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- Mastercard partners with EVA Live to bring 20+ music shows across Indiaon June 18, 2025
Mastercard is collaborating with EVA Live to host over 20 music events across India. The events will take place between October and December 2025. Global stars like Enrique Iglesias, A.R. Rahman, and DJ Tiesto are scheduled to perform. Mastercard cardholders will get early ticket access and exclusive discounts. This partnership marks Mastercard's entry into performing arts sponsorship in South Asia.
- Transparency is good, but some opaqueness in audience data is essential to protect media value: Zee’s Ashish Sehgalon June 18, 2025
Zee Entertainment's Ashish Sehgal argues that complete transparency in audience measurement could devalue content and shift power to advertisers. He highlights the importance of balancing transparency with the need to sustain a broad content ecosystem, contrasting algorithm-driven platforms with those investing in original storytelling. Zee is adopting an omnichannel approach, focusing on intellectual property and expanding beyond traditional broadcasting.
- Bombay High Court disposes of Sony's plea against TDSAT order in dispute with Tata Playon June 18, 2025
The Bombay High Court has directed Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) to approach the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) regarding its dispute with Tata Play over the renewal of their annual agreement. SPNI had challenged a TDSAT directive to remove social media posts referencing Tata Play.
- Agencies keep creative spark alive at Canneson June 17, 2025
Indian agencies continued their success at the Cannes Festival of Creativity, securing two Silver Lions and one Bronze on Day 2, adding to their previous nine wins. Talented won Silver for 'Avani's Gold,' while VML India earned Silver for Coke Studio Bharat's 'The Girl Who Played the Tutari.' Ogilvy India secured a Bronze for its 'Eye Test Menu' campaign.
- CTV viewership soars, 23% Indians go digital-only, says Kantar's Media Compass Reporton June 17, 2025
Kantar's Media Compass 2025 reveals that while linear TV remains popular with 58% viewership, connected TV is gaining traction with 35 million new viewers, especially among younger, male, and rural audiences. A significant 23% of Indians are now digital-only, highlighting a shift in content consumption patterns and the need for nuanced media strategies across platforms to effectively reach diverse demographics.
- Pocket Entertainment elevates Umesh Bude to CTOon June 17, 2025
Pocket Entertainment has promoted Umesh Bude to Chief Technology Officer, recognizing his pivotal role in shaping the company's technological vision. Bude will spearhead AI-driven storytelling and enhance user engagement across platforms like Pocket FM and Pocket Toons. His focus includes advancing generative AI capabilities and ensuring cutting-edge tech solutions, solidifying Pocket Entertainment's position in AI-powered entertainment.
- Tata Play, ZEEL expand addressable TV ads with precision targeting on Zee Cinemaon June 17, 2025
Tata Play is expanding its addressable advertising by partnering with ZEE Entertainment, enabling targeted campaigns on Zee Cinema SD in India's top eight metro cities. This initiative allows brands to deliver customized ads to premium households, combining TV's broad reach with digital precision. Reaching 8.
- Sony Pictures sharpens India focus amid M&E shake-upon June 17, 2025
Sony Pictures Entertainment is increasing its investment in the Indian media and entertainment sector, driven by economic and population growth. Following a failed merger with Zee Entertainment, SPNI is focusing on strengthening content production, digital platforms like SonyLIV, and distribution partnerships under new leadership. Recent investments include cricket rights and a revamp of Sony Entertainment Television's programming to boost viewership.
- Ravi Krishnan aims to blend sport, culture & commerce with new venture Abler Sports & Entertainmenton June 16, 2025
Ravi Krishnan launches Abler Sports & Entertainment. The company focuses on sports and entertainment. It emphasizes intellectual property and data. The goal is to enhance fan engagement. Abler Sports aims to boost revenue for rights holders. It also supports brands expanding globally. The company sees growth in women's sports. It blends sports with culture for broader appeal.
