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  • AUV Innovations expands Zee Media Holdings to 6.23%

    AUV Innovations expands Zee Media Holdings to 6.23%

    Zee Media Corporation (ZMCL) share price rose almost 2 pecent in intra-day deals on Tuesday, September 9 after the company’s promoter entity (Auv Innovations LLP) acquired a 0.8% stake in the company, thereby boosting investor confidence and sentiment.

    The stock has been witnessing strong buying interest as the company’s promoter entity, Auv Innovations LLP, acquired a 0.8 percent stake (50 lakh shares) on September 5 through open market transactions. The shares were purchased at ₹12.37 per share in a block deal from Miloeux Media & Entertainment. This promoter activity has boosted investor confidence in the counter, particularly as the company has recently reported encouraging financial results.

    With this purchase, AUV Innovations increased its stake in Zee Media Corporation from 3,39,84,375 shares (5.43% of total shareholding) to 3,89,84,375 shares (6.23% of total shareholding). Currently AUV holds shares in the firm worth ₹6,18,74,282.00.

    Late last month, on August 21, AUV Innovations LLP had also announced the acquisition of 1,00,00,000 equity shares of Zee Media Corporation making its shareholding in the firm over 5 percent.

    Zee Media Q1 Results
    Zee Media reported a net loss of ₹8.81 crore in Q1 FY26, an improvement from the ₹10.38 crore loss posted in Q1 FY25. Revenue from operations grew 3.63 percent to ₹182.36 crore compared to ₹175.96 crore a year ago, while total income increased 3.24 percent to ₹183.11 crore from ₹177.35 crore. The company also saw its expenses decline to ₹194.55 crore from ₹199.30 crore in the same period last year.

    ZMCL, a pioneer in the Indian mass media industry, operates the country’s largest news network. Incorporated on August 27, 1999, the company is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

    Zee Media Stock Performance
    The stock rose as much as 1.8 percent n intra-day deals to ₹12.60. It is now over 52 percent away from its 52-week high of ₹26.29, hit in October 2024. Meanwhile, it touched its 52-week low of ₹10.60 in April 2025.

    In the last 1 year, the stock has lost 5 percent while it is down 13 percent in the last 6 months and 9 percent in the last 3 months. LiveMint

  • Red sea subsea cables damaged, commercial ships suspected

    Red sea subsea cables damaged, commercial ships suspected

    A ship likely cut cables in the Red Sea that disrupted internet access in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, experts said Tuesday, showing the lines’ vulnerability over a year after another incident severed them.

    The International Cable Protection Committee told The Associated Press that 15 submarine cables pass through the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the southern mouth of the Red Sea that separates East Africa from the Arabian Peninsula.

    Over the weekend, authorities in multiple countries identified the cables affected as the South East Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 4, the India-Middle East-Western Europe and the FALCON GCX cables. On Tuesday, that list expanded to include the Europe India Gateway cable as well, said Doug Madory, director of internet analysis at the firm Kentik.

    Initial reporting suggested the cut happened off the coast of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, something authorities in the kingdom have not acknowledged, nor have the companies managing the cables.

    “Early independent analysis indicates that the probable cause of damage is commercial shipping activity in the region,” John Wrottesley, the committee’s operations manager, told the AP. “Damage to submarine cables from dragged anchors account for approximately 30% of incidents each year representing around 60 faults.”

    Madory also told the AP that the working assumption was a commercial vessel dropped its anchor and dragged it across the four cables, severing the connections. Cabling in the Red Sea can be at a shallow depth, making it easier for an anchor drag to affect them.

    Undersea cables are one of the backbones of the internet, along with satellite connections and land-based cables. Typically, internet service providers have multiple access points and reroute traffic if one fails.

    However, rerouting traffic can cause latency, or lag, for internet users. Madory said it appeared at least 10 nations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East had been affected by the cable cut. Among those nations were India, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

    “Nobody’s completely offline, but each provider has lost a subset of their international transit,” Madory said. “So if you imagine this is like an equivalent to plumbing and you lose some volume of water coming down the pipes … and now you just have less volumes to carry the traffic.”

    Cable security also has been a concern amid attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on ships over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. In early 2024, Yemen’s internationally recognized government in exile alleged that the Houthis planned to attack undersea cables. Several later were cut, possibly by a ship attacked by the Houthis dragging its anchor, but the rebels denied being responsible. AP

  • SpaceX to launch Telecom Satellite from Florida

    SpaceX to launch Telecom Satellite from Florida

    SpaceX on Tuesday night will again attempt to launch a telecommunications satellite from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

    After several delays, the launch attempt on Monday night was ultimately scrubbed.

