Title: Cable TV loses 5 lakh jobs as digital platforms take over
Description: India’s pay TV sector has lost over 5 lakh jobs in seven years as subscribers drop sharply, driven by OTT, smart TVs, and free satellite services. Revenue is down 16% since 2019, and cable’s decline signals broader digital disruption. The sector’s fall highlights urgent challenges around workforce upskilling and adapting to a post-linear media landscape.
As the digital revolution continues to reshape the entertainment industry, India’s pay TV sector has taken a significant hit. According to a recent report, over 5 lakh jobs have been lost in the sector in the past seven years, with revenues plummeting by 16% since 2019. The decline of cable TV is not just a passing trend, but a symptom of a broader digital disruption that is transforming the way we consume media.
The rise of over-the-top (OTT) platforms, smart TVs, and free satellite services has been the primary driver of this shift. OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar have disrupted the traditional pay TV model, offering a vast array of content at an affordable price. Smart TVs have also become increasingly popular, allowing viewers to access a wide range of content without the need for a separate device.
Meanwhile, free satellite services such as Tata Sky and Dish TV have also been gaining traction, offering a range of channels at a lower cost than traditional pay TV. This shift has led to a sharp decline in cable TV subscriptions, with many customers opting for alternative options.
The impact on the workforce has been severe, with many cable TV employees losing their jobs. According to the report, the sector has lost over 5 lakh jobs in the past seven years, with many more expected to follow. This has significant implications for the employees and their families, who are struggling to adapt to the changing landscape.
The decline of cable TV also signals a broader shift in the way we consume media. The traditional linear model, where viewers watched TV at a specific time, is giving way to a more on-demand approach. With the rise of OTT platforms and smart TVs, viewers can now access content at a time and place of their choosing.
This shift has significant implications for the media industry as a whole. The decline of cable TV means that media companies must adapt to a new reality, where viewers are in control and can access content at any time. This requires a fundamental shift in the way content is created, distributed, and consumed.
The report highlights the urgent need for workforce upskilling and adaptation to the post-linear media landscape. Cable TV employees must be equipped with the skills they need to adapt to the changing industry, whether that means learning about digital marketing, content creation, or distribution. The sector’s decline also signals the need for media companies to invest in new technologies and platforms, in order to stay ahead of the curve.
The decline of cable TV is not just a passing trend, but a symptom of a broader digital disruption that is transforming the way we consume media. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential that employees, media companies, and policymakers work together to address the urgent challenges that lie ahead.
In conclusion, the decline of cable TV is a significant trend that has far-reaching implications for the media industry and the workforce. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential that we work together to address the challenges that lie ahead and ensure a successful transition to the post-linear media landscape.
News source:
https://youtu.be/AMHTmYb_Hz8
