iWorld
Big FM’s purpose-driven initiative Big Green Ganesha marks 17 years of sustainable festivities!
Mumbai: As the entire nation celebrates the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks, marks the 17th edition of its highly acclaimed initiative – BIG Green Ganesha. Launched in 2008, this purpose-driven campaign has been continuously evolving, promoting environmental awareness and encouraging communities to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi responsibly. This year, BIG FM, in association with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and powered by Re Sustainability and Recycling Private Limited, is making eco-friendly and plastic-free celebrations even more accessible, further solidifying its role in driving sustainable festivities for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
The radio network will be unveiling a special BIG Green Ganesha song performed by the renowned singer Akriti Kakar, adding a festive and musical touch that inspires listeners to embrace sustainable practices. Celebrities like Rajkummar Rao, Patralekha, Sunny Leone, Esha Deol and Palak Muchhal amongst others are supporting the cause, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly celebrations nationwide.
A key highlight of this year’s campaign has been the recognition of ‘Green Heroes,’ individuals who are taking significant steps to adopt and promote eco-friendly practices during Ganesh Chaturthi. Over 10 days, BIG FM’s RJ Rani has been spotlighting these champions by visiting them at their homes, presenting each with an eco-friendly Ganesha idol and a green certificate to honour their commitment to sustainability. These Green Heroes have also been sharing their inspiring stories on air, motivating others to follow in their footsteps.
BIG FM COO Sunil Kumaran shared, “Even though awareness about environmental conservation has been growing, many people still overlook eco-friendly practices when selecting idols and decorations for Ganesh Chaturthi. With BIG Green Ganesha, we have consistently aimed to create sustainable changes in how this beloved festival is celebrated. Each year, we introduce new ways for listeners to engage in eco-friendly practice and we believe that by making sustainability more accessible and encouraging community participation, we can create a lasting, positive impact. This campaign is about fostering a culture of responsibility and care, ensuring that our celebrations respect both tradition and the environment.”
In addition to Mumbai, the BIG Green Ganesha initiative is being celebrated across Hyderabad, Gujarat, Bangalore, Pune, the Rest of Maharashtra and Goa. In these markets, the campaign is highlighting and promoting sustainable Ganesha celebrations through various on-ground activities. BIG FM’s on-air promotions, RJ advocacy and digital contests are instrumental in spreading the message. Listeners are tuning in to exclusive RJ interviews with celebrities and Eco Bhakts, who are sharing their personal stories and inspiring others to join the eco-friendly movement.
iWorld
Universal Music to sell half its Spotify stake, expand buyback plan
Ackman pressure mounts as label posts €2.9bn revenue and strong subscription growth
HILVERSUM: Universal Music Group has unveiled plans to sell half of its stake in Spotify and double its share buyback programme to €1 billion, signalling a sharper capital strategy as investor scrutiny intensifies.
The company said it will launch an additional €500 million buyback after completing the €500 million programme announced in March, taking the total authorisation to €1 billion. Proceeds from the Spotify stake sale will help fund the buyback and will also be shared with artists, in line with long-standing commitments.
The move comes amid pressure from billionaire investor Bill Ackman, whose firm Pershing Square Capital Management holds over 4.5 per cent of UMG. Ackman recently made an unsolicited offer valuing the company at around $64 billion to $65 billion and has argued that the label’s shares are undervalued.
As part of his proposal, Ackman suggested selling the entire Spotify stake to raise €1.5 billion after taxes and artist payouts, while also pushing for a US listing and changes to the company’s financial reporting structure. UMG’s board has instead opted to move independently, approving a partial stake sale on its own terms.
The decision also aligns with what is informally known as the “Taylor Swift clause”, a commitment made when Taylor Swift re-signed with the label in 2018, ensuring that any proceeds from Spotify stake sales are shared with artists on a non-recoupable basis.
With investor pressure building and strategic levers now in motion, UMG appears to be striking a careful balance between rewarding shareholders and reinforcing its long-term growth play in the streaming era.
