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Nielsen’s 2025 Upfront/NewFront Guide: Key Trends Shaping Media Planning

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Nielsen, a global authority in audience measurement and analytics, has introduced its 2025 Upfront/NewFront Guide—a comprehensive resource to help media buyers and sellers navigate the 2025-2026 planning season. Packed with cross-media data and audience insights, the guide is an essential tool for optimizing budgets and making informed advertising decisions in a complex and evolving media landscape. Americans are devoting an average of 70 hours per week to media consumption, spanning linear TV, connected TV (CTV), radio, smartphones, tablets, and computers. While smartphone usage has surged by 44% in the past two years, traditional TV continues to dominate, accounting for nearly 50% of total media time. Key Trends from the 2025 Guide Converging TV Landscape: The boundaries between linear TV and streaming are increasingly overlapping, with both formats driving audience engagement. Nielsen reports that 88% of U.S. viewers engage with TV monthly, and streaming platforms now account for 41% of total TV time as of October 2024. Advanced Audience Profiles: Marketers are encouraged to move beyond conventional demographics and tap into nuanced audience data. “Behind the data, there are people in front of screens,” said Pete Doe, Chief Data and Research Officer at Nielsen, emphasizing the importance of reaching audiences with personalized messaging. Navigating Advertising Complexity: With rising ad spend and increasing fragmentation in the media environment, staying ahead requires robust digital insights. “Strong competitive intelligence is now essential for making data-driven decisions,” noted Akhil Parekh, Nielsen’s Chief Solutions Officer for Digital Products. Strategic Implications For media buyers, these insights provide the tools to integrate linear TV and streaming effectively, maximizing reach and engagement. Sellers, on the other hand, can leverage these metrics to differentiate their offerings and strengthen their market positioning. To explore detailed strategies and stay ahead in the 2025-2026 Upfront/NewFront season, download the full guide and unlock the potential of cross-media insights. Source: adgully.com Photo Credit: adgully.com

India to Host First Global Media & Entertainment Summit in November

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India is set to host the inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Goa from November 20-24, alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Announced by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, WAVES aims to position India as a global hub for the media and entertainment industry. Described as a visionary initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, WAVES will focus on intellectual property rights (IPR), fostering collaboration, and driving innovation in the sector. “IP rights hold immense value in the media and entertainment sector. We are committed to strengthening the ecosystem for protecting these rights,” Vaishnaw said at the event’s curtain raiser. The summit will explore providing low-cost funding for the industry, drawing inspiration from the venture capital model. Vaishnaw emphasized that this initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy to support growth and innovation in the sector. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant highlighted the rapid evolution of the industry, noting that in 2023 alone, India produced 3,000 hours of content for OTT platforms. He added that WAVES would serve as a platform for industry leaders to network, collaborate, and explore investment opportunities. With a market value of $27.5 billion, India’s media and entertainment sector is poised for substantial growth. WAVES is designed to evoke transformative ideas, facilitate knowledge sharing, and position India as a business-friendly and attractive investment destination. I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju stated that WAVES seeks to elevate India as a global leader in the sector, fostering international partnerships and showcasing the country’s potential as a creative and economic powerhouse in media and entertainment. Source: Business Standard Photo Credit: Business Standard

UK Government Backs England’s Decision to Play Afghanistan Despite Boycott Calls

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The UK government has expressed support for England’s upcoming Champions Trophy cricket match against Afghanistan, despite widespread calls for a boycott in protest against the Taliban’s treatment of women. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated that the match, scheduled for February 26 in Lahore, should proceed to avoid penalizing players and fans. A coalition of over 160 British politicians had urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to refuse to play Afghanistan, citing the Taliban’s effective ban on women participating in sports. The Taliban’s policy places the Afghanistan Cricket Board in violation of International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, yet the ICC has continued to allow Afghanistan’s men’s team to compete in global tournaments. Nandy, speaking to the BBC, emphasized the potential negative consequences of a sports boycott. “I’m instinctively cautious about boycotts in sports as they often prove counterproductive,” she said. “They deny fans the events they love and unfairly penalize athletes who have worked tirelessly to compete.” The ECB has maintained its position against a boycott, with Chief Executive Richard Gould advocating for a unified response from the ICC. This approach has received backing from Downing Street, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office urging the ICC to lead a collective resolution. South Africa, which is also slated to play Afghanistan, has supported the ECB’s stance. Cricket South Africa President Rihan Richards stated, “A unified and collective approach from all ICC members will be more impactful.” However, the decision has faced criticism, including from Peter Hain, a prominent anti-apartheid campaigner and British politician. Hain, who played a pivotal role in South Africa’s sporting isolation in the 1970s, has called for a boycott, aligning with the concerns of human rights advocates. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between sports diplomacy and human rights issues on the global stage. Source: Sports.NDTV Photo Credit: Sports.NDTV