- India opens Cannes 2025 with 8 Lions, led by FCB's Gold for Indian Railwayson June 16, 2025
India opened strong at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity 2025, securing one Gold, four Silver, and three Bronze Lions on Day 1. FCB India led the tally with a Gold and Bronze for its 'Lucky Yatra' campaign for Indian Railways, along with a Silver for Too Yumm! in the Outdoor category. The 'Lucky Yatra' is also India's only entry shortlisted for the prestigious Titanium Lions.
- Warner Bros. Pictures, Bhanushali Studios Limited and JOAT Films announce a five-film strategic partnershipon June 16, 2025
Warner Bros. Pictures, Bhanushali Studios Limited, and JOAT Films collaborate. They will develop Indian adaptations of iconic Warner Bros. movies. The partnership aims to blend global storytelling with Indian culture. Warner Bros. Pictures will handle global distribution. Vinod Bhanushali and Jack Nguyen express excitement about the collaboration. The first title is currently under development.
- Bollywood turns cold on new directors: Fewer debut filmmakers in theatreson June 15, 2025
Hindi film producers are increasingly hesitant to invest in debut filmmakers due to box-office unpredictability and a preference for proven formulas. The number of first-time directors has declined, even as the total number of film releases has increased.
- IPL 2025 final draws 169 million TV viewerson June 13, 2025
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru versus Punjab Kings IPL final broke viewership records. 169 million Indians watched on TV. This surpassed the India versus Pakistan 2021 T20 World Cup match. RCB won their first title in 18 years. The match recorded high TV ratings. The tournament faced a brief suspension due to the India-Pakistan conflict.
- Airtel Digital TV removing Zee channels from base packs over price hikeon June 12, 2025
Airtel Digital TV is removing Zee Entertainment channels from its packages due to a recent price hike, mirroring a similar dispute between Sony and Tata Play. Airtel will adjust pack prices and offer Zee channels on an a la carte basis. This move comes as DTH operators resist price increases amid declining pay-TV subscribers and rising competition from OTT platforms.
- OTT platforms script new strategies to cut costson June 11, 2025
India’s OTT platforms—including Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, and ZEE5—are adopting cost benchmarking practices to manage rising content production expenses and improve profitability. Consultancy firms like EY, PwC, and Deloitte are helping these platforms establish cost reference points across projects.
- NCLAT declines to stay CCI order against UFO Moviez, Qube Cinemaon June 11, 2025
The NCLAT has upheld a CCI order penalizing UFO Moviez India and Qube Cinema Technologies for anti-competitive practices related to digital cinema equipment supply. The tribunal dismissed their plea for a stay, citing the CCI's findings and directing them to deposit 25% of the penalty.
- Appetite for global cinema growing in India, want to bring every genre: PVR Inox's Aamer Bijlion June 11, 2025
PVR Inox is strategically expanding its reach into international cinema, aiming to cater to India's diverse film tastes. Starting with "Ballerina," the company plans to distribute major Hollywood titles and indie films from studios like Lionsgate and A24.
- ZEE5 aims to slash operating losses by up to 60% in FY26on June 10, 2025
ZEE5, aiming for profitability, plans to slash operating losses by 50-60% in FY26, according to Amit Goenka. After reducing losses significantly in FY25, ZEE5 will focus on cost control and quality content, launching 100 titles with regional language focus. Despite competition from streaming giants, ZEE5's revenue grew by 6% in FY25.
- Sony Pictures Networks India moves Bombay HC to challenge appellate tribunal stay on Tata Play disconnectionon June 10, 2025
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has challenged a TDSAT order in the Bombay High Court, which restrained SPNI from disconnecting Tata Play over a subscription fee dispute. The court has issued notices to TDSAT and Tata Play, scheduling further hearings. SPNI seeks a fee hike, while Tata Play resists, citing declining viewership and already substantial payments made.
