Archive · 3 Jan 2026
50 TV Channels Surrender Licences Amid Digital Shift
Over the last three years, about 50 TV channels in India have given up their broadcasting licences.
Big companies like JioStar, Zee Entertainment, and NDTV are part of this trend.
People are watching more content on digital platforms instead of TV, so these companies are struggling with less money from ads and higher costs.
Some channels, like Dangal HD and ABP News HD, have been shut down.
Even though many TV channels are still around, experts worry that TV might not be as popular in the future because of these changes.
The government is also looking at how to make rules fairer for TV and digital platforms.
Around 50 TV channels have surrendered their licences in the past three years.
Major broadcasters like JioStar, Zee Entertainment, and NDTV are part of this trend.
Channels such as Dangal HD and ABP News HD have been shut down due to financial pressures.
India still has 916 authorised TV channels, but the pay DTH subscriber base is declining.
TV advertising revenue is projected to decrease, while the overall ad market is expected to grow.
- Who
- Major broadcasters including JioStar, Zee Entertainment, Enter10 Media, ABP Network, and NDTV
- What
- Surrendering of broadcasting licences
- When
- Over the past three years
- Where
- India
- Why
- Shifting viewer preferences to digital platforms, falling advertising revenues, rising operating costs, and regulatory challenges
- Number of Channels
- 50
- Time Period
- Three years
- Major Broadcasters Involved
- JioStar, Zee Entertainment, Enter10 Media, ABP Network, NDTV
- Current Authorised TV Channels
- 916
- Projected Pay DTH Subscribers
- Below 51 million (FY25)
- Projected TV Ad Revenue (2025)
- Rs 477.4 billion
- Overall Ad Market (2026)
- Rs 2 lakh crore
