iWorld
BBC backs down on podcast ads, AudioUK expresses concern
MUMBAI: The BBC has made a U-turn on plans to plaster ads around its licence fee-funded podcasts, after a right old public controversy. The broadcaster’s annual plan for 2025-26 confirmed that it had ruled out the idea, following a barrage of feedback.
“We have listened to feedback and having considered the options carefully, we have decided to rule out placing adverts around BBC licence-fee funded programmes on third party podcast platforms in the UK,” the BBC stated, effectively slamming the door on the ad plans.
AudioUK, the trade body representing independent podcast and audio producers, welcomed the decision, but they’re still keeping a beady eye on BBC Studios’ commercial activities. They’re worried that the BBC’s commercial arm, with its “powerful” presence, could disrupt the fledgling UK podcast market.
“We remain concerned about the BBC’s entry into the UK podcast advertising market through content produced by the BBC Studios,” AudioUK said in a statement. “The potential disruption caused by such a large player entering the space without full consideration of its impact on these businesses is troubling.”
AudioUK CEO Chloe Straw called for “greater engagement” from BBC Studios, urging it to “support, rather than disrupt” the developing podcast ecosystem. She’s keen to see the Beeb join the “vibrant, collaborative space” that independent producers have built.
“Whilst the UK podcasting industry is thriving and growing rapidly, it remains relatively young and has been largely built and driven by the creativity, innovation and investment of over 200 SMEs, many of them regional and diverse,” Straw said.
AudioUK is also keen to see “greater transparency and research” from the BBC on how it intends to grow the market, alongside the many other organisations and businesses already working to attract advertising investment.
iWorld
Airtel names Aritra Mukherjee head of marketing
Former Vodafone executive to lead Airtel’s marketing push
PUNE: Bharti Airtel has elevated Aritra Mukherjee to head of marketing, promoting an internal leader who has played a key role in expanding the company’s prepaid business over the past four years.
Mukherjee, based in Pune, most recently served as general manager – prepaid growth, where he was instrumental in driving portfolio expansion, sharpening consumer strategy and supporting revenue growth. He joined Airtel as senior manager – business planning and consumer insights and rose through the ranks as the company strengthened its data-led approach to customer acquisition and retention.
Before joining Airtel, Mukherjee held marketing roles at Vodafone Idea and Vodafone, and earlier worked with Idea Cellular. His career also includes stints at Capgemini and Tata Consultancy Services.
With experience spanning telecom marketing, prepaid growth strategy, enterprise accounts and business planning, Mukherjee brings a blend of analytics-driven insight and commercial leadership to Airtel’s top marketing role, as competition intensifies across India’s telecom market.
