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Global Media & Entertainment Industry to Reach $3.5 Trillion by 2029: PwC Forecast

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According to PwC’s latest Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2025–29, the worldwide media and entertainment (M&E) sector is set to hit $3.5 trillion in revenues by 2029, up from $3 trillion in 2024. The industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7%, outpacing global economic growth but still trailing the more aggressive expansion seen before the pandemic. Advertising to Power Industry Expansion A major driver behind this growth will be advertising, which is forecasted to rise at a healthy 6.1% CAGR. As traditional subscription-based and paid content models experience saturation—especially in more developed markets—advertising is expected to take centre stage, increasingly fueled by digital innovations and AI. Digital ad formats currently account for 72% of all advertising revenue and are projected to rise to 80% by 2029. This shift is being bolstered by new technologies like AI-driven targeting and hyper-personalisation, especially in areas such as retail search advertising and in-game ads. Connected TV and AI-Led Disruption One of the standout trends highlighted in the report is the rapid transformation in the connected TV advertising space. In 2020, connected TV accounted for just 5.9% of traditional broadcast TV ad revenues. By 2024, this figure surged to 22%, and PwC estimates that by 2029, it will climb to $51 billion—equivalent to 45% of traditional broadcast ad revenue. The fusion of AI and personalised digital content delivery is expected to accelerate this trend further. Connectivity Still Dominates, but Gap Narrows Despite the advertising boom, connectivity remains the M&E industry’s largest revenue contributor. This segment is forecasted to generate $1.3 trillion by 2029, driven largely by mobile internet services. However, with the faster growth of digital ad revenues, the gap between connectivity and advertising spend is likely to narrow in the coming years. Strong Growth in Gaming and Cinema Video gaming is another sector poised for significant expansion. Revenues from the gaming industry are expected to reach close to $300 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%. Meanwhile, the global box office is projected to climb from $33 billion in 2024 to $41.5 billion in 2029, signaling a rebound in theatrical entertainment. A Changing Landscape Ahead While macroeconomic headwinds and tight consumer spending may temper growth in some areas, PwC’s outlook suggests that innovation, digital transformation, and evolving consumer habits—particularly in ad-supported models—will redefine the M&E industry by 2029. Source: PwC

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DTH Revenues Dip in FY25 While FM Radio Sees Growth: MIB Report

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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) reported a decline in revenue from the Direct-to-Home (DTH) television sector in FY25, signaling a waning user base for pay TV services. In contrast, earnings from the FM radio sector witnessed an uptick, according to the ministry’s latest financial disclosures. In FY25, revenue from private DTH operators stood at ₹648.73 crore, down from ₹692 crore in FY24 and ₹859.96 crore in FY23—a 25% decline over two years. Meanwhile, private FM radio revenues rose to ₹196.28 crore, up from ₹186.80 crore in FY24 and ₹178.99 crore in FY23. Overall, the ministry earned ₹1,012.39 crore in non-tax revenue in FY25 through the Bharatkosh platform on the NTR e-portal, primarily from TV and radio licensing fees. India’s DTH sector, comprising Tata Play, Airtel Digital TV, Dish TV, and Sun Direct, has seen a continuous drop in active pay-TV subscribers—from 70.26 million in 2020 to 56.92 million in 2025, as per TRAI data. This trend is driven by a growing shift toward OTT platforms and the free-to-air DD Free Dish service, which now reaches an estimated 50–60 million households. Adding to the sector’s challenges, the MIB issued demand notices exceeding ₹16,000 crore to private DTH operators for unpaid licence fees. Meanwhile, DD Free Dish, operated by Prasar Bharati, does not pay licence fees and falls outside the private DTH revenue structure. On the other hand, FM radio continues to maintain its relevance, especially in regional and semi-urban markets. Revenue is generated through entry and migration fees, licence fees, tower rentals, and processing charges. The ministry noted FM’s growing popularity among youth and advertisers, with 388 private FM channels operating across 113 cities in 26 states and 5 Union territories as of March 2024. New FM stations have also been launched in border areas such as Leh, Kargil, Bhaderwah, Kathua, and Poonch to bolster outreach efforts. TRAI data shows total advertising revenue for FM radio reached ₹466.63 crore in Q4 FY24, a slight drop from ₹500.11 crore in Q3, but still reflecting the medium’s resilience in a rapidly evolving media environment. Source: Economic Times  

