Category: Broadcast

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX-owned satellite internet service Starlink launched in Bangladesh on Tuesday, as the South Asian nation steps up efforts to ensure reliable, uninterrupted access to the internet.

Muhammad Yunus, who has led the government since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh following weeks of violent protest last year, has said the deal provided a service that could not be disrupted by any future political upheaval.

“Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet is now available in Bangladesh,” the company posted on X.

Monthly packages start at 4,200 taka ($35) for the service now available nationwide, said Yunus aide Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, with a one-time payment of 47,000 taka required for setup equipment.

“This has created a sustainable alternative for premium customers to get high-quality and high-speed internet services,” he added in a Facebook post.

Nobel peace laureate Yunus took the helm of the interim government in August after Hasina fled to neighbouring India. Authorities had suspended internet and text messaging services as protests spread nationwide last July.

Starlink has expanded rapidly worldwide to operate in more than 70 countries, with a strong focus on further growth in emerging markets such as India. Reuters

With niche streaming platforms, including international players like Apple TV+ and regional services such as hoichoi and Chaupal, now bundled into popular aggregation services, industry experts see an opportunity for these platforms to move closer to the mainstream in a cluttered OTT economy.

Bundling through services like Prime Video Channels has helped many platforms reach beyond their core linguistic audiences. For instance, Apple TV+ is now accessible to users outside its traditional, urban, upmarket base, while names like hoichoi and Chaupal are being discovered by non-Bengali or Punjabi viewers.

“Aggregation has proven instrumental in expanding our footprint beyond core markets,” Soumya Mukherjee, chief operating officer of Bengali streaming service hoichoi, said. “For hoichoi, being part of Amazon Channels has allowed us to tap into new user cohorts, especially in regions where Bengali isn’t the primary language. These partnerships enhance discoverability, leading to higher engagement and time spent from previously untapped audiences.”

Aggregation has the potential to be a strategic catalyst for language platforms like hoichoi, both in terms of visibility and business outcomes, Mukherjee added.

Local to global
By being part of larger aggregator ecosystems, regional services gain access to a much broader and often more diverse audience segment, many of whom might not have previously engaged with regional-language content directly.

According to the Ormax Audience Report 2024, 42.2 million of the 150.6 million SVoD (subscription video-on-demand) audiences have access via B2B subscriptions.

Keerat Grewal, head – business development (streaming, TV and brands), Ormax Media emphasized that while aggregation lowers average revenue per user or ARPU, it helps in sampling and reach for niche platforms like Apple TV+ as well as regional platforms seeking to expand their base.

Charu Malhotra, co-founder and managing director, Primus Partners, a management consultancy firm, said aggregation platforms use AI-powered personalisation that recommends niche content and also adapts to user patterns.

Platforms integrated into aggregator apps have seen up to 35% higher engagement in tier-two and tier-three cities compared to when they operated as standalone apps.

Aggregation is not just a content strategy, but also a market-entry and brand-building strategy, she said. Once niche platforms gain visibility and user interest through aggregators, they also witness more direct app downloads and even social media traction. This eventually leads to a dual-revenue model, combining aggregator licensing and direct subscription, according to Malhotra.

“Aggregation by bigger platforms like Prime Video Channels, Tata Play Binge, or Airtel Xstream gives niche players a solid push by offering distribution through a single app,” said Mahesh Sharma, president- strategic revenue partnerships at Chaupal, a platform specializing in Punjabi, Haryanvi and Bhojpuri content.

In a market like India, where users are selective about the apps they keep, due to limited phone storage, being available through an already installed, trusted app helps. It increases visibility, adds a trust factor, and boosts reach, he said.

Bundled and discovered
Aggregation helps break geographical and language boundaries. When a regional or niche platform becomes part of a larger app ecosystem, it reaches non-traditional markets, he added.

“Chaupal may start seeing engagement from cities where Punjabi isn’t the main language, simply because users are curious or exploring content across categories. Similarly, Apple TV+ might get discovered in smaller towns where people might not have gone out of their way to subscribe separately,” Sharma said.

So, while the platform might already have a strong name in its core market, aggregation opens it up to a wider audience, and often leads to increased time spent and engagement as users sample content they wouldn’t have otherwise tried, he added.

Industry experts emphasize that aggregation can definitely help build brand familiarity, which in turn can lead to direct subscriptions in the long run. However, India remains a price-sensitive market. So, while aggregators give visibility, their impact on conversion depends on whether the niche service can stand out and justify its value.

“Aggregation definitely has the potential to bring niche platforms into the mainstream spotlight,” said Kaushik Das, founder and CEO of AAO NXT, an Odia content platform.

