SEBI cracks down on unregistered finfluencers, but loopholes remain

Modenik Lifestyle ups ad spends by 25 percent; to double revenue growth in three years

Warner Bros. Discovery threatens legal action against NBA over media rights

Meta ordered to delete AI-generated photographs of public individuals

Esports industry divided over forming anti-poaching body

Representational image via Unsplash

Relief for advertisers as MIB restricts SDC for ads to food and health sectors only

Why are Indian brands advertising in NYC's Times Square?

What Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick teaches us about leadership

Advertising is in the position where tobacco was: IPG's Arun Kumar 

Biz Moves: Interactive Avenues, Verve Media, Foxymoron and Grapes

There is an opportunity for building a better agency, not just a different one: Manja's Prajato Guha

Paris Olympics to garner 150 million viewership on Digital, 120 million on Linear TV

Publicis Groupe to acquire Influential for $500 million

Google has a new competitor - SearchGPT by OpenAI

News influencers to be called 'digital news broadcasters', proposes new draft of Broadcasting Bill

Piyush Pandey

SC directs MIB to file affidavit within three weeks with recommendations on SDC | Ampverse shuts 7Sea Esports

Sachin Tendulkar, Adar Poonawalla-backed JetSynthesys to exit from Skyesports?: Exclusive

Quick-commerce players' ad revenue stream grows; a key investment focus for advertisers

FSSAI cancels licences of 111 spice producers due to high levels of ethylene oxide found in samples

The CRED Point: Relying on advertising virality without product virality?

Time to 'Share The Spotlight': Storyboard18's one-of-a-kind initiative to bring together women sparking change

Nobody’s Perfect Retro Porsche Ad

In Conversation With Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard

Shahid Kapoor And Varun Ganjoo Speaks On PokerBaazi's Campaign

In conversation with IHCL’s Puneet Chhatwal & GroupM’s Kate Scott-Dawkins

Why are brands including e-sports in their sports marketing itinerary?

Storyboard18 x The English Nut: How to pronounce these 10 brand names

Experts' Take On Reinvention Of Ad Campaigns Through Technology

Experts Speak On Key Emerging Trends In Cannes Lions Entries

Leaders of the future have to be outstanding human beings: Nestle MD

In conversation with VMLY&R’s Hari Ramanathan

Google is planning to keep third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, after years of pledging to phase out the tiny packets of code meant to track users on the internet, as per reports.

The major reversal follows concerns from advertisers - the company's biggest source of income - saying the loss of cookies in the world's most popular browser will limit their ability to collect information for personalizing ads, making them dependent on Google's user databases, as per reports.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority had also scrutinized Google's plan over concerns it would impede competition in digital advertising.

"Instead of deprecating third-party cookies, we would introduce a new experience in Chrome that lets people make an informed choice that applies across their web browsing, and they'd be able to adjust that choice at any time," Anthony Chavez, vice president of the Google-backed Privacy Sandbox initiative, said in a blog post.

Since 2019, the Alphabet unit has been working on the Privacy Sandbox initiative aimed at enhancing online privacy while supporting digital businesses, with a key goal being the phase-out of third-party cookies.

Cookies are packets of information that allow websites and advertisers to identify individual web surfers and track their browsing habits, but they can also be used for unwanted surveillance.

In the European Union, the use of cookies is governed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which stipulates that publishers secure explicit consent from users to store their cookies. Major browsers also give the option to delete cookies on command.

Chavez said Google was working with regulators such as the UK's CMA and Information Commissioner's Office as well as publishers and privacy groups on the new approach, while continuing to invest in the Privacy Sandbox program.

"Advertising stakeholders will no longer have to prepare to quit third-party cookies cold turkey," eMarketer analyst Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf said in a statement.

Lena Cohen, staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said cookies can lead to consumer harm, for instance predatory ads that target vulnerable groups. "Google's decision to continue allowing third-party cookies, despite other major browsers blocking them for years, is a direct consequence of their advertising-driven business model," Cohen said in a statement.



Google to keep third-party cookies in its Chrome browser

Avi Kumar, chief marketing officer, FNP, feels that burnout and stress is caused by a lack of contentment and happiness with one’s work.

 
He explained, “We all need to prioritise our mental, physical as well as spiritual health. My advice will be that we prioritise self-care in every aspect of life. Not just at work, but on the personal front as well.”

 
He also believes that one must be a student for life if one is to be on top of the game.


 
Edited excerpts from his conversation with Storyboard18

 

The creator economy has taken the world by storm. Which influencers and trends are you following? 


At FNP, we have an always-on influencer strategy. We emphasise on authenticity, and our first priority is organic collaboration. It is how we can make moments special for the collaborator / influencer.

 

Our recent partnership with influencers like Sara Tendulkar and Janhvi Kapoor have been impactful as we also help them make their special days more special.

 
We also leverage AI to analyse the overlapping audiences to ensure that our collaborations resonate with both the influencer’s followers and our audiences.

 
What marketing related content do you consume in your free time?

 
I read industry blogs and watch webinars. I have been listening to the Marketing Over Coffee podcast for some time, followed by the CMO podcast by Jim Stengel.


Additionally, I think the Harvard Business Review (HBR) helps one stay abreast of the broader business landscape, and follow some of the innovative practices.

 
There's a lot of talk about burnout, workplace toxicity, and hustle culture. What steps have you taken to avoid the adverse impact of the always-on culture on yourself and your colleagues? What advice would you give to peers, colleagues, and next-gen marketers?

 
We all need to prioritise our mental, physical, as well as spiritual health. My take is that if you enjoy your job, you will make light work of it, and there will be no burnout or stress.

 
The burnout or stress happens when you do not find joy in work. My advice will be that we prioritise self-care in every aspect of life, not just at work, but on the personal front as well.


What does your weekend look like?

 
Weekends are as busy as weekdays. I try to steal as much time as possible with the family, and not just time, but quality time, because that's what matters. 

 
I have just recently shifted to Gurgaon. Hence, I am exploring new places within Gurgaon and checking out cafes. And I try to catch up more on reading and listening to audibles.

 
I also spend some time over the weekend to reflect, plan the week ahead, and think of what really happened through the week gone by. Since that's the time when you can really cut the clutter, the noise, and focus on what your priority is really. 

 
Is there any sport or fitness routine you practice?

 
I practice vipassana. I also gym, swim, and play squash on alternate days. On weekends, I have this unwinding session with my son, who is 8 years old. I take him for a swim followed by breakfast. It also helps us bond with each other.


Please share one work and one life hack you swear by

 
In terms of work hack, I think what you prioritise gets done. Hence, you need to block your time and prioritise the work that you want to do, and manage and schedule tasks much more efficiently. 

 
This has helped me improve productivity and ensure focus. If you break your day down in terms of what you think is important and spend time on that, it helps get the work done. Otherwise, time just flows. That's the work hack. 

 
In life, we need to have a positive outlook and continue learning and striving, while reducing stress.

 
Every morning, I write down three things that I was grateful for in the day that went by. It is a very simple habit. But I think it is incredibly powerful to start the day on a positive note and keep that momentum going. 

 
What are you watching or streaming this weekend?

 
I don't watch too much OTT now. I was the head of marketing for Zee5 and watched a lot of content across platforms, both for work as well as entertainment. 

 
There's a new show on Apple TV called `New Look.’ It's the story of Christian Dior and his contemporaries, including Coco Chanel, etc, how they navigated challenges during World War II, and what launched the modern fashion industry that is there today. All these brands still exist and are market leaders. 

 
What are you reading? Any recommendations?

 
My recommendation is that the more you read, the better it is. So keep reading. Currently, I am reading Team of Teams, a book on leadership and organisation dynamics. It talks about navigating complex environments and how one can have better teamwork, adapt teams to situations, etc.

 
A piece of wisdom you would like to share? 

 
At whatever stage of life we are in, we have to be curious and open to learning. We are evolving fast, and so is the market and trends. 

 
One has to adapt very quickly, and I think that's the key to success. We have to embrace change and not be afraid to experiment and innovate. The more you prioritise customer centricity and understand how the customer is changing along with their behaviour and trends, the more we will be able to be successful in whatever we are doing. I think that God is in the details. So, small things make a big difference. 

