Authors
Assistant Editor
Potential approaches include a software development kit (SDK), an application programming interface (API), a hybrid model or another mechanism identified through a technical evaluation
Imran Fazal Oct 16, 2026 8:57 AM
Industry body estimates that India’s media and entertainment sector could reach $64 billion by 2033 at its current growth rate of 9%
Imran Fazal Oct 15, 2026 12:37 PM
Alongside the ratings push, CII has called for GST on television, OTT and music subscriptions to be reduced from 18% to 5%
Imran Fazal Oct 15, 2026 12:16 PM
The orders (reviewed by e4m) confirm principal GST liabilities of ₹17,297.62 cr against Dream11, Gameskraft Technologies and Play Games 24x7, against original demands of approximately ₹70,212.87 cr
Imran Fazal Oct 15, 2026 9:18 AM
As Tata Play launches Smart to simplify connected TV viewing, Harit Nagpal discusses pricing, customer acquisition, DTH's future and why television distribution must evolve
Imran Fazal Oct 15, 2026 9:13 AM
Data from TAM AdEx for July 1 to September 28, 2026, shows television’s advertising index falling to 91.4, against a year-earlier base of 100
Imran Fazal Oct 14, 2026 8:36 AM
Unlike the IPL and ICC tournaments, which benefit from concentrated viewer interest and established sponsorship frameworks, bilateral series have more variable commercial appeal
Imran Fazal Oct 13, 2026 8:38 AM
Nagpal has maintained that customers who want Sony channels can access them, the broadcaster’s channels have remained outside Tata Play’s broader base bouquets
Imran Fazal Oct 12, 2026 5:55 PM
Chhabria reported to Sumanta Bose, Head of entertainment business for Hindi and regional channels across the East and West markets
Imran Fazal Oct 12, 2026 2:41 PM
Before joining Cheil X, Sinha was with Ogilvy as Category Lead, Sparkling INSWA, a role involving global brands
Imran Fazal Oct 12, 2026 11:03 AM
A key argument in the ministry’s reply is that the operation of an OTT platform does not involve uplinking or downlinking television signals
Imran Fazal Oct 12, 2026 8:31 AM
For DPOs, the draft could mean closer scrutiny of the systems used to manage subscribers, activate services and generate reports
Imran Fazal Oct 9, 2026 5:01 PM
In 2025, gaming campaigns were often characterised by pilots, short-duration activations and engagement-focused KPIs
Imran Fazal Oct 9, 2026 8:34 AM
Of the 919 private satellite channels in 2025-26, 418 were classified as news and current affairs channels, while 501 were non-news channels
Imran Fazal Oct 8, 2026 9:18 AM
As broadcasters tie up with DTH operators, MSOs and broadband players to push linear channels over CTV, the old distribution playbook is running out of road
Imran Fazal Oct 7, 2026 8:35 AM
D2M will have to compete with established distribution and streaming technologies, including mobile broadband, connected television and over-the-top platforms
Imran Fazal Oct 6, 2026 9:11 AM
At FICCI Frames 2026, India's biggest broadcasters pressed for TV ratings to return. The government's position remains unchanged, raising questions about the effectiveness of industry forums
Imran Fazal Oct 5, 2026 9:19 AM
Tata Play’s Smart connected TV proposition excludes Sony channels, extending the distribution battle beyond DTH as both sides enter the festive season without resolving commercial and legal dispute
Imran Fazal Oct 2, 2026 8:59 AM
Tata Play has also extended its television offering to connected screens through the Tata Play Smart app
Imran Fazal Oct 1, 2026 11:49 AM
According to the Prasar Bharati CEO, the transformation was not limited to the public broadcaster or WAVES, but reflected a broader restructuring of the media industry
Imran Fazal Oct 1, 2026 9:00 AM
Dwivedi confirmed that Prasar Bharati is developing the D2M Broadcasting RFP, with preparations advancing for its release in October. e4m reported the development on Wednesday
Imran Fazal Sep 30, 2026 2:29 PM
Industry executives seek clarity on commercial models, investment commitments and deployment timelines, as repeated delays in the RFP have prolonged uncertainty around D2M broadcasting’s rollout
Imran Fazal Sep 30, 2026 8:23 AM
Joshi said Prasar Bharati needed to accelerate its adoption of technology and reach younger generations while maintaining a balance between entertainment and cultural responsibility
Imran Fazal Sep 29, 2026 5:30 PM
A broadcaster advocating regulation of FAST and ALTD said piracy and territorial restrictions would require particular attention under any proposed framework
Imran Fazal Sep 29, 2026 8:54 AM
A notice, reviewed by e4m and issued by the CCI on March 19, 2026, to an independent agency seeks specific details and information regarding the probe and includes material related to a joint meeting
Imran Fazal Sep 28, 2026 1:55 PM
TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti’s absence from FICCI Frames 2026 comes nearly a year after a public exchange over regulation, carriage fees and the New Tariff Order
Imran Fazal Sep 28, 2026 9:42 AM
Several major broadcasters, however, have opposed TRAI bringing FAST and ALTD under telecom-style authorisation
Imran Fazal Sep 25, 2026 8:58 AM
DTH operators’ aggressive CTV and FAST push threatens cable’s traditional distribution role, intensifying regulatory concerns and competition for subscribers, content and advertising revenues
Imran Fazal Sep 24, 2026 9:28 AM
IBDF also disclosed that certain employees had received summons to appear before the DG of CCI
Imran Fazal Sep 23, 2026 9:25 AM
The measurement crisis will affect production houses, writers, directors, technicians, studios and other professionals working across television
Imran Fazal Sep 22, 2026 8:45 AM
People familiar with the discussions said broadcasters are also increasingly questioning why BARC continues to face resistance from the MIB
Imran Fazal Sep 21, 2026 4:21 PM
The cases point to a continuing enforcement drive against local cable networks allegedly using consumer DTH connections
Imran Fazal Sep 21, 2026 3:06 PM
Strong consumption, rising advertiser interest and the enduring pull of Tamil-language content are prompting both national and home-grown brands
Imran Fazal Sep 21, 2026 9:42 AM
The case has also expanded beyond the scope of competition investigations to include provisions of the CCI (General) Regulations, 2024, which govern the conduct of advocates during investigations
Imran Fazal Sep 18, 2026 9:02 AM
The development comes as Dentsu works to restore normalcy following the searches
Imran Fazal Sep 17, 2026 9:05 AM
The Federation also sought to restrain ESFI from allegedly advertising itself as the exclusive authority for Team India selection during the Asian Games 2026
Imran Fazal Sep 16, 2026 9:15 AM
The issue is becoming more pressing as FAST, connected TV (CTV) and application-based linear television gain traction
Imran Fazal Sep 14, 2026 8:37 AM
e4m was the first to report on the development, with TRAI moving to reclaim its role in the television ratings framework by writing to the MIB and seeking a review of the newly notified policy
Imran Fazal Sep 11, 2026 8:55 AM
As television distribution shifts from satellite, cable and DTH to IP-based CTV and FAST, TRAI’s carriage-centric regulation could gradually lose relevance while content regulation gains prominence
Imran Fazal Sep 10, 2026 9:20 AM
The investigation is understood to involve examining alleged off-balance sheet and financial transactions, along with government and political-led advertising campaigns
Imran Fazal Sep 8, 2026 1:25 PM
The Haier India media agency pitch has become the key commercial flashpoint in the dispute
Imran Fazal Sep 8, 2026 12:13 PM
Industry body discussions flag a future where FAST expands FTA universe while pay-TV & subscription channels migrate to open-internet CTV
Imran Fazal Sep 8, 2026 9:31 AM
Dentsu’s tax probe could have implications beyond one agency, as scrutiny of royalty payments, IP & cross-border charges raises prospect of a wider examination across advertising networks
Imran Fazal Sep 7, 2026 9:26 AM
e4m was the first to report that the ‘royalty pivot’ was emerging as a key angle in the Dentsu IT probe
Imran Fazal Sep 4, 2026 4:01 PM
The earlier revenue department methodology had resulted in potential demands of nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore across the sector
Imran Fazal Sep 4, 2026 9:24 AM
Around 20 Income Tax officials entered Dentsu’s Mumbai office on Tuesday, according to people familiar with the operation
Imran Fazal Sep 3, 2026 12:30 PM
Industry executives say royalty payments have increasingly become an area of attention as multinational companies rely more heavily on intangible assets
Imran Fazal Sep 3, 2026 12:16 PM
Revised Telecom Rules 2026 mark a shift from broad consolidation to a more structured compliance regime, while changes to radio programming and renewal provisions offer some relief to operators
Imran Fazal Sep 3, 2026 8:39 AM
The draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026, notified on September 2, seek to consolidate regulations
Imran Fazal Sep 2, 2026 10:47 PM
The APAC leadership has also sent out a message that the matter is serious and cannot be disclosed
Imran Fazal Sep 2, 2026 1:50 PM
Industry executives say advertisers rarely know how much of their spend reaches actual media—or who profits from the rest
Imran Fazal Sep 2, 2026 8:44 AM
According to sources at the Mumbai's Worli Police Division, the searches by IT officials began at 10 am
Imran Fazal Sep 1, 2026 6:55 PM
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
Imran Fazal Sep 1, 2026 9:13 AM
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