- Former JioStar executive Ferzad Palia joins upGrad as CEO-D2C businesson June 10, 2025
upGrad has appointed media and tech veteran Ferzad Palia to lead its newly launched Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) business, marking a strategic expansion into mass-market, on-demand digital learning. Palia, formerly of JioCinema and Viacom18, will focus on building a scalable, AI-powered micro-learning ecosystem to cater to India’s next-gen learners.
- Sharp decline in pay-TV subscriptions leads to 577,000 job losses: Studyon June 9, 2025
India's cable television industry is facing a significant downturn, with an estimated 577,000 job losses projected between 2018 and 2025. This decline is attributed to a shrinking pay-TV subscriber base, dropping from 151 million in 2018 to a projected 71-81 million by 2030, fueled by rising channel costs, OTT competition, and free services.
- Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas appoints former Disney executive Mihir Rale as Partner, Co-Head of Digital/ TMTon June 9, 2025
Mihir Rale, former Disney and Star India General Counsel, has joined Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas as a Partner and Co-Head of the Digital | TMT practice. Based in Mumbai, he brings over two decades of expertise in technology, data, and media.
- Southern films struggle in Hindi: Poor marketing, weak stories to blameon June 8, 2025
Hindi dubbed southern films are not performing well. 'Thug Life' and other films failed to impress Hindi audiences. Experts cite poor marketing and short theatrical windows. They also mention a lack of universal stories. 'Pushpa 2' is an exception due to its entertainment value. The earlier euphoria around southern cinema has waned. Only Malayalam cinema remains relatively stable.
- Sony Music India, The Hello Group form JV to expand global touring for Indian artistson June 7, 2025
Sony Music India and The Hello Group (THG) have partnered to launch THG India, aiming to elevate Indian artists in the global live music arena. This joint venture combines Sony Music India's local expertise with THG's international network, offering comprehensive services like artist management, event booking, and publishing support.
- Netflix, Balaji Telefilms ink multi-year content dealon June 7, 2025
Netflix and Balaji Telefilms are joining forces. They will develop diverse projects across various formats. This collaboration includes an untitled series already in progress. Balaji Telefilms will handle the production. They have previously collaborated on titles like Kathal and Jaane Jaan. This partnership aims to deliver unique, culturally rich stories to a global audience.
- IPL 18: High viewership numbers defy mid-tournament pauseon June 4, 2025
IPL 18 reaffirmed its global popularity, drawing massive viewership despite a week-long suspension. Royal Challengers Bengaluru's maiden victory marked a shift in the league's landscape, while JioStar reported substantial viewership across TV and digital platforms.
- Thinkink Picturez appoints Chetan Chauhan as CEO to spearhead regional expansionon June 4, 2025
Thinkink Picturez has appointed Chetan Chauhan as its new CEO to spearhead its expansion into regional cinema. Chauhan brings nearly three decades of media and entertainment experience from prominent groups like The Times of India and Reliance.
- Hurun India list: This 26-year-old with 5.5 million followers is India’s most followed woman influencer-founderon June 4, 2025
Mrunal Panchal is the top woman influencer-founder in India. The 2025 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List reveals this. Diipa Khosla is second, followed by Diksha Arora and Dolly Jain. Neha Nagar, Richa Gangani, and Ishita Saluja also feature. Masoom Minawala, Rachana Ranade, and Himani Chowdhary are also on the list. The list celebrates Indian women transforming industries.
- Zakir Khan’s 60-city comedy tour sets new benchmark for live entertainment in Indiaon June 4, 2025
Comedian Zakir Khan is set to launch India’s largest-ever stand-up comedy tour, covering over 60 cities and reaching more than 160,000 fans, in partnership with TribeVibe Entertainment (a BookMyShow company) and Only Much Louder (OML).
- FDI tunes into media: Q4 funding doubles with big bets on news, OTT, and football flairon June 3, 2025
The Information and Broadcasting sector in India saw fluctuating Foreign Direct Investment. It almost doubled in the fourth quarter of fiscal year twenty-five. However, overall FDI decreased by fourteen percent for the entire year. Inshorts India Advertising received a significant fund infusion. Balaji Telefilms also got FDI from various investors. Mumbai City FC received investment from City Football Group.
