Week at a glance: Broadcasting bill withdrawn; BMC’s OOH guidelines

Dear friends,

Two important developments took this week – first is that the MIB decided to withdraw the much debated Broadcasting Bill and has given more time for industry consultations. Will the most contentious parts be removed in the fresh redraft? It’s a wait and watch.

BMC has made public its policy guidelines for display of outdoor advertisements. There are high hopes from these guidelines to streamline the outdoor advertising space. But the clause making advertisers liable for accidents has been opposed.

Broadcast Bill withdrawn

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Monday withdrew the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2024, which has been hotly debated by industry stakeholders. The Ministry has asked the select stakeholders to return the physical copies of the draft Bill that was circulated to them on July 24 and 25.

Further additional time is being provided to solicit comments/ suggestions till 15th October, 2024. A fresh draft will be published after detailed consultations.

The industry has been very vocal about the draft broadcasting bill with some supporting it, but many opposing it as being restrictive.

Broadcasting Bill withdrawn; stakeholders get time till Oct 15 to send suggestions

Regulation mess, good step, cut delay - Industry divided on Broadcasting bill withdrawal

BMC’s guidelines for OOH advertising

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation or Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai has released the draft policy guidelines for display of outdoor advertisements 2024. These new guidelines supersede the previous guidelines of 2008. This policy will be applicable for 10 years from the date of approval.

BMC issues stringent norms for DOOH; holds advertisers liable for accidents

Google judgement & aftermath

US District Court of Columbia Judge Amit P Mehta was unequivocal in his comments, while delivering the judgment on August 5, 2024, in a case on Google’s dominance in the search engine domain. This case marks a pivotal moment in antitrust enforcement, potentially setting precedents for regulating other tech giants in the future.

Experts feel that the ruling is expected to have significant repercussions. One possibility is that the court may order for the break-up of Google’s parent company Alphabet.

Google’s reign challenged: Ad Tech on the brink of disruption?

Google faces breakup threat after US DOJ’s search monopoly ruling

Tackling misleading ads

In a move to tackle complaints against misleading ads, the Government is planning to introduce a unified system that will collect and manage all complaints received against misleading ads, as per media reports. This unified mechanism is expected to ensure a more efficient and seamless handling of issues.

Govt moots a unified mechanism to tackle misleading ads

Alok Jain on Laughter Chefs

Viacom18’s Hindi GEC Colors has ventured into comedy after quite some time with its show, ‘Laughter Chefs’. In conversation with Adgully, Alok Jain, President - General Entertainment, Viacom18, speaks at length about ‘Laughter Chefs’ and its journey since its inception, the viewership garnered, the evolution of comedy as a genre in India, and more.

Comedy is a difficult genre to crack - Alok Jain on Laughter Chefs’ recipe for success

SPNI leadership roles

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced three significant leadership changes, reflecting the company's continued dedication to strategic growth and operational excellence.

Nachiket Pantvaidya is now taking over as the Business Head of Sony Entertainment Television (SET). He will also continue to manage his role as General Manager at Sony Pictures International Productions (SPIP).

Ajay Bhalwankar, who currently heads SPNI’s Marathi channel, will additionally spearhead Sony SAB as its Business Head.

Tushar Shah, Business Head of English, Bengali, and Infotainment Channels and CMO, SPNI, will additionally oversee Sony MAX, Sony MAX HD, Sony MAX 2, Sony WAH and Sony PAL.

SPNI rejig: Nachiket Pantvaidya, Ajay Bhalwankar, Tushar Shah’s roles expanded

Until next week...

Shanta Saikia

Editor

Adgully

Also Read: Week at a glance: Decoding data-driven marketing at DATAMATIXX Asia 2024