Russian Media Outlets Report Declining Audiences Amid Record Government Funding

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Prominent Russian media outlets experienced significant audience declines last year, according to recent data, even as the government announced record funding for state-run media in 2025. Leading the decline was the news website Gazeta.ru, which saw a 14% drop in visitors, followed by broadcaster NTV with 13%, the state news agency RIA Novosti with 12%, and Lenta.ru with an 11% decline. The slump was not limited to online platforms. Television viewership also dropped, according to independent outlet Mozhem Obyasnit. During the week of December 9-15, NTV overtook Channel One, Russia’s flagship broadcaster, to become the fourth most-watched channel. The data, sourced from the research company Mediascope, highlights the shifting dynamics within Russia’s media consumption landscape. The decline in audiences comes at a time when Russian authorities have allocated a record 137.2 billion rubles ($1.3 billion) for state television, news agencies, and newspapers in 2025. Despite this financial boost, audience disengagement signals potential challenges for traditional and state-funded media outlets in maintaining relevance amidst changing viewer habits and growing competition from alternative platforms. This trend reflects broader shifts in media consumption globally, as audiences increasingly turn to digital and independent sources for information. However, the substantial government funding underscores the Kremlin’s commitment to maintaining a strong state media presence, particularly during a period of heightened geopolitical tension and domestic focus on controlling narratives. The contrasting trends of declining audiences and increased funding raise questions about the future strategies of Russia’s state media in adapting to evolving consumer preferences while addressing public trust and engagement. Source: The Moscow times Photo Credit: The Moscow times

Indian Cricket Schedule 2025: ICC Events and Bilateral Series Dominate Action-Packed Year

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The Indian cricket schedule for 2025 promises a year full of excitement, headlined by two major ICC tournaments: the ICC Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy. Both the men’s and women’s teams will also participate in a variety of bilateral series across formats, making it an action-packed year for cricket fans. The Indian men’s cricket team will kickstart the year by concluding the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle with a Test against Australia in Sydney. Their first home series will begin on January 22, featuring England in a five-match T20I and three-match ODI series. The ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March in Pakistan and the UAE, will see India aiming to recapture the title they last won in 2013 under MS Dhoni’s leadership. The Indian Premier League (IPL) will take center stage from March to May, with no international fixtures scheduled during this period. India’s WTC 2025-27 campaign will commence with a challenging five-match Test series in England in June. On the women’s front, the Indian team will play a three-match ODI series against Ireland in January before the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in February-March. Later in the year, India will host the ICC Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup, providing Harmanpreet Kaur and her team the perfect opportunity to claim their first ICC title after finishing runners-up twice in the past. With bilateral series at home and abroad, ICC tournaments, and marquee domestic leagues like the IPL and WPL, 2025 is set to be a year of thrilling cricket action for Indian fans. Full Indian Men’s Cricket Team Schedule for 2025: January: Final Test vs. Australia (Sydney); T20I and ODI series vs. England (Home) February-March: ICC Champions Trophy (Pakistan and UAE) March-May: Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 June: Five-Test series vs. England (Away) Key Women’s Schedule for 2025: January: ODI series vs. Ireland (Home) February-March: Women’s Premier League (WPL) Dates TBD: ICC Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup (India) Source: Olympics Source: Olympics