 
Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/dont-get-into-any-sort-of-competition-says-rahul-karthikeyan-scaler-academy-18355.htm">Don't get into any sort of competition, says Rahul Karthikeyan, Scaler</a>

Lack of joy at work leads to burnout and stress: Avi Kumar, CMO, FNP

Sports For All (SFA) has appointed Kumar Darpan as Chief Revenue Officer and Rohan Vyavaharkar as Global Head of Partnerships and Strategic Communications. Speaking on the expansion of the leadership team, founder Rishikesh Joshi said, “We are delighted to have Rohan and Darpan join the SFA Leadership team. We believe this will truly boost SFA’s strength & capabilities as a business, propelling our journey to become the strongest sports platform".

Darpan will be the first CRO of the SFA, founded in 2015. Darpan has nearly two decades of expertise in media and entertainment across diverse regions specialising in monetising TV and OTT platforms for companies ranging from Disney Star to Warner Brothers Discovery to Odisha Television Network. Known for his digital marketing, content creation, and AI in media, Darpan has delivered top-tier products and solutions tailored to consumer and client needs.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/pepsico-elevates-adam-warner-to-vice-president-global-sports-entertainment-partnerships-37244.htm">PepsiCo elevates Adam Warner to Vice President - Global Sports & Entertainment Partnerships</a>

"I'm thrilled to be a part of Sports For All's mission to revolutionize sports in India. By creating opportunities for brands to build, own, and benefit from the growing list of participative sporting platforms at SFA, we can collectively have a transformative impact on sports in India. With its experience of nearly a decade, SFA is in a unique position to partner with brands to create unique consumer experiences for athletes, families, parents, and other key stakeholders," Darpan said.

On the other hand, Vyavaharkar has a varied marketing, communications, and sports management background. He was involved in creating content, and campaigns for brands like Red Bull, X India (Formerly Twitter India), Stepathlon, and Omidyar Network India. Vyavaharkar said, “Sports For All is on a mission to change the landscape of Indian sport. We want to build a nation that is healthier, fitter, and with strong values that can be best learned through playing sports. At SFA, we want to build deeper partnerships with all players, from academies to leagues to content platforms, because we believe that the only way to achieve our goals as a company and as a nation is by building a collaborative ecosystem".

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/gcpl-looks-at-gaming-and-esports-ips-for-advertising-opportunities-exclusive-36964.htm">GCPL looks at gaming and esports IPs for advertising opportunities</a>

Separately, SFA has also kicked off its registrations for the SFA School Championships 2024-25 which will take place in 10 locations - Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Mumbai, Pune, Uttarakhand featuring up to 31 sports ranging from football and archery to speedcubing and fencing.

SFA runs a tech-enabled multi-sport school championships platform. The SFA Championships showcase competition across 31 sports in sporting venues, empowering athletes and schools to discover and nurture new talent.

Sports For All appoints Kumar Darpan as its first Chief Revenue Officer

Loco, a gaming-focused streaming platform, is encountering significant challenges with its monetization model. Sources have indicated that over the past month and a half, the platform has seen a drastic decline in its Daily Active Users (DAUs) and a reduced number of streamers. Storyboard18 has learnt that Loco is aiming to recover from this situation in the coming months, the platform’s team is currently reassessing its monetization strategies as their Advertising Video On Demand (AVOD) model failed drastically. 

Anirudh Pandita and Ashwin Suresh, founders of Pocket Aces, acquired Loco in 2018 which was earlier known as the Showtime App, originally a live trivia game show app. In 2020, Loco transitioned into a game streaming platform. The platform has raised a total of $51 million in funding, including a $42 million Series A round in 2022 led by Hashed, with participation from Makers Fund, Catamaran Ventures, and Korea Investment Partners. Investors from the company’s seed round, such as Krafton, Lumikai, and Hiro Capital, also participated in this funding round.

In November 2023, Loco laid off 40 employees out of its 110-member team. A senior gaming and esports stakeholder, speaking anonymously, remarked, “This marked a critical juncture for Loco. The absence of a robust monetization model led to substantial expenditures on established YouTube streamers, whose audiences did not migrate permanently to Loco's platform as anticipated.”

He further added, “Their AVOD strategy failed and they struggled to establish a sustainable revenue model. Despite heavy investments in user acquisition, Loco currently finds itself with only a handful of streamers, predominantly broadcasting games like BGMI and GTA V to an audience of 30-40 viewers.”

Players from top esports teams in India, such as S8UL, Godlike, XO, Revenant Esports, Global Esports, 7Sea esports, Skylightz Gaming, Hyderabad Hydras, and Orangutan Gaming, have streamed on Loco. The platform has also hosted major tournaments in collaboration with global publishers like Krafton, Activision, Ubisoft, and Riot Games. Today, the platform does not have any popular streamer. 

Another gaming industry source commented, “It's a straightforward calculation—Loco invested heavily in streaming rights for major tournaments but failed to see corresponding financial returns. They struggled with user retention and competing with established players like Twitch or Kick requires huge investments.”

However, a source familiar with Loco's operations told Storyboard18 that the platform plans to bounce back in the near future, emphasizing a reassessment of their monetization approach.

The source within Loco stated, “We don't view our investment in acquiring streamers from the gaming community as a failure. While our AVOD model failed, our subscription-based offerings received positive response. Furthermore, there is low traffic and handful of streamers on the platform currently as we are also testing new features which cannot be done when the app or website is in its full potential.”

When questioned about potential shutdown plans, the source clarified, “Currently, we are experiencing a slowdown, but there are no plans to cease operations.”

RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group-owned music label Saregama had recently acquired a majority stake in digital entertainment company Pocket Aces Pictures Pvt Ltd, parent company of Loco. Saregama acquired 51.8 percent shares for Rs 174 crore and will look forward to acquire another 41 percent stake in the next 15 months. It was an all-cash deal. 
However, the source close to the development has said that Loco is a complete different entity and this acquisition does not impact Loco’s structuring. 

Storyboard18 attempted to contact Anirudh Pandita, Founder of Loco, for comments on potential fundraising efforts to sustain the platform or the current state of affairs at Loco. As of now, there has been no official response from Loco. The story will be updated if Loco issues an official statement.


Loco’s AVOD model fails, will it bounce back?

The gig economy has transformed the traditional employment landscape in the country with the entry of short-term contracts, freelance work, and flexible job opportunities over permanent full-time positions. According to TeamLease EdTech's titled "Gig Economy Skills: Equipping Youth for Freelance and Flexible Work" report, roughly 76% of the employers said that for gig workers technical and communication skills are critical for their career. Proficiency in these areas is crucial for navigating digital tools and meeting clients' expectations.
 
TeamLease report cited a study that said that India's gig economy has the potential to serve up to 90 million in non-farm sectors, adding around 1.25% to India's GDP. Platforms like Uber, Ola, and Swiggy are notable contributors to the gig economy trend.

The report which surveyed 837 employers across various sectors, mentioned that roles that require moderate experience are commonly outsourced to gig workers. As many as 67.86% of employers prefer gig workers with 1-5 years of experience. At the same time, a small portion (10.71%) of employers are open to hiring gig workers with no work experience.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/ola-uber-and-dunzo-among-worst-platforms-for-gig-workers-bigbasket-tops-fair-work-norms-list-16648.htm">Ola, Uber and Dunzo among worst platforms for gig workers, bigbasket tops fair work norms list</a>

Most employers (78.5%) said that gig workers meet expectations but over 90% of respondents emphasized the significance of digital proficiency. 

The common skill gaps in gig workers include industry-specific knowledge and soft skills, the respondents said. 

On upskilling gig workers, the report highlighted that on-job training and online courses are preferred methods for gig workers to upskill. According to 53.57% of employers, AI and automation skills are projected to be most critical for gig workers, followed by advanced technical skills and sustainability practices.
<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/as-ott-platforms-expand-and-woo-talent-new-job-roles-open-up-36131.htm">As OTT platforms expand and woo talent, new job roles open up</a>

"AI and automation skills (53.57%) will be the most critical for gig workers in the next five years, followed by advanced technical skills (21.43%) and sustainability practices (14.29%)," TeamLease EdTech report added.

"The gig economy is not just the future of work but our present. With 78.57% of gig workers meeting or exceeding expectations, we spot a real potential. However, the emphasis on both technical and soft skills highlights the complex demands of this new work paradigm. With over half of the employers prioritizing AI and automation skills, it's clear that continuous upskilling is not just beneficial, it's essential," Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech said.

78% of employers are optimistic about gig workers;  Over 67% of recruiters prefer moderate work experience: Report

After having thoroughly discussed and observed significant challenges and concerns raised by the advertising industry stakeholders, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is fostering a more organised and transparent 'self-declaration' mechanism, setting a precedent for other regulatory processes, so to speak.

