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While sugar prices have surged 30%, rising cost of edible oil, wheat, cocoa adds to margin pressure; packaged food advertisers left to choose between cutting spends or protecting festive visibility
The awards celebrate innovative campaigns that have demonstrated creativity, effectiveness and cultural relevance in South India
Gowthaman Ragothaman, Founder and CEO of Saptharushi, on building ‘The Audience Company’, an attempt with neutral infrastructure and more
Industry executives say advertisers rarely know how much of their spend reaches actual media—or who profits from the rest
Guest Column: Senior business leader Taranjeet Singh writes that as AI makes sales execution faster, human judgment and the ability to build trust are becoming real differentiators
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
Advertisers remain cautious about paying a premium until ChatGPT Ads proves its ROI
Brands are raising festive creator spends, but with influencer discovery getting crowded, focus is shifting from reach to relevance, regional influence & trusted voices that drive purchase decisions
From JK Super Cement to Meesho and RuPay to Tinder and P&G, brands are moving beyond product placement, betting on serialised storytelling to build deeper engagement with mobile-first audiences
The investment question is becoming more difficult because the television market itself faces structural pressure
Populations of countries where previous roll outs happened pale in comparison to India’s; so advertising built around interpreting conversation matters more than it would for a conventional banner ad
Brands are gearing up for the festive rush with sharper offers, hyper-local campaigns and regional activations, as mass media and digital spends are expected to rise
In 13 months, nearly every marquee FMCG name has changed its chief executive; experts attribute this to a slowing consumption engine, impatient shareholder base & a disrupted distribution model
e4m was the first to report about the ministry's decision to remove the cap
The new system will take effect globally from August 24 and apply across all YouTube formats, including long-form videos, Shorts, podcasts and livestreams
As brands chase shock value for cut-through, Flipkart's obituary-style sale ad reopens the debate on where provocation ends and poor judgement begins
While procurement is changing the commercial side of pitches, holding-company consolidation is complicating the conflict-of-interest equation
Win comes after a multi-agency review; mandate covers both Policybazaar and Paisabazaar
Guest Column: Carol Goyal, CEO of Aesthetic Intelligence Lab, shares how new India is being epitomised by Gen Z
Soni was earlier Director-Google Play, APAC Scaled Business & Partner Ecosystem.
Exclusive TAM data accessed by e4m shows July 2026 recorded News TV's weakest advertising volumes in four years, with the genre's share of total TV advertising slipping to 9%
The clearest point of agreement among industry executives is that commerce media is broader than retail media
More than 1,000 media jobs are estimated to have been lost in 2026 as weak economics, AI and restructuring remake Indian newsrooms
Jain was earlier Chief Marketing and Sales Officer with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
Quick commerce has emerged as a key catalyst for growth of the condiment category with new-age food brands broadening their offerings
Dr. Annurag Batra writes that AAAI must evolve from celebrating its past to actively shaping the future of India's advertising industry
As AI rewrites what execution means, Indian creative agencies are looking past the book for talent that is fluent in data, technology and business
Brands are allocating 40-70% of festive budgets to digital, while OOH and creator partnerships gain prominence this Onam
Marico, HUL, Britannia, Dabur and Colgate increased brand investments in FY26 as they sought to defend market share, strengthen premiumisation and stay visible in a fragmented marketplace
From jeera soda to mahua spirits, flavours once dismissed as too local to scale are becoming the most compelling growth strategy as brands chase differentiation in an increasingly crowded market
Speaking at Meta's Q2 earnings call, Mark Zuckerberg detailed how AI is reshaping Meta's products and business, calling the opportunity ahead massive
Advertising revenue surged nearly 27% as ad pricing and impressions climbed, but heavy AI investments, legal charges and higher capital expenditure weighed on profitability during the quarter
SEO agencies are building capabilities around AI citation tracking, structured content, digital PR, reputation management and monitoring how brands are described across different answer engines
INS President Vivek Gupta says publishers should not be treated differently from other industries passing on inflationary costs
INS call for 15% ad surcharge from Aug 1 has triggered discussion over whether an industry body should step into what has traditionally been a bilateral negotiation between publishers & advertisers
