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The APAC leadership has also sent out a message that the matter is serious and cannot be disclosed
Industry executives say advertisers rarely know how much of their spend reaches actual media—or who profits from the rest
According to sources at the Mumbai's Worli Police Division, the searches by IT officials began at 10 am
News genre alone has cost the ratings body over ₹15 crore since March; a full-genre freeze from July could wipe out several times its annual revenue
The government is trying to create a competitive ratings market while simultaneously making the ratings business more heavily regulated
Imran Fazal Aug 31, 2026 9:00 AM
For the creator economy, this could broaden the pool of advertisers willing to experiment with influencer-led CTV programming
Imran Fazal Aug 28, 2026 9:06 AM
The investment question is becoming more difficult because the television market itself faces structural pressure
Imran Fazal Aug 27, 2026 9:25 AM
MIB has approached TAM and Chrome DM seeking their support and capabilities for CTV measurement, according to people familiar with the development
Imran Fazal Aug 26, 2026 8:57 AM
ASCI said almost 97% of advertisements reported during the post-PROGA period were found on the Meta Ad Library, Instagram and websites
Imran Fazal Aug 25, 2026 9:18 AM
For regional and MSME advertisers, the combination of a large-screen environment and local targeting is particularly attractive
Imran Fazal Aug 24, 2026 9:00 AM
The tribunal directed Jagat Gouri Cable Net to return the 194 STBs in good and working condition within two months of the judgment
Imran Fazal Aug 24, 2026 8:27 AM
The scheme broadly classifies the group’s businesses into two segments — the Publishing Business and the EIBME Business
Imran Fazal Aug 22, 2026 7:59 AM
The agency said the investigation relates to the alleged generation, movement and laundering of proceeds arising from illegal gaming activities
Imran Fazal Aug 21, 2026 6:06 PM
The changes at the NBDA come against the backdrop of several major developments in India's television and digital news ecosystem
Imran Fazal Aug 21, 2026 3:59 PM
Following Thursday's high-level govt meeting on the prolonged ratings impasse, the industry is yet to receive any fresh direction from the ministry
Imran Fazal Aug 21, 2026 9:10 AM
The meeting, attended by I&B Secretary and senior government officials, discussed at length the outstanding issues surrounding BARC's compliance with the TRP 2026 policy
Imran Fazal Aug 20, 2026 3:28 PM
In an interaction with e4m, Gill, Trade Desk’s VP, India and SEA, talks about SMBs entering CTV advertising, the rise of FAST channels, changing Gen Z viewing habits and the outlook for CTV ad rates
Imran Fazal Aug 20, 2026 8:09 AM
The migration of Skyline from DEN Networks to Kerala Communicators Cable Ltd was another central issue in the case
Imran Fazal Aug 20, 2026 7:45 AM
Kumar said advertisers also need to recognise that CTV, despite being consumed on a large screen, has multiple utilities
Imran Fazal Aug 19, 2026 6:27 PM
While procurement is changing the commercial side of pitches, holding-company consolidation is complicating the conflict-of-interest equation
Imran Fazal Aug 19, 2026 9:16 AM
The removal of the cap also creates a potential downside for advertisers: commercial clutter could dilute the impact of individual campaigns
Imran Fazal Aug 17, 2026 9:16 AM
The I&B Minister's 'Chanakya-like' approach focuses on BARC’s core regulatory and technical issues, rather than letting competing industry bodies fight among themselves, say industry executives
Imran Fazal Aug 15, 2026 8:39 AM
One of the key arguments underpinning the government's decision is the difference in regulatory treatment between television and digital media
Imran Fazal Aug 14, 2026 9:02 PM
In its statement to e4m, IBDF said it had been relentlessly following up with the government on the issue, making sustained representations on behalf of broadcasters
Imran Fazal Aug 14, 2026 7:20 PM
However, industry executives said scrapping the ad cap will only partly ease the sector’s concerns. The bigger issue is the restoration of BARC television ratings
Imran Fazal Aug 14, 2026 6:42 PM
