MIB sees mixed trends: DTH takes a hit; FM Radio tunes into growth in FY25

The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) saw a dip in earnings from Direct-to-Home (DTH) television services in FY25, signaling a continued decline in the pay TV user base.However, revenues from the private FM radio sector showed steady growth during the same period, according to the ministry’s latest annual report.In FY25, DTH revenue decreased to Rs 648.73 crore in FY25 from Rs 692 crore in FY24 and Rs 859.96 crore in FY23, showing a 25% reduction over two years. Conversely, private FM radio revenue increased to Rs 196.28 crore from Rs 186.80 crore in FY24 and Rs 178.99 crore in FY23.The ministry collected Rs 1,012.39 crore in non-tax revenue through the Bharatkosh platform on the NTR e-portal in FY25. The MIB provides licences to television and radio broadcasters.DTH operators, including Tata Play, Airtel Digital TV, Dish TV, Sun Direct, and public broadcaster Doordarshan’s DD Free Dish, pay licence fees to the ministry. These operators deliver television content nationwide using Ku-band transponders, ET reported.TRAI data shows a steady decline in active DTH pay users from 70.26 million in 2020 to 56.92 million in 2025. The decrease occurred progressively, with numbers falling from 69.57 million in 2021 to 66.92 million in 2022, 65.25 million in 2023, and 61.97 million in 2024.This ongoing reduction indicates changing viewer preferences, with audiences increasingly choosing digital and over-the-top (OTT) platforms for their entertainment needs.Earlier on May 30, ET reported that MIB issued demand notices exceeding Rs 16,000 crore to private DTH operators for pending licence fees, adding pressure to an industry facing revenue challenges and competition from OTT platforms and DD Free Dish.Industry estimates suggest DD Free Dish, owned by Prasar Bharati, reaches 50-60 million households, matching or surpassing the combined reach of private DTH platforms.DD Free Dish operates without subscription charges on a free-to-air basis. Its growth does not affect ministry revenue as it neither pays licence fees nor operates within the private DTH revenue structure.FM radio maintains its position, particularly in regional and semi-urban areas. The ministry generates revenue through entry and migration fees, annual licences, tower rentals, and processing charges from FM broadcasters.The ministry noted FM radio’s popularity among youth and local advertisers. Private FM channels support government communication initiatives, helping promote development schemes in remote and border regions.As of March 31, 2024, 388 private FM radio channels operated across 113 cities in 26 states and five Union territories. New stations launched in border areas include Leh and Kargil in Ladakh, and Bhaderwah, Kathua and Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir.TRAI reports show FM channels earned Rs 466.63 crore in advertising revenue for the quarter ended March 31, down from Rs 500.11 crore in the December quarter, demonstrating stability despite media industry changes.