MAM
Digitisation: Consensus eludes broadcasters and advertisers on suspension of ratings
MUMBAI: Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) on Monday could not arrive at a consensus on the issue of suspension of television ratings from the four metros after the compulsory shift to digitisation from 1 November.
The meeting between the three industry bodies and TAM Media Research dragged on for about four hours in the Zee office from the evening hours but no agreement could be thrashed out at the end as it involves commercial interests that tend to differ. The discussions centred around the pros and cons of suspension of TAM ratings that decide on advertising fortunes of television shows and channels.
An industry source told Indiantelevision.com that the meeting was inconclusive but a decision on the issue would certainly be announced on Tuesday.
Another source said the broadcasters are asking for eight weeks of non reporting of television viewership data by ratings agency TAM. Advertising bodies are not agreeable but both parties would on Tuesday come to a settlement on the period for non reporting of data. Another area of contention is whether TAM should monitor the data at all while non reporting the findings to the industry and media.
“It looks like the advertising bodies are agreeable to non reporting of data. It is the period that is still being debated. A joint announcement will be made tomorrow,” the source added.
The government has suggested to TAM to stop releasing television ratings from the four metros for a short period till the teething problems arising from the switchover to digital delivery of television channels from 1 November are resolved.
The broadcasters are in agreement with the government suggestion but the advertisers and the advertising agencies have expressed reservations.
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.
