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Category: News Headline

  • Madison Media’s Vikram Sakhuja takes over as chairman of MRUC

    Madison Media’s Vikram Sakhuja takes over as chairman of MRUC

    MUMBAI: Madison World, partner group ceo, Madison Media & OOH, Vikram Sakhuja has been elected chairman of the MRUC (Media Research Users Council of India). The MRUCI board approved his appointment at its annual general meeting, with Sakhuja succeeding Shailesh Gupta of Jagran Media. He had been vice-chairman of the body since 2024.

    Joining him on the new leadership slate, Dhruba Mukherjee, director at ABP Network, has been elected vice-chairman, while Shashi Sinha, executive chairman of IPG Mediabrands, will head the IRS technical committee, a role Sakhuja previously held.

    An alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta, Sakhuja brings nearly four decades of experience across marketing, media and advertising. He has held leadership roles at P&G (Procter & Gamble), Coca-cola, Star TV, Mindshare, Groupm and Maxus Worldwide, before taking over at Madison in 2015. 

  • Vietnam’s Duc Phuc hits the high note, wins Intervision 2025 in Moscow

    Vietnam’s Duc Phuc hits the high note, wins Intervision 2025 in Moscow

    MUMBAI: Talk about a chart-topping comeback, after three decades in silence, the ‘Intervision song contest’ returned with a bang in Moscow, crowning Vietnamese pop star Duc Phuc as its 2025 champion.

    Held on 20 September at the packed Live Arena, the revived contest brought together 23 nations from BRICS, CIS, South America and West Asia. Phuc’s powerhouse performance of Phu Dong Thien Vuong wowed the 11,000-strong crowd, earning him 422 points, a clear 49 points ahead of the runner-up, along with a crystal trophy and a hefty 30 million Russian ruble prize.

    India struck the right chord on debut. Kashmiri singer-producer Rauhan Malik delivered a stirring performance of his track Ishq, finishing a respectable 12th and earning plaudits for his soulful vocals. Beyond the stage, India’s presence was equally prominent: acclaimed Bollywood composer dr. Jaan Nissar Lone made history as the first Indian jury member, while actress-model Stefy Patel, draped in a traditional pink Kanjivaram saree, co-hosted the global spectacle with flair.

    The organisational spotlight also fell on India, with Mumbai-based ARMS record label private limited / AR music studios serving as co-organiser, Newsx as media partner, and Roshan space brandcom handling outdoor promotions.

    Backed by an international committee chaired by Russia’s deputy pm Dmitry Chernyshenko, the rebooted ‘Intervision’ carried the stamp of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s cultural vision. More than just a competition, it became a showcase of global unity and artistic exchange.

    For India, this debut signals more than just a song, it marks a growing role on the international performing arts stage, with Malik summing it up best, “Intervision 2025 was an unforgettable experience. The love and warmth made it feel like music truly knows no borders.”

  • Bengaluru gears up for Comic Con 2025

    Bengaluru gears up for Comic Con 2025

    MUMBAI: Comic Con India is returning to Bengaluru on 20 and 21 December at KTPO, Whitefield, promising a weekend of cosplay, comics, gaming and immersive fan experiences.

    The 13th edition of Bengaluru Comic Con is set to unite cosplayers, gamers, artists and live performers, offering aspiring creators a platform to showcase their work and connect with fans and industry professionals. Highlights include the National Cosplay Championship, exclusive merchandise, interactive fan zones, gaming arenas and sessions with leading comic book creators, anime artists and directors.

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder and md, Akshat Rathee, said, “Bengaluru Comic Con has its own flavour. Only here can you find a coder debugging all week and then showing up on the weekend dressed as Darth Vader. The city’s fandom is restless and inventive. Every edition here feels electric, proof that pop culture runs deep in India’s tech capital.”

    Comic Con India, ceo, Shefali Johnson, added, “Fans here don’t just come to watch, they come to build, share and celebrate together. Bengaluru turns Comic Con into something bigger than the event itself, blending creativity, gaming and cosplay with the city’s culture of innovation.”