    Instead, a backup opportunity is available Tuesday with a 116-minute window opening at 8:01 p.m.

    According to Florida Today, a Falcon 9 rocket will deploy an Indonesian telecommunications satellite in geosynchronous transfer orbit. The satellite, built by Boeing, will operate for Indonesia’s first satellite-based private telecommunications company.

    This will be the 23rd flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously supported Crew-6, SES O3b mPOWER-b, USSF-124, BlueBird 1-5, and 18 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

    News 6 will stream the launch live at the top of this story. ClickOrlando

  • Up invites Taiwan to boost semiconductor and data centre growth

    Up invites Taiwan to boost semiconductor and data centre growth

    In a bid to attract investments and position Uttar Pradesh as a preferred global investment destination, a high-level meeting was convened today at the Invest UP office to forge strategic partnerships with Taiwan.

    The session aimed to unlock new opportunities in semiconductors, data centres, and advanced technology sectors.

    Chaired by Vijay Kiran Anand, CEO, Invest UP, the meeting witnessed participation from senior global industry leaders and Taiwan experts, including Suresh Chandra (Director, STQC), Suresh Kumar Tulluri (CEO, Supermicro), Sanjeev Mehta (Co-founder & Global CEO, Akashaverse), and Prof Nachiket Tiwari (IIT Kanpur), among others.

    Discussions focused on exploring joint ventures, investment opportunities, and long-term collaborations between Taiwan and Uttar Pradesh. Recognising Taiwan’s global leadership in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing and Uttar Pradesh’s growing potential in data-driven sectors, both sides deliberated on collaborative models to leverage mutual strengths.

    To build on this momentum, Invest UP has established a dedicated Taiwan Desk to facilitate new projects and streamline investor support under progressive flagship policies such as the ‘UP FDI/FCI & Fortune Global-500 and Fortune India-500 Investment Promotion Policy 2023’. A delegation from Uttar Pradesh will soon visit Taiwan to further deepen engagement and promote trade and investment ties.

    During the meeting, Uttar Pradesh’s competitive advantages for high-technology industries were highlighted—particularly its potential as a hub for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Cities such as Noida, Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur, and other Tier-2 locations offer ample commercial space suitable for GCC setups. The CEO of Invest UP emphasised the state’s reliable electricity and water supply, abundant talent pool, and proactive policy support, making it one of the most cost-effective and scalable destinations for data centre operations in Asia.

    Participants acknowledged Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as India’s leading GCC hub, driven by strong infrastructure, simplified Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) practices, and game-changing projects like the Noida International Airport. Discussions highlighted high-potential sectors—semiconductors, bioplastics, defence, aerospace, and advanced technologies—supported by over 34+ sector-specific policies and tailored investment packages. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to long-term collaboration, positioning Uttar Pradesh and Taiwan as strategic partners in industrial growth and global innovation. The Statesman

  • New Russian cancer vaccine shows complete efficacy in trials

    New Russian cancer vaccine shows complete efficacy in trials

    In what could mark a turning point in cancer care, Russia has unveiled EnteroMix, a new vaccine reported to show 100 per cent efficacy in early clinical trials.

    Built on technology similar to Covid-19 mRNA vaccines, EnteroMix is said to shrink aggressive tumours, slow their growth, and do so without the harsh side effects of chemotherapy or radiation. Russian health officials claim the shot is safe for repeated use and can be customised to a patient’s individual RNA. The first version targets colorectal cancer, with others in development for glioblastoma and melanoma.

    What does Russia say about the vaccine’s safety and impact?
    “The Russian EnteroMix cancer vaccine is now ready for clinical use,” the Russian Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA) announced.

    FMBA head Veronica Skvortsova said the mRNA-based vaccine had successfully passed preclinical trials, demonstrating both safety and high effectiveness. It showed significant results in shrinking tumours and slowing growth, and was found safe for repeated use. The vaccine will be tailored to each patient’s RNA, making it a fully personalised therapy.

    Skvortsova added that while colorectal cancer is the initial focus, versions are also being developed for glioblastoma—a highly aggressive brain tumour—and specific forms of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

    The announcement was made via Sputnik, a global wire and digital news service, in a post on X.