In its continuous efforts to centralise the mechanism, the Ministry requested the Supreme Court on July 9 to permit only a single portal for uploading a 'self-declaration certificate' for ads in all formats. In its affidavit, it highlighted how doing so can reducing the burden and simplify the bureaucratic process for advertisers and agencies involved.

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/breaking-sc-directs-mib-to-file-affidavit-within-three-weeks-with-recommendations-on-sdc-36568.htm">BREAKING: SC directs MIB to file affidavit within three weeks with recommendations on SDC</a>

Following the SC's directive, the Ministry last month had introduced features on the Broadcast Seva Portal (BSP) for TV and radio advertisements and on the Press Council of India’s (PCI) portal for print and digital/internet ads to submit the certificate signed by an authorised representative of the advertiser/advertising agency. No ads are permitted to run on television, print media, or the internet without a valid SDC.

As of today, PCI has over 76,000 SDCs on its portal and BSP has over 9,000 SDCs.

In its affidavit, the Ministry said, "It is respectfully submitted that Court's order of May 7 for creation of two separate portals, one for print and internet and another for TV, has been been duly implemented. However, for administrative prudence and improving consumer/user experience, it is humbly requested that a single portal for uploading SDC for all media including print, electronic, internet kindly be permitted by the Court."

"This will ensure that all SDCs are readily available at a single portal for public/stakeholder viewing and avoid duplication without diluting the purpose of filing such SDCs," it added in its affidavit.

In another significant move on July 4, the Ministry restricted the SDC mechanism for ads to food and health sectors only, while making it an annual mandate.

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/breaking-food-and-health-sectors-advised-to-upload-annual-self-declaration-certificate-by-mib-36111.htm">BREAKING: MIB advisory on SDC; Only Food & Health sectors to upload self-declaration certificate for ads</a>


Sujata Gupta, Secretary General, DNPA, told Storyboard18 that the proactive engagement of the government and judiciary in addressing industry concerns demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a supportive environment for stakeholders. 

"This collaborative approach is essential for achieving a balanced and effective regulatory framework," she said.

Implementing a single portal for the SDCs will significantly reduce administrative tasks and eliminate duplication, said experts.

"This streamlined process ensures that advertisers and agencies can focus more on their creative and strategic efforts rather than being bogged down by repetitive administrative procedures. It will also provide a centralised database, making it easier to verify compliance and maintain records," said Ambika Sharma, Founder and MD, Pulp Strategy.

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/relief-for-advertisers-as-mib-restricts-sdc-for-ads-to-food-and-health-sectors-only-36128.htm">Relief for advertisers as MIB restricts SDC for ads to food and health sectors only</a>

Further, reducing the mechanism to only food and health sectors will lead to a better adherence to regulatory standards.

However, according to her, one potential anomaly is the lack of clear guidelines on how to handle advertisements that straddle multiple sectors.

For instance, wellness products often fall under both health and lifestyle categories.

Overall, the ad land believes the MIB is demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the ease of doing business in the advertising sector.

"A centralised portal can ensure uniformity, improve tracking, and provide a user-friendly interface, making compliance easier for stakeholders. If approved, this move could set a precedent for other regulatory processes, fostering a more organised and transparent system," noted Yasin Hamidani, Director, Media Care Brand Solutions.

Ultimately, the single portal simplifies the process for advertisers, offering unified guidelines, metrics, and analytics, he noted.

Read more:<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/breaking-food-and-health-sectors-advised-to-upload-annual-self-declaration-certificate-by-mib-36111.htm"> BREAKING: MIB advisory on SDC; Only Food & Health sectors to upload self-declaration certificate for ads</a>

With this, MIB can also implement advanced tools for better ad tracking, compliance, and feedback, ensuring transparency and efficiency. 

This focused approach not only optimises advertisers' efforts but also enhances the quality and relevance of content for the audience.

Key representations

With respect to the compliance of the SC order of May 7, the Ministry in its affidavit to the SC highlighted actions taken with regard to stakeholders' awareness, stakeholders' consultation and the creation of BSP and PCI portals.

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/advertisers-fear-unviable-ad-self-declaration-mechanism-will-hurt-innovation-creativity-ask-for-practical-solutions-33682.htm">Advertisers fear 'unviable' ad self-declaration mechanism will hurt innovation, creativity; Ask for practical solutions</a>

The Ministry further presented key concerns raised by various industry bodies and stakeholders.

- Google representative pointed out complexity of the digital advertising landscape, emphasising the challenges in dynamically created ads and compliance due to the sheer volume and variability.

- Nestle representative suggested that until a comprehensive system is in place, the regulation should be self-regulation and non-mandatory, allowing the industry to adjust and develop compliance strategies. 

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/isa-urges-mib-to-postpone-implementation-of-self-declaration-certificate-mechanism-34174.htm">ISA urges MIB to postpone implementation of 'Self-Declaration Certificate' mechanism</a>

- In its representation submitted to the MIB, Advertising Agency Association of India (AAI) highlighted that SDC for each ad is cumbersome due to the high volume of ads. It requested the postponement of the implementation date to address logistical challenges, which was not acceded by the Ministry.

- Indian Newspaper Society (INS) argued that SDC requirement disproportionately affected the newspaper industry especially small and medium-sized agencies and added that the timeline didn't consider the industry input and requested delay until SC's vacation for a fair resolution.

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/ibdf-requests-mib-to-extend-compliance-period-by-45-days-for-self-declaration-certificate-33831.htm">IBDF requests MIB to extend compliance period by 45 days for 'self-declaration certificate'</a>

- Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) representative emphasised challenges related to scale and complexity in compliance especially in digital advertising. Further, it emphasised about the challenges in compliance w.r.t. dynamic nature of digital ads.

- Digital News Publishers Associations (DNPA) pointed out the difficulty of regulating international advertisers, who operate beyond direct control and compliance with domestic regulations.

- Broadband India Forum (BIF) raised concerns about the burden of managing SDC for every ad and regulatory overlaps with the existing laws, leading to confusion and delays.

- Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) expressed concerns about the ambiguity of scope of advertisements and practical difficulties with the implementation.

- National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) suggested focusing on curbing unethical advertising practices without overburdening the industry with SDC. It was proposed manageable compliance like SDC as part of the annual or bi-annual statement.

- Association of Radio Operators of India (AROI) representative highlighted that many radio advertisers are small businesses without any digital capabilities and placing an additional burden on radio stations to comply with the SDC requirement is harmful for the radio industry. 

- Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) representative pointed out the practical challenges of implementing individual SDC for ads created in, multiple languages and versions, advocating for a more efficient compliance approach.

Read more:<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/why-digital-advertisers-find-self-declaration-certificate-for-ads-impractical-33684.htm"> Why digital advertisers find Self-Declaration Certificate for ads impractical</a>


The affidavit also included other major concerns raised, such as:

- Local advertisers: FM radio stations in tier-2,3 cities rely on local advertisers who may lack the resources including digital capability for uploading SDC, risking significant revenue loss.

- Volume of ads: The high volume of daily ad creatives makes verifying each SDC within the required timeframe impractical.

- Programmatic/digital ads: Ensuring compliance for numerous programmatic and digital ads is unfeasible and disrupts automation reducing efficiency for many.

- Confidentiality Issues: Mandating SDC before each ad is released risks revealing confidential business strategies, thereby affecting competitiveness.

Other major concerns include operational and financial burden, impact on social media and influencer posts, impact on overseas advertisers, and cost of compliance for multiple entities.

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/d2c-brands-take-direct-hit-influencer-agencies-not-fully-aware-of-self-declaration-certificate-mechanism-34789.htm">D2C brands take direct hit, influencer agencies ‘not fully aware’ of self-declaration certificate mechanism</a>


In light of these observations, a bench comprising Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Sandeep Mehta, on July 9, directed the MIB to continue conducting brainstorming sessions with stakeholders on how an implementable mechanism can be achieved. The Ministry is also instructed to file an affidavit with their recommendations within the next three weeks.
 
The apex court also appointed an amicus curiae in the case, Shadan Farasat, to assist the court with the implications of this regime, as well as the larger issues raised in the case.