    Last year’s edition drew over 50,000 attendees, with more than 5,000 cosplayers. International guests included American comic creators Ron Marz and Jamal Igle, while Indian studios such as Tadam Gyadu, Raj Comics, Indusverse, Sufi Comics and Amar Chitra Katha showcased their work. The event also featured stand-up performances, a 40,000 sq. ft. gaming zone with tournaments and VR experiences, alongside themed attractions like the Superman Zone and Minecraft Movie booths.

    Tickets for Bengaluru Comic Con 2025-26 are now live exclusively on the District app.

  • Rakesh Jha steps in as Eyeota’s unit sales head for North

    Rakesh Jha steps in as Eyeota’s unit sales head for North

    NEW DELHI: Eyeota has tapped Rakesh Jha to lead sales across northern India, a hire aimed at bulking up the Dun & Bradstreet subsidiary’s reach in the country’s fastest-growing advertising corridor.

    Jha spent more than seven years at Times Internet, climbing from senior officer to senior manager of ad sales. He managed headline clients including CoinDCX, Atomberg Technologies, The Sleep Company and Optimum Nutrition, and cut deals with agencies such as Dentsu, Mindshare, Havas Media and Edelman. His remit covered everything from native and programmatic media buys to content-marketing projects on platforms such as Spotlight and Colombia Ads.

    Before Times Internet, Jha worked on publisher alliances at LocoVida, helping more than 120 publishers across 11 languages drive audience engagement and programmatic revenues. Known for a forensic eye on CPM, CPC and CPL models, he has a record of negotiating high-yield contracts, running multichannel campaigns and squeezing extra performance from digital budgets.

    At Eyeota, Jha will marshal revenue growth and data partnerships across Delhi and neighbouring states, marrying his pitch-perfect sales craft with Eyeota’s audience-enrichment and targeting tools. The company sees India’s northern belt—home to the country’s biggest advertisers—as a critical frontier for its global expansion

  • Zee TV’s ‘Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan’ celebrates strength of single motherhood

    Zee TV’s ‘Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan’ celebrates strength of single motherhood

    MUMBAI: Holding her daughters’ hands, she’s walking into prime time with courage, grit and grace. Zee TV is set to launch its new drama, Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan, a heartwarming tale of a single mother who rebuilds her life from scratch and raises her daughters to stand tall against society’s taunts.

    Adapted from Zee Kannada’s hit show Puttakana Makkalu, the Hindi remake shines a light on women’s resilience in the face of abandonment and stigma. Set in the culturally vibrant backdrop of Varanasi, the series is produced by Ravie Dubey and Sargun Mehta’s Dreamiyata Dramaa.

    The show follows Ganga Mai (played by Shubhangi Latkar), who raises her daughters Sneha (Amandeep Sidhu), Sahana (Srishti Jain) and Soni (Vaishnavi Prajapati) with dignity, self-respect and an unbreakable spirit. Each daughter brings a unique flavour to the story: Sneha, the fiery dreamer aiming to be a district collector; Sahana, the nurturer whose cooking and wisdom hold the family together; and Soni, the playful yet mature spark who keeps optimism alive at home.

    Adding another layer to the drama is Sheizaan Khan as Siddhant, a feared yet soft-hearted moneylender whose life changes when he crosses paths with Sneha.

    To mark the launch, Zee TV hosted an experiential set tour in Chandigarh, where media were treated to a soulful meal at the family’s on-screen dhaba, mirroring the warmth and simplicity of the characters.

    Zee TV,  chief channel officer, Mangesh Kulkarni said, “With shows like Saru, Tumm Se Tumm Tak, Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, and now Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan, we are bringing forth stories that are rooted in culture yet contemporary in their outlook.”

    Zee Entertainment, chief content officer, Raghavendra Hunsur added, “What moves us most is not just Ganga Mai’s struggle, but the everyday grace with which she turns hardship into hope.”

    For lead actor Shubhangi Latkar, the role has been transformative. “Ganga Mai is a symbol of every woman who chooses dignity over despair. Portraying her has been an emotionally enriching journey for me,” she added.

    With its message that daughters are never a burden but a source of pride, Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan promises to strike an emotional chord with families across India.

     

  • Nasher Miles & Flipkart add colour to ‘The Big Billion Days’ 25′

    Nasher Miles & Flipkart add colour to ‘The Big Billion Days’ 25′

    MUMBAI: Why pack dull when you can pack with personality? This festive season, Nasher Miles is unzipping a bold new chapter in travel style, teaming up with Flipkart for ‘The Big Billion Days 2025.’

