 for a dish and set-top box, making it the most affordable TV access option in the country. According to a FICCI-EY report, the platform is expected to expand from 49 million homes in 2024 to 57 million homes by 2030, although exact measurement remains elusive. Industry experts say its rapid rise has primarily been at the cost of pay-TV operators, with broadcasters fueling growth by placing free-to-air (FTA) versions of popular Hindi entertainment channels like Star Utsav, Colors Rishtey, Zee Anmol, and Sony Pal on the service. For millions who never had access to premium pay-TV channels, these reruns feel like fresh content. Broadcasters find DD Free Dish lucrative since reruns involve low additional costs, yet give access to the ₹2,000 crore free TV ad market. With carriage fees of ₹15–20 crore per channel, networks have often used the platform strategically, exiting under pay-TV pressure and rejoining later. For instance, Hindi GECs reappeared on the platform in April after a three-year hiatus. Independent channels like Dangal TV thrived in their absence, building businesses worth hundreds of crores. Executives like Kevin Vaz (CEO, Entertainment, JioStar) and Gaurav Banerjee (CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India) argue that free TV plays a vital role in attracting rural and small-town audiences, serving as a bridge to upgrade viewers to pay-TV as incomes grow. Meanwhile, pay DTH players are innovating. Dish TV India has introduced the Zing Super Device, bundling free entertainment channels with pay-TV options for affordability. Yet, competition is growing. With affordable data, YouTube has become the biggest rival, expected to surpass 800 million users in India by 2029. DD Free Dish continues to dominate in the Hindi heartland—Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand—but is now expanding into southern states with reserved slots for regional channels. For Prasar Bharati, it has become a major revenue generator, earning nearly ₹800 crore annually through slot auctions, while avoiding expenses like license fees and transponder rentals (as these are provided free by ISRO). Industry bodies argue that being outside TRAI’s pricing framework gives DD Free Dish an unfair advantage. TRAI has recommended encryption and regulatory oversight to ensure parity with private operators. For now, the platform remains India’s most powerful frequency in the TV landscape, balancing its public service role with growing commercial importance. Its future will hinge on whether households see it as a permanent solution or a stepping stone before transitioning to pay-TV or digital streaming. Source: Economic Times  

DD Free Dish Strengthens Lead in TV Distribution, Amid Dispute Over Reach Read More »

Over 170 Million Tune In to JioHotstar for Record-Breaking Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

The recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 between India and England drew unprecedented digital viewership, with JioHotstar attracting over 170 million users — the highest-ever reach for a Test series online. The dramatic finale at The Oval saw the fifth day of the fifth Test hit a record peak concurrency of 13 million, setting a new benchmark for live Test match streaming. Across the series, fans clocked an astounding 65 billion minutes of watch time on JioHotstar, captivated by nail-biting finishes and gripping sessions that kept the nation hooked. Marking the start of India’s ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 journey, the series also signalled a fresh leadership era and renewed drive to dominate red-ball cricket. Coverage was streamed in five languages — English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada — enhancing accessibility for fans nationwide. Siddharth Sharma, Head of Content – Sports at JioStar, hailed the achievement: “The response to India’s tour of England reaffirms Test cricket’s unmatched storytelling power. Crossing 170 million viewers and setting concurrency records is a testament to both the thrilling cricket and our commitment to immersive coverage.” Behind-the-scenes series Follow The Blues offered fans exclusive glimpses into training and team dynamics, while the live segment When India Challenged the Crown revisited India’s rich Test history in England. JioStar now turns its focus to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, kicking off in India on September 30. Source: Economic Times

Over 170 Million Tune In to JioHotstar for Record-Breaking Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 Read More »

Global Media & Entertainment Industry to Reach $3.5 Trillion by 2029: PwC Forecast

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

According to PwC’s latest Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2025–29, the worldwide media and entertainment (M&E) sector is set to hit $3.5 trillion in revenues by 2029, up from $3 trillion in 2024. The industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7%, outpacing global economic growth but still trailing the more aggressive expansion seen before the pandemic. Advertising to Power Industry Expansion A major driver behind this growth will be advertising, which is forecasted to rise at a healthy 6.1% CAGR. As traditional subscription-based and paid content models experience saturation—especially in more developed markets—advertising is expected to take centre stage, increasingly fueled by digital innovations and AI. Digital ad formats currently account for 72% of all advertising revenue and are projected to rise to 80% by 2029. This shift is being bolstered by new technologies like AI-driven targeting and hyper-personalisation, especially in areas such as retail search advertising and in-game ads. Connected TV and AI-Led Disruption One of the standout trends highlighted in the report is the rapid transformation in the connected TV advertising space. In 2020, connected TV accounted for just 5.9% of traditional broadcast TV ad revenues. By 2024, this figure surged to 22%, and PwC estimates that by 2029, it will climb to $51 billion—equivalent to 45% of traditional broadcast ad revenue. The fusion of AI and personalised digital content delivery is expected to accelerate this trend further. Connectivity Still Dominates, but Gap Narrows Despite the advertising boom, connectivity remains the M&E industry’s largest revenue contributor. This segment is forecasted to generate $1.3 trillion by 2029, driven largely by mobile internet services. However, with the faster growth of digital ad revenues, the gap between connectivity and advertising spend is likely to narrow in the coming years. Strong Growth in Gaming and Cinema Video gaming is another sector poised for significant expansion. Revenues from the gaming industry are expected to reach close to $300 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%. Meanwhile, the global box office is projected to climb from $33 billion in 2024 to $41.5 billion in 2029, signaling a rebound in theatrical entertainment. A Changing Landscape Ahead While macroeconomic headwinds and tight consumer spending may temper growth in some areas, PwC’s outlook suggests that innovation, digital transformation, and evolving consumer habits—particularly in ad-supported models—will redefine the M&E industry by 2029. Source: PwC

