Author: Akanksha Nagar

CCI raids at top firms could leave media agencies grappling with massive trust deficit, feel experts

The cracks in Dentsu’s relationship with the industry started showing when a top agency snatched two major accounts—an automobile giant worth ₹1000 crore and an FMCG behemoth worth ₹1600 crore.

Media and advertising industry fears that the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) investigation into top ad firms (GroupM, Madison, IPG, Publicis, and Dentsu) may cause massive disruption in the way the media buying ecosystem functions and may even impact India’s advertising expenditure in short term.

CCI raids at dentsu, GroupM, IPG, Madison, Publicis fuel unrest; stakeholders demand fair probe

The advertising industry thrives on collaboration, partnerships, and innovation—and such (CCI investigating IPG, Publicis, GroupM, and dentsu) scrutiny, while necessary, has also led to uncertainty, said experts. (Image source: Unsplash)

Industry observers, questioning the possibility of regulatory overreach by Competition Commission of India, emphasised the need for a fair regulatory process that avoids stifling genuine competitive practices through broad-brush enforcement.

GroupM, IPG, Publicis, Dentsu, Madison may face penalties up to 10% of annual turnover if found guilty in CCI investigation

Eyewitnesses described scenes of controlled chaos: employees were ordered to power down their cell phones while officials combed through offices, seizing critical documents, electronic devices, and vital evidences.

The agencies allegedly colluded with broadcasters to fix advertising rates, thereby limiting the ability of advertisers to negotiate competitive pricing. If proven, this would mean that large advertisers, who depend on these agencies for media planning and buying, were systematically overcharged through a coordinated manipulation of discounts, commissions, or bidding processes.

Unearthing emails, pricing agreements, internal meeting records: CCI crack down on potential cartelisation, price-fixing in media industry

The HC decision follows the hearing of three petitions against the non-regulation of deepfake technology in the country and the threat of its potential misuse.

If GroupM, IPG, dentsu and IBDF are found guilty, the penalties could be severe fines up to 10% of their average annual turnover under Section 27, possible debarment from working with certain broadcasters, and mandatory corrective measures like greater transparency in pricing.

Box office collection in Jan-Feb’ 2025 stood at Rs 2,264 crore; 39% higher than 2024

'Chhaava' has emerged as the top-grossing film of the month, grossing over Rs 650 crore, thereby becoming one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of all time, said Ormax Media report.

While ‘Chhaava’ emerged as the top film in February, contributing more than half of the month’s total box office; re-releases of ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’ and ‘Interstellar’ secured sports among the top 10 highest-grossing films of the month.

DoT, WhatsApp collaborate to combat digital frauds and scams

Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer, Meta (left) met the Union Minister of Communication and Development of North East Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia (right) on March 17, 2025 and discussed the effectiveness of ongoing collaboration of DoT and Meta.

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has joined forces with WhatsApp to extend ‘Scam Se Bacho,’ Meta’s campaign. Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer, Meta met the Union Minister of Communication and Development of North East Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia on March 17 to discuss the collaboration.

PepsiCo to acquire prebiotic soda brand ‘poppi’ for $1.95 billion

The transaction (between PepsiCo and poppi) is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval. Additional terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

According to Ramon Laguarta, Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo, consumers are looking for convenient and great-tasting options that fit their lifestyles and respond to their growing interest in health and wellness.

MeitY report on Digital Competition Bill awaited; stakeholders demand startups, MSMEs exemption

The draft Digital Competition Bill, released in February 2024, aims to address anti-competitive practices by Big Tech companies, but it remains unfinalized. (Image source: Moneycontrol)

Between March and June 2024, two rounds of consultations were held on draft Digital Competition Bill—one conducted by Ministry of Corporate Affairs and other by Ministry of Electronics and IT. The draft DCB, released for public consultation last year, has received over 100 suggestions and is currently under review.