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 staggering figure is a testament to the rapid shift in consumer behavior, driven by the rise of over-the-top (OTT) platforms, smart TVs, and free satellite services. The sector’s decline is not only a concern for the industry itself but also signals broader digital disruption that demands urgent attention around workforce upskilling and adapting to a post-linear media landscape.
According to a recent report, the pay TV sector has seen a sharp decline in subscribers, leading to a 16% drop in revenue since 2019. This decline is not limited to India alone, as the global pay TV market is also experiencing a similar trend. The report highlights the significant impact of digital platforms on the traditional pay TV industry, with many consumers opting for OTT services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar.
The rise of OTT platforms has been a major game-changer for the entertainment industry, offering consumers a vast array of content options at an affordable price. The convenience and flexibility offered by OTT services have made them an attractive alternative to traditional pay TV, which often requires a fixed subscription fee and is limited by geographical constraints.
Smart TVs have also played a significant role in the decline of traditional pay TV. With the increasing adoption of smart TVs, consumers can now access a wide range of streaming services directly on their TVs, eliminating the need for a separate set-top box or subscription. This has further eroded the traditional pay TV industry’s customer base.
The impact of free satellite services, such as Doordarshan and Zee Anmol, has also contributed to the decline of traditional pay TV. These services offer free access to a range of channels, including popular entertainment and news channels, making them an attractive option for cost-conscious consumers.
The decline of traditional pay TV has significant implications for the industry’s workforce. With a significant reduction in subscribers, cable operators are forced to downsize their workforce, resulting in job losses and a loss of livelihoods for thousands of people. The sector’s decline also highlights the need for urgent attention around workforce upskilling, as many workers may need to adapt to new roles and skills in the rapidly changing media landscape.
The Indian government has taken steps to address the issue of job losses in the sector, with a focus on upskilling and reskilling of workers. The government has launched several initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, which aims to provide training and certification to workers in the IT and ITES sectors, including those in the pay TV industry.
In addition to upskilling, the sector’s decline also highlights the need for cable operators to adapt to a post-linear media landscape. This requires a focus on offering a range of services beyond traditional TV viewing, including internet, mobile, and digital services. Cable operators that fail to adapt to these changes may struggle to survive in the long term.
In conclusion, the decline of traditional pay TV in India is a significant concern for the industry and signals broader digital disruption. The sector’s decline has resulted in over 5 lakh job losses in seven years, highlighting the urgent need for workforce upskilling and adapting to a post-linear media landscape. Cable operators must focus on offering a range of services beyond traditional TV viewing and invest in digital infrastructure to remain competitive in the rapidly changing media landscape.
Source: https://youtu.be/AMHTmYb_Hz8