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Cinepolis Eyes Double-Digit Growth in India Backed by Blockbuster Releases and Expansion Plans

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Cinepolis, the Mexican cinema giant, is targeting strong double-digit revenue growth in its Indian operations this year, banking on a robust lineup of Hollywood, Bollywood, and regional films to lure audiences back to theatres. The company is also expanding its footprint, aiming to open 20–25 new screens across the country. Devang Sampat, Managing Director of Cinepolis India, said that this year’s impressive slate of films—spanning major Hollywood titles like Jurassic World: Rebirth and F1—combined with regional and Hindi-language blockbusters, could significantly boost footfall. However, theatre attendance still remains roughly 20% below pre-pandemic levels. “Hollywood, Bollywood, and regional cinema are all showing strength this year,” Sampat noted, adding that aggressive marketing collaborations with shopping malls and production studios will be key to driving admissions. Cinema chains are facing intensified competition from digital streaming platforms, live sports, and concerts, yet Cinepolis remains optimistic. Globally, the company operates 6,800 screens, with 485 in India alone. While Sampat declined to share 2024 revenue or profit figures, he stated that the chain has traditionally witnessed annual growth in the high single-digit to low double-digit range—excluding pandemic years. As per industry reports, Cinepolis generated ₹13.46 billion (approx. $156.6 million) in revenue for FY24, marking a 31% increase year-over-year. It also recorded a net profit of ₹321 million, its first annual profit in over five years. Meanwhile, rival PVR Inox, the largest multiplex operator in India, is expected to grow its revenue by around 18% in the current fiscal year. The company is planning to expand further by adding 100–110 screens to its network, which already exceeds 1,700. Analysts project that India’s multiplex industry will see a 20%–25% revenue surge in FY25, powered by high-profile releases like Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Rajinikanth’s Coolie, and Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1, according to Shobit Singhal, a research analyst at Anand Rathi. Source: Reuters

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YouTube to Tighten Monetization Rules Amid Rising Concerns Over AI-Generated ‘Slop’ Content

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YouTube is set to roll out stricter guidelines aimed at curbing monetization of inauthentic, repetitive, or mass-produced videos — a move largely prompted by the surge in AI-generated content flooding the platform. Effective July 15, YouTube will update its YouTube Partner Program (YPP) monetization policies, offering clearer definitions of what qualifies as “authentic” content and what doesn’t. While the precise wording of the policy update has yet to be published, YouTube’s Help Center now emphasizes that the platform has always required creators to post original content to be eligible for earnings. The upcoming changes, according to YouTube’s Head of Editorial & Creator Liaison Rene Ritchie, are intended to clarify rather than overhaul policy. In a recent video message, Ritchie reassured creators that widely accepted formats such as reaction videos or content that includes reused clips won’t be affected. He called the update a “minor” revision to existing rules, specifically targeting mass-produced, low-value content that viewers often flag as spam. However, the broader context paints a more urgent picture. As generative AI tools become more accessible, platforms like YouTube have seen an influx of low-effort, AI-generated videos. These range from automated voiceovers layered on stock images or video snippets, to full AI-generated true crime series and even fabricated news updates that have gained millions of views. Some AI-based music channels boast massive followings, despite questions about originality and authenticity. One notable example includes an AI-generated crime series that went viral, later revealed by 404 Media to be entirely machine-made. Even YouTube CEO Neal Mohan was recently featured in a deepfake scam, underlining how pervasive — and potentially harmful — this technology has become. Though YouTube insists the July update is a clarification rather than a policy shift, the underlying motive is clear: prevent the platform from being overrun by AI-created “slop” that could undermine its integrity and trust with viewers. By implementing these revised guidelines, YouTube aims to draw a firm line against inauthentic content, making it easier to deny monetization and, if necessary, remove offending creators from the Partner Program altogether. As AI tools continue to evolve, platforms like YouTube are being forced to adapt quickly — ensuring that content quality and originality remain at the core of their ecosystems. Source: TechCrunch