Read more:<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/despite-10k-self-declaration-certificates-uploaded-its-not-business-as-usual-for-advertisers-34781.htm"> Despite 80K ‘self-declaration certificates’ uploaded, it’s not ‘business as usual’ for advertisers</a>

MIB continues its efforts to streamline 'self-declaration certificate' mechanism

Zomato has turned 16 and oh, doesn’t everyone know it. The food aggregator platform released an advert in print media and on social media announcing its birthday and it's created quite a buzz, given the popularity Zomato's meme-fied ad strategy with a virality focus. The latest print ad takes inspiration from birthday/celebratory announcements on hoardings that we see around Indian cities usually put out by political parties, politically-inclined individuals or other government-related officials.

The style of the Zomato ad is exactly how you’d probably imagine it to be. Very Indian, very respectful, very local. The layout too is similar. Founder Deepinder Goyal’s picture in large with smaller images of other company officials seeking thanks. 

Is Zomato trolling politically-inclined Birthday ad hoardings for likes? Sure. But nobody's complaining. 

<iframe src="https://www.linkedin.com/embed/feed/update/urn:li:share:7216672857395748864" height="648" width="504" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Embedded post"></iframe>

It’s interesting to see how viewers of the ad instantly made the connection to the ‘poli-greetings’. An announcement that is something that you’d normally just see and forget has actually made an impression and amassed engagement for Zomato's social media handles. And, if Zomato's marketing history is any indication, the company knows very well how to pique the audience's interest. 

A LinkedIn user wrote, “I have always maintained, Zomato is an Advertising/Branding Agency that also does food delivery.” 

Another user wrote, “I’m sure, all Zomato marketing member are backbenchers and in there college time they were making birthday banner and now the joined Zomato प्रचार विभाग”

The pursuit of virality and moment-driven marketing has resulted in grand successes but also many great flops. This one, it seems, gets the people's vote. 

Viewers are able to immediately associate Zomato’s ad with local announcements, indicating that sometimes something as rudimentary as a birthday announcement is enough to get the ‘janta’ to appreciate the brand's effort and perhaps even get them to avail ‘Gold’ membership, as indicated and offered in the ad. 

“I will unfriend my friends if they don't make such a card on my birthday,” said another internet user.

Zomato trolls ‘poli-greetings’ for its Birthday ad; Food delivery major gets the people's vote

By Rubeena Singh

In this dynamic and highly evolving landscape of Indian influencer marketing, brands often find themselves at crossroads when choosing between micro and macro influencers. Each category brings its unique strengths to the table, shaping brand narratives in profoundly different ways. Understanding these nuances is crucial for marketers aiming to leverage influencers effectively.

Here are a few parameters which brands need to keep in mind while crafting a long-term strategy for themselves.


Defining micro and macro influencers


Firstly, let’s delineate the two. Micro influencers typically have followers ranging from 10,000 to 100,000. They are often revered for their niche expertise and high engagement rates. Macro influencers, on the other hand, boast a follower count exceeding 100,000, often reaching into the millions. These influencers offer vast reach and are usually household names. Depending on your brand’s core TG, it is essential to address this area in the initial phase.


Engagement: Depth Over Breadth?

Studies suggest that micro influencers maintain higher engagement rates compared to their macro counterparts. This is largely due to their perceived authenticity and closer relationships with their audience. In the context of the Indian market, where diverse languages and cultures coexist, micro influencers can engage deeply with specific communities or interest groups, making them invaluable for brands that aim for a focused impact.


For instance, recently at AnyMind Group, we executed a vernacular campaign with a leading Jewellery brand in Maharashtra where the brand wanted niche Micro creators who would resonate with their local target audience. With the help of our proprietary tech platform, AnyTag, we curated Influencers from the specified region and executed the campaign. This approach helped the brand to increase footfall in their stores since the content created by the Influencers was very localised which resonated with the brand's target audience.


Impact: The Wider the Better?

Conversely, macro influencers excel in creating broad awareness quickly. They are the go-to for brands seeking to launch a new product or enter a new market. For example, a smartphone brand launching in India might collaborate with a macro influencer to tap into their extensive reach, ensuring that the product gains immediate visibility across diverse consumer segments. We ran a macro creator-led festive campaign for Blue Heaven Cosmetics, wherein we leveraged TV celebs and other macro-Instagram influencers to drive massive pan-India reach and buzz for their new product range launch. This helped us in garnering a cumulative reach of 4.68M with total views of 8.1M+.


This approach is particularly effective in saturated markets where cutting through the noise is paramount. The endorsement by a well-known personality not only garners attention but also lends credibility to the product.


Cost-effectiveness: Budgeting for influence

Budget constraints are another critical factor influencing the choice between micro and macro influencers. Micro influencers are typically more cost-effective, allowing brands to engage several influencers for the price of one macro influencer. This can be a strategic advantage for startups or small to medium enterprises (SMEs) that require a high ROI on limited marketing budgets.


Moreover, campaigns engaging multiple micro influencers can lead to a ‘network effect’, where the combined reach and authenticity drive more profound cumulative impact than a single macro influencer might achieve.


Use cases in the Indian market


Fashion and Lifestyle: Micro influencers are ideal for fashion brands aiming to showcase real-life applications of their products. A micro influencer wearing a brand's new line in their daily, relatable setting can influence purchase decisions more effectively than a celebrity who might appear inaccessible.


Technology and Electronics: Macro influencers often help tech brands achieve a splash during product launches. Their ability to reach millions means that new gadgets gain instant visibility across a broad audience.


Health and Wellness: Here, both micro and macro influencers can be pivotal. A health drink brand might use micro influencers to generate authentic testimonial-based content, while also partnering with a macro influencer for a broader awareness campaign.


Conclusion


Choosing between micro and macro influencers should not be an either/or proposition but a strategic decision based on the specific goals, budget, and target audience of a campaign. In the intricate tapestry of Indian markets, where consumer segments are as diverse as the cultures they represent, a nuanced approach to influencer marketing can yield unmatched dividends for brands. Engaging a combination of both influencer types, tailored to different phases of the marketing funnel, can harness the strengths of each to create a holistic impact.


Rubeena Singh is the country manager India & MENA, AnyMind Group.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/anyminds-otohiko-kozutsumi-and-rubeena-singh-on-gaming-influencer-marketing-and-more-25692.htm">AnyMind's Otohiko Kozutsumi and Rubeena Singh on gaming, influencer marketing and more</a>

Micro vs Macro influencers – what works best for your brand

Two employees are present in the cabin of their boss. As one of the subordinates meekly prepares tea for him, the other angrily faces rejection when he submits reports. 


As the hotel reservation desk comes online, and the boss tries to clarify his name to the desk, one of them chips in and expands the whole name through profanities, stating H for Hitler, A for Arrogant, R for Rascal and I for Idiot.


As it stuns the boss, which is played by actor Bobby Parvez, the meek subordinate adds: S for Shameless.


There is a necessity to connect with the audience at an emotional level. The addition to this was humour, stated Info Edge founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani in a conversation with Storyboard18.


This is exactly what reflected in the Hari Sadu ad (for Naukri.com) of 2006.


Genesis of the campaign


On May 1, 1995, Bikhchandani cemented the foundation of technology company Info Edge Private Ltd, which owns job portal Naukri.com, launched in March 27, 1997.



As Sanjay Sharma, former chief creative officer at FCB Ulka puts it in a conversation, online business was not popular then, and the medium was not taken seriously. They approached the agency with the intention of ‘popularising’ their online business.



Bikhchandani told Storyboard18 that, in the mid-2000, The Economist had conducted a survey on ‘why people switch jobs’ in collaboration with Egon Zehnder, a global organisational consulting and leadership advisory firm. 


Post the survey, one of the data points highlighted that ‘career advancement’ was not the reason for people switching jobs. Eight percent of the audience cited their unhappiness with the boss to be one of the reasons. This data point, as per Bikhchandani, got stuck with the agency folks.


According to FCB Ulka, there are three great relationships in this world. One is of the mother-son relationship. The second is the mother-in-law, daughter-in-law relationship, which has been done to death in the Saas bahu serials. 


The third is between the boss and the subordinate, which has been unexplored. 


Hence, Sharma came up with the idea of doing a campaign around ‘bad boss,’ with the basic ingredients being humour plus emotional connect. 


“My philosophy has been that consumers are not buying products but sentiments. If we approach consumers on a sentimental level, they will be ready to walk with the brand for some distance.”


Citing how ‘petrified’ they were when they took the concept to the client, he said: “The irony is that the business of Info Edge is to sell jobs, and they approach employers, too. And you are bashing the employer in your advertising?”


