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Direct-to-home (DTH) services have registered a consistent decline in non-tax revenue, with the figure falling to Rs 648.73 crore in FY 2024-25, as per a report by the MIB. This marks a 6.2% drop from Rs 692 crore in FY 2023–24 and a sharper 24.6% fall when compared to Rs 859.96 crore in FY 2022–23.
Despite DTH’s wide reach and status as an addressable system delivering digital television signals via Ku-band satellites, the revenue trend suggests waning returns. India currently hosts five private DTH operators in addition to Doordarshan’s free-to-air DD Free Dish service. The decline likely reflects growing competition from OTT platforms and broadband-based content consumption.
Private FM radio revenue up nearly 10% in 3 years
In contrast, private FM radio has shown a positive revenue trajectory. The government earned Rs 196.28 crore in FY 2024-25, up from Rs 186.80 crore in FY 2023-24 and Rs 178.99 crore in FY 2022–23, reflecting a 9.7% increase over the three-year span.
With 388 private FM radio channels operational across 113 cities in 26 states and 5 union territories, the medium remains a preferred source of entertainment, particularly due to its local language content and hyperlocal appeal. The ministry also highlighted radio’s growing role in furthering public awareness, especially in remote and border regions like Leh, Kargil, Bhaderwah, Kathua, and Poonch, where new channels have recently been launched.
India’s media and entertainment infrastructure continues to reflect evolving consumer habits and industry shifts, as indicated by the latest revenue data shared by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
While private FM radio earnings have grown steadily over the past three years, revenues from DTH services and film certification have declined, pointing to changes in how content is accessed and distributed.
A significant shift was seen in the government’s funding priorities across India’s public media institutions. While Prasar Bharati, the country’s public broadcaster, received the largest portion of funds, its overall allocation witnessed a decline compared to the previous year. In contrast, the RNI recorded an unprecedented surge in financial support, more than doubling its grant from the year before.
Prasar Bharati: Budget cut by over Rs 3,700 crore in FY25
Prasar Bharati, which includes All India Radio and Doordarshan, received a total grant of Rs 72,641.46 crore in the financial year 2024–25. This marks a decline of approximately 10.06 percent from the Rs 76,386.29 crore allocated in 2023–24. Over the past three years, the broadcaster has been granted a cumulative Rs 78,449.24 crore, with the yearly figures reflecting a modest increase in 2023–24 followed by a notable contraction this year.
The decline is seen both in the scheme-based funding under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) initiative as well as in general grant-in-aid.
Registrar of Newspapers for India: Budget up 26% this year
The office of the Press Registrar General of India, formerly known as the RNI, reported a steady increase in its non-scheme expenditure. For the current financial year, Rs 12.94 crore has been allocated to the organization, representing a 26.45 percent rise over the Rs 10.23 crore received in 2023–24 and a 32.45 percent increase from the Rs 9.77 crore in 2022–23. The increase in funding underlines the growing importance of regulatory oversight in India’s print media sector, which continues to expand despite the rise of digital platforms. RNI plays a crucial role in maintaining the Register of Newspapers, verifying circulation, and authorizing newsprint import certificates, the report said.
Press Council of India: Sees 7.7% dip in allocation
The Press Council of India, a quasi-judicial authority responsible for maintaining journalistic standards and protecting press freedom, received Rs 9.20 crore in 2024-25. This represents a 7.72 percent decline from the previous year’s grant of Rs 9.97 crore. This current allocation is still substantially higher than the Rs 6.06 crore received in 2022–23. The Council continues to serve as a watchdog of media ethics and works to strike a balance between press freedom and accountability.
Press Information Bureau: Allocation down 2.8% amid scheme cut
The Press Information Bureau, which acts as the government’s primary communication channel with the media, experienced a slight dip in funding this year. It received Rs 117.72 crore in 2024-25, down by 2.77 percent from Rs 121.07 crore the previous year. Although funding under its scheme component (DCID) saw a sharp decline, from Rs 13 crore to Rs 6 crore, the Bureau’s core establishment expenditure rose modestly. PIB plays a vital role in disseminating official information across platforms and languages, helping bridge the gap between government actions and public understanding.
Central Bureau of Communication: Sees 32% budget cut to Rs 348.69 crore
The Central Bureau of Communication, which manages publicity and advertising for various ministries, witnessed one of the steepest declines in allocation. The agency was granted Rs 348.69 crore this year, marking a 32.06 percent fall from the Rs 513.04 crore it received in 2023-24. This drop comes despite a marginal rise in establishment-related expenditure, suggesting that the cut has primarily impacted scheme-based campaign funding. The CBC, which executes nationwide awareness campaigns on government schemes, now appears to be working within a significantly leaner budget.
CBFC certification earnings see marginal decline
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), responsible for certifying films for public exhibition, reported a slight dip in revenues. In FY 2024-25, earnings stood at Rs 14.29 crore, down from Rs 15.13 crore in FY 2023-24 and Rs 15.15 crore in FY 2022–23, a 5.6% decline over three years.
The revenue collected by CBFC includes fees and charges for film certification under the Cinematograph Act. The dip may reflect fluctuations in theatrical output, digital-first release strategies, or broader industry adjustments in the wake of changing audience preferences.
IIMC: Funding more than doubles to Rs 83.31 crore
In a notable shift, the Indian Institute of Mass Communication has seen its budget more than double in 2024–25. The institute received Rs 83.31 crore in grant-in-aid, up from Rs 35.90 crore the previous year—an increase of over 132 percent. This sharp rise is indicative of the government’s renewed focus on media education, research, and skill development, as India navigates an increasingly complex and digitized information environment. The report said, IIMC has been instrumental in training communication professionals for both public and private sector media and has recently expanded its curriculum to include more specialized and technology-driven courses.
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