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‘Panchayat’ Season 4 Sets New Viewership Record, Prime Video Greenlights Season 5 for 2026 Release

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The latest chapter of Panchayat, one of India’s most beloved web series, dropped on Amazon Prime Video on June 24—and it’s already making headlines. Season 4 has recorded the biggest launch in the show’s history, both in India and globally. Following this resounding success, Prime Video has officially confirmed that Panchayat will return for Season 5, slated for release in 2026. Marking a milestone for the franchise, Season 4 emerged as the most-watched season yet during its opening week. It quickly climbed to the top of streaming charts, trending in the Top 10 across more than 42 countries, including the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and the UAE. In India, the series has been holding strong at the #1 spot and was streamed in over 180 countries during its debut week. Prime Video took to Instagram to make the Season 5 announcement with a playful post: “Hi 5 👋 Phulera wapas aane ki taiyyaari shuru kar lijiye,” hinting that audiences will once again be transported to the fictional village of Phulera. Manish Menghani, Director and Head of Content Licensing at Prime Video India, expressed his excitement, saying, “The overwhelming response to Season 4 has been phenomenal. It not only reinforces the show’s cultural impact but also its global reach. Panchayat’s heartwarming storytelling and genuine characters have made it a universal favourite. The success highlights the growing appetite for grounded, Indian narratives that resonate beyond borders.” Vijay Koshy, President of The Viral Fever (TVF), echoed this sentiment. “Panchayat has always been close to our hearts—it’s a celebration of rural India, told with humor and honesty. This journey with Prime Video has been incredibly fulfilling. The support from fans around the world has been humbling, and we’re thrilled to begin work on Season 5.” Created by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Chandan Kumar, Panchayat is produced by TVF and co-directed by Akshat Vijaywargiya and Deepak Kumar Mishra. The series features a stellar cast, including Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, Ashok Pathak, and Pankaj Jha. Despite some divided opinions about Season 4’s ending, the series continues to captivate with its simple storytelling and endearing portrayal of life in rural India. And with Season 5 already in the works, fans can look forward to another trip to Phulera in 2026. Source: Hindustan Times  

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Netflix Partners with NASA to Stream Live Space Events This Summer

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In an exciting move to expand its live content portfolio, Netflix has joined hands with NASA to offer subscribers real-time space programming starting later this summer. The collaboration will provide access to live rocket launches, astronaut spacewalks, and real-time Earth views from the International Space Station (ISS) — all delivered via NASA’s ad-free streaming platform, NASA+. The initiative marks a strategic step for Netflix, which has so far concentrated its live offerings on in-house productions such as stand-up specials, global award shows, and major one-time events. By incorporating space-related live content, the platform is aiming to broaden its appeal and attract a more diverse viewer base, including space science enthusiasts. Netflix’s push into the live content space has gained momentum over recent years. It has added live sports content like WWE and hosted special events such as celebrity golf tournaments. The streaming giant also recently teamed up with French broadcaster TF1, offering subscribers in France live access to events, drama series, and reality TV programs including The Voice. For NASA, this collaboration is part of a larger effort to make space more accessible to the public. Earlier this year, the space agency launched a FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channel in partnership with Prime Video. NASA has also been active on platforms like YouTube, and continues to provide free content via NASA+ on its official website. This partnership with Netflix opens up new avenues for public engagement with space exploration, combining the global reach of a leading entertainment platform with the awe-inspiring missions of the world’s premier space agency. Source: TechCrunch Photo Credit: NASA

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Restored ‘Sholay’ with Original Ending Set for World Premiere in Italy to Mark 50th Anniversary