The decision was communicated by I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to an NBF delegation that met him today, e4m has learnt
Imran Fazal Aug 14, 2026 5:44 PM
At a time when BARC's credibility is already under the microscope before MIB, industry executives say the appointment risks opening an uncomfortable new front for the ratings body
Imran Fazal Aug 14, 2026 3:00 PM
Advertisers are seeking stronger audience proof, customised integrations and performance-linked deals, making broadcasters work harder to sell spot inventory
Imran Fazal Aug 14, 2026 8:54 AM
Industry questions whether Srinivasan Swamy can take on another major responsibility, while calls grow for a younger, agile agency leader with a deep current-market connect
Imran Fazal Aug 13, 2026 2:20 PM
The ministry first issued the Accessibility Standards for Persons with Disabilities in Television Programmes on September 11, 2019
Imran Fazal Aug 13, 2026 8:59 AM
e4m has learnt that Gupta, who is currently the CEO and Managing Director of VLCC, will join Himalaya on September 23, 2026
Imran Fazal Aug 12, 2026 5:16 PM
The government also said representations and grievances submitted by casual assignees are examined on merit
Imran Fazal Aug 12, 2026 12:47 PM
The curriculum for the initiative has been jointly designed and developed by the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) and private-sector partners
Imran Fazal Aug 12, 2026 12:44 PM
Payments to artists and professionals rose from Rs 28.43 crore to Rs 43.57 crore
Imran Fazal Aug 12, 2026 9:17 AM
The largest decline came from sales and services, which include commercial revenue generated by All India Radio and Doordarshan as well as income from the broadcaster's DTH operations
Imran Fazal Aug 12, 2026 8:36 AM
For OTT companies, a common set of definitions, testing standards and reporting requirements could be as important as the accessibility features themselves
Imran Fazal Aug 11, 2026 8:53 AM
Gaurav Banerjee, who also chairs the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India, declined to comment on ratings trends in his capacity as the industry body's chairman
Imran Fazal Aug 10, 2026 9:02 PM
For India's OTT industry, accessibility is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage rather than simply a regulatory obligation
Imran Fazal Aug 10, 2026 9:11 AM
Panel urged close coordination between MIB, MeitY and other ministries to develop legal and technological mechanisms for identifying and prosecuting those responsible for AI-generated fake news
Imran Fazal Aug 7, 2026 2:27 PM
The reform forms part of a broader government strategy to build an enabling ecosystem for the live-events industry
Imran Fazal Aug 7, 2026 1:43 PM
The disclosure features in the 28th Report of the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, chaired by Dr Nishikant Dubey
Imran Fazal Aug 7, 2026 1:27 PM
Alongside the digital portal, the Ministry informed the panel that it had finalised a Model Executive Order and Standard Operating Procedure after consultations with industry stakeholders
Imran Fazal Aug 7, 2026 1:24 PM
Parliamentary panel seeks measurable outcomes on rollout, says compliance deadlines should not keep shifting as MIB aims to expand reach of free DTH platform
Imran Fazal Aug 7, 2026 1:21 PM
YouTube-backed AI skilling to train 15,000 as MIB says AI broadcasting policy will evolve only when required
Imran Fazal Aug 7, 2026 1:11 PM
The pitch has attracted participation from advertising agency networks, including WPP, Omnicom Advertising India and Cheil SWA
Imran Fazal Aug 7, 2026 9:08 AM
Stakeholders also discussed broader ease-of-doing-business reforms for India's evolving media and entertainment ecosystem
Imran Fazal Aug 6, 2026 7:02 PM
While the MIB relies on a three-tier self-regulatory grievance mechanism, the DEPwD proposes a statutory, penalty-backed enforcement framework
Imran Fazal Aug 6, 2026 8:54 AM
The draft has been placed in the public domain for objections and suggestions for 30 days from the date the Gazette notification is made available
Imran Fazal Aug 5, 2026 3:10 PM
However, the govt stated that 7 complaints relating to appointments had been received against the pubcaster from applicants
Imran Fazal Aug 5, 2026 12:40 PM
The MIB also outlined the institutional mechanism it has established to tackle online film piracy
