In a dynamic media landscape increasingly influenced by digital consumption, pay TV continues to hold firm ground in India’s broadcasting ecosystem, as highlighted by the latest Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) report. As of March 2025, India boasts 333 pay TV channels out of a total of 908 downlinkable satellite channels a statistic that reaffirms the resilience and relevance of traditional television in the face of fast-growing OTT platforms.
Leading this robust segment is Star India, which commands an impressive 103 pay channels, accounting for nearly one-third of the total pay TV space. This dominance is a testament to the network’s expansive content portfolio and its ability to cater to diverse viewer interests across languages, regions, and demographics. The pay TV sector, far from shrinking, is evolving reflecting audience loyalty, content innovation, and strategic consolidation by major broadcasters.
Genre-wise, General Entertainment remains the undisputed frontrunner with 104 channels, capturing the pulse of Indian households through serial dramas, reality shows, and culturally rich storytelling. This is closely followed by the Movies genre with 65 channels and News with 60, showcasing the depth of content variety available to viewers. Notably, Sports, Kids, and other niche categories maintain a significant presence, underscoring the broad spectrum of consumer demand still being served through linear television.
In terms of broadcast quality, the report identifies 232 channels in Standard Definition (SD) and 101 in High Definition (HD) a clear indication of the industry’s efforts to enhance viewing experiences while keeping content accessible to a wide audience. The growing share of HD channels also reflects the shifting expectations of viewers who now seek better picture clarity, immersive storytelling, and richer formats, even within traditional broadcast environments.
What becomes evident through these figures is that pay TV is not merely surviving it is adapting and thriving. Despite the undeniable rise of OTT platforms, India’s pay TV market continues to demonstrate robust engagement, regional penetration, and deep cultural connect. It remains an essential pillar of India’s media architecture, especially in semi-urban and rural regions where satellite television remains the primary mode of content consumption.
As broadcasters balance the scales between digital expansion and legacy viewership, the future of pay TV will likely be defined by hybrid strategies, greater personalization, and an unwavering focus on content excellence. For now, the message is clear pay TV in India is here to stay, not as a relic of the past, but as a continuously evolving force that still commands the attention of millions.