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An uncut, newly restored version of the legendary Bollywood classic Sholay is set to make its global debut at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy, on June 27. The film will be screened on the iconic open-air screen at Piazza Maggiore, celebrating 50 years since its original release in 1975. This special version includes never-before-seen footage and the original ending — where the iconic villain Gabbar Singh meets his end at the hands of Thakur, a sequence that was removed from the original theatrical cut following censorship by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The restoration is the result of a three-year collaboration between Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd., aiming to bring director Ramesh Sippy’s full vision to global audiences for the first time. Widely considered one of the greatest films in Indian cinema history, Sholay starred an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Jaya Bachchan, and Hema Malini. Reflecting on the film, Amitabh Bachchan shared in a press note that working on Sholay was unforgettable and its unexpected rise from initial box office disappointment to record-breaking success was an emotional journey. “Even 50 years later, I hope it continues to captivate audiences across the globe,” he said. Dharmendra, who played the beloved Veeru, called Sholay the “eighth wonder of the world,” praising its iconic dialogues by Salim-Javed and Sippy’s direction. He fondly recalled unforgettable scenes, especially Jai’s tragic death, as some of Indian cinema’s most powerful moments. Producer Shehzad Sippy, representing the legacy of his grandfather G.P. Sippy, revealed that while the restoration process was long and challenging, the discovery of the original climax and deleted scenes made it all worthwhile. “This has been a labour of love. I’m excited for the film to start its new journey,” he said. Film Heritage Foundation’s Shivendra Singh Dungarpur also noted the restoration challenges, particularly the lack of an original 70mm print or camera negative. “Despite the hurdles, we have worked meticulously to do justice to this cinematic milestone,” he stated, looking forward to watching Sholay under the open sky in Bologna with thousands of international film lovers. The world premiere of Sholay in its restored form promises to reignite the magic of this timeless classic for a whole new generation of viewers. Source: Indian Express

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Mastercard and EVA Live Unite to Ignite India’s Music Scene with 20+ Spectacular Events in 2025

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In a nation where music is woven into the cultural fabric, Mastercard is amplifying the joy of live performances like never before. As India experiences a vibrant revival in live entertainment—blending Bollywood rhythms, classical tunes, comedy, and contemporary formats—Mastercard is stepping in to create unforgettable, immersive moments for music lovers across the country. In an exciting new collaboration, Mastercard has teamed up with EVA Live—one of India’s premier live entertainment firms—to deliver more than 20 thrilling performances across key cities between October and December 2025. This partnership marks Mastercard’s first foray into live performance sponsorship in South Asia and brings with it a suite of exclusive experiences for Mastercard cardholders. A Star-Studded Kickoff to a Nationwide Tour The musical journey launches in Mumbai on October 30 with global sensation Enrique Iglesias making a much-anticipated return to India after more than a decade. He’ll be followed by a dazzling lineup including the legendary A.R. Rahman and internationally acclaimed DJ Tiesto. These performances aren’t just concerts—they’re curated experiences celebrating music, identity, and togetherness. Mastercard cardholders from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and even international travelers can access these events with special perks that go beyond just entry. Exclusive Cardholder Privileges Include: Priority presale access to tickets  A 10% discount on general sale tickets  VIP experiences such as meet-and-greets with artists and access to Mastercard-exclusive lounges  Ticket eligibility via all Mastercard types—credit, debit, and prepaid  Voices Behind the Vision Gautam Aggarwal, Division President for South Asia at Mastercard, emphasized the emotional power of music in India. “Our alliance with EVA Live is about creating powerful memories that touch hearts. It’s also an opportunity to enhance engagement with our brand through the universal language of music.” Julie Nestor, EVP of Marketing & Communications, Asia Pacific at Mastercard, added, “Mastercard has a rich history of bringing people closer to what they love—especially in music and entertainment. This collaboration allows us to extend that promise to India in an exciting and inclusive way.” EVA Live’s Founder & MD, Deepak Chaudhary, echoed this excitement, saying, “This partnership ushers in a new era for live music in India. With Mastercard’s global presence and our execution capabilities, we aim to redefine the live entertainment experience for Indian audiences.” A Global Legacy of Priceless Entertainment Mastercard has long championed the global music industry through its partnerships with major award shows like the GRAMMYs, Latin GRAMMYs, and the BRIT Awards. The brand has also pioneered unique musical experiences through its Priceless platform—mentoring emerging artists and even launching an original album. Now, through this strategic collaboration with EVA Live, Mastercard is elevating the Indian live entertainment scene—bringing fans closer to the stars they adore while offering moments that money can’t buy. Source: Economic Times

