MAM
Alpha channels to feature region-centric ads
MUMBAI: ‘Alpha Features’, the latest ad revenue generation strategy announced by the Alpha Group of channels plans to do away with the myth that TV advertising is expensive.
The innovative concept aims at targeting the small time entrepreneurs and retailers in each region by giving them a chance to advertise brands which need high local penetration and visibility.
By doing so, the Alpha channels, part of the Zee network, expect to expand their revenue stream by tapping the retail segment which they expect will contribute 50 per cent of the overall revenue of the channels.
The scheme, slated to be economical for advertisers, will offer anchor support to them and inform the viewers on the products, services, latest trends, various schemes and discounts offered, states a press release.
To maintain the right balance between advertising and informative programming content for its viewers the channel is appointing ‘business partners’ who will help the advertisers produce informative features on the industry at a nominal fee, the release adds.
“Today, with the introduction of Alpha Features, we are bridging the gap existing between an advertiser and viewer by offering them a mutually beneficial relationship. The initiative will also enable the advertising market to grow exponentially with the introduction of cost effective advertisements. We have advertisers like Runwal Builders, Chintamani Jewelers, Davars College, Raj Tours and Travels to name a few,” says Alpha Channels Head Prashant Sanwal.
The channel has also introduced various on-ground value added incentives for advertisers and the audience such as free passes to the Alpha Gaurav Awards, the prestigious literary awards for Marathi films, music and theatre, if the customer buys products from an advertiser’s establishment worth a particular amount.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