Imran Fazal Aug 5, 2026 12:31 PM
TVS, Raymond, L'Oréal and Godrej Consumer among companies that are tapping consulting firms
Imran Fazal Aug 5, 2026 8:49 AM
Broadcasters have consistently argued that the regulatory framework wrongly treats residential subscribers and commercial establishments alike for pricing purposes
Imran Fazal Aug 4, 2026 11:58 AM
Industry insiders say the transaction has repeatedly missed internal timelines but there are positive signals of the deal between Havas and Madison likely to finalised by September
Imran Fazal Aug 4, 2026 9:39 AM
In a note, addressed to I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Chrome DM Founder and CEO Pankaj Krishna argued that India's existing TV audience measurement architecture has become "obsolete and impractical"
Imran Fazal Aug 4, 2026 8:34 AM
The complaints allege that the operators were using consumer Direct-to-Home (DTH) set-top boxes to obtain television signals
Imran Fazal Aug 3, 2026 1:28 PM
Diageo has historically worked with multiple creative agencies across its global and Indian businesses
Imran Fazal Aug 3, 2026 8:48 AM
Sources told e4m that Joshi's exit is driven by increasing professional commitments
Imran Fazal Jul 31, 2026 6:58 PM
Advertising body accused of spreading ‘false and malicious’ allegations; legal notice seeks public apology, explanation and withdrawal of statements
Imran Fazal Jul 31, 2026 1:30 PM
With the identity issue now addressed, the CCI's Director General is expected to continue the investigation with TLG India formally included as an entity under investigation
Imran Fazal Jul 31, 2026 12:49 PM
According to the election papers circulated among members, the new governing board will comprise 23 elected members, including one President
Imran Fazal Jul 31, 2026 10:40 AM
The government is preparing detailed report on industry feedback; calibrated changes may ease revenue pressure while retaining consumer safeguards
Imran Fazal Jul 31, 2026 8:55 AM
e4m had first reported in March that Publicis Groupe was preparing to challenge the high court's earlier order
Imran Fazal Jul 30, 2026 8:05 AM
The information is part of the agency's provisional attachment order (a copy of which is with e4m) in the alleged money laundering case against Gameskraft
Imran Fazal Jul 29, 2026 8:14 PM
For agencies, the Raymond review represents one of the largest integrated account opportunities in the Indian market this year
Imran Fazal Jul 29, 2026 11:48 AM
Senior television industry executives told e4m that the withdrawal was driven by a combination of legal setbacks and increasing industry pressure to restore certainty to the TV measurement ecosystem
Imran Fazal Jul 29, 2026 9:57 AM
The development follows a recent business win where The Womb was brought on board by Accenture Song to handle the creative mandate for Wonder Cement
Imran Fazal Jul 28, 2026 9:11 AM
Cable industry is likely to not pursue further legal remedies after Kerala HC vacated the stay on releasing the ratings without landing page data
Imran Fazal Jul 27, 2026 9:07 AM
While vacating the interim protection granted earlier this year, the court observed that the methodology adopted for measuring television ratings falls squarely within the government's policy domain
Imran Fazal Jul 24, 2026 7:14 PM
The clarification comes amid growing uncertainty in the broadcasting industry following the suspension of television ratings after the rollout of the new policy
Imran Fazal Jul 24, 2026 2:21 PM
Some executives also raised concerns over the reliability of broadcaster disclosures, which form a key part of the compliance framework
Imran Fazal Jul 24, 2026 1:58 PM
The decision removes the interim roadblock that had kept the provision in abeyance since May 22 and marks a significant victory for the Centre and BARC
Imran Fazal Jul 24, 2026 11:35 AM
According to the advertisers' body, a calibrated increase would improve broadcasters' revenue prospects without materially affecting the consumer viewing experience
Imran Fazal Jul 24, 2026 9:23 AM
Police officials told e4m that the matter is being treated as a case of copyright infringement carried out through unauthorised app-based distribution of pay-TV content
Imran Fazal Jul 23, 2026 12:17 PM
