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
Advertising Rocks Season 4 returns to Goafest 2026 with musical flair
Industry talent takes centre stage as music meets creativity at Goafest
MUMBAI: The spotlight is back on music and marketing as Advertising Rocks Season 4 gears up for a high-energy return at Goafest 2026, promising a louder and more vibrant celebration of creative talent within the industry.
Now in its fourth edition, the platform continues to carve a niche as a space where professionals from advertising, media and marketing step beyond boardrooms to showcase their musical side. Open to solo and duet performers, the competition will unfold across multiple rounds before culminating in a live finale at the festival. Shortlisted participants will also receive complimentary access to Goafest, adding to the appeal.
Each category will feature four finalists, with winners decided through a mix of jury evaluation and audience votes, making the experience interactive as well as competitive. The stakes are equally compelling, with cash prizes ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1,00,000 across categories.
Reflecting on the journey so far, BBH former CEO Subhash Kamath said, “This will be the 4th edition of Advertising Rocks and every year, it’s become better and better. We have some amazing musical talent in our industry and what better stage to perform than at Goafest. I hope we get more entries this time and I’m really looking forward to hearing some fabulous talent.”
Echoing the sentiment, Havas Media Network India chief executive officer Mohit Joshi said, “Season 4 of Advertising Rocks perfectly captures the spirit of our industry, where creativity doesn’t end at the workplace, it finds expression in many forms. At Goafest 2026, we are excited to bring back Season 4, bigger and more vibrant, giving professionals a platform to showcase their musical talent.”
Registrations for the competition are currently open, with entries accepted until April 30. Participants are invited to submit their performances and take a shot at the stage.
Co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, Goafest 2026 will be held from May 20 to 22 in Goa. With Advertising Rocks returning to the lineup, the festival is set to strike a chord that goes well beyond advertising, blending ideas with rhythm and a touch of showmanship.