The move is part of the advertising giant's post-IPG integration strategy as it streamlines agency brands and sharpens media capabilities
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
Parliament has also turned its attention to the government's proposed Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026
The broadcaster has secured exclusive media rights to FIFA competitions in the country until 2034
The panellists will share insights on the topic ‘Do Brands Still Own the Consumer? Navigating Data, Platforms & Privacy in India’
Guest Column: Ganapathy Viswanathan, Communication Consultant & Author writes that Yastika Bhatia’s landmark Lord’s hundred has opened the door to a new chapter in Indian women’s cricket
The Kerala High Court disclosure is also feeding into a separate, and arguably bigger, storm brewing around BARC's leadership
For marketers, the luxury housing category is moving beyond lead generation with developers increasingly focusing on creating distinct brand identities
As viewers move seamlessly across TV, OTT and digital platforms, advertisers are shifting from screen-based planning to unified audience strategies
Nearly a year after the pilot survey was announced, fieldwork is yet to begin. As publishers question the survey framework, the future of India's print media currency remains uncertain
From Heinz's Penalty Packets to Coca-Cola's collectible cans, brands are using packaging to win fans' attention
Meta’s push to replace phone numbers with usernames for its Indian user base has run into a wall in Delhi. But the real story is what one identity, shared across 3 apps, does for a single advertiser
Across categories, brands are shifting towards creators with distinctive content styles, whose audiences engage with them for a unique storytelling approach rather than follower count or mass appeal
Guest Column: Haresh Nayak, CEO of Connect Network Inc., on why the next decade of marketing belongs to organisations that plan with intelligence, not assumptions
From disappearing faces to a boardroom run by pink wigs, this week's ads bet big on the absurd
Despite rapid advances in Generative AI, experts believe agencies cannot treat AI as a legal shield
At Cannes Lions 2026, AI was no longer the headline act. The focus shifted to how technology can solve real problems, elevate craft and deliver meaningful creative outcomes
Physical experiences are turning into user-created content, influencer collabs, consumer data and social media conversations, note market players
As reported earlier, e4m has also learnt that Gaurav Dewani is now preparing to pursue entrepreneurship
Experts say company websites need to evolve from a transaction platform to a brand's most authentic destination with emphasis on structured product information, rich content and accurate data
A new WARC report finds marketers believe creativity drives growth, but most cannot prove its business impact. As CFO scrutiny rises and AI reshapes measurement, creative ROI is under fresh debate
MSOs are proposing the creation of a unified Platform Services advertising network that will allow brands to execute campaigns across multiple cable operators
Guest Column: Dr. Sandeep Goyal deep dives into what Brand Osaka is telling the world
Guest Column: Ganapathy Viswanathan, Communication Consultant & Author, examines how HDFC Bank’s leadership transition underscores trust, transparency and communication in times of uncertainty
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
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
Marketers and brand leaders are unanimous that TV measurement needs to go beyond traditional reach, frequency metrics by combining cross-media audience measurement with richer content intelligence
A weak monsoon could squeeze rural incomes, raise food inflation and slow consumption in price-sensitive markets. But marketers say the impact may not be uniform
In a LinkedIn post, Ajit Varghese, Partner and CEO, Madison World, has shared his views on Zee's acquisition of the FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast rights
As Connected TV scales beyond premium reach, advertisers are asking harder questions on frequency, transparency and business outcomes
Can bigger really mean better? George Manas of Omnicom on the Omnicom-IPG integration, his hopes for India and why Cannes Lions 2026 became one of his favourites
Liz Taylor, Global Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy, and Kainaz Karmakar, CCO, Ogilvy India, reflect on Ogilvy’s Cannes year and how innovation, craft and culture shape winning ideas globally
Among the final day winners at Cannes Lions were Rethink (Independent Network of the Year), LePub, Milan, Italy (Agency of the Year) and Heineken (Creative Brand of the Year)
Prabhjeet Singh will join OpenAI in September and report to Kiran Mani, Managing Director for Asia Pacific
For decades, Indian agencies have operated under a default setting: If it doesn’t impact millions, it isn’t Cannes worthy. Can we try commercial brand solutions and not bank on social macro-problems?