Rather than treating luggage as a functional purchase, brands are increasingly viewing it as a storytelling platform where design, utility and cultural relevance converge
Imran Fazal Jul 23, 2026 9:02 AM
This letter comes at a time when the MIB is fighting a legal battle in Kerala High Court on the interim stay to proviso Clause 5.4.1 of the TV Ratings Policy 2026 pertaining to landing pages
Imran Fazal Jul 22, 2026 12:59 PM
The statement provides greater clarity on the government's transition strategy, an issue that has been closely watched by broadcasters after the publication of the draft rules
Imran Fazal Jul 22, 2026 12:26 PM
In the absence of binding legislation, ad agencies are increasingly adopting self-regulation
Imran Fazal Jul 22, 2026 8:59 AM
AIDCF stated that removing landing page data effectively removes any commercial incentive to advertise on or through landing page, even though the policy permits it to continue as a marketing tool
Imran Fazal Jul 21, 2026 4:31 PM
Industry experts say suspension of weekly television ratings disrupts commissioning, scheduling and content decisions, forcing broadcasters to depend on experience rather than data
Imran Fazal Jul 21, 2026 9:33 AM
The high court has asked Centre to grant gambling-harm prevention platform a personal hearing; government to return with timeline
Imran Fazal Jul 20, 2026 12:58 PM
The accused streamed live television channels, movies, JioStar Originals and other copyrighted content belonging to JioStar and multiple content owners without authorization
Imran Fazal Jul 20, 2026 9:41 AM
Multiple industry sources told e4m that the company has invited several of the country's top advertising and media agencies to compete for the consolidated business
Imran Fazal Jul 20, 2026 8:39 AM
Parliament has also turned its attention to the government's proposed Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026
Imran Fazal Jul 20, 2026 8:38 AM
Among the proposals being discussed are differentiated advertising norms for different channel genres, revised thresholds or a more flexible framework
Imran Fazal Jul 17, 2026 8:25 AM
Tribunal rules broadcaster continued to benefit from channel placement after expiry of written agreement; awards 9% interest instead of claimed 24%
Imran Fazal Jul 16, 2026 8:43 AM
New order supersedes May directive; adds CRS oversight, restructures leadership with dual MIB representation, corrects policy citation error
Imran Fazal Jul 15, 2026 9:59 PM
The notice has sparked legal questions over the extent of the ministry's powers but broadcasters say the intervention addresses a longstanding regulatory gap in tackling industrial-scale online piracy
Imran Fazal Jul 15, 2026 9:03 AM
The impleaded entities include several of India's leading television networks, such as Zee Media, TV Today Network, ABP Network, Republic Media, Network18, Bennett Coleman & Co among others
Imran Fazal Jul 14, 2026 5:43 PM
e4m had first reported about Head Digital Works filing a review petition in the SC challenging the twin rulings
Imran Fazal Jul 14, 2026 12:31 PM
The Kerala High Court disclosure is also feeding into a separate, and arguably bigger, storm brewing around BARC's leadership
Imran Fazal Jul 14, 2026 9:27 AM
BARC urged the High Court to vacate the interim order, submitting that "there is no reason to have granted interim relief"
Imran Fazal Jul 13, 2026 5:52 PM
Says exclusion of landing-page viewership is a scientific audience measurement principle, not a restriction on channel placement; argues petition challenging policy is not maintainable
Imran Fazal Jul 13, 2026 5:36 PM
The petitioners further argued that the Centre had failed to justify why existing safeguards developed by the BARC were insufficient
Imran Fazal Jul 13, 2026 5:13 PM
Both petitions have also sought an oral hearing in open court, contending that allowing the judgments to stand would result in a ‘grave miscarriage of justice’
Imran Fazal Jul 13, 2026 11:24 AM
The public broadcaster said the project is intended to transform underutilised public land into revenue-generating advertising assets
Imran Fazal Jul 13, 2026 8:14 AM
A significant part of Gamban's legal challenge focuses not on the government's power to block digital platforms but on how those powers were exercised.