- FanCode secures exclusive streaming rights for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 and U21 Championship in Indiaon June 3, 2025
FanCode has secured exclusive rights to broadcast the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 and the U21 Men’s Championship 2025 in India. Starting this summer, Indian fans can stream both tournaments live on FanCode. The Women’s EURO, featuring stars like Alexia Putellas, runs from July 2-27.
- ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’ crosses ₹54 crore at box office, gains momentum in second weekon June 1, 2025
Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi’s Bhool Chuk Maaf has quietly become a box office success, crossing ₹54 crore nett in India. The romantic time-loop drama, set in Banaras, has gained strong word-of-mouth after an initially modest start. Directed by Karan Sharma and produced by Maddock Films, the film earned praise for its unique storyline and engaging second half. With growing occupancy and a sharp rise in collections over the second weekend, the film's theatrical gamble after an OTT plan has clearly paid off.
- Music royalty kitty crosses Rs 700 crore in 2024 on boost from streamingon May 30, 2025
India's music royalty collections surged to over ₹700 crore in 2024, marking a 42% year-on-year increase and a fourfold growth in five years, primarily fueled by streaming revenue. This growth elevated India's global ranking in creators' collections to 23rd in 2023.
- SC verdict may hike tax burden on OTT platforms, gaming appson May 30, 2025
A Supreme Court ruling on dual taxation for TV broadcasters may extend to OTT platforms and gaming apps, potentially increasing their tax burden. The judgment allows both the Centre and states to tax different aspects of broadcasting, creating uncertainty and potentially decentralizing tax collection. Experts fear this could lead to states reintroducing entertainment taxes, challenging the GST framework.
- WPP replaces GroupM with AI-powered WPP Mediaon May 28, 2025
WPP has launched WPP Media, replacing GroupM, to provide integrated, AI-driven solutions for marketers. Managing over $60 billion in media investment, WPP Media aims to unify media, data, and production strategies through WPP Open, its AI-enabled marketing system. This strategic shift focuses on personalization at scale and future-focused learning to equip employees for the AI era.
- JioHotstar claims majority of India’s top OTT titles in March: Nielsenon May 28, 2025
JioHotstar dominated India's OTT landscape in March 2025, capturing a significant share of viewership, according to Nielsen. Netflix secured the second position, while other platforms had a smaller presence. The report highlights viewer preferences across films, original series, and non-original shows, with JioHotstar leading in films and MX Player topping the original series category.
- Hollywood films breathe fresh life into Indian box officeon May 28, 2025
Hollywood has revitalized the Indian box office after a slow period, with films like Mission Impossible, Final Destination, and Lilo & Stitch collectively earning Rs 124.79 crore. While the success of these blockbusters is being attributed to loyal fan bases, compelling scripts, and the appeal of final chapters; Bollywood's performance continues to remain disappointing.
- Intelsat gets govt nod for direct satellite broadcast services in Indiaon May 27, 2025
Intelsat, a US-based satellite operator, has secured Indian government approval to directly provide satellite coverage to domestic media organizations. This authorization from IN-SPACe allows Intelsat to operate four geostationary satellites, enhancing content delivery within India and internationally. The move has already led to new business from three major Indian media companies, expanding Intelsat's presence in the region.
- TDSAT restrains Sony from disconnecting signals to Tata Play; directs interim payment of Rs 40 croreon May 27, 2025
TDSAT has blocked SPNI from disconnecting Tata Play, ordering the DTH operator to pay Rs 40 crore as part payment against SPNI's claimed dues of Rs 128 crore. The tribunal urged both parties to reconcile their disputes, addressing commercial disagreements over subscription renewal amid declining viewership and financial losses reported by Tata Play.