    The luggage brand, celebrated for its splash of colour and playful spirit, has rolled out two cheeky films starring digital darlings Sakshi Shivdasani and Ayush Mehra. The duo brings their trademark wit and charm to everyday travel scenarios, from last-minute road trips to date-night dashes, where bland baggage just doesn’t fit the bill.

    With the sassy slogan “Why so boring, bro?”, Nasher Miles is calling time on lifeless luggage, nudging young, style-conscious travellers to match their bags to their vibe: colourful, durable, and unapologetically fun.

    “This campaign is about more than bags, it’s about boldness,” said Nasher Miles, co-founder & cmo, Shruti Kedia Daga. “Flipkart’s Big Billion Days gives us the perfect stage to inspire people to travel with style, spirit, and a dash of mischief.”

    Backed by creative agency Itch, the campaign closes with a punchy message: ‘Drop the boring.’ For co-founder Naman Agarwal, the idea is simple: “If fashion is an expression, why should luggage be left out? Bags should be as full of personality as the people who carry them.”

    Set to run across digital platforms, Flipkart’s app, and mass media, the films ensure that this year’s Big billion days won’t just be about snagging deals, it’ll be about carrying colour and character wherever the journey leads.

  • Digital video veteran jumps ship to Spanish adtech darling

    Digital video veteran jumps ship to Spanish adtech darling

    NEW DELHI: Shikha Singh, the executive who helped Dailymotion crack the notoriously difficult Indian market, has jumped ship to join Marfeel, a Spanish adtech firm, as sales director for Asia-Pacific. The move marks another coup for European technology companies seeking to expand their footprint across the region’s fragmented digital landscape.

    Singh’s departure from Dailymotion, where she spent over seven years building the French video platform’s Indian operations, signals the intense competition for experienced hands in the publisher technology space. At Marfeel, she will spearhead the Barcelona-based company’s push into markets where digital advertising spending continues to surge despite global economic headwinds.

    The appointment comes as Marfeel, which helps publishers optimise their websites for better user engagement and revenue, looks to capitalise on the growing demand for sophisticated content management tools across Asia. The company’s technology promises to boost page views and advertising income—a compelling proposition for cash-strapped media organisations grappling with declining print revenues.

    Singh’s track record suggests Marfeel has chosen wisely. During her tenure as country manager for India at Dailymotion, she delivered what she describes as “phenomenal growth” of 120 per cent over two years whilst serving as sales director for supply and enterprise sales. Her knack for “executing complex conversations with C-level people” and managing partnerships across the chaotic Indian media ecosystem made her a valuable asset for Vivendi-owned Dailymotion.

    Before her Dailymotion stint, Singh cut her teeth at some of India’s most prominent digital media companies. She managed partnerships at Times Internet, the digital arm of India’s largest newspaper group, and worked on business development for Dainik Bhaskar Group, one of the country’s biggest Hindi-language publishers. Earlier roles at adtech firms LocoVida and Kaumarc Media, plus a brief entrepreneurial venture with JobsandResults.com, rounded out her experience in the rough-and-tumble world of Indian digital media.

    The move reflects broader trends in the global adtech industry, where European companies are increasingly challenging American dominance in Asia-Pacific markets. Spanish firms, in particular, have been aggressive in their expansion, leveraging their experience in similarly fragmented European markets to tackle the complexities of Asian publishing.

    For Marfeel, Singh’s appointment represents a bet that the company can replicate its European success in markets where publishers are desperately seeking new revenue streams. Her deep understanding of the SaaS sales model and ability to navigate the relationship-heavy Indian business culture could prove crucial as the company attempts to win over sceptical Asian publishers.

    The timing appears fortuitous. Digital advertising spending across Asia-Pacific is expected to continue growing, driven by rising smartphone penetration and increasingly sophisticated programmatic advertising tools. Publishers who can demonstrate measurable improvements in user engagement and revenue generation are well-positioned to capture a larger share of advertisers’ budgets.

