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The Economic Times

Google offered to sell part of ad tech business, not enough for EU publishers

Google's offer to sell its AdX advertising marketplace to end an EU antitrust investigation was rejected by European publishers as insufficient. The EU may order Google to stop anti-competitive practices instead of divesting assets for now. Google's ad tech business is under scrutiny after a complaint from the European Publishers Council.

The Economic Times

Google offered to sell advertising marketplace AdX in EU antitrust probe

The European Commission last year charged Google with favouring its own advertising services, opening its fourth case against the world's most popular search engine and targeting a highly lucrative business.

The Economic Times

Google urges tribunal to throw out $9.3 billion UK lawsuit over search 'dominance'

The lawsuit - valued at up to 7 billion pounds ($9.3 billion) - is the latest case focusing on the business practices of Google, which is currently facing a major antitrust trial in the United States over its online advertising business.

The Economic Times

Meta faces hefty EU antitrust fine over classified ads practices: report

Meta Platforms Inc is set to face a significant fine from the EU over allegations of trying to dominate the classified advertising market. The EU claims Meta links its free Marketplace services with Facebook to undermine competitors. A decision could be announced next month, marking one of the last investigations by competition chief Margrethe Vestager.

The Economic Times

YouTube CEO says Google faces plenty of ad tech competition

Mohan's testimony kicked off the second week of a trial over the Justice Department's allegations that Google has a monopoly on the advertising technology market. Mohan, who joined Google as part of its acquisition of advertising software company DoubleClick in 2008, said the search giant faced ample competition in the ad tech market.

The Economic Times

Hyperlocal news startup Way2News raises $14 million in funding from existing backer WestBridge, others

Way2News, a hyperlocal news platform, has raised $14 million in funding led by WestBridge Capital. The funds will help expand its presence in South Indian states like Karnataka and Kerala. Founded in 2015, Way2News provides real-time news in eight languages and generates revenue through local advertising.

Mint

PVR Inox stock rises 3% after Anand Rathi raises target price, sees 25% upside

The brokerage anticipates a sequential improvement in the second quarter of fiscal 2025 following a lackluster first quarter, driven by enhanced advertising revenue, which has been trailing behind pre-COVID levels.

The Economic Times

ISA launches media charter to enhance transparency in digital ad ecosystem

The Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) has launched the ISA Media Charter to enhance transparency, security, and collaboration in India's digital advertising ecosystem. The initiative includes four playbooks on brand safety, viewability, ad fraud, and first-party data. Key stakeholders attended the launch event, which featured a panel discussion on leveraging consumer data responsibly.

The Economic Times

Balaji Telefilms invests ₹795 cr in its OTT Arm

Balaji Telefilms has invested Rs 795 crore in its OTT subsidiary ALT Digital Media Entertainment, which operates the ALTT streaming platform. The company also provided loans totaling Rs 103 crore. ALT Digital has reduced its EBITDA losses and ventured into advertising. Balaji Telefilms reported a 6% revenue increase for 2023-24, with net profit reaching Rs 19 crore.

Business Standard

InMobi raises $100 mn debt financing from MARS Growth Capital: CEO Tewari

Softbank-backed consumer technology company InMobi on Wednesday said it has raised USD 100 million debt financing from MARS Growth Capital, a joint venture between MUFG and Liquidity Group. InMobi has plans to list in India and has started the necessary process. The company plans to use the funds for the development and deployment of InMobi's artificial intelligence (AI) technology and for potential AI-focused acquisitions. "We are pleased to have the confidence and funding from MARS Growth Capital to further accelerate our growth trajectory," Naveen Tewari, CEO of InMobi said. He said AI is the bedrock of both InMobi's consumer and enterprise businesses. "We are using it to power the revolutionary lock screen experiences and InMobi Advertising's platforms. We are reimagining how ads can be made truly native by driving superior engagement and outcomes for consumers, advertisers and publishers," Tewari said. MARS Growth Capital invests in future-ready AI platforms in Asia Pacific

The Economic Times

InMobi raises $100 million debt funding from Mars Growth Capital

"We are using it to power the revolutionary lock screen experiences and InMobi Advertising's platforms. We are reimagining how ads can be made truly native by driving superior engagement and outcomes for consumers, advertisers and publishers," Tewari said.

Hindustan Times

Google's antitrust trial over online advertising set to begin

The case is important for efforts by US antitrust enforcers to challenge Big Tech monopolies, spanning the administrations of both Donald Trump and Joe Biden

The Economic Times

Big TV shows look to rake in the moolah in festive season

Bigg Boss and Kaun Banega Crorepati are set to see increased viewership and advertising revenue during the festive season due to the absence of major cricket tournaments. This shift is expected to generate up to ₹1,000 crore in advertising revenue, with brands showing significant interest in these high-impact TV shows.

