Media/Entertainment-Industry-The Economic Times - Seite 3 
Dish TV appoints three independent directors with shareholder approval
Dish TV India shareholders overwhelmingly approved the appointment of three independent directors, signaling strong confidence in the company's strategic direction. This move reinforces the DTH operator's focus on strengthening core operations and pursuing sustainable growth across its DTH business and newer ventures like connected TV and OTT.
JioHotstar introduces Conversational Voice Discovery, a new feature using ChatGPT to help users find content. Users can describe their mood or desired genre, and the platform suggests relevant shows and movies. This aims to reduce scrolling and indecision. While multilingual support is a plus, the feature has limitations in handling specific queries and broader knowledge gaps.
Walmart's Flipkart plans foray into India's ticketing market as live events boom, sources say
Walmart-owned Flipkart is set to enter India's burgeoning movie and concert ticket market, aiming for a May launch. This move into the fast-growing entertainment sector will see Flipkart compete with established players like BookMyShow and Zomato's District. The company is also piloting food delivery, signaling expansion into competitive, low-margin businesses.
Global streaming platforms trade control for scale in India’s OTT market
Streaming powerhouses are choosing to partner with Indian digital platforms, looking to delve into the rapidly expanding OTT market without significant risk. Leaders like BBC, Disney+, and Warner Bros Discovery are leveraging local expertise to tap into a massive user base.
Ellison takes Paramount, Warner Bros case straight to theater owners
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison has assured cinema owners that the company will maintain a minimum release slate of 30 films a year if regulators approve its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery.
Netflix co-founder Hastings exits as streaming pioneer hunts for growth
Netflix Chairman Reed Hastings has announced he will step down from the streaming company he co-founded 29 years ago, at a time when the firm is facing slowing growth, rising competition and investor pressure after a failed merger attempt with Warner Bros Discovery.
Mega deals less likely, but media M&A show to stay strong in 2026
Media and entertainment deals will remain strong in 2026. Transactions will focus on content, gaming, sports, and AI companies with intellectual property. Most deals will be mid-sized. The sector saw significant activity in 2025, with deal volumes rising. Value creation will be driven by content, IP, and platform consolidation. Digital advertising will also see more mergers and acquisitions.
JioHotstar brings HBO Max to India in exclusive deal
HBO Max is now available in India exclusively on JioHotstar. This partnership brings popular shows like Euphoria and The Last of Us to Indian viewers. Upcoming releases include new seasons of House of the Dragon and the Harry Potter series. Subscribers can also access classic series and Warner Bros. films.
VR Global Media launches $250 million capital programme, begins $120 million raise
VR Global Media has launched a $250 million capital programme to build a global entertainment platform, with an initial $120 million fundraise already underway. The investment will be used across film production, distribution, sports franchises and media-tech ventures, aiming to create an integrated and institutionally funded creative ecosystem.
Birla Studios, Vodafone Idea launch mobile-first acting talent hunt ‘Reel Se Real Star’
Birla Studios and Vodafone Idea are launching 'Reel Se Real Star'. This mobile-first platform will discover acting talent nationwide. Aspiring actors can audition using their smartphones. The initiative removes traditional barriers to entry. Shortlisted participants will receive mentorship. Winners may get roles in feature films. This partnership aims to democratize talent discovery across India.
Paid music streaming hits the right note as free users fade
India's music streaming sector is seeing strong growth. Paid subscribers have increased significantly and are expected to rise further. Affordable plans, telecom bundles, and better payment systems are boosting numbers. Streamers are also focusing on regional content and superior audio quality. Live events are seen as a future differentiator.
Broadcast ecosystem may be headed for regulatory reset
India's broadcast sector is set for a major regulatory overhaul. TRAI is planning a broad review of pricing, distribution, and platform rules. This comes after the New Tariff Order faced criticism for not ensuring affordability and transparency. The move aims to address structural concerns and adapt to changing consumer habits and competition from streaming services.
Dhurandhar 2 collections: Ranveer Singh's spy blockbuster reaches Rs 1,680 crore by Week 3
Dhurandhar: The Revenge continues its impressive box office run, becoming the first Hindi film to surpass ₹1,000 crore net in India and reaching ₹1,680 crore worldwide gross. The Aditya Dhar directorial is now chasing the lifetime collection of Pushpa 2: The Rule, needing approximately ₹187 crore more to claim the top spot.
South cinema shift: Content-driven films outperform big stars
Small-budget southern films are outperforming big-star movies. These productions, made for under ₹10 crore, are delivering impressive returns, often five to ten times their investment. Script and content now drive audiences, especially the youth and families. This trend signifies a major shift in the southern film industry towards efficient, content-focused storytelling.
Hathway Cable ropes in Gurjeev Singh Kapoor as CEO
Hathway Cable and Datacom has a new chief executive officer. Gurjeev Singh Kapoor will take over from Tavinderjit Singh Panesar. Kapoor brings extensive experience from the media and entertainment sector. Panesar is retiring after a long tenure with the company. This leadership change occurs as the cable industry faces digital competition.