    Who developed the EnteroMix cancer vaccine?
    The oncolytic vaccine was developed by the Ministry of Health’s National Medical Research Radiology Centre (NMRRC) in collaboration with the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology under the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    Its public launch took place at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025), where Russia highlighted its latest medical research and biotech breakthroughs.

    How does the vaccine work?
    According to reports, EnteroMix uses a combination of four harmless viruses to target and destroy cancer cells while simultaneously activating the body’s immune defences.

    Following years of preclinical testing, the vaccine has shown the ability to slow tumour progression and, in some cases, eliminate tumours entirely. Phase-1 clinical trials began in June 2025, enrolling 48 volunteers.

    What’s next for EnteroMix?
    With the Phase-1 trial complete and early results described as highly promising, the next step is regulatory clearance. If approved, EnteroMix could become the world’s first personalised cancer vaccine of its kind—delivering a tailored immune response for each patient and potentially reshaping global cancer treatment strategies.

    What are mRNA vaccines and how do they work?
    mRNA vaccines are a new class of vaccines that work by using messenger RNA (mRNA) to teach the body’s immune system how to recognise and fight diseases. Unlike traditional vaccines, which rely on weakened or inactivated germs, mRNA vaccines deliver genetic instructions that tell cells to produce a harmless protein found on the surface of a virus. Once the immune system detects this protein, it learns how to defend against the real virus in the future.

    During Covid-19, this technology enabled scientists to rapidly design vaccines that prevented severe illness and death, making it a game-changer in modern medicine. Importantly, mRNA does not alter human DNA, as it never enters the cell’s nucleus and is naturally broken down within days. With proven safety and effectiveness, researchers are now expanding the use of mRNA vaccines to other diseases, including flu and even personalised cancer treatments. Business Standard

  • India-EU Trade: EU demands steep medical device duty cuts

    India-EU Trade: EU demands steep medical device duty cuts

    India and the European Union (EU) on Monday started the next round of negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA), an official said.

    After the 13th round of talks, European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic will visit India on September 12 to take stock of the progress of negotiations with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the official said.

    As there is a deadline to conclude the talks by the end of this year, this round of talks is important.

    The 12th round of talks concluded in Brussels.

    In June 2022, India and the 27-nation EU bloc resumed negotiations for a comprehensive FTA, an investment protection agreement and a pact on geographical indications after a gap of over eight years. It stalled in 2013 due to differences on the level of opening up of the markets.

    On February 28, PM Narendra Modi and the European Commission president agreed to seal a much-awaited free trade deal by the end of this year.

    Besides demanding significant duty cuts in automobiles and medical devices, the EU wants tax reduction in products like wine, spirits, meat, poultry, and a strong intellectual property regime.

    Indian goods’ exports to the EU, such as ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, steel, petroleum products, and electrical machinery, can become more competitive if the pact is concluded successfully.

    The India-EU trade pact negotiations cover 23 policy areas or chapters, including trade in goods, trade in services, investment, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, trade remedies, rules of origin, customs and trade facilitation, competition, trade defence, government procurement, dispute settlement, intellectual property rights, geographical indications, and sustainable development.

    India’s bilateral trade in goods with the EU was USD 136.53 billion in 2024-25 (exports worth USD 75.85 billion and imports worth USD 60.68 billion), making it the largest trading partner for goods.

    The EU market accounts for about 17 per cent of India’s total exports, while the EU’s exports to India make up 9 per cent of its total overseas shipments.

    In addition, the bilateral trade in services, in 2023, between India and the EU was estimated at USD 51.45 billion. PTI

  • PM Modi launches women & child health initiative

    PM Modi launches women & child health initiative

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a special campaign, which aims to strengthen healthcare services for women and children, on September 17.

    As part of the nationwide Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, as many as 75,000 health camps will be organised at all the healthcare facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Community Health Centres (CHCs).

    The special campaign, which is being launched on PM Modi’s birthday, is aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of women and children.

    The campaign will conclude on October 2, the birth anniversary of father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

    Taking it to X, Union Health Minister JP Nadda, said: “This initiative aims to strengthen healthcare services for women and children across India, ensuring better access, quality care, and awareness.”

    These camps will provide essential services specifically designed to address the healthcare needs of women and children, supporting the government’s vision of inclusive healthcare, he said.

    “In addition, Poshan Maah will be observed at all Anganwadis to promote nutrition, health awareness, and overall well-being. Together, these measures aim to build healthier families and empowered communities across the country,” he posted.

