Week at a glance: Festive gameplans; Google faces anti-trust fire; Spotlight on gaming

Dear friends,

Market and consumer sentiments remain buoyant as we further progress into the extended festive season in India. This week, we took a look at print media’s festive season prospects, Flipkart’s strategy, and the Gen Z and Gen Alpha perspective.

Online gaming, too, is expecting an over 3x rise in ad spends in H2 2024. The GST Council meet this week revealed that 28% GST yielded 412% jump in online gaming revenue in six months.

Google’s ad empire has come under fire as the internet major faces anti-trust cases in the US and Europe.

Festive fervour

Will print be able to capitalise on the festive fervour this year?

While Digital is expected to hog a major part of the festive ad spends, traditional media like print is also looking for a strong performance this year. Despite some headwinds, such as rise in newsprint cost, shutting down of some editions pan-India, transitioning of readers to digital platforms, print has largely remained buoyant.

Neha Agrahari on Flipkart’s big video commerce push for festive season this year

In this exclusive Ag Talk interaction with Adgully, Neha Agrahari, Senior Director - Video Commerce, Flipkart, discusses how the e-commerce platform is leading the way by integrating video content across its platform. Agrahari shares insights into the rising interest in live commerce, shoppable videos, and inspiration-led content – formats that are transforming the digital shopping experience.

For Gen Z & Gen Alpha festivals are no longer traditional buying triggers: Experts

Festivals are evolving from traditional buying triggers to moments of self-expression for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Brands need to innovate their festive strategies to balance contemporary appeal with cultural relevance, engaging both younger and older generations alike.

Online Gaming

28% GST yields 412% jump in online gaming revenue in six months: Finance Minister

Briefing the media on the decisions taken at the 54th meeting of the GST Council, Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman said, “The revenue from online gaming has increased by 412% in six months from October 1, 2023, when 28 per cent tax was levied on these services. It has reached Rs 6,909 crore in these six months, from Rs 1,349 crore before the notification was issued on online gaming.”

Gaming and esports to see over 3x rise in ad spends in H2 2024: Experts

Adgully delves into the key trends observed in the first half of 2024 within the gaming and esports sector. Looking ahead to H2, the focus shifts towards monetization trends, consumer behaviour, and ad spending. The festive season presents a unique window for heightened ad spending and consumer engagement, positioning H2 as a crucial period for growth within the gaming industry.

PKL faces allegations of surrogate advertising for illegal betting platforms

According to media reports, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is facing allegations of promoting illegal betting and gambling platforms, in clear violation of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's (MIB) advisory against surrogate advertising. Real Money Gaming (RMG) operators have raised concerns with the MIB, urging immediate action.

Google anti-trust case

Google’s Ad Empire Under Fire

Over the next one month or so the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia will witness arguments and counter-arguments in a keenly watched anti-trust case filed against Google by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and a coalition of states over the former’s alleged monopoly in the digital advertising industry.

EU’s top court upholds €2.4 billion fine against Google for market abuse

The fine, levied by the European Commission in 2017, stemmed from accusations that Google had favoured its own shopping comparison service over those of its competitors. Google had appealed the decision twice, but both appeals were unsuccessful.

New FM Radio channels

Will new FM Radio channels in small towns be a viable proposition in the long run?

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on August 28, 2024, approved the proposal to conduct the 3rd batch of ascending e-auctions for 730 FM radio channels in 234 new cities, with estimated reserve price of Rs 784.87 crore under the Private FM Radio Phase Ill Policy. However, industry experts expressed their doubts on the viability of FM radios in large numbers.

Final curtains down on ZEE-Sony merger

NCLT issues order allowing ZEE to withdraw merger scheme with Sony

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited has informed the bourses that the Mumbai Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has passed an order, inter alia, allowing the withdrawal of the merger Scheme with Sony and Bangla Entertainment, and recall the sanctioned order dated August 10, 2023 passed by the NCLT in respect of the Scheme.

Retail media networks

Rise of retail media networks: Bringing a new level of precision to consumer targeting

Originating with Amazon’s launch of its programmatic advertising platform in 2012, Retail Media Networks (RMNs) are becoming a key revenue stream for major retailers like Walmart and Amazon.

Other headlines:

AI in programmatic advertising: Rise of real-time bidding and personalized ads

Shailesh Gupta to continue as Chairman; Vikram Sakhuja elected as MRUCI VC

Anti-trust trial exposes Google's strategy to 'crush' rivals

SC PIL Seeks Independent Regulator for OTT Content Oversight

Media & Entertainment industry hirings up 14% in August 2024: Report

PR needs PR for itself with younger people: Sonali Sokhal, Intelliquo

Until next week...

Shanta Saikia

Editor

Adgully

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