Media/Entertainment-Industry-The Economic Times - Seite 2 
DTH operators provide over Rs 11,000 crore against MIB licence-fee demands
DTH operators have provisioned over eleven thousand crore rupees against disputed licence fee liabilities. This industry awaits a government decision on reducing the current eight percent licence fee. Operators face significant subscriber losses and declining revenues due to market shifts. They are now expanding into IPTV, broadband, and OTT aggregation services. The licence fee dispute remains sub judice before various legal tribunals and courts.
Google India and JioStar have partnered to bring Google Search’s AI Mode into popular Hindi TV shows Anupama and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. The campaign will use show characters and storylines to demonstrate how conversational AI can help with everyday tasks such as managing household budgets, career decisions and children’s education.
'Mirzapur: The Movie' earns Rs 200 crore at box office
Mirzapur: The Movie has achieved over Rs 200 crore at the domestic box office. This film marks the first big-screen venture for the popular Mirzapur streaming series. It brings back the lawless world of Mirzapur with ongoing power struggles and rivalries. Several original cast members reprise their roles in this new cinematic chapter. The movie is presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment.
Dish TV hopes for a turnaround aided by smart TV VZY, e-Com solutions and content hub
Dish TV is launching new initiatives like VZY smart TV and ShopZop e-commerce to address subscription losses. The company's Watcho content platform shows early signs of traction and growth. Dish TV aims to recover and grow by integrating DTH and OTT services. This repositioning is a response to declining pay-DTH subscribers and rising OTT platforms. The company seeks to lead the industry's shift from set-top boxes to smart screens.
Poetry finds a new stage on social media as reels bring verse to a wider audience
Poetry now travels beyond books, reaching audiences through social media platforms. Younger generations discover poetry through short-form video content and online communities. Poets adapt their craft for digital platforms, balancing art and content creation. This shift increases poetry's visibility and accessibility for a wider audience. Social media fosters a sense of belonging and cultural curiosity around poetry.
‘Woman Unknown’ wins Venice’s Golden Lion as Mathilde Arcel takes best actress
Danish film 'Woman Unknown' secured the Golden Lion at Venice. Mathilde Arcel also won best actress for her role in the drama. John Malkovich received the best actor award for his CIA agent portrayal. A documentary on Gaza's civilian deaths also garnered significant attention. The festival highlighted global politics and social issues this year.
AI-assisted microdrama content share could rise to about 80% in 18 months: Experts
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing India's microdrama content creation landscape. AI-assisted production will likely reach eighty percent within eighteen months. This shift significantly reduces both production time and costs for creators. Improved AI language models also enhance audience experience and content diversity. The microdrama market is projected for substantial revenue growth in coming years.
Pocket Entertainment crosses $500 million revenue run rate, says AI is reshaping content creation
Pocket Entertainment has achieved a $500 million revenue run rate, showing significant growth. Pocket FM, its audio drama platform, drives this expansion and improved retention. The company utilizes AI extensively for content creation and market launches. Over 550,000 creators contribute to Pocket FM's vast library. This growth enables stories to reach listeners across many countries and languages.
International film festival in Kashmir ends on Usha Uthup note, films makers want more local participation
The inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir concluded with calls for more local participation. Organizers and attendees emphasized the need for training programs and infrastructure development. The festival screened over 130 films and featured master classes and celebrity appearances. Government officials acknowledged the success while planning future initiatives for filmmaking in the region. The aim is to foster a vibrant film culture and discover local talent.
Sony Pictures Networks India appoints Amit Mehta as Chief Human Resources Officer
Sony Pictures Networks India has appointed Amit Mehta as Chief Human Resources Officer. He will lead the People & Organisation function and Administration & Facilities. Mehta joins from upGrad, where he previously served as CHRO. He brings extensive experience from Hindustan Unilever and a high-growth company. Mehta succeeds Manu Wadhwa, who will now serve as Strategy Advisor.
Stage seeks $25 million Series C to fuel regional expansion and AI push
Stage plans to raise $25 million to expand into eight new language markets and invest in AI-driven content production. The OTT platform aims to reach 14 markets by March 2027, betting that AI can sharply reduce production and dubbing costs while helping it create localised content faster. Revenue has already grown from $2.5 million in FY24 to $16 million in FY26.
Dream Theatre named licensing, brand partnerships partner for Baahubali franchise
Arka Media Works has appointed Dream Theatre as the exclusive licensing and merchandising partner for Baahubali in India, as the franchise expands into animation.
Zee5 revamps streaming platform with AI-led discovery, expands free and premium content
Zee5 has launched a revamped streaming experience with AI-led discovery. The platform now organizes content into five distinct sections for easier navigation. Personalization plays a central role, surfacing relevant content based on audience preferences. Zee5 also secured rights to the FIFA World Cup and expanded its English entertainment slate. The revamped free service, Free 5, will offer diverse content without a subscription.
Orenda Group announces Rs 100 crore Media Growth Fund with a slate of three international films
Orenda Group has joined Manasi Parekh, Parthiv Gohil and Rashaana Shah to announce a ₹100-crore Alternative Investment Fund focused on India’s media and entertainment sector. The four-year Orenda Media Growth Fund plans to invest across films, media start-ups, original IP and media-tech ventures.
Revised TV, radio rules ease some industry concerns but leave OTT, sports uplinking issues unresolved
The revised draft rules for television, radio and associated services address some industry concerns but leave questions over OTT, FAST and open-internet services unresolved, media executives said. Broadcasters are also examining penalties, authorisation renewal provisions and requirements for temporary live sports uplinking. The ministry has invited comments by October 2.