    He also appealed to all private hospitals and healthcare stakeholders to come forward and be an integral part of this Jan Bhagidaari Abhiyan.

    “With “India First” as our inspiration, let us strengthen our collective efforts for Viksit Bharat,” he added.

    The special campaign was hailed by various medical organisations and bodies.

    Ameera Shah, President, NATHEALTH, a healthcare federation representing the private sector, and Executive Chairperson, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, said, “The launch of the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan is yet another landmark step to ensure that women and children across the country have access to quality healthcare, better nutrition, and greater awareness.”

    “By strengthening the foundations of family health, this initiative will not only empower women but also build healthier, more resilient communities. Focused attention on antenatal and prenatal care, nutrition, regular health screening, and mental as well as geriatric health will be critical in maximising its impact. By combining better access, nutrition, and awareness, this Abhiyaan has the potential to truly transform community health across India,” she said.

    Welcoming the special campaign, Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), known as FAIMA Doctors Association, requested all the doctors, both private and government, to support the cause.

    “@FAIMA_INDIA_stands in solidarity with the move of @MoHFW_INDIA @JPNaddaJi, for the launch of Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan which is to be launched on Bday of Hon. PM @narendramodiJi & will continue till Gandhi Jayanti,” posted Dr Rohan Krishnan, Chief Patron and former chairman, FAIMA.

    “We are committed towards patients’ welfare and dedicated towards improving the health of every citizen of the country. It is important that state government doctors and private nursing homes in tier 3 & 4 cities and PHC of villages commit towards this.”

    “We also request non-BJP CMs to take part in the initiative as it will help their state. Political differences should be kept aside for noble cause.!!! We once again thank @PMOIndia @MoHFW_INDIA for this thoughtful initiative,” he further posted. The New Indian Express

  • India OTT Trends: Mobile first, CTV on the rise

    India OTT Trends: Mobile first, CTV on the rise

    India’s Over-The-Top (OTT) entertainment sector has witnessed explosive growth over the last decade, driven by improved internet penetration, affordable smartphones, and diverse content offerings. However, a significant characteristic defines this landscape: mobile-first consumption. Even as Connected TVs (CTV) register increased adoption, particularly in urban areas, the majority of users across India continue to access OTT platforms through their smartphones.

    This article explores the current state of OTT in India, the factors behind mobile-first dominance, the gradual rise of CTV, subscription trends, regional content’s influence, and the future outlook for both formats. With millions of viewers in smaller cities and cost-sensitive regions, mobile remains the preferred device for streaming, while premium segments adopt CTV for enhanced viewing experiences.

    India’s OTT Market at a Glance
    According to TRAI’s data as of May 2025, India boasts over 930 million mobile internet subscriptions, whereas fixed broadband connections hover around 7.79 million, which typically support multi-screen and CTV setups. This disparity reflects the accessibility, affordability, and convenience of mobile devices over larger, high-cost internet infrastructure in many parts of the country.

    The OTT market in India is estimated to reach USD 8 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 20-25%. Despite this impressive growth, the distribution of streaming devices reveals a clear pattern:

    • 80%+ users stream via smartphones, especially in tier-II and tier-III cities.
    • CTV adoption is rising, but remains concentrated in metros and affluent households.
    • Ad-supported models and low-cost subscription plans dominate the entry-level market.

    Why Mobile Streaming Leads the OTT Revolution
    1. Affordability and Accessibility
    Mobile data plans in India are among the cheapest globally, encouraging consumption even in lower-income demographics. Devices priced under ₹10,000 offer functional streaming capabilities, whereas CTVs and broadband infrastructure require higher upfront investments and recurring costs.

    2. Portability and Convenience
    Streaming on-the-go appeals to users who commute, travel, or lack dedicated spaces for TV viewing. Mobile-first platforms like MX Player, JioHotstar, and SonyLIV have leveraged this lifestyle pattern, providing entertainment wherever the user is.

    3. Regional Content Drives Engagement
    Localized content in languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, and Marathi is a major driver for mobile usage. Platforms like Chaupal, which focus on vernacular entertainment, report that users prefer smaller, affordable plans and often engage with content in short bursts during daily routines.

    4. Social Sharing and Community Engagement
    Mobile devices integrate seamlessly with social media apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, enabling users to share links, reviews, and recommendations. Viral clips, user-generated content, and meme-based marketing further amplify mobile consumption.