Imran Fazal Jul 10, 2026 11:46 AM
Multiple news broadcasters are also expected to seek adjustments to their BARC subscription invoices once ratings resume, according to industry executives familiar with the matter
Imran Fazal Jul 10, 2026 9:20 AM
Global technology companies including Google (which owns YouTube), Amazon (which owns MX Player and Prime Video), Netflix, and Meta have historically retained tight control over audience data
Imran Fazal Jul 9, 2026 9:15 AM
Despite rapid advances in Generative AI, experts believe agencies cannot treat AI as a legal shield
Imran Fazal Jul 8, 2026 9:30 AM
The investigators alleged that the operator illegally sourced and redistributed JioStar's encrypted broadcast signals after its distribution agreement had been terminated
Imran Fazal Jul 7, 2026 8:35 AM
Industry executives said today's IBDF meeting is expected to focus on preparing a common industry position before engaging with the ministry
Imran Fazal Jul 6, 2026 11:47 AM
MSOs are proposing the creation of a unified Platform Services advertising network that will allow brands to execute campaigns across multiple cable operators
Imran Fazal Jul 6, 2026 8:52 AM
Several legal experts also questioned whether the MIB is the appropriate authority to issue such directions in the first place
Imran Fazal Jul 4, 2026 5:47 PM
Industry executives argue that while licence renewals are a regulatory process, stopping ongoing operations before the process is completed creates uncertainty for the entire sector
Imran Fazal Jul 3, 2026 8:59 AM
With TRPs suspended at the start of the crucial festive planning cycle, advertisers may divert budgets to digital platforms where campaign performance can be measured in real time
Imran Fazal Jul 3, 2026 8:59 AM
Advertisers, broadcasters, agencies and investors face an unprecedented measurement vacuum; industry warns prolonged suspension could reshape media buying and TV economics
Imran Fazal Jul 2, 2026 9:06 AM
The move effectively renders BARC's ratings operations inactive until the ministry completes the renewal process under the new regulatory framework
Imran Fazal Jul 1, 2026 9:42 PM
The latest communication comes after industry executives expected news ratings to return this week following the expiry of the four-week suspension period that ended on June 28
Imran Fazal Jul 1, 2026 8:28 PM
BARC also urged the MIB to withdraw its directive barring charges to news broadcasters during the TRP blackout, stating that the ratings suspension should not halt subscription fee collection
Imran Fazal Jul 1, 2026 6:22 PM
The public broadcaster's recently updated content sourcing framework for WAVES introduces a streaming-minutes-based monetisation model and tightening of verification and compliance requirements
Imran Fazal Jun 30, 2026 8:39 AM
TRP row also puts the spotlight on news-licensed channels carrying general entertainment and sports programming
Imran Fazal Jun 29, 2026 8:11 AM
The move reflects an increasingly common collaboration model in India's advertising ecosystem, where lead agencies partner with specialist media networks to deliver large, integrated mandates
Imran Fazal Jun 26, 2026 1:46 PM
Tax authorities had sought to levy GST at 28% on the face value of every individual bet placed on gaming platforms
Imran Fazal Jun 26, 2026 9:22 AM
The omission means that the event will no longer automatically qualify for mandatory sharing with Prasar Bharati under the national importance framework
Imran Fazal Jun 25, 2026 11:09 AM
The move is consistent with Hakuhodo's strategy of expanding through acquisitions and strategic partnerships across Asia and India
Imran Fazal Jun 25, 2026 9:17 AM
The June 11 notification superseded the government's previous 2022 framework and laid out an updated list of sporting events deemed to be of national importance
Imran Fazal Jun 24, 2026 12:57 PM
Experts argue that while criminal liability may strengthen deterrence, it should be reserved for egregious cases involving deliberate deception
Imran Fazal Jun 24, 2026 9:01 AM
The original show-cause notices were issued not only to gaming companies but also to their directors, promoters and key managerial personnel. The Supreme Court has not quashed these proceedings
Imran Fazal Jun 22, 2026 9:13 AM
AIDCF has already filed its counter submissions opposing the Centre's plea seeking vacation of the interim order granted by the court
Imran Fazal Jun 19, 2026 3:00 PM
Supporters of D2M argue that the technology can complement existing streaming ecosystems by delivering high-demand content directly to devices
Imran Fazal Jun 19, 2026 9:00 AM