BCB Chief Faruque Ahmed Assures Players of Payments Amid BPL Franchise Delays

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Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed has reassured players participating in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) of receiving their payments, following reports of delayed disbursements by several franchises. As per the league’s regulations, franchises are required to pay half of the players’ contract amounts before the season starts, 25% during the tournament, and the remaining 25% post-tournament. Despite this, most franchises, except Fortune Barishal, have yet to comply with the pre-season payment schedule. The seven-team tournament, which kicked off on December 30, has faced criticism for its handling of financial obligations. Addressing the situation, Ahmed, who assumed the BCB presidency in August, confirmed ongoing discussions with franchise owners to resolve the payment delays. However, he refrained from providing specific reasons for the lack of requisite bank guarantees from the franchises. Historically, the BCB has secured bank guarantees from franchises to ensure player payments, stepping in when franchises failed to meet their obligations. This year, however, the absence of such guarantees has introduced uncertainty. “We have communicated with the BPL franchise owners since day one,” Ahmed stated. “It doesn’t mean the players will not get their payments. We have taken different steps to ensure payments and have spoken with franchises to foster a collaborative approach.” This financial controversy follows a chaotic start to the BPL season, marked by a ticketing mishap on the opening day that led to irate fans breaching the main gate of the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Despite these challenges, Ahmed emphasized the board’s commitment to supporting players and strengthening partnerships with franchise owners. “They are also spending money for Bangladesh cricket,” he noted, signaling the importance of collective efforts to resolve ongoing issues. Source: espncricinfo Photo Credit: espncricinfo

Virat Kohli Fined, Handed Demerit Point After Clash with Australian Debutant

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Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and received a demerit point under the ICC Code of Conduct following a heated exchange with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The incident unfolded during the break between the 10th and 11th overs on Day 1 of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test. Kohli and the 19-year-old Konstas collided shoulder-to-shoulder while the Australian batter was changing ends with Usman Khawaja. Replays indicated that Kohli appeared to intentionally hold his line, while Konstas, focused on adjusting his gloves, inadvertently crossed his path. After the match, Kohli admitted to the offense before match referee Andy Pycroft and accepted the sanctions. The ICC issued a statement clarifying the violation of its Code of Conduct, which prohibits inappropriate physical contact. The fiery exchange sparked mixed reactions. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri criticised Kohli’s actions, calling them “absolutely unnecessary” on local radio. Meanwhile, fans and cricket analysts debated the intensity of the India-Australia rivalry, with emotions running high in a critical series decider. Konstas, who made an impressive debut by scoring a maiden half-century, played down the altercation. “I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn’t even realise it at the moment. It happens in cricket,” he remarked in a post-match interview. The young Australian went on to score 60 runs before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja, helping Australia post a competitive first-innings score. The Test remains tightly contested, with tensions adding to the drama of the historic rivalry between the two cricketing giants. Source: The Business today Photo Credit: The Business today

Over Half of Indians Rely on Social Media for News: Reuters Institute Report

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A recent Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2024 reveals that over 50% of Indians rely on social media platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp for news. The report highlights a global decline in trust toward mainstream news brands and an increase in news avoidance and feelings of being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content. The survey, conducted across six continents and 47 markets, notes that while platforms like YouTube (54%) and WhatsApp (48%) are increasingly preferred for news in India, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) are losing popularity. The report also underscores a worldwide decline in Facebook’s news consumption, dropping by 4% in the past year. The study identifies a global shift in news consumption habits, with younger audiences favoring short video formats. Platforms such as TikTok and YouTube are emerging as key sources, while traditional publishers face challenges in monetization and audience engagement. Two-thirds of respondents globally expressed a preference for short news videos over long formats. The report also sheds light on the growing role of influencers, commentators, and independent creators as trusted sources of information, particularly on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. However, traditional journalists still retain credibility on networks such as Facebook and X. A major concern revealed in the report is the rise in misinformation. Globally, 59% of respondents expressed concerns about distinguishing real from fake news online, with platforms like TikTok and X being flagged for hosting misinformation, including “deep fake” content. Globally, trust in news is alarmingly low, with only 40% of respondents saying they trust the news they consume. In contrast, Finland leads with a 69% trust rate, while Greece and Hungary lag at just 23%. The report also highlights financial challenges for journalism, as fewer people are willing to pay for news. Only 17% of respondents in richer nations reported paying for an online news subscription, with significant discounts influencing those who do. Adding to the pressure on sustainable journalism are technological disruptions, including the growing influence of AI. The report warns that AI tools may flood the media landscape with low-quality, synthetic content, further eroding trust and interest in news. The findings point to a critical juncture for global journalism, with calls for innovation and trust-building amid the shifting dynamics of news consumption. Source: The Wire Photo Credit: The Wire

