CCI raids: Cloned data from GroupM, Dentsu puts Big Tech under scanner

Major advertisers believe the CCI’s actions could bring greater transparency to the digital advertising ecosystem.

The investigation has raised critical questions about whether the digital advertising ecosystem will become more streamlined, especially as the CCI examines the Big Tech angle in the alleged media cartelization and price-fixing case.

Global Ads Spotlight: How Verizon and Beyonce’s Super Bowl ad broke the internet and the network

Verizon saw a 35% increase in sign-ups, proving once again that combining star power with a clever message can yield significant returns.

From “Beyoncé of the United States” to saxophone albums and space performances, Verizon’s star-studded campaign made history—and numbers. Read and watch in our Global Ads Spotlight column.

Creative control or creative caution? What’s really driving content choices on Indian OTTs

The platforms that once promised to democratize storytelling and liberate Indian creators from the box office, are now boxed in by the very commercial priorities they claimed to transcend.(Representative Image: Bastian Riccardi via Unsplash)

There is a broader unease brewing among Indian creators: has the OTT revolution become too risk-averse, too data-led and too scared to trust artistic instinct?

CCI raids could accelerate shift from “media muscle” to “strategic agility”, writes indie ad agency Famous Innovations founder

The raids could lead to rebirth of strategic creativity, rise of agile, insight-driven agencies and a redefinition of media value, says Raj Kamble, Founder and CCO of Famous Innovations.

CCI raids on media agencies will allow new players and independent agencies to also have a fair playing field in the media landscape, shares Raj Kamble, Founder and CCO of Famous Innovations.

Hypothesis by OML wins Influencer Marketing mandate for Ather Energy

This collaboration marks a significant step in redefining Ather Energy’s communication strategies by leveraging influencer-driven content to strengthen brand affinity and audience engagement.

The partnership will see Hypothesis harnessing its proprietary influencer marketing technology capabilities—marrying data-driven insights with creative storytelling to connect meaningfully with Gen Z and millennial audiences.

SEBI’s ID mandate for intermediary ads welcomed, but industry seeks stronger AI oversight

Experts suggest that SEBI incorporate public awareness campaigns, grievance redressal mechanisms, ease in reporting frauds, and AI monitoring of digital platforms to combat financial frauds online.

SEBI recently mandated identity verification for intermediaries advertising on social media after having observed a surge in scams where scammers lured investors with false promises and deceptive content on digital platforms.

Global Ads Spotlight: Gatorade turned city streets into sports playgrounds with bold ‘Turf Finder’ campaign

The campaign not only took home a Gold Lion at Cannes Lions this year but also introduced a future-forward way to think about urban space.

Gatorade’s innovative ‘Turf Finder’ campaign took over busy streets, and made space for play and winning big at Cannes Lions. Read and watch in our Global Ads Spotlight column.

Sports AdEx up 7% in 2024 to reach Rs 7,989 cr: GroupM

The growth signals a steady rise in investments across various sports properties, driven by increasing viewership, brand engagement, and the expanding digital ecosystem. (Image source: GroupM)

GroupM’s latest Sporting Nation report reveals that sports adex in India is on track to surpass $1 billion. While TV media spends on sports remained flat in 2024 due to fewer matches played by India compared to 2023, digital ad spends surged by 25%.