Category: Special Coverage

Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki dies at 56; Wojcicki was Google’s first marketing exec

In his note to employees on Wojcicki's passing, Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai said, "Susan’s journey, from the garage she rented to Larry and Sergey … to leading teams across consumer products and building our Ads business … to becoming the CEO of YouTube, one of the world’s most significant platforms, is inspiring by any measure."

Susan Wojcicki was battling cancer for two years.

Brand tax explained | Big salary gaps in Indian communications | Meta and Google bend ad rules

From Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Group to ICICI and HSBC, the issue of charging GST on brands and logos used by subsidiaries is complex, with valid arguments on both sides. But one thing is sure, the practical challenges and unintended consequences of ‘brand tax’ require clear guidelines and careful consideration of the broader economic impact.

Storyboard18 brings you top five news updates from the world of advertising, marketing and business of brands.

India’s digital dilemma: Balancing growth with gaming governance

Nirupama Soundararajan, Co-Founder and Partner, Policy Consensus Centre

If illegal betting and gambling is brought under the purview of PMLA, authorities would have greater power to investigate financial transactions, trace illicit proceeds, and impose suitable penalties on those involved, writes Nirupama Soundararajan, Co-Founder and Partner, Policy Consensus Centre.

‘Brand Tax’: Experts urge for clear guidelines, say ‘brand subscription fee’ can hinder innovation, growth

From Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Group to ICICI and HSBC, the issue of charging GST on brands and logos used by subsidiaries is complex, with valid arguments on both sides. But one thing is sure, the practical challenges and unintended consequences of ‘brand tax’ require clear guidelines and careful consideration of the broader economic impact.

The tax department urges conglomerates to charge ‘royalty’ fees from their subsidiaries for use of brand names and logos and subsequently pay 18% goods and services tax (GST) on that. Experts discuss how just is this ‘brand tax’.

India should soon see its first Olympics sponsor

Interest for IOC deals is also expected from Qatar, which wants to host the 2036 Olympics in Doha, and Saudi Arabia, which now has a 12-year deal to host the Esport Olympic Games.

The IOC currently has 15 top-tier partners, which collectively paid almost $740 million last year in cash and services, though none from India.

Ad spends likely down by 30% for alco-bev brands as govt cracks whip on surrogate ads

Apart from the reduction of advertising spends, the strategy will transition towards BTL activities. Meanwhile, celebrities will need to exercise considerable caution when endorsing alco-bev brand extensions under the proposed new guidelines. (Image: Paul Einerhand via Unsplash)

With the Department of Consumer Affairs planning to soon release elaborate guidelines on surrogate advertising, experts discuss how the swift shift toward stringent regulations is likely to impact the advertising strategy for alcohol manufacturers as they run the risk of being penalised or facing a ban.

Broadcasting Bill draft leaves industry divided; concerns raised over censorship, excessive regulation

To regulate the OTT content, the Ministry of I&B is formulating a new Broadcast policy that is currently in the public domain to elicit views from the public and other stakeholders.

With multiple layers of stringency, the second draft proposes to regulate broadcasters, OTTs, and content creators under one umbrella of rules, who are liable for heavy penalties in case of violation.