    Whether Singh can work the same magic for Marfeel that she did for Dailymotion remains to be seen. But her appointment signals that the battle for Asia-Pacific’s publisher technology market is heating up—and European companies are not content to let their American rivals have all the fun.

  • IBC 2025: Media moguls and tech titans converge as Amsterdam buzzes with AI ambition

    IBC 2025: Media moguls and tech titans converge as Amsterdam buzzes with AI ambition

    AMSTERDAM: Amsterdam’s RAI convention centre became the epicentre of media’s digital revolution last week as 43,858 industry professionals descended on IBC2025, the world’s largest broadcasting and entertainment technology show. From global media giants to plucky start-ups, 1,300 exhibitors and 600 speakers gathered to chart the future of an industry in the throes of transformation.

    The event’s success reflects an industry caught between disruption and opportunity. Visitors from 170 countries—from veteran broadcasters to streaming insurgents—came seeking answers to questions that keep chief executives awake at night: how to harness artificial intelligence without losing the human touch, and how to stay relevant as viewing habits fragment across countless platforms.

     IBC chief executive Michael Crimp declared the event had “delivered real business outcomes” with “overwhelmingly positive feedback.” 

    What struck him most, he said, was the prevailing “sense of optimism and purpose”—a notable sentiment in an industry more accustomed to existential dread.

    The debut of Future Tech in Hall 14 captured much of this optimism. Here, punters could witness live demonstrations of generative and agentic AI, immersive media experiences, and cloud-native workflows. France Télévisions showcased a 5G-enabled aircraft, whilst others explored private networks and sustainable innovation—all buzzwords that would have seemed like science fiction a decade ago.

    “We’re witnessing a pivotal moment of innovation,” said Tata Communications global business leader Brijesh Yadev. The hyperbole may be familiar, but the underlying sentiment rings true: the industry is scrambling to reinvent itself before others do it for them.

    This urgency was palpable in the quality of conversations on the show floor. Gone were the days of casual networking; exhibitors reported “more strategic” discussions focused on “future-looking solutions” and “next-phase investments.”

    The conference programme reflected these concerns, with packed sessions on AI, new business models, and sustainability. Icons like Thelma Schoonmaker, the Oscar-winning editor who worked with Martin Scorsese, provided creative inspiration alongside more prosaic technical papers on practical innovation.

    Perhaps most tellingly, the industry is finally acknowledging that technology alone won’t save it. IBC2025 emphasised people and talent, with initiatives focused on skills development and inclusion. 

    The show floor itself told the story of an industry in flux. Established giants like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Sony, and Samsung rubbed shoulders with newcomers such as Baron Weather, Momento, and Remotly. Each hall showcased advances in production, distribution, and streaming—the building blocks of tomorrow’s entertainment ecosystem.

    For all the talk of transformation, IBC2025 proved that some things endure. The event remains the world’s essential meeting place for media professionals. In an increasingly digital world, the value of face-to-face connection—and the deals that flow from it—appears undiminished.

    Whether this optimism translates into sustainable business models remains to be seen. But for four days in Amsterdam, at least, the industry felt confident about its ability to shape its own destiny rather than have it shaped by others.

  • Skechers ‘Aero’ series races into India with aerodynamic running shoes

    Skechers ‘Aero’ series races into India with aerodynamic running shoes

    MUMBAI: Skechers is taking Indian runners on a flight of fancy quite literally. The brand has launched its ‘Aero’ series, a new line of technical running shoes designed to cut through the wind and help athletes chase down personal bests with style and comfort.

    Unveiled in Mumbai, the Skechers ‘Aero’ collection brings two performance-driven styles: Aero ‘Burst’ and Aero ‘Spark’ engineered to meet different needs. Burst is the long-haul partner, built with plush dual-density ‘Hyper Burst Ice’ cushioning, a carbon-infused h-plate, and the updated  ‘Arch Fit’ support system to keep runners going mile after mile. Spark, meanwhile, is the everyday all-rounder, cushioned for daily miles but responsive enough to pick up the pace when required.

    Both pairs feature breathable engineered mesh uppers, snug fit systems, and are available in lace-up or Skechers’ hands free slip-ins, a design that lets runners step in and go while reducing weight and friction for a seamless feel. Signature technologies across the range include Hyper Arc, which adapts to the runner’s stride, and Goodyear performance outsoles for better traction and durability.

