MAM
NBC teams up with Mazda, Time for promotional partnership
MUMBAI: This is an alliance that brings together Mazda’s 2006 multi-activity vehicle and US broadcaster NBC’s fall lineup of new and returning programming. It also moves beyond the concept of traditional advertising on a channel or taking up a sponsorship spot on a show.
The two companies have announced that they will partner in a co-branded campaign brought together by Time publishing. Starting this month the campaign will use a host of multi-media tactics, including on-air promotion, in-movie-theater advertising, magazines, CD-Roms and interactive online services to showcase NBC and Mazda products through co-branded multi-media tactics
The aim is to ultimately give consumers a joint preview of Mazda’s new cars and NBC’s new fall season. The promotion called NBC First Look, presented by Mazda weaves each company’s products into one seamless message.
The campaign will infuse Mazda branding into a glimpse at new shows, transition into a first look at returning shows and culminate in a sneak-peek of series premieres. In addition, an online sweepstakes will give three consumers the chance to win either a Mazda5 or an all-new 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Mazda meanwhile sees the deal as an integrate its two newest vehicles into the launch campaign of NBC’s fall lineup. Mazda states that “This alliance makes it a true marketing partner – rather than a traditional sponsor or advertiser – with NBC.”
The ‘on NBC’ component of the campaign will organically weave a first look at the new Mazda vehicles directly into the initial glimpse at NBC’s new fall programming, resulting in a promotion intended to prompt viewers to watch and interact.
Online at NBC.com, a custom-built “microsite” at www.Nbcfirstlook.com will be refreshed as the campaign evolves, motivating new users to check out the exclusive content and registered members to return repeatedly. Visitors will not only get a look inside NBC programming, but can learn about the Mazda product lineup and featured vehicles.
In July, the site will feature previews, behind-the-scenes video from the sets, sweepstakes and the making of the Mazda on-air promotional spots. In August, the site will refresh with previews of the new season, on-set interviews with stars and actor bios and on-set photography.
The final part of the rollout will come in September and October with a special preview of a season-two premiere as well as “Cold Opens” or “First Acts” from the second week of returning shows.
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.