Global Media & Entertainment Industry to Reach $3.5 Trillion by 2029: PwC Forecast Read More »

DTH Revenues Dip in FY25 While FM Radio Sees Growth: MIB Report

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community
Media news

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) reported a decline in revenue from the Direct-to-Home (DTH) television sector in FY25, signaling a waning user base for pay TV services. In contrast, earnings from the FM radio sector witnessed an uptick, according to the ministry’s latest financial disclosures. In FY25, revenue from private DTH operators stood at ₹648.73 crore, down from ₹692 crore in FY24 and ₹859.96 crore in FY23—a 25% decline over two years. Meanwhile, private FM radio revenues rose to ₹196.28 crore, up from ₹186.80 crore in FY24 and ₹178.99 crore in FY23. Overall, the ministry earned ₹1,012.39 crore in non-tax revenue in FY25 through the Bharatkosh platform on the NTR e-portal, primarily from TV and radio licensing fees. India’s DTH sector, comprising Tata Play, Airtel Digital TV, Dish TV, and Sun Direct, has seen a continuous drop in active pay-TV subscribers—from 70.26 million in 2020 to 56.92 million in 2025, as per TRAI data. This trend is driven by a growing shift toward OTT platforms and the free-to-air DD Free Dish service, which now reaches an estimated 50–60 million households. Adding to the sector’s challenges, the MIB issued demand notices exceeding ₹16,000 crore to private DTH operators for unpaid licence fees. Meanwhile, DD Free Dish, operated by Prasar Bharati, does not pay licence fees and falls outside the private DTH revenue structure. On the other hand, FM radio continues to maintain its relevance, especially in regional and semi-urban markets. Revenue is generated through entry and migration fees, licence fees, tower rentals, and processing charges. The ministry noted FM’s growing popularity among youth and advertisers, with 388 private FM channels operating across 113 cities in 26 states and 5 Union territories as of March 2024. New FM stations have also been launched in border areas such as Leh, Kargil, Bhaderwah, Kathua, and Poonch to bolster outreach efforts. TRAI data shows total advertising revenue for FM radio reached ₹466.63 crore in Q4 FY24, a slight drop from ₹500.11 crore in Q3, but still reflecting the medium’s resilience in a rapidly evolving media environment. Source: Economic Times  

DTH Revenues Dip in FY25 While FM Radio Sees Growth: MIB Report Read More »

Cinepolis Eyes Double-Digit Growth in India Backed by Blockbuster Releases and Expansion Plans

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

Cinepolis, the Mexican cinema giant, is targeting strong double-digit revenue growth in its Indian operations this year, banking on a robust lineup of Hollywood, Bollywood, and regional films to lure audiences back to theatres. The company is also expanding its footprint, aiming to open 20–25 new screens across the country. Devang Sampat, Managing Director of Cinepolis India, said that this year’s impressive slate of films—spanning major Hollywood titles like Jurassic World: Rebirth and F1—combined with regional and Hindi-language blockbusters, could significantly boost footfall. However, theatre attendance still remains roughly 20% below pre-pandemic levels. “Hollywood, Bollywood, and regional cinema are all showing strength this year,” Sampat noted, adding that aggressive marketing collaborations with shopping malls and production studios will be key to driving admissions. Cinema chains are facing intensified competition from digital streaming platforms, live sports, and concerts, yet Cinepolis remains optimistic. Globally, the company operates 6,800 screens, with 485 in India alone. While Sampat declined to share 2024 revenue or profit figures, he stated that the chain has traditionally witnessed annual growth in the high single-digit to low double-digit range—excluding pandemic years. As per industry reports, Cinepolis generated ₹13.46 billion (approx. $156.6 million) in revenue for FY24, marking a 31% increase year-over-year. It also recorded a net profit of ₹321 million, its first annual profit in over five years. Meanwhile, rival PVR Inox, the largest multiplex operator in India, is expected to grow its revenue by around 18% in the current fiscal year. The company is planning to expand further by adding 100–110 screens to its network, which already exceeds 1,700. Analysts project that India’s multiplex industry will see a 20%–25% revenue surge in FY25, powered by high-profile releases like Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Rajinikanth’s Coolie, and Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1, according to Shobit Singhal, a research analyst at Anand Rathi. Source: Reuters

Cinepolis Eyes Double-Digit Growth in India Backed by Blockbuster Releases and Expansion Plans Read More »