The ED has relied on a spreadsheet allegedly recovered from the mobile phone of Gameskraft co-founder Deepak Singh Ahlawat
Imran Fazal Jun 18, 2026 11:03 AM
Prabhu told the ED that the diverted funds were invested in futures and options trading through his Zerodha account
Imran Fazal Jun 18, 2026 10:33 AM
For broadcasters and media companies, the challenge lies in aligning the interests of multiple industry segments that often operate under different business realities
Imran Fazal Jun 18, 2026 9:05 AM
As industry stakeholders begin examining the draft, the emerging consensus appears to be that while the rules modernise the administrative framework, they stop short of liberalising the sector
Imran Fazal Jun 17, 2026 8:33 AM
The ruling marks a major development in the high-profile money laundering probe involving online gaming platform Gameskraft Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Imran Fazal Jun 16, 2026 4:24 PM
The ministry is learnt to have assured broadcasters that no coercive action would be initiated against television channels in the immediate term following the Delhi High Court judgment
Imran Fazal Jun 16, 2026 8:45 AM
People aware of the matter said the final decision is expected in the coming weeks, although the company has not officially communicated a timeline
Imran Fazal Jun 15, 2026 9:20 AM
The latest standoff comes close on the heels of Sony's ongoing distribution dispute with Tata Play, a matter that is currently pending before the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal
Imran Fazal Jun 12, 2026 1:00 PM
Industry experts say the Airtel-Vodafone debate highlights a shift in India's telecom sector, focusing on brand philosophies and consumer values over technical claims
Imran Fazal Jun 12, 2026 9:23 AM
People familiar with the development say Pernod Ricard India has awarded ZeroFifty Mediaworks a three-year creative mandate following a competitive multi-agency pitch process
Imran Fazal Jun 11, 2026 1:28 PM
e4m had first reported the collaboration between IIT Kanpur and BSNL to boost D2M technology in the country
Imran Fazal Jun 11, 2026 9:24 AM
The partnership is expected to focus on knowledge transfer, passive infrastructure sharing and next-generation network deployment
Imran Fazal Jun 10, 2026 8:23 AM
The development comes amid growing momentum within the government to establish a policy framework for D2M broadcasting
Imran Fazal Jun 10, 2026 8:13 AM
Pernod Ricard India’s creative responsibilities are currently shared between Ogilvy and FCB India (now part of Omnicom Advertising India)
Imran Fazal Jun 9, 2026 9:10 AM
Pernod Ricard India's marketing spends stood at nearly Rs 864 crore in FY25
Imran Fazal Jun 8, 2026 1:37 PM
The move also raises questions about the extent of governmental involvement in the operational and commercial functioning of BARC
Imran Fazal Jun 8, 2026 8:25 AM
The creative mandate will be jointly led by Anuraag Khandelwal and Mayur Varma as Joint Chief Creative Officers, while Rohitash Srivastava will be Chief Strategy Officer
Imran Fazal Jun 6, 2026 3:35 PM
MIB has filed an affidavit in response to a petition by AIDCF and DEN Networks challenging the validity of the provision that excludes landing page-generated viewership from TV rating calculations
Imran Fazal Jun 6, 2026 9:58 AM
As part of the new reporting structure, the leadership teams of the consolidated agencies will report into Rajesh VR, Group CEO of Ogilvy India
Imran Fazal Jun 6, 2026 9:18 AM
The order comes nearly 17 years after the MIB terminated the Haryana-based broadcaster's FM radio licence
Imran Fazal Jun 5, 2026 8:49 AM
For cable operators, the potential withdrawal of landing page spending presents a fresh challenge
Imran Fazal Jun 5, 2026 8:43 AM
The Rs 300-crore mandate expansion is not simply an account win for Cheil—it's a test case for how traditional and digital media can be genuinely unified in the age of AI-driven marketing
Imran Fazal Jun 4, 2026 8:49 AM
The directive, communicated by BARC to its subscribers on Monday, comes less than a month of an earlier order issued in May
Imran Fazal Jun 3, 2026 1:19 PM
The verdict is expected to accelerate efforts by broadcasters to charge higher rates from advertisers rather than increase inventory
Imran Fazal Jun 3, 2026 8:32 AM
The complaint alleges that electronic evidence collected during the investigation demonstrated that copyrighted JioStar content was being retransmitted through IPTV channels without authorisation
Imran Fazal Jun 1, 2026 8:30 AM
The distinction could have far-reaching implications for online and offline competitions involving games such as chess, esports, bridge, poker and even certain formats of rummy
Imran Fazal May 30, 2026 10:10 AM