The Economic Times

Dentsu looks to step up India play with tech, AI acquisitions

Japanese advertising giant Dentsu views India as crucial for its revenue potential and contributions to technology and innovation. The company is considering acquisitions in AI and tech sectors to support its growth strategy. Dentsu aims to leverage India's tech and creative talent, employing around 10,000 people in the country.

The Economic Times

Almost all our advertisers in India using products powered by AI: Meta Exec Nicola Mendelsohn

Meta AI is experiencing significant growth in India, with high engagement across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Vice President Nicola Mendelsohn highlights the innovative use of AI in these platforms, particularly with Reels and WhatsApp's business applications. India leads in adopting Meta's large language model, LLaMA, and businesses are seeing substantial returns on AI-powered advertising investments.

Mint

UK antitrust regulator says Google abusing pole position in advertising technology, warns of stern action

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority said Google's move to prioritise its own services came at the cost of potentially causing harm to thousands of UK publishers and advertisers.

The Economic Times

Swiggy operating revenue jumps 36% in FY24, losses down 44%

According to the food and grocery delivery company, the rise in revenue is driven by higher commissions and advertising fees, user fees, and incremental revenue from ticket sales for events. Integrating Dineout with the Swiggy app also helped.

Business Line

ASCI appoints Partha Sinha as new Chairman

Self-regulation is one of the best best possible ways to protect consumer interests and ASCI is committed to encouraging responsible and ethical advertising: Sinha

The Economic Times

Tech market values fall on AI costs and recession fears

Last month, Alphabet Inc's lost 4.7% of its market value as a slowdown in YouTube's advertising sales fuelled concerns about its earnings. A US judge's ruling that Google had violated antitrust laws and the emergence of new competition from OpenAI, which is developing an AI-based search engine prototype, also contributed to its shares' decline.

The Economic Times

What were CCI's concerns over Disney-Reliance deal

Walt Disney Co and Reliance Industries have received approval from the Competition Commission of India for their $8.5 billion merger of Indian media assets. The approval came after concessions related to their control of cricket broadcasting rights, amid concerns of reduced competition in the sports TV and advertising markets.

The Economic Times

Invidi partners Hathway, DEN to introduce targeted advertising on digital cable

Invidi Technologies partners with Hathway Digital and DEN Networks in India to introduce advanced targeted advertisement solutions for digital cable TV. Leveraging cutting-edge ad tech, this strategic alliance will deliver highly targeted ads to diverse audiences, enhancing relevance and effectiveness. Addressable TV advertising allows for precise targeting based on viewer demographics, interests, and behaviors, improving engagement and maximizing ROI for advertisers.

The Economic Times

Jio spent least on dealer commissions, branding in FY24

The telecom market leader spent 3% of its FY24 sales on dealer commissions as against Bharti Airtel’s 4% and Vodafone Idea’s 8.4%. Jio also benefited from group company Reliance Retail’s infrastructure and in-house media properties for advertising, analysts said.

The Economic Times

Retailers association urges Delhi government to reduce signage fee in the city

The Retailers Association of India asked the Delhi government to reconsider high signage fees that burden small and medium retailers. These costs, significantly higher than in other cities, hinder retailers from attracting customers. Lower fees would help businesses thrive and improve compliance with the local advertising policy.

The Economic Times

Bigg Boss emerges as 'big entertainer' for brands in Southern India

Bigg Boss: A recent study by Unomer Technologies highlighted the significant impact of advertising on Bigg Boss Tamil and Malayalam for India Inc. Brands saw a 57% increase in top-of-mind awareness, 26% in consideration, and 33% in purchase intent among regular viewers. The show attracted 50 sponsors and 200 advertisers, accumulating 150 billion minutes of viewership and reaching 170 million viewers.

Business Standard

Dish TV Q1 results: Net loss at Rs 1.56 cr on decline in revenue

Dish TV India on Tuesday reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 1.56 crore for June quarter 2024-25 impacted by a decline in subscription revenue. The direct-to-home firm had reported a net profit of Rs 20.54 crore in April-June FY24, according to a regulatory filing from Dish TV. Revenue from operation was down to Rs 455.29 crore from Rs 500.16 crore. Total expenses declined 2.71 per cent to Rs 462.56 crore. The expenses include cost of goods and services, personnel cost and other expenses. In the June quarter, Dish TV's subscription revenues were at Rs 306.2 crore as against Rs 397.4 crore in the corresponding period a year ago. However, advertising revenue was up 7.2 per cent to Rs 9.7 crore in the June quarter. Income from marketing and promotional fees also went up by 59.2 per cent to Rs 130.7 crore in the June quarter. Operating revenue was also lower at Rs 455.3 crore as against Rs 500.2 crore a year ago. Dish TV's operating revenue includes subscription revenues, marke