- TDSAT stays Sony's disconnection notice to Tata Play, directs service provider to make interim payment of Rs 40 croreon May 27, 2025
Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal intervened in the Tata Play and Sony Pictures Networks India case. Tribunal directed Sony not to disconnect Tata Play services. Tata Play has been instructed to pay Rupees 40 crore to Sony as part payment. This payment addresses Sony's claimed dues of Rupees 128 crore.
- Sony sub-licenses India-England series digital rights to JioHotstaron May 26, 2025
JioStar and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) have partnered to broadcast India's 2025-26 cricket tours of England. JioStar secures exclusive digital streaming rights for JioHotstar, while SPNI retains TV rights via Sony Entertainment Television. This collaboration aims to broaden cricket coverage accessibility, reflecting a growing trend of shared distribution strategies in sports broadcasting.
- Cricket gets a double screen deal: JioHotstar, Sony team up to deliver India's 2025-2026 England tourson May 26, 2025
Great news for cricket lovers. JioStar and Sony will broadcast India's England tours. The partnership covers both digital and television platforms. JioStar will stream matches on JioHotstar. Sony will broadcast on Sony Sports Network. The highlight is the five-match Test series in June 2025. A white-ball tour in 2026 is also included.
- Music labels seek new track as streaming hits paywallon May 25, 2025
Indian music labels are experiencing slower revenue growth due to a structural shift in the audio streaming ecosystem. Several platforms have shut down or moved to subscription models, impacting ad-supported revenue. While this transition causes short-term disruptions, industry executives view the shift towards paid subscriptions as a positive sign for long-term, sustainable growth, mirroring global trends.
- Non-film income, vulnerable producers and the challenges in making a good Hindi filmon May 25, 2025
The Hindi film industry faces a crisis as actors' high non-film income leads to complacency and a lack of creative collaboration. Producers struggle to fund films due to actors' reluctance to reduce fees, impacting film quality. Industry observers suggest actors should align their financial interests with film success, like Shahrukh Khan, to ensure commitment and improve the industry's overall health.
- What we watch shapes how and where we travel: How set-jetting turns watchlists into bucket listson May 25, 2025
Bollywood's influence on Indian travel is evolving, with 'set-jetting' now a major trend, especially among younger generations. Fueled by streaming platforms, destinations featured in shows like 'The White Lotus' and 'Emily in Paris' are seeing a surge in bookings.
- SC stays Rs 5,712-crore GST notice for Paytm-owned First Gameson May 24, 2025
The Supreme Court has put a hold on a Rs 5,712-crore GST notice issued to First Games, a real money gaming platform owned by One97 Communications. This decision follows a writ petition filed by First Games challenging the notice.
- Tata Play powers launch of Philippines' OTT aggregator app Cignal Superon May 23, 2025
Cignal Super, powered by Tata Play Binge, has officially launched in the Philippines, integrating eight entertainment platforms under one subscription. This collaboration provides Filipino viewers with seamless access to content from MAX, VIU, and others through a unified interface. Tata Play Binge's PaaS model enables Cignal to revolutionize entertainment experiences, marking a significant step in Cignal's evolution.
- Tata Play net loss surges 44% to Rs 510 crore in FY25on May 23, 2025
Tata Play's net loss widened to Rs 510 crore in 2024-25, accompanied by a revenue decline due to a shrinking subscriber base facing competition from DD Free Dish and OTT platforms. Merger talks with Bharti Airtel collapsed, while the company invests in broadband and OTT services to offset DTH losses.
- Broadcasters have to pay both service, luxury taxes: Supreme Courton May 22, 2025
The Supreme Court affirmed that broadcasters are responsible for paying both service tax and entertainment tax on broadcasting activities. This ruling clarifies that both Parliament and state legislatures possess the authority to impose these taxes. The court emphasised that these taxes represent distinct aspects of the same activity, enabling different legislatures to levy taxes under separate entries in different lists.
- Meet The Drapers Season 7: The Future of Entrepreneurship Unfolds in Silicon Valleyon May 22, 2025