MAM
Jump in ad inventory as lockdown relaxes in some parts: BARC-Nielsen
NEW DELHI: The week 5 data of BARC-Nielsen, covering media behaviour during the COVID-19 lockdown, recorded a jump of seven per cent in the overall ad FCT as compared to the past week, giving positive indications towards the crawling back of inventory as some essential services begin in some of the states.
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The data also showed the mammoth growth that Ramayan and Mahabharat, which are aired on the DD network, have witnessed in terms of advertisers. The shows started with three and two advertisers, respectively, now have 42 and 24 brands taking their ad spots, respectively.
The overall advertiser count on TV also climbed up from 1017 to 1021 in week 15, but still stands drastically lower than 1378 of pre-covid period (11 January — 31 January).
The top 10 advertisers — HUL, R&B, Govt. of India, Colgate, GSK, GCMMF, Wipro, govt of MP, ITC, and P&G, increased their inventories by 18 per cent in week 15 over the past week. The next 40 top advertisers grew their inventory by 10 per cent.
Of those continuing to advertise on television, 14 per cent are using COVID-19 as a theme of communication. Brands like Cement Manufacturing Co Ltd, Thyrocare Technologies Ltd, and Paragon Polymer Products Pvt Ltd have 100 per cent of their ads based around the theme of the pandemic.
The contribution of essentials grew from 42 per cent in week 14 to 46 per cent in week 15. Social witnessed a slight drop in share, from 34 per cent to 32 per cent.
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.