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Warner Bros. Pictures, Bhanushali Studios, and JOAT Films Join Forces for Five-Film Collaboration to Adapt Hollywood Classics for India

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In a landmark move for cross-cultural cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures has entered a strategic alliance with Bhanushali Studios Limited (BSL) and JOAT Films to produce five Indian adaptations of iconic Warner Bros. films. The collaboration aims to reinterpret celebrated Hollywood stories with a distinctly Indian flavor, weaving in the country’s cultural nuances while preserving the universal themes that made the originals global favorites. This initiative marks a significant step toward bringing international storytelling into the local cinematic mainstream, with Warner Bros. Pictures leading global distribution to ensure these new versions reach audiences far beyond Indian borders. Commenting on the partnership, Denzil Dias, Vice President and Managing Director of Warner Bros. Pictures India, emphasized the potential of the Indian market: “India is home to one of the most dynamic and mature film industries in the world. Our collaboration is about merging Warner Bros.’ rich legacy with local storytelling expertise to craft narratives that deeply connect with Indian viewers while still retaining global appeal.” Vinod Bhanushali, Founder and Chairman of Bhanushali Studios, expressed enthusiasm about the creative potential of the venture: “This partnership offers an incredible platform to reimagine Warner Bros.’ classics through an Indian lens—amplifying emotion, scale, and cultural essence for both domestic and international audiences.” Jack Nguyen of JOAT Films also shared his excitement, stating, “We’re thrilled to collaborate with BSL in adapting select titles from Warner Bros.’ extraordinary catalogue for the Indian audience. These films will be carefully chosen to align with local tastes while maintaining the integrity of the original stories.” This collaboration marks a new chapter in Indo-Hollywood synergy, promising a blend of global storytelling and local sensibilities. Source: PTI  

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Zee Entertainment Shares Surge on Strategic Partnership with Content Startup Bullet to Launch Micro-Drama App

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Shares of Zee Entertainment Enterprises witnessed a notable rise on June 10 following the announcement of a strategic collaboration with content startup Bullet to develop a micro-drama app centered on short-format entertainment. The stock gained momentum, reaching an intraday high of Rs 135.56 on the NSE, up 6.39%, before settling at Rs 130.95—an increase of 2.77% around 11 am. This marked the second consecutive day of gains for Zee’s shares. Trading activity showed 8.36 lakh shares exchanged, generating a turnover of Rs 11.11 crore. On the NSE, nearly 2.7 crore Zee shares had traded by 11:15 am. The company’s market capitalization stood at Rs 12,582.80 crore, according to BSE data. In an official regulatory filing on June 9, Zee Entertainment announced its partnership with Bullet, a content and technology startup, to launch the micro-drama app within the ZEE5 platform. This integration aims to deliver short-form entertainment directly to ZEE5’s extensive user base, enhancing viewer engagement. The app will incorporate AI-powered pricing and performance prediction models to optimize content acquisition and distribution. Additionally, it will feature gamification elements designed to boost user retention and loyalty through rewards, alongside a creator-driven content pipeline enabling independent creators and studios to monetize their work effectively. A Zee Entertainment spokesperson stated, “Our collaboration with Bullet is focused on identifying innovative content formats and scaling them across our platforms to create a competitive edge and drive stronger monetization.” Azim Lalani, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of Bullet, highlighted the growing appeal of “snacky content” that captures brief attention spans. He said, “The next evolution in content consumption will emphasize creators who can evoke intrigue and emotions in bite-sized formats.” The announcement also positively impacted the broader market, with the Nifty Media index rising 1.2%, buoyed by gains across all nine index members. Zee Entertainment emerged as the top performer in the index during the session. The company recently reported a sharp jump in consolidated net profit for Q4 FY25, soaring 1,305% year-on-year to Rs 188 crore from Rs 13.4 crore in the same quarter last year. Revenue grew modestly by 1.6% to Rs 2,220 crore compared to Rs 2,185.3 crore in the prior year period. Source: Moneycontrol

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