By being part of a bigger ecosystem, smaller or regional platforms gain more credibility and reach, which can lead to increased direct subscriptions over time. “It also signals to investors and industry stakeholders that there is a growing appetite for diverse content, potentially driving bigger investments into India’s digital entertainment sector,” he added. LiveMint

Three US senators said Tuesday they had written to Paramount over its efforts to settle President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against its news division, suggesting that the entertainment giant risks violating bribery laws.

The trio warned Paramount Global Chair Shari Redstone that the company “may be engaging in improper conduct involving the Trump administration in exchange for approval of its merger with Skydance Media.”

Trump’s lawsuit argues that the editing of a CBS News “60 Minutes” interview with his 2024 election rival Kamala Harris was biased in her favor and “deceptive.”

It is described by Trump’s critics as part of a broader assault on press freedom that has seen him bar the Associated Press from the Oval Office and sue other media organizations over their coverage.

Paramount nevertheless entered into mediation in a bid to placate Trump as it seeks to close its $8 billion merger with the entertainment company Skydance, which needs federal government approval.

“Paramount appears to be attempting to appease the administration in order to secure merger approval,” wrote Democrats Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden, plus independent Bernie Sanders.

Republicans control both chambers of Congress, limiting the power of Democrats to investigate or compel answers from witnesses.

The senators’ letter comes after CBS News head Wendy McMahon and “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens announced they were quitting over Paramount’s handling of the showdown with Trump.

Warren, Wyden and Sanders noted that the company had initially called the suit “completely without merit” and had sought to have it dismissed.

“If Paramount officials make these concessions in a quid pro quo arrangement to influence President Trump or other administration officials, they may be breaking the law,” they wrote.

Trump accuses CBS of airing two different snippets from the same answer the then-vice president gave about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to help her in her election campaign.

The Republican billionaire — who is seeking at least $20 billion in damages — sued last October, alleging that the interview violated a Texas consumer protection law.

Legal experts have argued that the lawsuit would be an easy victory for CBS if it ever came to court.

The network — which has made public an unedited transcript of the Harris interview — didn’t respond immediately to a request for comment but has denied any wrongdoing.

Media watchers have pointed out that Trump routinely takes part in interviews that are edited for all manner of reasons. AFP

There are an estimated 100 million subscriptions in the U.S. to ad-supported plans for premium subscription video-on-demand services (excluding Amazon’s Prime Video), and ad tiers now make up 46% of all subscriptions for those services that offer them.

What makes that data, culled from Antenna’s latest quarterly “State of Streaming” report, so interesting is the context. Just two years ago, the research company points out, half of premium SVOD services didn’t even offer an ad-supported plan, and only about one in three subscriptions was to an ad plan. About half of the streaming population, Antenna also noted, had never even tried an ad-supported premium SVOD plan. (Antenna’s measurements include Discovery+, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Netflix, Paramount+ and Peacock.)

Advertising, the company notes in its report, has very quickly become “an entrenched and intrinsic part of the streaming landscape and business model.”

Indeed, “with ads” plans are driving U.S. SVOD growth at this point. As the graphics below reveal, ad-supported tiers for Antenna’s panel of premium SVODs grew by 24.1 million net subscribers from April 1, 2024 to April 1, 2025.

Ad-free tiers only expanded by 7.3 million subscribers over the same span. Antenna further states that ad-supported tiers drove 71% of signups for its measured services over the nine months ending March 31.

According to Antenna’s data, ad-supported tiers carry roughly the same “survival rate” – a measure which tracks loyalty, controlling for tenure and time of entry – that ad-free plans do. Forty-three percent of subscribers who signed up for an ad-free plan on one of Antenna’s measured services during the first half of 2024 kept their subscription for at least nine months, almost flat with that of ad-supported plans (42%). Survival loyalty rates were also the same between tiers at one, three, and six months.

However, ad-supported plans have higher rates of churn, the research company found. With-ads tiers churned at 4.96% in March, 0.83 points higher than ad-free tiers. But the research company explained that part of that numerical outcome stems from the weight of legacy Netflix subscribers, “who represent a meaningful portion of the ad-free churn denominator and are highly unlikely to cancel.”

Finally, Antenna divides the subscription streaming market into four quadrant: “ad avoiders,” who shun plans with commercials; “ad takers,” who will only subscribe to less expensive with-ad tiers; “ad oblivious” folks who have never had to make a choice between the two types of plans; and “ad managers,” who actually weigh the cost-value equation of each service they take, and purchase a combination of plans.

