Indian Broadcasting Sector at Policy Crossroads Amid Deepening Revenue Crisis, TRAI Reveals

• TRAI data shows Indian TV industry revenue declined for two consecutive years, falling from ₹70,900 crore (2022) to ₹67,900 crore (2024).
• Advertising revenue is a core concern, dropping from ₹31,800 crore (2022) to ₹29,400 crore (2024-25), while subscription revenue remained relatively stable.
• Pay DTH subscribers fell by over 5 million (61.97M to 56.92M) and cable TV households also declined, indicating a shift away from traditional pay TV.
• DD Free Dish emerged as a stabilizing force, reaching 49 million households, especially in rural areas, influencing public service broadcasting policy.
• Regulatory intervention, including reforms under the National Broadcasting Policy and Telecommunications Act, 2023, is now central to the sector's future.

Why It Matters: India's broadcasting sector faces deep revenue and subscriber declines, making regulatory reform critical for its future.