Mobile has converged with digital marketing itself due its evolution from being a marketing channel to the operating system of modern consumer engagement, share industry heads
As Zee bets big on football and brands like Mahindra, Diageo and Apple line up FIFA campaigns, industry heads say Indian marketers are chasing fans, cultural relevance and a global audience
Palki Sharma, Founder and Director of India Global Review, speaks to e4m on why she chose entrepreneurship after two decades in journalism, changing media landscape, AI's role in newsrooms and more
At e4m CTV Conference 2026, marketers argued that CTV's true value lies not in reach numbers, but in its ability to command attention, build trust, and translate into measurable business outcomes
At the e4m CTV Conference 2026 in Mumbai, Ashwin Padmanabhan, COO, WPP Media, delved into the evolution of connected television, how we need to approach CTV differently and more
At e4m Connected TV Conference, Publicis Media’s South Asia CEO Lalatendu Das said CTV’s real opportunity lies in combining data, commerce and AI
With the company acquiring exclusive broadcast rights for India’s tour of Zimbabwe, Z looks set to widen its sports ambitions
Pernod Ricard India’s creative responsibilities are currently shared between Ogilvy and FCB India (now part of Omnicom Advertising India)
Lalatendu Das, CEO, South Asia, Publicis Media, will engage in a fireside chat with Nawal Ahuja, Co-Founder, e4m, on the topic, 'AI, Data & CTV: Building the Next Generation of Media Growth’
The objective is not merely to generate visibility, but to create campaigns that stand out, spark conversation and connect with entirely new consumer groups
The petition contends the blanket exclusion of landing page viewership ignores technological realities & existing safeguards, and said it was neither technically justified nor operationally feasible
From backyard pitches to mothers' smiles, this week’s best ads found meaning in the moments that last
From LinkedIn boardrooms to Reddit rabbit holes, the film industry has rewritten the rules of audience engagement — and there is no going back
Prior to this elevation, Tayar served as Regional Finance Director at Edelman
A report by CNBC-TV18 claimed the government was weighing a new surcharge or tax on foreign travel
Sunita Rajan, MD – APAC Media Sales, Bloomberg Media, talks about the shift towards premium influence-led advertising and more
Advertising executives say while India’s domestic economy remains resilient, brands are becoming more selective and strategic with media spending
The EU is tightening scrutiny on TikTok and Meta over addictive design features such as endless scrolling, autoplay & push notifications that regulators believe fuel compulsive usage among young users
Marketing veteran Shubhranshu Singh reacts on the criticisms around Goafest, but asks - What is the alternative institutional infrastructure?
Met Gala has evolved into an unsponsored advertising arena — a cultural moment where luxury labels, tech billionaires, meme admins, and fast-food chains compete for attention
This is a notable increase from former CEO Mark Read’s $10.8 million compensation
Telecom operators, once seen as mere carriers of connectivity, are now emerging as one of the most consequential holders of consumer intelligence in the country
The Federal Trade Commission in US has accused major global agency networks of coordinating advertising boycotts against certain media platforms under the umbrella of ‘brand safety’
As per the policy, Streaming Minutes refer to the actual duration of content viewed by users. This excludes buffering time, auto-play, idle playback, background play, or any system-generated activity
Digital has emerged as the primary growth engine, with brands prioritising performance-led campaigns to capture high-intent consumers actively seeking healthier alternatives
Meanwhile, advertising for gambling and betting platforms continues to flood digital media, celebrity endorsements persist, and user acquisition campaigns show little sign of slowing down
Myntra’s existing retainer partner, Tilt Brand Solutions, has confirmed it will sit out this round of pitching
Across the four companies, the narrative is clear. AI infrastructure is scaling. Cloud businesses are expanding, capex is ballooning, and demand for AI workloads is finally translating into revenue
Travel brands are allocating a larger share of budgets to search, programmatic and app-based channels, where user intent signals can be leveraged to deliver targeted messaging
In a wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Annurag Batra, Prasanth Kumar, CEO of WPP Media South Asia, lays out how consumer shifts, AI acceleration and outcome-driven models are reshaping media services
JioStar's growth as a revenue peer to Google India and Meta India reflects several structural trends reshaping India's media and advertising economy
Higher CTV viewership, fewer brands on TV and rising digital traction signal a shift in how India’s biggest media property is being bought and consumed, early data trends suggest
In a wide-ranging conversation, Harsha Razdan, CEO of dentsu South Asia, spoke to Dr. Annurag Batra on the agency’s operating model, bundling of services, AI and more
As users split their time across multiple platforms, the traditional scale-led media planning model has weakened, with high reach no longer guaranteeing visibility or recall
Industry executives estimate influencer-led activations linked to IPL could touch Rs 700 crore in 2026, accounting for 16-18% of digital advertising spends around the tournament
Sarthak Seth, Senior Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Tata Realty, will share key insights on the topic ‘OOH in the Real Estate Marketing Mix’
Rahul Shivshankar, Editorial Affairs Director at CNN-News18, speaks about newsroom priorities, the debate around loud television, the changing meaning of prime time, the role of AI, and more
When TRPs go silent, the result is not a complete absence of measurement, but a shift from a single, uniform currency to a more fragmented and interpretive system
