MAM
Media stocks slightly lower than their last week levels
MUMBAI: The week witnessed heavy volatility and the 30-stock BSE Sensex fell by 16.63 points, or 0.56 per cent to dip to 2,950. The frontline stocks lost ground even as there was interest in mid-cap stocks and companies. Amongst the media stocks, companies such as ETC Networks and Creative Eye have gained whereas others dipped from their last week price levels.
On 9 May, Zee Telefilms opened the day on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) at Rs 78.65 dropped 3.38 per cent to end the day at Rs 75.60 ( as compared to Rs 76.55 on 2 May). The euphoria over the results declared on 28 April 2003 continues and has managed to ensure that the price remained over the Rs 70-mark. The volume of shares trades was around 2.74 million shares on 9 May.
At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the Zee Telefilm scrip started the day (2 May) at Rs 78.40; fell by 4.38 per cent to end the day at Rs 75.40 (Rs 76.75 on 2 May). The volume of shares traded was around 5.35 million.
The Balaji Telefilms scrip opened the day (9 May 2003) at Rs 60.3; dropped 0.91 per cent and ended the day at Rs 59.75 (as compared to Rs 64.90 on 2 May). The volume traded was 38,559 shares.
On the NSE, the scrip opened the day at Rs 60.00; fell by 0.42 per cent to end the day at Rs 59.65 (as compared to Rs 65 on 2 May). Balaji Telefilms annual results will be announced on 22 May.
The Television Eighteen India scrip opened at Rs 72.65 on 9 May, dropped 2.20 per cent to Rs 71.05 (as compared to Rs 74.95 on 2 May) on the BSE. On the NSE, it opened at Rs 73.00, dropped 2.34 per cent Rs 70.90 ( as compared to Rs 74.60 on 2 May).
Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network (SABTNL) opened the day (9 May) at Rs 54.70; dropped 0.46 per cent to end the day at Rs 54.45 (as compared to Rs 56.05 on 2 May). On the NSE, the scrip ended the day at Rs 54.40 (down 1.00 per cent) as compared to Rs 55.75 on 2 May.
Cinevistaas opened the day (9 May) at Rs 26.05; dropped by a huge 9.79 per cent to end the day at Rs 23. 50 – as compared to Rs 24.40 on 2 May on the BSE. On the NSE, the scrip opened at Rs 25.90; dropped by 3.59 per cent to end the day at Rs 25.50.
Creative Eye opened the day (9 May) at Rs 12.20 and dropped by 5.33 per cent to Rs 11.55 on the BSE. On the NSE, the scrip dropped by 6.50 per cent to end the day at Rs 11.50.
The ETC Networks scrip rose opened the day at Rs 44.85; rose by 0.33 per cent to end the day at Rs 45 ( as compared to Rs 38.85 on the BSE on 2 May).
MAM
WPP explores sale of flagship PR agency Burson
Advertising giant considers exit from public relations amid restructuring drive.
MUMBAI: WPP is reportedly preparing to spin a new chapter by potentially spinning off one of its oldest storytellers. The British advertising and marketing services group is exploring a possible sale of its public relations arm Burson, with advisers at Goldman Sachs reviewing strategic options, according to a report by The Times. The move, if completed, would mark a near-complete exit from the PR sector for WPP and represent the first significant disposal under chief executive Cindy Rose, who is leading a broader effort to simplify the company’s structure and restore growth.
Burson was formed in 2024 through the merger of BCW and Hill & Knowlton. It employs around 6,000 people globally and forms the core of WPP’s remaining PR operations. A sale would follow the earlier divestment of a majority stake in FGS Global to KKR, a deal that valued that business at £1.3 billion.
The review comes as WPP continues to face pressure on its financial performance. In 2025, the company’s PR segment generated £667 million in revenue less pass-through costs, reflecting a 6.0 per cent like-for-like decline, and delivered £102 million in headline operating profit. The division has shrunk considerably after the FGS Global disposal in late 2024.
WPP reported full-year revenue of £13.55 billion in 2025, down 8.1 per cent on a reported basis, while headline operating profit fell 22.6 per cent and margins dropped to 13.0 per cent.
Rose’s Elevate28 strategy aims to move the company away from a traditional holding company model towards a more integrated organisation built around four divisions: media, creative, production, and enterprise solutions. The plan also targets £500 million in cost savings by 2028.
Both WPP and Goldman Sachs declined to comment on the report.
The advertising industry has seen growing speculation about the future of large publicly traded PR firms, with similar rumours swirling around Weber Shandwick and potential private equity interest in management buyouts. However, finding a suitable buyer for a large global legacy PR business remains a key challenge.
In the fast-changing world of marketing and communications, WPP appears keen to streamline its narrative and selling Burson could be the next dramatic plot twist in its transformation story.