‘Hari Sadu’ is the third in the series of ads that were conceptualised around bad bosses. 


The first was around an employee water squatting on the boss in the washroom. The second revolved around the birthday of the senior, where the cake is kept on the chair, and he sits on it. Both the commercials were done by FCB Ulka.


But the ‘Hari Sadu’ ad, as Sharma puts it, showed a bold move from the client side to proceed. 


The script was penned by Sharma, and Vasudha Mishra, the agency’s copywriter, improvised it.


Sharma reminisced that four to five scripts were written and were presented to them.


According to Sumeet Singh, chief marketing officer, Info Edge, “Sanjeev (Bikhchandani) and Hitesh (Oberoi, then COO and director) have always had this way of calling a few more people internally, and observing their reactions on the scripts. We heard a few more and then there were two contenders, where one of them was Hari Sadu.”


Reactions were observed. Since the discussion here was on bosses, the thought process was the fear of backlash from the HR community. But team members were assured that it wouldn’t happen.


However, Sharma notes that it took eight months for the script to be green-lit. During this period, Bikhchandani asked him, “What is your conviction on this script?” Sharma responded by stating that it was ‘100 percent’.


After eight months, he said, “Let’s do it. Let us see what happens.”


Filming and marketing strategies


Rajesh Krishnan was the director of the film. According to Sharma, the biggest improvement to the film was given by Krishnan. The first two commercials were directed by Sabal Singh Shekawat. 


Sharma was dismayed with the ending of the script he had penned. When Krishnan visited Sharma’s office, he shared his concerns. To sound polite, some other adjective was chosen for ‘S’. It was Krishnan who suggested going with ‘Shameless’.


Sharma explained: “When you write the script, the director's belief is very important. If your director doesn't believe in your script, the script doesn't go viral.”


“If you look at the lighting, it's very dramatic. It's like a theatre. That's the type of space it was shot in,” he said.


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The ad was shot in December 2005, and was released on every television channel in February 2006. 


Since the business of Info Edge was online, not much was invested in print. Experiments were done in the outdoor medium too, but, as Sharma put it, they did not derive ‘fun’ out of it.


The target audience were youth, followed by employers. “Since employers generate business, demand is created from the employers’ end,” Sharma added.


The commercial was critically and commercially acclaimed. 


It won the Campaign of the Year award in 2006 at the Advertising Club Kolkata, Consumer Connect Awards, and a bronze at the APAC Effies Awards in Singapore in 2008, stated a media report.



The aftermath


In an era which was not social media or digitally savvy, the ad created a buzz, which got people talking positively. However, with every pros comes a con. 


The Hari Sadu ad got embroiled in a few controversies. There was a controversy around the name Hari, which also means God. But it died down in a day.


Then there was a controversy related to a 11-year-old student named Hari Bhanot in Chandigarh. He was in grade five or six. According to Singh, the boy’s father claimed that his son was being humiliated in school and was being called these names. He began putting pressure on Naukri.com to take the ad off.


But Info Edge heard only positive reviews from clients, and the sales touched a positive figure. 


The boy’s father had also gone to the media and Sandeep Bhargav, who was the head of Info Edge’s Delhi branch, along with Oberoi, had to go to give a lot of media interviews to explain their side of the story. 


A case was filed with the Advertising Standards Council of India, and it was won by Info Edge. Then they visited the boy and the school principal in Chandigarh. However, the principal contradicted the claim, as given by the boy’s father.

 
Later, it came to light that the boy's father was running his own PR agency. 


“Since people wrote to the media, we made sure that we touched base with everybody,” added Singh. 


Why did it stand out?


According to Sharma, “Every creative agency gets a brief to make an ad. Since advertising is a very herd mentality industry, the client always tries to give a brief to create something around a successful thing. Hence, the creative head gets stuck here.”


Through this ad, FCB Ulka, which believed advertising is a serious business, learnt that it is not a serious business but a sensitive business.


It has been more than a decade since Hari Sadu graced the screen. While it enjoyed profound success, would it still be relevant in today’s times?


As Bikhchandani notes, the ad has not been run since 2011.


“Today, bosses are not that authoritative, right?” said Singh. 


Post Hari Sadu, the next ad was on ‘Drag yourself to work’. Info Edge would conduct surveys once in a year or two. Before COVID-19, what was realised was that bosses were the highest reason why people were leaving jobs, like it was in the past. The relationship between a superior and a subordinate changes with time. 


Five to six years ago, when Info Edge conducted a survey, people leaving organisations due to ‘bad bosses’ did not have a majority vote.


“While the Hari Sadu ad still gets a smile, and since we all have good days and bad days with our bosses, maybe it's not as relevant as it was in those times,” Info Edge’s CMO concluded.

 
Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/one-black-coffee-please-the-ad-that-won-india-her-first-lion-at-cannes-35728.htm">One black coffee, please: The ad that won India her first Lion at Cannes</a>

Remember Hari Sadu? Will that ad still work?

There have recently been complaints from photographers suggesting that Meta has been labelling images with their ‘made with AI’ tag that weren’t created using AI. Photos that were created in Adobe’s Photoshop using its gen AI tool were also being labelled by Meta incorrectly.

Meta launched the ‘made with AI’ tag earlier this year. The company’s Oversight Board had criticised Meta over its manipulated media policy and Meta introduced these labels, reported Moneycontrol. 

The social networking giant has now announced that it is once again changing these labels. Industry standard indicators that other companies include in content created using their tools help Meta assess whether something is created using AI, the company said. The company wants its users to know when an image has been generated using AI. 

The company said, “Like others across the industry, we’ve found that our labels based on these indicators weren’t always aligned with people’s expectations and didn’t always provide enough context.”

Further, Meta said that some of the content that included minor adjustments and modifications using AI, such as retouching tools, included industry standard indicators, causing Meta to label the images with the tag. 

“While we work with companies across the industry to improve the process so our labelling approach better matches our intent, we’re updating the “Made with AI” label to “AI info” across our apps, which people can click for more information,” the company said.

The ‘AI info’ label however, won’t give out any extra information. As per reports, upon clicking on the tag, the information will be the same as the ‘made with AI’ label. 


Meta revises AI-generated image labels on its platforms after photographers issue complaints

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will not regulate over-the-top (OTT) players, or apps, from the definition of telecommunication services in the Telecom Bill, reported The Economic Times. This will give huge relief to communication service providers such as WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram, and will remain out of telecom regulation. 

 

According to DoT, the current definition of telecom services under the Telegraph Act is good enough and that there’s no need to add OTT in the new bill. The ET report quotes an official, “We (DoT) don’t have any intent to regulate OTT. No revenue share, nothing at all.”

 

The move to remove OTT from the Telecom Bill is expected to be tabled in the winter session of the Parliament.

OTTs, apps will not be regulated as telecom services: DoT

The move to remove OTT from the Telecom Bill is expected to be tabled in the winter session of the Parliament.

The ever-evolving streaming industry has the potential to open lakhs of jobs for the youth in the upcoming years due to a surge in revenue growth and specialized skills. As per the "Beyond Screens-Streaming VOD's Impact on The Creative Economy" study, the online streaming Video on Demand (VOD) sector is projected to create 280,000 jobs by 2028. 

Besides, over 330,000 more job roles could open up as demand for specialized skills in VFX, animation, subtitling, and dubbing augments in the next four years. The streaming revolution has catalyzed a content boom, with over 1,500 original titles released across OTT platforms between 2016 and 2023.


Historically, television has led content investments in the video industry but online video, specifically sports, has witnessed a 3x rise since 2017 at 24% this year and is expected to touch 30% by 2028. On the other hand, allied industries like telecom have witnessed a positive impact of video streaming. Videos have been the primary driver of data consumption for telcos, representing over 70% of their data traffic, the study added.

The report mentioned that premium online video-on-demand is set to fuel 50% of new revenue growth of India's total video market.

The study was commissioned by Prime Video India and conducted by Media Partners Asia (MPA).

OTT industry may add 2.80 lakh jobs in next 4 years as demand for VFX, animation surges: Report

Meghalaya has introduced a new Over-the-Top (OTT) platform designed to support and showcase the state's creative talent. The platform aims to promote local culture, languages, and artistic expression.

To achieve this, the platform will provide financial support to content creators, including filmmakers and musicians. Additionally, it will host live events focused on topics such as healthcare, education, and environmental protection.

