Cable TV Loses 5 Lakh Jobs as Digital Platforms Take Over
The Indian pay TV sector has been experiencing a significant decline in recent years, with over 5 lakh jobs lost in the past seven years alone. This drastic drop in employment is primarily attributed to the growing popularity of Over-the-Top (OTT) services, smart TVs, and free satellite services. The once-thriving cable TV industry has seen its revenue plummet by 16% since 2019, marking a significant shift towards a post-linear media landscape.
The decline of the cable TV sector is a stark reminder of the broader digital disruption that is transforming the media and entertainment industry. The rise of digital platforms has not only changed the way we consume content but has also had a profound impact on the jobs and livelihoods of those working in the sector.
According to a recent report, the Indian pay TV sector has lost over 5 lakh jobs in the past seven years, with the majority of these losses occurring in the past three years alone. This staggering figure is a testament to the rapid decline of the cable TV industry and the need for immediate action to address the issue.
One of the primary drivers of this decline is the growing popularity of OTT services. With the rise of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar, viewers are increasingly turning to digital platforms to access their favorite shows and movies. This shift has led to a significant decline in the number of subscribers for traditional cable TV services, resulting in job losses and revenue declines.
Another factor contributing to the decline of the cable TV sector is the increasing adoption of smart TVs. With the proliferation of smart TVs, viewers are now able to access a wide range of streaming services directly on their TVs, reducing the need for traditional cable TV subscriptions.
Free satellite services have also played a significant role in the decline of the cable TV sector. With the launch of free satellite services such as DD Free Dish and Dish TV’s free-to-air channels, viewers are now able to access a range of channels without having to pay a subscription fee. This has led to a significant decline in the number of subscribers for traditional cable TV services, resulting in job losses and revenue declines.
The decline of the cable TV sector has significant implications for the broader media and entertainment industry. With the rise of digital platforms, there is a growing need for workers in the sector to upskill and reskill to remain relevant in the post-linear media landscape.
The Indian government has taken steps to address the issue, with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launching initiatives to support the growth of the digital media sector. The ministry has also established a task force to address the issue of job losses in the sector and to provide support to workers who have lost their jobs as a result of the decline of the cable TV sector.
In conclusion, the decline of the cable TV sector is a significant challenge for the Indian media and entertainment industry. With over 5 lakh jobs lost in the past seven years, there is a growing need for immediate action to address the issue. The rise of digital platforms has transformed the way we consume content, and it is essential that workers in the sector upskill and reskill to remain relevant in the post-linear media landscape.
Source: https://youtu.be/AMHTmYb_Hz8
