AD Agencies
Ad agencies owe DD Rs 24 crore, Rs 53.7 crore recovered by arbitration
NEW DELHI: Noting that there were outstanding dues of approximately Rs 6.40 crore for 2013-14 and Rs 17.76 crore for the year 2014-15 in respect of various Doordarshan Kendras, a Parliamentary Committee has asked the Information and Broadcasting ministry and Prasar Bharati that the process of recovery of dues should be expedited.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee for Information Technology which goes into issues relating to I and B also noted that the final figures of outstanding amount due for the year 2015-16 were still being worked out and, as such, there could be some outstanding dues for that year also.
At the outset, the Committee said the issue of outstanding dues of the Doordarshan Kendras has been lingering for quite some time and there was a huge pendency of outstanding dues. However, the ministry said there was no outstanding amount in respect of All India Radio stations.
Arbitrators had passed fifteen awards in favour of Prasar Bharati and approximately Rs 53.71 crore had been recovered by taking recourse to provisions of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996 (including all amendments till 2015) by filing its claims against such defaulting advertising agencies for the recovery of outstanding dues.
The Committee was told Prasar Bharati is making efforts to recover the outstanding dues by continuously pursuing the defaulters to make payment and request reminders are sent, and in case of delay, Doordarshan charges interest @ 14.5 % from the defaulting agencies. Bank Guarantees of the defaulting agencies are encashed as per terms and conditions of the agreement.
AD Agencies
Publicis posts €4.19bn Q1 revenue, 6.4 per cent growth; backs FY outlook
Ad giant signals Q2 acceleration as AI and new deals power momentum
PARIS: Publicis Groupe continues to outperform the industry, delivering a strong start to 2026 under Chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun. Despite a volatile global macro environment, the company has now outpaced the industry for nearly 20 consecutive quarters.
For Q1 2026, total revenue reached €4,191 million, up from €4,161 million last year, with organic growth of 6.4 per cent. Net revenue, which excludes pass-through costs, stood at €3,460 million, reflecting organic growth of 4.5 per cent.
Exchange rates had a negative impact of €268 million, mainly due to a weaker US dollar and pound sterling. Acquisitions, including Adge.AI and 160over90, contributed an additional €46 million.
Performance across regions was largely positive, with some variation:
- North America, accounting for 59 per cent of net revenue, grew 4.7 per cent
- Europe recorded growth of 3.9 per cent, led by the UK at 6.2 per cent, while France grew 1.6 per cent
- Asia Pacific posted 5.9 per cent growth, driven by China at 11.7 per cent
- Latin America grew 13.3 per cent
- Middle East and Africa declined 5.1 per cent due to geopolitical challenges
AI-powered marketing services, which now make up 86 per cent of the business, grew 5.6 per cent. However, the technology segment, representing 14 per cent of revenue, declined slightly as clients reduced spending on large-scale transformation projects.
Sharing his outlook, Publicis Groupe chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun said, “Publicis had a very strong start to the year, outperforming the industry for almost 20 quarters in a row despite the volatile macro environment. Organic revenue growth reached 6.4%, leading to 4.5% in net and further increasing the gap with our peers.” He added that the company remains confident of delivering industry-leading performance. “We are confirming our industry-leading organic growth guidance of 4 to 5%, with the 4% rock solid, and a sequential organic growth acceleration in Q2 despite a higher comparable.”
Publicis continued its expansion with the acquisition of Adge.AI in March, followed by 160over90 in April to strengthen its sports and culture marketing capabilities.
Net financial debt stood at €1,156 million at the end of March, reflecting a seasonal shift from the net cash position at the end of 2025. Average net debt over the past twelve months was €1,035 million.
The company has reaffirmed its full-year guidance, expecting net revenue organic growth of 4 to 5 per cent in 2026. It also anticipates an operating margin slightly above 18.2 per cent and free cash flow of approximately €2.1 billion.
With expectations of stronger performance in the second quarter, Publicis remains well positioned to sustain its growth momentum.
