Media
Ajay Devgn launches AI-driven media company Prismix
Indian actor Ajay Devgn has launched Prismix, a new generative AI company aimed at revolutionising storytelling. Leading a talented team, Devgn aims to blend AI technology with creativity to produce high-quality, scalable media content. Prismix will cater to filmmakers, brands, and creators, driving innovation in various media formats including films, series, and social media.
India vs Pakistan match draws 21 crore TV viewers across JioStar, DD channels
JioStar’s live broadcast of the India vs Pakistan match in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 attracted 20.6 crore TV viewers, the second highest in BARC history. Virat Kohli’s milestone of 14,000 ODI runs and appearances by MS Dhoni and Sunny Deol added to the spectacle. Star Sports’ engaging content further boosted viewership and fan enthusiasm.
JioStar announces workforce revamp post Star-Viacom18 merger- 500+ jobs on the line
JioStar, a venture between Reliance Industries and Disney, is implementing workforce restructuring post the Star India-Viacom18 merger. This move includes layoffs and reallocation of staff, potentially affecting over 500 employees, with compensation packages in place. Redundancies mainly occur in sales, marketing, programming, and distribution sectors.
Digital-first media firms outperform traditional rivals amid slowdown
During the recent market downturn, digital-centric entertainment companies like Saregama India saw less decline in share prices. Traditional media companies such as PVR Inox faced sharper stock price drops. Shifts in content consumption and rising digital advertising revenues led investors to favour companies with stronger digital presence.
Ad rates for Champions Trophy final surge with India's entry
JioStar seeks up to Rs 35 lakh per 10-second ad spot on TV for the ICC Champions Trophy final, bolstered by India's success. The India vs Pakistan match attracted substantial viewership, driving advertiser interest. JioStar targets around Rs 850 crore in ad revenue from the tournament.
New compliance burdens could disrupt Indian music industry: Survey
Indian musicians express concerns over potential new regulatory requirements that could disrupt output and delay releases, with 72% worried about the impact. A report by The Dialogue suggests that additional compliance layers, financial strains, and operational complexities threaten the industry's growth despite its booming digital market and rising regional talent.
Pay-TV revenue to decline by 1-3% in FY26 due to subscriber churn: ICRA
Indian pay-TV industry revenue is expected to decrease by 1-3% in FY2026. This is due to subscribers moving to OTT platforms and DD Free Dish services. Subscriber base decline will be partially offset by higher ARPU through bundled and premium content. Increased content costs and network investment will reduce margins.
BCCI invites expression of interest from agencies for IPL media buying
The BCCI is seeking an agency to manage media buying and strategy for the IPL 2025. The selected agency will handle television, radio, digital, print, and outdoor advertising with a budget of Rs 30 crore. Agencies must submit comprehensive media plans by 13 March, including past work and innovative ideas to boost IPL visibility.
Dish TV CEO seeks immediate rollout of TRAI recommendation on reducing DTH licensing fee
Dish TV CEO Manoj Dobhal urged the government to swiftly implement TRAI's recommendation to reduce the licensing fee for the DTH industry from 8% to 3% of AGR. This move could drive investment, foster innovation, and enhance consumer access to quality services, ensuring long-term industry sustainability.
Govt working for fair compensation for media houses: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Recognising the importance of Storyboard18 - DNPA Conclave 2025, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology said that a conference of this stature could help provide clear policy directions, and offer policy recommendations to the government.
Must Watch
Why Instagram Reels are showing more sensitive content?
Instagram Reels Sensitive Content: Instagram users worldwide are raising concerns after their feeds were unexpectedly flooded with violent and NSFW content. Despite enabling Sensitive Content Control, many report seeing disturbing videos, including gory footage. Social media is buzzing with complaints, with users questioning whether it’s a glitch or a change in Instagram’s algorithm. While Meta has yet to respond, experts suggest a malfunction in the content moderation system or an unintended algorithm shift could be to blame.
WPL: JioStar Secures 10 Sponsors for TATA Women's Premier League 2025
The TATA Women's Premier League (WPL) returns for its third season, showcasing top-tier women’s cricket. JioStar, the official broadcaster, secures sponsorships from 10 diverse brands. EVP Udit Sharma emphasizes the role of sponsors in promoting women's cricket. The tournament runs from Feb 14 to Mar 15, 2025, available on Star Sports, Sports18, and JioHotstar.
Govt pulls up OTT platforms for clearer classification of content amid 'India’s Got Latent' row
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has advised OTT platforms to strictly follow the IT Rules 2021, emphasizing self-regulation and access control for 'A' rated content to prevent children from viewing inappropriate material. This follows controversy over 'obscene' remarks by YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia on Samay Raina’s show 'India's Got Latent,' leading to the episode’s removal.
JioStar secures 11 major sponsors while Champions Trophy returns after eight years
JioStar, the official broadcaster for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, has revealed its sponsors, which include Dream11, Pernod Ricard India, and Vodafone Idea. The tournament marks the return of the Champions Trophy after eight years, featuring top teams like India, England, and Pakistan. Matches will be aired on JioStar Network and JioHotstar.
Pocket Entertainment launches AI-led comics platform, earmarks $15 million investment
Pocket Entertainment's new AI-supported platform, Pocket Toons, enhances comic creation, enabling the release of three episodes daily. The platform has gained strong user engagement since its beta launch. By integrating AI, Pocket Toons aims to reach $100 million in ARR by 2026, making high-quality comics more accessible.
TV channels have a satellite problem: Disruptions likely from Apr 1 without IN-SPACe nod
TV viewers in India may miss over 100 channels from networks like Sony, Star, and Zee if foreign satellites used aren't approved by the Indian space regulator by March 31. While some have approvals, others are awaiting clearance. The TV industry urges timely authorizations to prevent disruptions with major events like IPL looming.