In a conversation with Storyboard18, Hon’ble Minister of Department of Tourism and Department of Arts & Culture, Government of Meghalaya, Bah Paul Lyngdoh discusses how Hello Meghalaya will carve out its niche and ensure discoverability for local content creators, ensuring accessibility for audiences who may not speak the local languages featured on the platform, and more.

 Can you elaborate on the selection process for The Creators Award initiative and the kind of recognition creators can expect?

The rationale behind rewarding the content creators on the launch event of state’s first OTT Platform is not only to reward them but also to promote the creators to create more content. The platform and the awards are an aim to acknowledge, empower and celebrate the local talent of Meghalaya. The award recognizes the innovative spirit and artistic excellence of our homegrown creators who have consistently impressed audiences with their remarkable work. And, we are launching this entire platform, “Hello Meghalaya” to amplify and make our artists connect with larger audience. 

We selected the nominees based on popularity, community representation, post engagement and written consent, while the selection process of the Awards was based on a combination of 50 per cent online votes and 50 per cent jury evaluation who assessed the winners based on creativity, impact, reach and innovation. 

With the rise of global streaming giants, how will Hello Meghalaya carve out its niche and ensure discoverability for local content creators?

It is important to note that Hello Meghalaya is a homegrown OTT platform which we have developed to amplify the work of our content creators. Unlike global streaming giants, this platform is deeply embedded not only in the promotion of content but also, resultantly, the promotion of Meghalaya’s language, culture and identity. This distinctive approach enables Hello Meghalaya to resonate with the community in a way other platforms may not.

We believe that this localized focus will enable the platform to thrive and flourish without being overshadowed by global counterparts. So, the other streaming platforms are not our competitors. If our creators as a result of Hello Meghalaya’s impact can create content for these platforms, we will be very happy to support the endeavor. HM is the platform, our creators and the cultural diversity of the state deserves, and the Government is here to provide all the support and backing to give them a wider audience. 

While financial opportunities are crucial, what other forms of support, such as mentorship or training programs, will Hello Meghalaya offer to empower local creators?

Through different initiatives like the MGMP we have been providing a support to our artists across the state. For Hello Meghalaya, we invite content creators, social media influencers as well as artists and filmmakers to share their content and be a part of this initiative. Our team, through different tailored training programmes, shall make the process of content sharing seamless for the creators. 

Preserving local languages and culture is commendable. How will Hello Meghalaya ensure accessibility for audiences who may not speak the local languages featured on the platform?

By creating a platform tailored for the local community, Hello Meghalaya will not only provide entertainment that resonates with the people but also endure that our languages and cultures are preserved. It is a celebration of our heritage, and the creators who are working hard to ensure that our local languages thrive through the content they are producing. 

However, the platform has been created to cater to audiences from different linguistic backgrounds. The diverse content includes movies, short films, music videos, lifestyle and infotainment which will be available in various regional languages as well as English and Hindi languages with subtitles available which will cater to a broader audience and ensure that nobody feels left out. As we have always promoted it, this is for ‘everyone’ in Meghalaya. 

Hello Meghalaya is a government-backed platform. How will intellectual property rights and revenue sharing be addressed for content creators on the platform? Will there be clear guidelines to ensure creators are fairly compensated for their work?

A Rental Model has been developed for the movies and short films in which the content will be rented from the content creator for a period of one year. An agreement will be signed between the Filmmakers and Hello Meghalaya. A Hybrid Model has been designed for Music Artistes and Lifestyle and Infotainment Video Artistes through which a renumeration will be offered through two methods – annual rental fee per content and pay-per-view earnings, which will be granted solely upon approval.

There's a growing conversation around data privacy and user consent. What data privacy regulations will Hello Meghalaya adhere to, and how will user data be protected on the platform?

Hello Meghalaya, as a platform, will be available to download from Play Store, App Store and other authentic platforms only, thereby giving a first-degree security to all other users. Secondly, the platform will ensure not only the data privacy of the users but also continuously monitor that proper user-safety and privacy guidelines are followed. We have a dedicated team for the purpose of the same. The users will have their own user-id and password linked to their email address and phone number alike other Streaming Platforms. 
We will also ensure that the content creators and their copyright are protected at every stage of content distribution. 

Hello Meghalaya aims to promote local languages. Will there be any regulations or quotas in place to ensure a diverse range of local languages are represented on the platform, or will content selection be primarily market-driven?

To answer, what drives us, we are primarily Creators-Driven, Culture-Driven, Diversity-Driven. When the Government and the Department of Tourism came up with the idea of creating Hello Meghalaya, our goal was to empower local creators and celebrate the rich diversity. That’s why we have avoided imposing quotas. Instead, we have established clear guidelines for movies, short films and music videos to ensure that a wide range of content is available in various local and regional languages.

Meghalaya's Bah Paul on carving space for the state's OTT platform Hello Meghalaya amidst streaming giants

Amid the dull job market in the media and entertainment industry, the entry of over-the-top (OTT) platforms has not just broadened the scope for artists and performers but has also improved white-collar job openings.

 
According to talent platform foundit, OTT platforms have witnessed robust hiring growth at 28 percent across various roles over the past two years, driven by internet penetration, digital content consumption, and the expansion of the streaming platforms.

 
Xpheno, a specialist staffing company, told Storyboard18 that the 12 popular OTT platforms (Netflix, MX Player, Hulu, ESPN, Aha, Amazon Prime, ZEE 5, Disney + Hotstar, Bigflix, Kaltura, Yupp TV, and Apple TV +) employ more than 5,200 employees. Top bellwethers such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Zee5, and Disney+ Hotstar account for 77 percent (approx 4,000) of the employees.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/over-70000-employees-in-m-openings-only-4000-35474.htm">Over 70,000 employees in M&E companies looking for jobs; openings only 4,000</a>

 
The Bengaluru-based firm told Storyboard18 that the headcount across all 12 OTT players increased by six percent in the past one year. The job openings in the big players also increased by eight percent in the same period.

 
Additionally, the attrition rate in major OTT companies is relatively higher, indicating major opportunities available in this sector. Xpheno said that the talent of the 12 major OTT players in the country has witnessed a 20 percent churn rate over the past one year. One out of five employees have had at least one job switch in the OTT industry, it added. However, the current openings in these 12 firms are below 100, denoting a relatively slowed-down trend in recent months.

 
'Skillset and salaries'

 
Most OTT players scout for talent within the competition, and a few are absorbed from the software sector, broadcast media, and entertainment and movie production sectors. The key skills that OTT players look for are Content and Entertainment production, Software Engineering, Digital Marketing, Data Analytics, and Market Research.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/cmos-command-premium-pay-in-tepid-job-market-find-out-how-much-cmos-earn-34497.htm">CMOs command premium pay in tepid job market. Find out how much CMOs earn</a>

 
According to foundit, functions related to IT accounted for the maximum hiring in the OTT space at 44 percent between 2022 and 2024. The hiring activity by the OTT players in the Marketing and Communication department was 23 percent, followed by Creative at 11 percent, Sales at 8 percent, and Finance and Accounting at 4 percent in the past three years, respectively.

 
Jobs at the junior level have experienced the highest growth, followed by mid-level and senior-level positions between 2022 and 2024. Job openings for the junior level with 2-5 years of experience reported at 35 percent of hiring, mid-level at 23 percent, and the senior level at 17 percent in three years, foundit said.

 
"Over the past two years, the OTT sector has seen remarkable growth in hiring across all levels, from junior roles fostering fresh innovation to expanding mid-level positions focusing on strategic content and technical advancements, alongside the increasing demand for experienced leaders in senior roles. Additionally, the emergence of gig jobs and specialised roles in areas like data analytics and the customer experience in this space highlights the sector's dynamic evolution, driven by technological advancements and the growing consumer appetite for high-quality digital experiences," Sekhar Garisa, CEO, foundit said.


<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/hiring-activity-in-advertisement-pr-industry-declines-by-6-in-june-this-year-report-35955.htm">Hiring activity in advertising, PR industry declines by 6% in June this year: Naukri report</a>

 
According to Prasadh MS, Head of Workforce Research at Xpheno, specialist talent commands healthy compensation packages in the OTT space. The compensation packages for specialists in some of the enterprises match what the tech sector offers its specialists, he added.


Prasadh said, "An employee with 5 to 10 years of experience, working with the OTT bellwethers in their digital content production, delivery, and marketing functionsand receiving packages in the Rs 28 lakh-Rs 35 lakh range". A difference of 5 -12 percent in compensation exists among the major players based on the internal compensation structures, he added. Besides, the pay packages vary in a 10 -15 percent range between the top 5 locations (Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Chennai).