Guardian Confirms Sale of The Observer to Tortoise Media, Ending 30-Year Ownership

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The owner of The Guardian newspaper, the Scott Trust, confirmed on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, that it has sold The Observer, the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper, to Tortoise Media for an undisclosed amount. The deal marks a significant shift in the British media landscape, as The Observer, founded in 1791 and a part of the Guardian Media Group (GMG) since 1993, moves into new hands. Tortoise Media, founded in 2019 by former The Times editor James Harding and ex-U.S. ambassador to London Matthew Barzun, acquired The Observer through a combination of cash and shares. As part of the deal, Tortoise Media has committed to a five-year commercial agreement with GMG, covering print, distribution, and marketing services, with the Scott Trust also taking a 9% stake in the company. The Trust will invest 5 million pounds into Tortoise Media as part of a 25 million-pound investment. “This deal secures fresh investment and ideas for The Observer, ensuring its relevance for new audiences and reinforcing its commitment to liberal journalism,” said Ole Jacob Sunde, chair of the Scott Trust. Additionally, Lucy Rock has been appointed the first female print editor of The Observer in 100 years. Rock, who will oversee the newspaper’s print version alongside a digital editor, will report to Harding, who will serve as the paper’s editor-in-chief. This leadership shift comes as The Observer looks to build a stronger online presence and expand its digital brand. The sale has faced opposition within the Guardian Media Group, culminating in a 48-hour strike earlier this month by journalists protesting the move. Source: The Hindu Photo Credit: The Hindu

Billionaires Aim to Restore Trust in US News Media

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Tech billionaires Patrick Soon-Shiong and Jeff Bezos are taking steps to address bias and restore trust in the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post. Soon-Shiong is developing an AI-powered “bias meter” for the LA Times, while Bezos is working on new ideas for the Washington Post. These efforts have sparked criticism from press advocates and journalists, who are concerned about the implications for newsroom independence and trust. In a bold move to tackle the growing trust deficit in the US news media, tech billionaires Patrick Soon-Shiong and Jeff Bezos have announced initiatives to overhaul the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post, respectively. Soon-Shiong, who acquired the LA Times in 2018, revealed plans for an artificial intelligence-powered “bias meter” to help readers identify potential biases in news stories. This tool aims to provide readers with balanced perspectives by offering both sides of a story. During an appearance on political commentator Scott Jennings’ radio show, Soon-Shiong emphasized the need for transparency in journalism, questioning whether news reports are truly objective or influenced by personal opinions. His comments have drawn criticism from press advocates and journalists, who argue that such measures could undermine newsroom independence and trust. Ann Marie Lipinski, curator of Harvard’s Nieman Foundation for Journalism, expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on the already fragile news industry. Vivian Schiller, former CEO of NPR, described the plans as a “nightmare” scenario for a billionaire-owned media outlet. Jeff Bezos, who bought the Washington Post in 2013, acknowledged the challenges faced by traditional media in maintaining public trust. Speaking at the New York Times’ DealBook conference, Bezos shared his commitment to revitalizing the Post, despite recent financial losses and declining readership. He hinted at new innovations to address these issues but did not provide specific details. Both Soon-Shiong and Bezos faced backlash for withdrawing their newspapers’ endorsements of presidential candidate Kamala Harris shortly before the US election, a move that further fueled controversy within their newsrooms. As trust in the US news media continues to decline, with less than a third of Americans expressing confidence in fair and accurate reporting, the efforts by Soon-Shiong and Bezos highlight the ongoing struggle to balance journalistic integrity with the evolving demands of the digital age. Source: Ft.com Photo Credit: Ft.com