Increasingly, Antenna finds, the ad managers are taking over. StreamTV Insider

Premium content on Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms declined by 12 percent in 2024, as streaming services scaled back high-cost productions in an effort to achieve profitability, according to the latest EY-FICCI report on India’s media and entertainment sector.

Premium OTT Content Sees Double-Digit Decline
The report highlighted that cost pressures are likely to intensify in 2025, as Pay TV households continue to decline and platforms struggle to manage their business models sustainably. While content volumes on OTT platforms are projected to rise in the coming year, they will likely come at a reduced average cost of production, reflecting a shift towards cost-efficient content strategies.

“2024 saw a 12 percent fall in premium OTT content, and 2025 is expected to see significant pressure on costs as well, as Pay TV homes continue to decline, and OTT platforms struggle for profitability,” the report said.

It added, “In 2025, we expect OTT content volumes to increase, but at a lower average cost of production.”

Theatrical Releases Still Preferred
In 2024, only 60 films were released directly on OTT platforms, even though around 500 titles eventually made their way to digital streaming. This trend suggests a continued preference among filmmakers for theatrical releases before moving to digital platforms.

The report noted that OTT platforms are increasingly focusing on efficiency over scale, leading to tighter content budgets. Regional language content continued to gain prominence, with 48 percent of all OTT releases in 2024 featuring regional languages, either originally produced or through dubbed and subtitled formats aimed at wider audience reach.

The Indian film industry showed slight signs of recovery, with more than 1,600 films released during the year, excluding 200 dubbed versions. This marks an increase of 64 titles over 2023, indicating gradual stabilisation post-pandemic.

According to the report, television remained a dominant medium in terms of content consumption, with General Entertainment Channels (GECs) contributing 65 percent of total TV viewing hours in 2024, excluding news programming.

Television Remains a Dominant Medium
The report also pointed to an outlook for video consumption in India, underpinned by expanding digital infrastructure. By 2030, the number of large screens (such as smart TVs) is expected to surpass 200 million, while small screens, including smartphones, are projected to reach nearly 700 million.

Driven by increasing per capita income, higher smart TV penetration, and affordable broadband, the number of subscribing OTT households is projected to grow from 47 million in 2024 to over 65 million by 2027. TelecomTalk

Axis Capital believes Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite-based internet service poses no threat to existing telecom operators as it is likely to enter the Indian market as a highly premium offering.

Gaurav Malhotra, Executive Director at Axis Capital, noted that Starlink’s average revenue per user (ARPU) globally ranges between $25 to $30, compared to $4–$5 for mobile operators in India even after recent tariff hikes.

Broadband ARPU in India stands at around $7–$8, while Starlink’s plans may go up to $40 in some countries.

He also pointed out that while home routers in India are typically provided for free with a security deposit of ₹2,000–2,500, Starlink’s terminal costs range from ₹25,000 to ₹30,000.

Given the high pricing and premium positioning, he indicated there is little concern for telecom operators in the foreseeable future.

Axis Capital maintains a positive view on Reliance Industries, highlighting its recovery after last year’s underperformance and its potential to sustain outperformance going forward.

In the telecom sector, the brokerage remains neutral on Indus Towers due to ongoing uncertainties around Vodafone Idea. While the stock appears inexpensive and offers potential dividends, Axis Capital prefers to stay cautious for now.

As for Bharti Airtel, the next key trigger is expected to be a tariff hike.

Previous hikes led to strong ARPU transmission—98–100% for Bharti and around 90% for Jio—indicating that even a modest increase could support steady ARPU growth.

The last hike took place in June 2024, and the firm expects the next one between December 2025 and June 2026. Over the next three years, ARPU is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9-10%, driven by both tariff hikes and a shift toward premium offerings. CNBCTV18

Netflix, opens new tab said on Wednesday 94 million subscribers use its advertising-supported tier, up from 70 million in November, as the video-streaming giant’s lower-priced plan sees strong support amid global economic uncertainty.

With more than 300 million global customers, Netflix is seeing robust spending across all streaming tiers and had said in April it is not seeing any significant shifts in consumer spending.

The comments allayed investor concerns that economic uncertainty due to the shifting U.S. trade policy would prompt consumers to cut discretionary spending on streaming services.

Netflix had last month said the ad-supported tier accounted for 55% of new sign-ups in countries where it is available.

To attract more global users, Netflix rolled out enhanced language options for television viewers earlier this year, offering more dubbing and subtitle options.

Many of Netflix’s most popular media are foreign-made such as South Korean drama “Squid Game” and Spanish series “Money Heist”.

