In the past three years, more than 50 television channels in India have surrendered their broadcasting licenses, highlighting a significant shift in audience consumption from linear TV to OTT platforms.
According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, broadcasters affected include NDTV, JioStar, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Eenadu Television, TV Today Network, and ABP Network. Culver Max Entertainment, which operates Sony Pictures Network India, surrendered 26 downlinking permissions after receiving approval to uplink and downlink the same channels. Similarly, Enter10 Media, operator of Dangal, gave up licences for Dangal HD and DaDangal Odia, shelving HD and regional expansion plans following a strategic review.
The move reflects growing pressure on television advertising revenues, with WPP forecasting a 1.5% decline in TV ad revenue to Rs 477.4 billion in 2025, even as India’s overall advertising market is projected to grow 9.2% to Rs 1.8 trillion.
Distribution trends further underscore the shift: according to a Crisil report, India’s pay DTH subscriber base has declined from 72 million in FY19 to 62 million in FY24 and is expected to fall further.
This wave of licence surrenders signals a clear industry pivot, as broadcasters adapt to changing viewer habits and rising OTT consumption, focusing on digital-first strategies and consolidating traditional TV operations to optimise resources.