 
"The packages for specialists in OTT can swing either way based on the specific project, timing, or geography a talent is being onboarded for. So this sector does not have a permanent good or bad paymaster, as package spikes or drops are transient and elastic to the enterprise or project context. As ideas and content are treated as perishables, the urgency to beat the competition and onboard the right talent is served by wooing talent with competitive packages," Prasadh added.

As OTT platforms expand and woo talent, new job roles open up

On the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Disney Star in association with India Signing Hands (ISH), announces the availability of an Indian Sign Language (ISL) feed for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, starting June 2. This will be applicable for 10 matches including the India matches, semi-finals and finals. 

The company will also support an audio descriptive feed, along with the ISL feed on Disney+ Hotstar and Star Sports Network. This is the first time that the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be broadcast with sign language and descriptive commentary making cricket more immersive for its deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired users, stated the company.


Commenting on Disney Star’s initiative, Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India said, “I commend Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar for introducing Indian Sign Language and Audio Descriptive commentary during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Government of India is committed to creating an inclusive society and I strongly believe that this initiative will enhance the viewing experience for millions of differently abled sports enthusiasts.”

 
Sajith Sivanandan, head, Disney+ Hotstar India, said, "We are thrilled to embrace accessibility features making the ICC Men's T20 World Cup available to more fans of the sport. This underscores our commitment to promote inclusivity and serve all users. With these enhancements, we aim to ensure that the excitement of cricket knows no bounds."

 
Sanjog Gupta, head - Sports, Disney Star said, “The descriptive and Indian sign language feeds on Star Sports during Tata IPL 2024 were met with an overwhelming response. Disney Star is extending this endeavour to make cricket fandom and experiences more inclusive by introducing, for the first time ever, these feeds on the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Our mission of serving sports fans is powered by such pioneering initiatives which seek to remove barriers of access and engagement for fans from all walks of life. The initiative also serves to present a more inclusive picture of India's favourite sport and is of immense pride for the sporting fraternity."


Alok Kejriwal, founder and chief executive officer, India Signing Hands (ISH News), said, “This feed has fostered the love of cricket into so many differently abled individuals during IPL. With Disney Star continuing this initiative for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 at a larger scale with both Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar supporting this feed, I am confident that it will open doors to the exciting world of cricket to many more people from the Deaf and Visually Impaired communities. This collaboration is really close to my heart since it makes the sport truly accessible and inclusive."


The ISL feed will provide a comprehensive ball-by-ball update through the presence of a translator on the live stream. The audio descriptive feed will be complemented by voice-over technology for specific pages, which can render text and images into a speech output, enabling visually impaired users to easily navigate through the Disney+ Hotstar app.


According to the World Health Organization, with an estimated 63 million community of deaf and 40 million community of visually impaired individuals in India, the need for inclusive entertainment is undeniable. After successfully introducing these features for the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Star Sports Network, Disney Star will make it available for all the India matches along with the semi-finals and finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on both Disney+ Hotstar and Star Sports Network, giving its users the freedom to watch on either of the platforms, at the comfort of their homes or on-the-go.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/disney-star-surpasses-50-crore-mark-in-audience-reach-for-tata-ipl-2024-31196.htm">Disney Star surpasses 50 crore mark in audience reach for Tata IPL 2024</a>

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024: Disney Star to include an Indian sign language and audio descriptive feed

Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”) announced that Airtel Xstream Play, the OTT aggregator service with over five million paid subscribers, has partnered with Sun NXT, a leading video streaming platform, owned and operated by the Sun TV Network Limited.

Airtel Xstream customers can now enjoy Sun NXT’s 50,000+ hours of content that include exciting titles across blockbuster movies, exclusive series, TV shows, live TV, kid’s content and more in a whole host of languages from Tamil to Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bangla and Marathi. Users can enjoy content from across 23 content apps on Airtel Xstream making it one of the largest bouquets of OTT content aggregated on a single app in India.

It also offers the features such as single subscription, single sign-in, unified content search and AI driven personalised curation for each user with users being able to access Airtel Xstream Play across devices including mobiles, tablets, laptops through the app or web and on large screens.

Some of the other apps on Airtel Xstream Play include Sony LIV, Lionsgate Play, Chaupal, Hoichoi, FanCode, ManoramaMax, ShemarooMe, Alt Balaji, Ultra, ErosNow, EPICon, Docubay, and Playflix amongst many others.

Airtel Xstream Play strengthens regional content library, partners with Sun NXT

Prime Video has launched MGM+ on Prime Video Channels. MGM+ offers an extensive selection of entertainment including critically acclaimed and popular series, blockbuster movies and timeless classics primarily from the Hollywood studio, MGM. Prime members can purchase an annual add-on subscription to MGM+ at a special price of ₹599 per year.


With an add-on subscription to MGM+ on Prime Video Channels, Prime members can enjoy a vast slate of multi-genre content offerings including classic and cult-favourite movies like Legally Blonde, Hercules, The Prodigy, The Silence of the Lambs, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Robocop, The Vow, Child’s Play, Death Wish, and more, along with much-loved series like Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, Teen Wolf, Get Shorty, among others. 


“We're thrilled to launch MGM+ as a Channel for our customers in India, offering an extensive library of blockbuster, much-loved, and premium content at a single destination – Prime Video. Since launch, our objective with Prime Video Channels has been to provide our customers with increased choice, improved accessibility and greater convenience of watching their favourite content all within a single app,” stated Vivek Srivastava, Head – Prime Video Channels, Prime Video, India. “In a short span of time, Prime Video Channels has offered increased reach to both local and global streamers to expand their footprint in India, allowing them to connect with a vast and diverse audience across the country. We are certain that with its vast library of iconic movies and series, MGM+ will entertain and delight Indian customers.” 


“We're excited to partner with Prime Video India to deliver exceptional entertainment to Indian audiences through MGM+” remarked Michael Katzer, head of MGM+ International. “The streaming service brings a huge range of premium quality, successful movies, much-loved series as well as ageless classics, spanning multiple genres including sci-fi, suspense, action-thriller, romance, and much more. The expansion of MGM+ in India further cements Amazon’s commitment to invest in and grow the MGM+ channel internationally, while enhancing the content offering available to subscribers.” 


Prime members in India can subscribe to MGM+ through Prime Video Channels at a price of ₹599 per year.


Prime Video Channels benefits for Prime members include:

● No hassle login & billing: Customers do not have to juggle between multiple usernames, passwords and billing due dates. With Prime Video Channels, all premium content subscriptions are managed within a single destination – Prime Video apps and website.

● More time watching, less time deciding: Customers don’t have to spend time toggling between their favourite services to discover what’s new and popular. With Prime Video Channels they can browse in one place, search across all their premium subscription and get personalized recommendations. All of this without ever having to leave the Prime Video app or website.

● Enjoy your favourite features, no matter which service: Customers can enjoy IMDb’s X-Ray feature and a single consolidated watch list and download library for offline viewing. Subscribers can also manage data consumption and much more across all their premium channel subscriptions.

● More Choice: With Prime Video Channels, Prime members can access thousands of additional titles across 20+ OTT channels, including MGM+.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/amazon-prime-unveils-video-dedicated-to-the-role-of-women-in-entertainment-26231.htm">Amazon Prime unveils video dedicated to the role of women in entertainment</a>

Prime Video and MGM International Launch MGM+ on Prime Video Channels

With a library of over 8500+ hours of content transcending over 40 genres, discovery+ offers an extensive array of content, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences. From documentaries that delve into nature, science, history, and exploration into immersive reality shows that provide insights into various cultures and lifestyles, to original series that offer compelling storytelling right from the heart of India, discovery+ is a trove of of distinctive content. 

“Bringing discovery+ to Tata Play Binge represents a huge step forward in expanding our content offerings. The partners’ colossal lineup does not only showcase a myriad collection of genres but also promises entertainment in multiple local languages. This collaboration opens doors to an extensive range of riveting narratives, ensuring our viewers have access to the best of what Discovery+ has to offer, all in one place,” said Pallavi Puri, Tata Play’s Chief Commercial and Content Officer on another successful integration.

