MAM
Ad Cap: The Story continues.
MUMBAI: That both music channels and news channels had approached the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) against the 12 minute ad cap ruling by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is known.
We had also reported that while the TDSAT hearing for music channels was scheduled for 21 October, that for news channels had been brought ahead to 31 October from 11 November.
ut there’s one more twist in this tale for music channels too will now have to wait, much like their news counterparts, till 31 October to hear the TDSAT ruling on the matter.
And it doesn’t end there. Industry sources reveal there is still confusion regarding the ad cap with nearly 50 per cent of television channels not implementing it, a few of which are following the earlier mandate of 16 and 20 minutes advertising, and still others ‘flouting the rule completely.’
In fact, a source states the number of antacid pills being consumed by planners and buyers in agencies and by ad sales executives in TV channels has gone up thanks to the constant bickering between the two of them.
Indeed, Sony Entertainment Television took everyone by surprise when the network unanimously decided not to follow the 10+2 mandate. Network CEO and Indian Broadcasting Foundation president Man Jit Singh had then said: “There should be status quo and there should be one law for all channels from all genres.”
Till date, Sony stands by its CEO’s statement. “We will wait for the verdict from TDSAT, which comes out at the end of this month. We want status quo, no matter which way the verdict goes,” says MSM president network sales, licensing and telephony Rohit Gupta.
 |
|
We will continue with the 10+2 ad cap no matter what the TDSAT decides, says Ashish Sehgal
|
On the other hand, representatives of Star Network and Viacom 18, which have been happily following the ad cap, maintain that their respective managements will take a call after the TDSAT ruling. “We will follow the law,” they say.
Meanwhile, Zee has an entirely different take on the issue. “We will continue with the 10+2 ad cap no matter what the TDSAT decides,” says Zeel chief sales officer Ashish Sehgal.
He justifies this stance saying: “Not that we are too happy with the scenario, but we need to bring in discipline. We are now going to the international norm of 12 minutes of advertising per hour. The network has already created its business plan around the new rule. A lot of planning has gone into this. We have increased our content and decreased the inventory and revising this again is not on our agenda.”
On their part, advertisers are unhappy with the few networks that are implementing the mandate voluntarily and charging high rates. The big question facing them is what if TDSAT overrules TRAI’s diktat. “Will the channels revert to their earlier air time allocation as everyone else is doing or will they further hike the rates?” one of the advertisers questioned voicing his apprehensions on condition of anonymity.
As far as the industry is concerned, an IBF member says: “Let’s say the TDSAT quashes the TRAI order. The ruling will be valid for everyone and every broadcaster (even those who are complying with the 12 minute ad cap) can go back to the old system. Or news and music channels lose the case in TDSAT. They can approach the Supreme Court for succour. Then let’s say the Supreme Court puts a stay on the ad cap, it will then be back to the way the world was operating before this ad cap announcement by TRAI.”
News broadcasters say that if the verdict is in support of the ad cap, it will be implemented by end-November, if not earlier. “With Diwali round the corner, we are unsure how many days the court will take to come up with the verdict. Though if it is implemented, it is bad news for news channels,” says a member of NBA (News Broadcasters’ Association). Asked if the NBA will then appeal to the Supreme Court, the member dismisses it as a hypothetical question.
Some advertisers believe that the new ad cap regime could take longer to roll out completely. Some expect it to spill over to mid-2014. Or it could be even later, if things go back and forth in court as they are wont to do.
For the industry, however, what could be the best outcome is that Union I&B Minister Manish Tewari’s suggestion (that ad cap be implemented post completion of digitization in December 2014) is taken seriously and becomes a reality.
But then there are the cynical observers. Says one of them: “Don’t get into the politics. Ministers say something and do something else. After all, where did the request for the ad cap come from…”
Brands
Malaika Arora launches Maejoy accessories brand with Myntra partnership
New label debuts with 250 plus handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery.
MUMBAI: When style meets sparkle, a new brand is ready to take centre stage. Actor and entrepreneur Malaika Arora has launched a lifestyle accessories label called Maejoy, developed in collaboration with Exceed Entertainment and Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL), the B2B wholesale arm of Myntra. The brand enters the market with a debut collection of more than 250 styles spanning handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery, two categories that continue to define everyday personal style for modern consumers.
The handbag lineup includes crossbody bags, structured shoulder bags, bucket bags, totes, backpacks, clutches and workwear inspired designs. The pieces are crafted using materials such as synthetic leather, raffia, braids, satin, rhinestones and metallic finishes.
Alongside the bags, Maejoy has introduced a jewellery range featuring lab grown diamond rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and tennis bracelets. The pieces are set in 925 sterling silver bases with gold, silver and rose gold tones, and include diamonds certified by IGI and GCI.
Positioned as a premium yet accessible accessories label, Maejoy is built around the philosophy “The Joy of Being Me”, aiming to blend aspirational fashion with everyday usability. The brand’s positioning centres on three pillars: authenticity, empowerment and accessibility.
Arora described the venture as a natural extension of her long association with fashion and personal style.
“Maejoy is a labour of love. Throughout my career, whether on screen, in business or through personal style, I have always believed fashion should feel empowering yet effortless. The Joy of Being Me celebrates individuality while making global fashion trends more accessible,” she said.
MJIPL, CXO and head of house of brands Suman Saha said the brand brings together Arora’s style perspective with a strong opportunity in the accessible premium accessories segment.
“Maejoy combines Malaika Arora’s distinctive style sensibility with fashion forward designs that we believe will resonate strongly with consumers looking for elevated yet wearable accessories,” he said.
Exceed Entertainment CEO Afsar Zaidi added that building celebrity led brands requires balancing authenticity with market viability.
“Malaika commands respect both as a fashion icon and a businesswoman. Bringing her creative vision together with Myntra’s brand building expertise creates a strong foundation for Maejoy,” he said.
The collection is available exclusively on Myntra through its website and mobile app, making the brand accessible to millions of shoppers across India as it steps into the competitive lifestyle accessories space.