Foreign-made films were threatened with a 100% tariff by President Donald Trump in May in an attempt to boost domestic productions, clouding the outlook for media firms such as Netflix, which film overseas. Reuters

Panasonic Holdings, a Japanese electronics giant, is cutting around 10,000 jobs globally, with 5,000 positions eliminated in Japan and 5,000 overseas. Panasonic’s decision to cut around 10,000 jobs represents about 4% of its global workforce of approximately 230,000 employees. As per the company, this significant restructuring effort aims to boost profitability and streamline operations. The company expects to incur restructuring costs of approximately $896 million but anticipates a profit increase of $1 billion by March 2027 and $2.1 billion by March 2029.

The layoffs will take place between now and March 2026 after reviewing “operational efficiency,” mainly in sales departments. The cuts will come through consolidation of sales and indirect operations as well as sites, business terminations and employees in Japan taking early retirement, the company said. The company has assured that all layoffs will be carried out in line with labour laws and regulations in each country.

What Panasonic Said
The decision to cut 10,000 jobs globally is a strategic move to boost profitability and operational efficiency in a highly competitive market. Panasonic Holdings CEO Yuki Kusumi said in an interview with Japan’s Nikkei newspaper in April that “layoffs are necessary to achieve better performance than other companies.”

Mr Kusumi also said he would return roughly 40% of his compensation amid the job cuts.

“In terms of management reform, toward transformation into an organisation where individual employees create higher productivity, the Company will thoroughly review operational efficiency at each Group company, mainly in sales and indirect departments, and reevaluate the number of organisations and personnel needed. In addition, the Company will promote the termination of loss-making businesses with no prospects of improving profit, as well as the integration and closing of sites,” the company said in a statement.

Other Reasons Behind The Layoffs
The move also responds to multiple pressures: a sluggish consumer electronics market, where Panasonic’s TVS, refrigerators, and microwaves face intense competition from Chinese rivals like Haier and Midea, and shrinking margins.

A slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) demand has also hit Panasonic’s battery business, a key growth area supplying Tesla, Mazda, and Subaru. Additionally, global economic uncertainties, including potential U.S. trade tariffs, add complexity, though Panasonic’s forecasts don’t yet account for these.

To stay competitive, Panasonic is pivoting resources toward high-growth areas like AI, biometrics (e.g., facial recognition systems for Expo 2025 Osaka), and energy storage, while exiting low-margin or loss-making segments.

The Restructuring Plan
Panasonic’s restructuring plan involves consolidating and streamlining indirect functions, technology projects, and departments to boost profitability. In its consumer electronics business, the company aims to improve profitability by building “global-standard cost capabilities” and consolidating certain departments. Panasonic will also optimise its IT investments.

These measures are expected to yield a minimum profit improvement of $1 billion, with $483 million of that coming from the job cuts. However, the company notes that actual results may vary depending on the number of employees affected and other factors.

Why The Layoffs Matter?
Panasonic’s restructuring move aligns with industry trends, as other tech and industrial giants also implement significant measures to adapt to changing consumer demands, supply chain challenges, and the shift towards sustainable energy solutions.

• Industry Shift: Panasonic’s job cuts reflect the broader industry trend of restructuring to adapt to changing consumer demands, technological advancements, and sustainability requirements.
• Economic Impact: With 10,000 jobs at stake, the layoffs will have significant economic implications for affected employees, their families, and local communities.
• Company Restructuring: The move indicates Panasonic’s efforts to streamline operations, reduce costs, and focus on high-growth areas like electric vehicle batteries and artificial intelligence.
• Market Competitiveness: The layoffs demonstrate Panasonic’s attempt to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market, where companies must innovate and optimise to survive.
• Workforce Trends: Panasonic’s decision contributes to the growing trend of layoffs and restructuring in the tech and industrial sectors, highlighting the challenges companies face in adapting to changing market conditions.

Pioneering electronic appliances from rice cookers to batteries to video recorders, the brand became a global household behemoth in the latter half of the 20th century. NDTV

The Centre has extended the tenure of Science and Technology Secretary Abhay Karandikar by one year, according to an official order.

Karandikar was in September 2023 appointed to the post. He was then working as the Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved an extension in the tenure of Prof Karandikar as secretary, Department of Science and Technology for a period of one year, with effect from July 1, 2025, said the order issued on Tuesday by the Personnel Ministry.

The ACC has also approved an extension in the tenure of Sanjay Garg, Additional Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education, and Secretary, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for a period of one year beyond August 24, 2025 — up to August 24, 2026.

Garg is a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Kerala cadre. PTI