Adding to it, Ruchir Jain, Head of Distribution & Eurosport, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery, said, “We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Tata Play Binge. This partnership will enable their subscribers in India to seamlessly access discovery+ content. With our extensive library of exclusive documentaries, captivating series, and engaging originals, including acclaimed titles such as 'Secrets of the Buddha Relics', 'History Hunter', and 'Star Vs Food: Survival', we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences to Indian households. Now, Tata Play Binge customers can enjoy discovery+ content on all their favorite devices.”

The platform boasts of some popular titles like 90 Day Fiance, Man VS Wild, and Top Gear, #IndiaMyWay, Blue Planet, Secrets of the Koh-i-noor, India’s Ultimate Warrior and many more.

discovery+ will join other popular OTT platforms on Tata Play Binge like Apple TV+, Disney+ Hotstar, ZEE5, Lionsgate Play, FanCode, Sun Nxt, Aha, Fuse+, Hallmark Movies Now, PTC Play, Animax, VROTT, STAGE, ReelDrama, Chaupal, Namma Flix, Planet Marathi, manoramaMAX, iStream, Tarang Plus, Hungama Play, ShemarooMe, Curiosity Stream, EPIC ON, Travelxp, DocuBay, ShortsTV, Playflix, KliKK, Distro TV, MX Player along with Gaming. Content from all these platforms is available to the viewers of Tata Play Binge through a single subscription and a single user interface. Additionally, Netflix can be availed as a combo pack with DTH channels for all Tata Play DTH subscriber whereas Amazon Prime Video content can be accessed as an add-on by all Tata Play Binge subscribers, who also have the DTH connection. Viewers can enjoy all 30+ apps on smartphones, large screen connected devices through LG, Samsung and Android smart TV’s, Desktop, Laptop, Tablets, Tata Play edition of the Amazon FireTV Stick and www.TataplayBinge.com.



Tata Play Binge expands its entertainment gateway with discovery+

Netflix reported a strong start to 2024, boasting a 15 percent increase in revenue compared to Q12023. They also clocked a a significant jump in operating income, which surged by 54 percent year-over-year. The streaming giant's operating margin touched 28percent in Q1 2024.


Ads membership grew 65 percent quarter on quarter (after rising nearly 70 percent sequentially in each of Q3 2023 and Q4 2023) with over 40 percent of all signups in ads markets coming from ads plan. 


“Our two priorities in ads are to scale our member base and to build out our capabilities for advertisers. We made progress on both fronts in Q1. For advertisers, we continue to focus on measurement solutions, including new partnerships with Kantar and Lucid for brand awareness and recall, and Nielsen Catalina Solutions for sales lift and we’re working to build out our sales capabilities,” they said in a statement. 


The growth in numbers for the quarter, according to the Netflix was primarily driven by membership growth as well as pricing. ARM (average revenue per membership) rose 1 percent year over year, while subscriber count increased by 9.3 million. Same quarter last fiscal, new subscriber count stood at 1.8 million.


However, this is the last year Netflix is going public with subscriber details in their financial results. 

“Starting next year with our Q1 2025 earnings, we will stop reporting quarterly membership numbers and ARM,” they said.


Explaining they move they said, “We’re focused on revenue and operating margin as our primary financial metrics — and engagement as our best proxy for customer satisfaction. In our early days, when we had little revenue or profit, membership growth was a strong indicator of our future potential. But now we’re generating very substantial profit and free cash flow (FCF). We are also developing new revenue streams like advertising and our extra member feature, so memberships are just one component of our growth.”


The projected revenue growth for Q2 2024 is expected to be 16 percent. 


“For the full year 2024, we expect healthy revenue growth of 13 percent to 15 percent, based on F/X rates at the end of Q1 2024. We now expect FY24 operating margin of 25 percent, based on F/X rates as of January 1, 2024, up from our prior forecast of 24 percent,” they said in their financial results.


In a brief outline of plans, the streaming giant said they would  continue to improve the variety and quality entertainment, innovate in product and marketing  and tap into additional revenue and profit pools, in particular scaling ads to become a more meaningful contributor to the business in 2025 and beyond.

Netflix soars in Q1 2024: Revenue up 15 percent, operating income surges by 54 percent

JioCinema logged over 71.5 crore views for the marquee fixture between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings on April 14th. The official streaming platform for the TATA IPL amassed 933 crore minutes of watch time and 13 crore viewers, bettering the reach of TATA IPL 2023 final.

 
JioCinema commenced the 2024 season with over 59 crore views that led to 660 crore minutes of watch-time on Day 1. After 29 matches, over 1200 crore views and 14,800 crore minutes of watch time were clocked from 38.3 Crore viewers on the platform, a 42 percent growth in viewers compared to the same period last season. The time spent per viewer per match on Connected TV (CTV) has crossed 80 minutes.

 
JioCinema’s free-to-play predict and win game, Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan has enhanced the overall fan engagement efforts. The opening night contest saw Bhandup-based Antony D’Cruz winning gold worth INR 50 lakhs. Over 25 viewers from lengths and breadths of the country have won an elegant hatchback, motorcycle, and a smart TV, among many other prizes.

 
JioCinema’s list of digital streaming sponsors for the 2024 TATA IPL season includes Dream11 as a co-presenting sponsor, while Tata Motors, PayZapp by HDFC Bank, SBI, Cred, AMFI, Upstox, Charged by Thums Up, Britannia, Pepsi, Parle products, Google Pixel, Haier, Jindal Steel, Vodafone, Dalmia Cements, Kamla Pasand, Rapido, MRF Tyres, RuPay and Jaquar Bath & Light, have joined hands as associate sponsors.

 
Fans can watch the 2024 TATA IPL season in 4K, across 12 languages, including Haryanvi for the first time, with multi-cam options, including the much-loved Hero Cam.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/tata-ipl-2024-jiocinema-records-a-51-percent-growth-in-number-of-viewers-on-day-1-compared-to-the-2023-season-27244.htm">TATA IPL 2024 sees blockbuster opening day on JioCinema; clocks 51 percent surge in viewers over IPL 2023</a>

JioCinema logs over 71.5 crore views for the MI vs CSK clash

On April 5, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd's MD and CEO Punit Goenka initiated a cost-cutting exercise which would lead to a 15 percent reduction in the workforce. The company announced the measure last Friday. Industry sources indicate that another round of job cuts, as part of the on-going cost-reduction measures announced last week, are likely to take place on April 12. Storyboard18 reached out to ZEEL with queries for comments. The article will be updated after we receive official comments from the company. 

In line with his strategic plan focused towards achieving the targeted goals, ZEE's Goenka proposed the implementation of a lean and streamlined management structure to the Board on April 5. The streamlining process included rationalisation of the workforce by 15 percent.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/zee-layoffs-zee-ceo-punit-goenka-plans-to-slash-workforce-by-15-percent-28334.htm">Read more: ZEE layoffs: Zee CEO Punit Goenka plans to slash workforce by 15 percent</a>

While announcing ZEEL results for the 2023 December quarter, Goenka had outlined his strategy to improve margins in the coming quarters. He had highlighted the three focus areas for the company. They were frugality, optimisation, and a sharp emphasis on high-quality content.

Soon after, the leadership exits and restructuring began. On March 10, Rahul Johri, President Business- South Asia, decided to step down. His exit was followed by Nitin Mittal, President – Technology and Data who resigned on March 15. 


On the day of Mittal’s resignation, strategic changes were announced in the Technology and Data vertical. Several reporting lines were altered, and significant steps were implemented to build a new lateral structure.

Zee also implemented a new program called the Monthly Management Mentorship (3M) Program. This program aimed to identify areas for improvement across the company. One of the first recommendations from the 3M program resulted in significant restructuring. The Technology and Innovation Center (TIC) workforce was reduced by roughly 50 percent.

In the first week of April, Punit Misra, who was President – Content and International Markets at ZEEL, quit. As the President, Misra oversaw content for both the TV network of ZEE as well as its digital offering ZEE5, both domestically and globally. He also managed ZEEL’s international business spanning 190 countries.

Around the same time Misra resigned, on April 2, Goenka announced his decision to take a voluntary 20 percent pay cut in his personal remuneration.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/zee-charts-new-course-after-sony-merger-collapse-restructuring-cost-cuts-and-strategic-focus-28552.htm">Read more: ZEE's restructuring, layoffs, strategic focus; Punit Goenka charts a new course after Sony-merger collapse</a>

OTTs, apps will not be regulated as telecom services: DoT

The move to remove OTT from the Telecom Bill is expected to be tabled in the winter session of the Parliament.

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