iWorld
MTS Launches #IndiaForShiva movement on social media
MUMBAI: Sistema Shyam TeleServices Ltd. (SSTL), that provides telecom services under the MTS brand has launched a movement on social media to bring all countrymen together to support Shiva Keshavan – Olympian from India who is set to compete in “Luge” at the Sochi Winter Olympic Games. MTS has been actively supporting Shiva Keshavan in his quest for Gold. Given that Shiva Keshavan would be competing at Sochi as a ‘Citizen Olympian’ under the Olympics flag in place of the Indian Tricolour; the IndiaForShiva campaign has been rolled out as a show of support for the champion luger.
According to Leonid Musatov, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer – MTS India, “MTS as a brand has always believed in providing a platform to talented youngsters, who bet on themselves, challenge reality and don’t let the present come in way of their future. We have been consistently supporting Shiva Keshavan for the last two years in his journey to the Sochi Olympics. We have always believed in Shiva and his dedication to the sport of Luge, despite the sport not being as popular as some of the other sports in the country. Now, when the chance to win the Olympic medal is so close, it is time that we all stand behind Shiva and cheer for him”.
The IndiaForShiva campaign by MTS India is an extensive social media movement to generate support and wishes for Shiva Keshavan. The campaign would encompass specially designed twitter feeds, engagement activities on Facebook and other social media channels.
MTS Brand Ambassador and Winter Olympian, Shiva Keshavan said “As an athlete, winning an Olympic Gold medal is my biggest dream. I am looking forward to the Winter Olympics in Sochi and hopefully this would be my chance to bring the medal home. I would like to thank MTS India and all my fans for supporting me through the IndiaForShiva campaign. It is heartening to see my countrymen getting aware about the sport of Luge and cheering for me as I get set to compete on 8th and 9th February 2014”.
iWorld
Universal Music Group posts €2.9bn Q1 revenue, boosts buyback to €1bn
Streaming gains, physical sales lift growth as UMG sharpens capital strategy
HILVERSUM: Universal Music Group reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of €2,900 million, flat year on year but up 8.1 per cent in constant currency, as streaming price changes, strong physical sales and a boost from Downtown Music Holdings helped offset currency headwinds.
Adjusted EBITDA came in at €636 million, down 3.8 per cent year on year but up 3.9 per cent in constant currency. Margins dipped 0.9 percentage points to 21.9 per cent, largely due to the consolidation of Downtown.
Recorded Music remained a key growth driver, with subscription revenue rising 4.1 per cent year on year, or 12.5 per cent in constant currency. Streaming revenue grew 5.0 per cent, while physical sales jumped 12.7 per cent, with notable strength in markets such as Japan and the US. Downloads, however, continued their industry-wide decline, falling 5.6 per cent.
Music Publishing revenue increased 7.0 per cent in constant currency, supported by a 15.3 per cent surge in synchronisation income across advertising, trailers and film. Digital revenue rose 4.8 per cent, while mechanical revenue climbed 12.0 per cent, again driven by physical formats.
The quarter’s top sellers included BTS, Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen, alongside strong catalogue and soundtrack performances.
On capital allocation, UMG announced plans to increase its share buyback programme to €1 billion. The company will complete an ongoing €500 million buyback before launching an additional €500 million tranche, subject to shareholder approval.
It also confirmed plans to monetise half of its stake in Spotify, with proceeds set to support the buyback programme while maintaining financial flexibility.
Universal Music Group chairman and chief executive officer Lucian Grainge said, “We delivered a solid quarter of growth in our core businesses, complemented by strategic investments in fast-growing areas. Our focus remains on supporting artists, engaging fans globally and driving long-term value.”
Universal Music Group chief financial officer Matt Ellis added, “We are driving sustained revenue growth while expanding EBITDA and reinvesting for the future. The enhanced buyback and partial monetisation of our Spotify stake will strengthen shareholder value.”
While merchandising revenue dipped 1.9 per cent due to timing of releases, touring income from major acts helped cushion the impact.
With steady gains in streaming economics, a sharper capital strategy and continued investment in artist services, UMG appears to be tuning its business for long-term growth in an evolving music landscape.