Business Standard

REA India FY24 results: Revenue up 31% at Rs 563 cr on strong demand

PropTech startup REA India, which owns Housing.com platform, clocked a revenue of Rs 563 crore, up 31 per cent in the last fiscal ended June, helped by strong demand of residential properties, its CEO Dhruv Agarwala said. REA India, which is part of Australia's publicly listed firm REA, is a full-stack real estate technology firm and owns two online classified advertisement platforms Housing.com and Makaan.com, as well as housing brokerage firm PropTiger. Commenting on the performance of last fiscal, Agarwala said the company's revenue grew 31 per cent to Rs 563 crore in 2023-24 fiscal (July-June), from Rs 430 crore in the preceding year. He noted that the revenue of advertising platform Housing.com and property brokerage arm PropTiger increased by 25 per cent to 68 million australian dollar (AUD) from AUD 55 million. Its revenue from adjacency products and services like movers & packers by 46 per cent to AUD 35 million from AUD 24 million. Agarwala said the company's losses at ..

The Economic Times

ET Explainer: Behind EU vs Elon Musk fight over blue tick

The European Union accuses Elon Musk's platform X of breaching online content regulations, including misuse of the blue checkmark and lack of transparency in advertising. Both sides engage in a war of words as potential fines and compliance orders loom.

The Economic Times

Preventing misleading claims: Ads for diabetes, oncology drugs may need approval

The government is looking to regulate advertisements for anti-diabetes, sex hormone, and oncology drugs by amending the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. Proposed changes include requiring prior approval for advertising Schedule G drugs. Public feedback is being solicited for the next 45 days.

The Economic Times

BCCI faces directive to stop showing tobacco ads during cricket matches

The Union Health Ministry is set to direct the BCCI to halt hoardings advertising smokeless tobacco at cricket venues, aiming to reduce youth exposure to tobacco products. Concerns have risen over surrogate advertisements featuring tobacco brands during matches, indirectly targeting young spectators. These ads, often endorsed by celebrities, skirt regulations by posing as ads for pan masala or mouth fresheners. The initiative aligns with existing laws prohibiting tobacco promotion in media and aims to curb tobacco-related health risks among India's youth, reflecting broader efforts to enforce stricter advertising regulations.

The Economic Times

Nutrition advocacy NAPi calls for amending regulations for ads of unhealthy foods

Consequences of such advertising are increased intake of unhealthy food products associated with obesity and diabetes, the report said. “India is facing a dubious distinction of persistent under-nutrition among children under five, and a rising trend of obesity and diabetes among grown-ups,” according to the report.

The Economic Times

Govt eases mandate on self-declaration for ads

The ministry now requires self-declaration certificates only for food and health ads, simplifying the process for advertisers. This change, particularly beneficial for digital advertising, precedes a significant July 9 court hearing.

Business Standard

Centre limits self-declaration certificate for ads of food, health sectors

It also announced that the facility for uploading the certificate by advertisers/advertising agencies for TV and radio ads has been made operational on the Broadcast Seva Portal

The Economic Times

India’s T20 cricket world cup victory likely to boost ad revenue

India won the T-20 Cricket World Cup after 13 years, boosting cricket's revenue potential. Disney Star, the official media rights holder, expected $2.2 billion in advertising revenue. The game, blending US-style marketing with Bollywood glamour, saw high ad prices. The tournament, held partly in the US, ended with a dramatic final. Legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from T-20 cricket after the victory.

The Economic Times

Oil India among 10 stocks in focus this week for bonus issues, stock splits, and buybacks

Oil India and Vertoz Advertising, among other companies, are set to be in the spotlight this week as they near their record dates for bonus issues, stock splits, buybacks, and demergers. The record date, determined by each company, determines eligibility for these corporate actions, requiring shares to be held in a Demat account on that date to qualify.

Business Standard

Team India's victory in T20 World Cup likely to boost ad revenues further

Disney Star, this season's official media rights holder of the shortened, fast-paced form of cricket, was expecting to rake in as much as Rs 18,000 crore ($2.2 billion) in advertising from the sport

Business Standard

HDFC Life Insurance gets a tax demand of Rs 1,495 cr from I-T dept

The company had certain marketing and advertising expenses in financials that were considered as admissible expenses incorrectly while calculating the taxable surplus in the policyholder's account

The Economic Times

66% of Indian consumers prefer to pay less in exchange for watching ads: Survey

The survey highlights evolving consumer preferences towards ad-supported streaming services in India, emphasizing the significance of tailored and relevant ad experiences. As consumers gravitate towards personalized ads and mobile streaming platforms, there is a growing need for streaming media companies to adapt their advertising strategies to meet changing consumer demands.

The Economic Times

Self-declaration on ads should be done by June 18: MIB to media

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting meeting with advertising and media bodies ended in a stalemate over the implementation of the self-declaration certificate mandate by June 18, citing a Supreme Court order.