MAM
Fremantle Media bags rights to telenovela Betty La Fea in Europe
MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has announced that it has bagged the rights to roll out the hit Colombian telenovela format, Yo Soy Betty La Fea, (I am ugly Betty) in Europe.
Fremantle has acquired the rights from Colombian broadcaster RCN, which first aired the show in 1999. The novela went on to be a major hit in a number of other countries.
FremantleMedia CEO Europe, Latin America, The Middle East & Asia Pacific Doug Gluck said,”We are really pleased to be rolling out this hit format around Europe. The demand in telenovelas is going from strength to strength and as always FremantleMedia is ahead of the market. Betty La Fea is an example of a great telenovela formula. There is no doubt that broadcasters around Europe are as enthusiastic as we are.”
Fremantle’s acquisition builds on increasing demand for telenovelas on the international market. Recently, the company secured a commission for the format with John De Mol’s Dutch channel, Talpa. The local version of the telenovela, which is entitled De Liefdes van Lotte, is being produced by FremantleMedia’s Dutch production company, Blue Circle, and is scheduled to air in February.
A German version of Betty La Fea entitled Verliebt in Berlin is produced by FremantleMedia’s local production company, Grundy UFA. The series first aired in February 2005 and regularly attracted 4.5 million viewers, consistently exceeding the time slot average share by over 100% for adults 14 to 49.
The format of Yo Soy Betty La Fea follows a young woman who is bright, dedicated, innovative, kind but has one flaw – she is unattractive. She starts a new job surrounded by beautiful colleagues and tries to win the heart of her handsome boss.
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.