In a conversation with Dr. Annurag Batra, India's original media pioneer reflects on 33 years of Zee, the ₹43,000-crore debt he repaid, and why the best disruption from his house is still to come
Industry executives and media planners indicate that sectors like BFSI, fintech, auto, real estate, edtech, travel, and even B2B platforms are increasing their presence on IPL
As always-on content pipelines replace big-bang campaigns, brands are rethinking what creativity, consistency, and long-term equity actually mean
For marketers, MS Dhoni’s appeal extends beyond on-field performance, making him a year-round asset in a crowded endorsement space
Apart from higher spending on IPL influencer marketing, more brands are entering the ecosystem with a clear move towards season-long creator partnerships instead of short, campaign-led bursts
In an exclusive conversation with e4m, Dish TV CEO Manoj Dobhal said the DTH industry must first stabilise amid subscriber losses and OTT competition before it can return to growth
Ullas Vijay, CMO, Duroflex, shares about the brand’s expansion roadmap, the shift from comfort-led to stress-led storytelling, and the growing role of experience centres as a key marketing lever
Traditionally, festive and occasion-led periods such as Holi, Eid and Mother’s Day saw brands lean heavily on TV, print and outdoor to drive mass reach
As cross-screen metrics promise clarity, the real impact may lie in how budgets are justified, priced and redistributed, say industry players
MRSI’s proposed consumer classification system struggles to gain traction amid alleged broadcaster pushback and the absence of empirical validation
The Delhi High Court had earlier disposed of a writ petition filed by Publicis Groupe’s Indian legal entity TLG India in an alleged media cartel probe
The split comes after Ogilvy chose not to take part in IBM’s forthcoming creative agency review, say media reports
From emotional storytelling to indulgent food moments, brands found different ways to connect with festive sentiment this week
From cultural metaphors to humorous dramatisations, this week's campaigns span categories but share one thread: storytelling that earns attention
As regional content scales, new voice AI benchmarks expose accuracy gaps, pushing brands to rethink how they build for India’s linguistic complexity
D2C brands are increasingly bypassing agencies to work directly with creators, seeking lower costs, faster execution and better sales-led returns
Online travel agencies are shifting marketing spends towards stable corridors with messaging being centred on flexibility, value and clarity
Experts say retail media’s next phase will hinge on real-time inventory integration, with ad delivery increasingly driven by fulfilment probability
Content heads say microdramas can't replace long-format content but act as a complementary layer; opens up new advertising-led revenue streams as brands look to integrate with high frequency content
As agentic AI compresses journeys and reshapes discovery, brands are being pushed to move beyond traffic metrics and build trust in a world where decisions are increasingly delegated to machines
For jewellery marketers particularly, Gudi Padwa has evolved beyond a regional festival into a key commercial opportunity blending tradition, investment behaviour and occasion-led marketing
Speaking at an industry event, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, raised concerns around the growing misuse of digital advertising channels for frauds and scams
Mobile OOH is on the rise, with brands using creative vehicle and fleet activations to combine outdoor advertising with experiential, attention-grabbing formats
From MI’s two-day festival The MIX to CSK’s AR Rahman concert and RCB’s Unbox, teams are expanding pre-season activations into large-scale entertainment formats
From brand safety to budget strategy, marketers navigate a new reality where global uncertainty shapes campaigns as much as consumer data
Industry sources say the impact will be reflected in the system gradually on account of existing inventory buffers, but multiple cost pressures are signalling an upward movement in the commodity cycle
Ellen Griffin most recently served as the agency’s President, Global Chief Operating Officer
Tony Harradine, CEO of Omnicom Media, APAC, talks to Neeta Nair about leadership picks after merger with IPG, plans to manage client conflicts, retain all six media networks, and leverage scale
Guest Column: Yatnesh Pandey, VP-Marketing, GreenPly Industries, explains how growth is no longer driven by awareness alone but depends on efficient processes across verticals
Industry leaders say AI is reshaping content creation, but success will hinge on balancing scale with audience trust
Once an occasional beach purchase, it is now an everyday skincare essential, with brands competing for consumer trust. Industry experts note a shift toward substantiated claims amid rising scrutiny
As programmatic buying expands, advertisers increasingly demand transparency, triggering shifts across the ecosystem for agencies, ad-tech platforms and publishers
Marketers note brands are integrating touchpoints to ensure consumers get the right message at the right stage of decision-making; multiple channels orchestrate discovery, evaluation and purchase
Guest Column: L V Krishnan, CEO, TAM Media Research, writes to CVL Srinivas on his 3-decade journey with WPP and on his 60th birthday
With shipments disrupted, rupee weakened and retail inflation rising, brands across FMCG, fashion, beauty, jewellery and hospitality to reassess marketing budgets
Anoop Manohar, Chief Marketing Officer, Axis Bank, shares that digital accounts for over 50% of Axis Bank’s marketing mix and is also working on influencer collabs
The sector’s strong finish in 2025, with a Rs 13,500-crore box office, underpins the momentum, say industry players
As Karnataka moves to restrict social media access for under-16 users, gaming companies are beginning to reassess how the next generation of players will discover and engage with gaming platforms
From McAloo Tikki to Formula 1, this week's best campaigns prove great ideas come in every shape