Archive · 6 Jan 2026
50 TV Channels Surrender Licences Amid OTT Shift
A lot of TV channels in India have given up their licences because people are watching shows on the internet instead of TV.
Big channels like NDTV and Sony Pictures are part of this.
The money from TV ads is also expected to go down, while more people are using online streaming services.
This is happening because viewers prefer watching shows on their phones and computers rather than on TV.
50 TV channels have surrendered their broadcasting licences in the past three years.
Major networks like NDTV, JioStar, Zee Entertainment, and Sony Pictures Network India are among those that have surrendered licences.
Enter10 Media, which operates the popular channel Dangal, surrendered some licences due to strategic review and business objectives.
TV advertising revenue is predicted to dip by 1.5% in 2025, while the overall advertising market is expected to grow.
The pay DTH subscriber base has declined from 72 million in FY19 to 62 million in FY24 and is projected to fall further.
- Who
- 50 television channels, including NDTV, JioStar, Zee Entertainment, and Sony Pictures Network India
- What
- Surrendered broadcasting licences due to shifting viewer habits towards OTT platforms
- When
- Over the past three years
- Where
- India
- Why
- Changing viewer habits, strategic reviews, and business objectives
- Number of Channels
- 50
- Major Networks
- NDTV, JioStar, Zee Entertainment, Eenadu Television, TV Today Network, ABP Network, Sony Pictures Network India, Enter10 Media
- TV Ad Revenue Prediction (2025)
- ₹477.4 billion (1.5% dip)
- Overall Ad Market Prediction (2025)
- ₹1.8 trillion (9.2% growth)
- Pay DTH Subscriber Base (FY19-FY24)
- 72 million to 62 million