Javed Farooqui

India's subscription video on demand market, set for robust growth in 2025, reaches 125 million subscriptions driven by industry consolidation and expansion into smaller towns. Cricket moving behind a paywall could further boost subscriptions, while innovations in pricing and pan-India content continue to fuel growth.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) will introduce an online registration system for local cable operators (LCOs), extending registration validity to five years. This will streamline registration and enhance the ministry's ability to manage violations. The measure aims to support the cable TV sector, which has seen significant job losses and a decline in subscribers.

India's top music companies recorded a combined 6% revenue increase, driven by growing audio streaming and social media use. T-Series saw a revenue decline, but Universal and Warner Music India posted significant gains. Digital revenues contributed 87% of the total, with film music dominating consumption.

BBC Studios, a subsidiary of BBC Group, is exploring options for its India content production business, including a potential exit, due to issues like consolidation and reduced content budgets from TV broadcasters and OTT platforms. This scenario has intensified competition among content producers.

Amitabh Kant, India's G20 Sherpa, stresses the need for increased private sector investment and state-level ownership to boost India's $52 billion sports industry. Emphasizing grassroots movements and university support, Kant highlights aspirations for the 2036 Olympics and suggests IPL-style leagues for non-cricket sports.

Amitabh Kant highlights the crucial need for enhanced private investment, state-level ownership of sports, and stronger public-private partnerships as India aims to host the 2036 Olympics. He advocates for a universal sports movement, integrating sports with education, and creating leagues similar to the IPL to boost India's sports industry.

PVR Inox has launched ScreenIT, a feature on its app, to address falling footfalls and improve screen utilisation. The service allows users to select, schedule, and promote movie screenings from a library of 500 titles, expanding to over 1,000. ScreenIT aims to attract audiences back to cinemas, offering a unique customized experience and cash rewards for ticket promotions.

Prime Video and Netflix led India's top 15 most-viewed Hindi shows in 2024, with Disney+ Hotstar dominating Tamil and Telugu. Mirzapur Season 3 topped Hindi series with 30.8 million viewers. Netflix dominated Hindi films, with Do Patti leading. Regional content and non-fiction genres also saw significant viewership, highlighting India's diverse streaming landscape.

ZEEL files an $8 million counterclaim against RIL-backed Star India over a failed ICC contract. Star, seeking $940 million in damages, asserts ZEEL's non-payment of the first instalment. Arbitration at the LCIA continues as ZEEL refutes Stars claims and seeks a refund for the voided agreement.

India maintains its lead in global app downloads and usage, with 24.3 billion downloads and 1.12 trillion hours spent in 2024. However, the country lags in in-app purchases. While social media and entertainment apps remain popular, downloads fell in these categories. Generative AI apps saw significant growth.