    Skechers technical performance division, vice president, Ben Stewart said, “The Aero Series leverages innovative technologies to elevate our signature comfort. Developed with feedback from runners of all levels, we expect Aero to inspire confidence and performance on every run.”

    Adding a local perspective, Skechers South Asia, ceo, Rahul Vira said the launch comes at the right time. “The Indian running community has grown exponentially. The Aero series merges aerodynamic design with hallmark Skechers comfort, supporting runners at every level. With Jasprit Bumrah and Sunil Chhetri joining the Skechers family, this launch is even more special as they embody the dedication and spirit Aero represents.”

    The Skechers ‘Aero’ series is now available at Skechers retail outlets and online at skechers.in. For India’s runners, it looks like the wind is finally at their backs.

  • Festive fever goes phygital as Affle decodes India’s shopping pulse 2025

    Festive fever goes phygital as Affle decodes India’s shopping pulse 2025

    MUMBAI: Deck the carts, it’s shopping season and India’s consumers are already in festive overdrive. Affle 3i Ltd, in collaboration with audience intelligence platform Vtion, has unwrapped its India Festive Pulse 2025 report, just as the country gears up for the shopping blitz from Navratri and Durga Puja to Diwali. The study, based on a nationwide survey of 1,850 respondents across metros and smaller towns, offers a panoramic view of how Indians are discovering, deciding, and ultimately buying in the most lucrative window of the retail calendar.

    This year’s festive mood looks upbeat, with 47 per cent of consumers reporting higher purchase intent. The triggers? Bonus-linked wallets, the emotional pull of gifting, and blockbuster e-commerce sales promising deep discounts. But while spending remains robust, the journey from discovery to conversion has become anything but linear.

    The report reveals that 68 per cent of shoppers first spot festive deals via in-app ads, while social media continues to be a discovery driver. But there’s a rising dark horse Connected TV (CTV) now emerging as a favourite screen for browsing products during ad breaks and binge sessions.

    Yet, the buyer’s path is far from one-screen simple. While 58 per cent complete purchases on the same device where they spotted the product, a chunky 32 per cent switch devices and 38 per cent head offline to finalise the transaction. The takeaway? India’s festive shopping is now a phygital juggle across devices and stores.

    Planning doesn’t wait till Dhanteras. Nearly 49 per cent of shoppers start planning at least 15 days in advance, though half of purchases actually peak within 3–7 days of ad exposure. That means ads need to land early to build intent but stay visible close to purchase dates to close the deal.

    Language, too, is proving to be a sales catalyst. A staggering 79 per cent of consumers engage better with ads in their local tongue, making multilingual storytelling a non-negotiable for brands. Reflecting this, 70 per cent of marketers are now investing in state-specific campaigns, with 41 per cent focusing on Tier 1–2 cities this festive season.

    “Discovery and purchase are no longer linear or tied to a single screen,” said Affle COO for India & emerging markets Vipul Kedia. “Consumers move fluidly across platforms, and ads on mobile and CTV not only trigger action but also build recall. The rise of vernacular content means resonance matters as much as reach.”

    For Vtion COO Shailesh Varudkar the festive season remains India’s commercial pulse, but its rhythm has changed. “Shoppers are mobile-first, discovery-driven, and effortlessly omnichannel—switching between social feeds, CTV, and apps before making a purchase. Marketers must recalibrate campaigns for this new consumer journey, where timing, personalisation, and context define festive success,” he said.

    . Survey base: 1,850 respondents (67 per cent male, 33 per cent female)

    .  Age groups: 18 to 35 plus years, spanning NCCS A–E

    .  Discovery: 68 per cent via in-app ads, rising traction on CTV

    .   Timing: 49 per cent plan 15 days ahead, 50 per cent convert within a week of seeing ads

    .   Regional impact: 79 per cent prefer local language ads; 70 per cent marketers doubling down on state-level campaigns

    As festive lights twinkle and offers flood feeds, India’s shoppers are no longer just swiping or strolling, they’re toggling. For marketers, the challenge is not only to be present across these touchpoints but to stitch them together into one connected, measurable, and memorable experience.