    The Emerging Role of Connected TVs (CTV)
    While mobile dominates entry-level consumption, CTV adoption is steadily growing, especially among:

    • Urban households with higher disposable income.
    • Families seeking shared viewing experiences.
    • Viewers demanding premium content in high resolution.

    Key Features Driving CTV Adoption:

    • 4K streaming and better picture quality
    • Ad-free subscription models
    • Multi-device support and family plans
    • Live sports and event-based content
    • Smart interfaces and voice-enabled controls

    Premium services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and SonyLiv are expanding their presence on smart TVs, offering exclusive originals and curated libraries tailored to urban users.

    Subscription Trends: Paid, Free, and Hybrid Models
    1. Paid Subscriptions – Plateauing but Premium-Focused
    The cost of acquiring customers and producing original content has driven platforms to increase subscription rates. However, price hikes are carefully calibrated to avoid losing budget-conscious users. Many platforms now offer tiered plans, where mobile-only subscriptions start as low as ₹49 per month, while family or multi-screen plans range up to ₹999 per month.

    2. Ad-Supported Free Streaming
    Ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) models fill the affordability gap. Platforms like Amazon MX Player, JioHotstar, and ZEE5 offer free libraries but rely on older content, syndicated shows, or reruns to attract casual viewers. These services act as funnels, encouraging users to upgrade to premium experiences.

    3. Hybrid Models
    Some platforms combine both subscription and advertising, providing lower entry points while offering upgrade paths for uninterrupted viewing. These models help platforms retain customers while generating ad revenue.

    Regional Content: The Heart of Mobile Streaming
    India’s linguistic diversity shapes OTT consumption more than any other factor. In regions where content availability in native languages is scarce, mobile platforms have emerged as cultural hubs.

    Why Regional Content Works:

    • Users trust platforms offering familiar stories and actors.
    • Short-form content aligns with casual viewing habits.
    • Local festivals, politics, and social issues create engagement opportunities.
    • Regional advertisers target audiences more effectively through localized campaigns.

    Platforms like Chaupal, Hoichoi, Aha, and Sun NXT are leading the charge by tailoring content to regional preferences, particularly on mobile-first plans.

    Challenges for OTT Growth

    1. Rising Content Costs – Original programming, licensing, and marketing expenses are pushing subscription prices upward.
    2. Infrastructure Gaps – Broadband penetration is still limited outside major cities, restricting CTV expansion.
    3. Data Privacy and Cybersecurity – Mobile streaming often relies on public networks, exposing users to potential risks.
    4. Content Saturation – The abundance of platforms has made content discovery a challenge, leading to viewer fatigue.
    5. Ad Blockers – Increased use of ad blockers affects AVOD revenue models.

    What the Future Holds
    The OTT landscape in India is expected to evolve along two distinct paths:

    Mobile-First Expansion

    • Continued investment in affordable, data-efficient streaming solutions.
    • Regional content partnerships and vernacular creator ecosystems.
    • Social media-driven marketing and influencer collaborations.

    CTV Premium Growth

    • Enhanced home entertainment experiences through smart TVs.
    • Integration of gaming, education, and fitness content.
    • Cross-platform subscriptions bundling OTT with broadband services.

    Industry experts anticipate that by 2030, CTV may capture 20–25% of OTT consumption in urban areas, while mobile streaming will continue to serve 70%+ of users nationwide.

    Conclusion
    India’s OTT ecosystem reflects the diversity of its viewers—cost-sensitive rural populations embracing mobile devices, and urban families exploring premium CTV experiences. Mobile-first consumption remains the driving force behind growth, supported by affordable data, regional content, and on-the-go accessibility. At the same time, CTV adoption is slowly reshaping viewing habits among premium users seeking immersive entertainment.

    For platforms aiming to scale in this competitive environment, understanding regional preferences, offering flexible plans, and balancing paid and ad-supported models will be key to long-term success. The streaming revolution in India is far from over—it’s only getting started.
    The NewsBit Bureau

  • U.K. streaming revenue to surpass Pay TV by 2029

    U.K. streaming revenue to surpass Pay TV by 2029

    The United Kingdom’s entertainment market is on track to grow in 2025, with total consumer spending projected to increase 2 percent to £11.4 billion (U.S. $13.1 billion), according to Futuresource Consulting’s latest Video Insights U.K. report.

    Subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) remains the strongest driver of growth, bolstered by a rebound in box office revenue and signs of stabilization in the transactional video sector.

    “We’re halfway through the decade, and we’re seeing a market continuing to climb,” said James Duvall, a principal analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “SVOD continues to expand, though not in isolation, and the interplay with pay-TV, the recovery of cinema, and renewed loyalty in transactional all tell a story of resilience and evolution.”

    Futuresource expects SVOD spending to climb 6 percent in 2025, accounting for about 40 percent of overall market value. Subscription stacking remains a defining trend, with more than 52 million subscriptions across U.K. households, an increase of 12 million since 2020.

    That growth is being driven by price changes and service tiering, as platforms appeal to wider audiences with premium and ad-supported packages.

    Despite streaming’s momentum, pay television continues to hold the single largest share of consumer spend, representing 45 percent of the market in 2025. Futuresource forecasts that SVOD will overtake pay-TV revenues by 2029, but legacy platforms remain resilient, supported by entrenched viewing habits and the appeal of live sports.

    Most British public service broadcasters, like the BBC, ITV, Channel 5 and Paramount-owned Channel 5, offer premium live sports rights over the air. The rest are relegated to traditional pay TV channels like Sky Sports and TNT Sports; both offer their premium sports on streaming platforms, which simulcast their cable network feeds.

    The transactional video market, spanning both digital and physical formats, is beginning to stabilize. Digital sell-through accounts for nearly two-thirds of spending, with premium formats helping raise transaction values. On the physical side, Blu-ray continues to dominate packaged sales, representing close to 60 percent of the segment. While overall sales volumes remain in decline, a loyal collector base has helped slow the erosion.

    Looking ahead, Futuresource projects modest but steady growth for the UK video entertainment industry, with a compound annual growth rate of just over 1.2 percent between 2025 and 2029.

    “The U.K. market is no longer defined by a simple transition from pay-TV to streaming,” Duvall said. “It’s all about striking a balance, between subscription and ad-funded, between streaming and cinema, between digital and physical. Over the next few years, we expect that interplay to become a structural feature and shape the growth paths of every segment in this industry.” TheDesk

  • Competition or Credibility? The TV ratings debate

    Competition or Credibility? The TV ratings debate

    India’s television industry is facing a turning point as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) proposes amendments to the 2014 Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies. The ministry’s objective is to foster innovation and competition by allowing multiple rating agencies and opening up the industry to new players. However, these changes have triggered widespread concern among broadcasters, advertisers, and measurement bodies, who fear that relaxing rules on conflict of interest could damage the credibility of the ratings system and undermine trust.

    What Are the Proposed Amendments?
    The MIB has suggested deleting two important clauses from the existing guidelines:

    1. Clause 1.5 – This clause currently prevents individuals with direct commercial interests in broadcasting or advertising from being on the board of rating agencies.
    2. Clause 1.7 – It bars ownership overlap between broadcasters, advertisers, ad agencies, and measurement companies.

    The ministry argues that removing these clauses will encourage competition, invite global expertise, and help the industry adapt to changing viewer behavior driven by digital platforms and new technology.

    Why Broadcasters Are Opposing the Changes
    Industry bodies such as the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) and the News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) believe that the amendments could compromise the integrity of audience measurement.

    • They insist that the ratings ecosystem must remain independent and not-for-profit.
    • Ownership or board involvement from stakeholders with commercial interests could lead to manipulation and unfair advantage.
    • Allowing multiple proprietary measurement models could fragment the market, reduce transparency, and create monopolistic behavior.

    The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) has called these amendments a “dismantling of vital safeguards,” warning that they could pave the way for biased data, reduced trust, and unfair competition.

    The Risk of Fragmentation and Monopoly
    A core concern is the potential rise of data-driven monopolies where large broadcasters or tech giants influence measurement tools to favor their platforms. With separate rating systems introduced by device manufacturers, OTT services, and advertisers, audiences might face confusion over content performance, affecting advertising spend and investment decisions.

    The Government’s Stand
    The MIB maintains that innovation and competition are essential in an era where digital consumption patterns are reshaping the media landscape. It has invited feedback from stakeholders, with the deadline for responses already passed. Now, the ministry must weigh the benefits of openness against the risks to credibility and trust.

    Conclusion
    The government’s intent to modernize India’s television ratings framework is understandable given the rise of OTT platforms and technological advancements. However, credibility, transparency, and trust remain pillars that cannot be compromised. A balanced approach that promotes competition while safeguarding against conflicts of interest is essential. The outcome of this debate will shape the future of audience measurement in India and influence how advertisers and broadcasters navigate the evolving media ecosystem.
    The NewsBit Bureau