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Prasar Bharati has invited applications for the vacant MPEG-4 slots on DD Free Dish through 89th online e-auction.

In a circular dated June 24, the pubcaster mentioned that the applications are invited for the period from July 11, 2025 to March 31, 2026. The e-auction will tentatively be held on July 2, 2025.

Earlier this month, the public broadcaster held 88th online e-auction for the allotment of vacant MPEG-4 slots for the period June 13, 2025 to March 31, 2026. Among the channels that won the vacant slots were Dabangg, Sandesh News, Punjabi Hits, Argus and Tabbar Hits.

The tentative e-auction will be conducted in accordance with e-auction methodology 2025 for allotment of DD Free Dish slots to private TV channels, notified by Prasar Bharati on January 3, 2025.


Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/prasar-bharati-invites-applications-for-vacant-mpeg-4-slots-on-dd-free-dish-via-88th-e-auction-67996.htm">Prasar Bharati invites applications for vacant MPEG-4 slots on DD Free Dish via 88th e-auction</a>


Only satellite channels permitted and licensed by the Ministry of I&B would be allowed to participate in he e-auction. Only companies holding valid permission from the Ministry of I&B can apply for the participation in e-auction for allocation of DD Free Dish slots. International public broadcasters permitted by Ministry of I&B can also participate in the e-auction.

Categorisation of TV channels in different buckets in accordance with the genres and languages of channels for the allotment period:

Bucket R1 includes all genres of Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam that is in operation and available in the concerned language on the date of issue of notification for e-auction on at least one private DTH Platform/DD Free Dish and/or on (ii) at least one registered MSO.

R2 includes all genres of Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Odiya that is in operation and available in the concerned language on the date of issue of notification for e- auction on at least one private DTH Platform/DD Free Dish and/or on at least one registered MSO.


Read more:<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/5-channels-acquire-vacant-mpeg-4-slots-of-dd-free-dish-in-88th-e-auction-69572.htm"> 5 channels acquire vacant MPEG-4 slots of DD Free Dish in 88th e-auction</a>


R3 includes all genres of other regional languages, as mentioned in schedule 8 of Indian Constitution (except Hindi & Urdu), not covered under Buckets Rl and R2 and is in operation and available in the concerned language on the date of issue of notification for e-auction on at least one private DTH Platform/DD Free Dish and/or on at least one registered MSO.

G1 includes news and current affairs TV channels and G2 includes all genres of non-news and current affairs TV channels.

According to Prasar Bharati, 75% of content telecast on channel shall be in genre and language as declared by the applicant.

According to the circular, broadcasters desirous of allotment of slot on DD Free Dish are required to provide unambiguous proof in support of Genre and Language classification of their channel.

"Whenever any violation concerning content and language declared by the channel come to notice, the recording of the content broadcast by the channel shall be reviewed by a duly constituted committee," the circular read.

Prasar Bharati invites applications for vacant MPEG-4 slots on DD Free Dish

Flights have resumed in Qatar after the country lifted a temporary airspace suspension imposed in the wake of Middle East tensions.

The move comes as a major relief for thousands of passengers impacted by the abrupt airspace closure on Monday.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/air-india-suspends-flights-to-and-from-middle-east-europe-and-north-america-amidst-middle-east-conflict-71528.htm">Air India suspends flights to and from Middle East, Europe, and North America amidst Middle East conflict</a>

Qatar Airways confirmed the restoration of its operations. In a post on X, the airline announced, “Qatar Airways confirms reinstatement of flights as airspace reopens in the State of Qatar. Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Qatar Airways confirms reinstatement of flights as airspace reopens in the State of Qatar. Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly. We’ve deployed extra ground staff at Hamad International Airport to support…&mdash; Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) <a href="https://twitter.com/qatarairways/status/1937259503088529763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The suspension was implemented as a precautionary measure in response to escalating geopolitical tensions in the region. Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the closure was a proactive step to "ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors."

By Tuesday, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed that air traffic had returned to normal. "The return of the atmosphere to normal" was made possible after close coordination with relevant agencies, the authority noted.

In an official statement, the GCAA expressed appreciation for the swift and effective collaboration across government bodies and stakeholders. "The Authority commends the great cooperation shown by all partners and the efforts of all state entities to ensure the safety and security of aviation in Qatari airspace,” the statement read.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/indigo-prudently-resumes-middle-east-flights-as-gulf-airspace-reopens-amid-tensions-71537.htm">IndiGo 'prudently' resumes Middle East flights as Gulf airspace reopens amid tensions</a>

Qatar Airways resumes operations following airspace reopening amid Middle East tensions

IndiGo Airlines has announced the gradual resumption of its operations in the Middle East, following the reopening of airspace in Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

The airline had earlier suspended flights across the region in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

"As airports across the Middle East gradually reopen, we are prudently and progressively resuming operations on these routes," IndiGo stated in a travel advisory on Tuesday. "We continue to monitor the situation closely and are fully considering the safest available flight paths to ensure secure and seamless travel."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Travel Advisory As airports across the Middle East gradually reopen, we are prudently and progressively resuming operations on these routes. We continue to monitor the situation closely and are fully considering the safest available flight paths to ensure secure and seamless…&mdash; IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiGo6E/status/1937315528508358828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The advisory urged passengers to stay updated via the airline's mobile app or website, while expressing gratitude for the patience and trust.

The move comes after a brief closure of airspace by Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait on Monday night amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region. 

IndiGo had earlier posted on X that all its flights to and from cities including Doha, Dubai, Dammam, Bahrain, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Madinah, Muscat, Sharjah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Tbilisi, and Ras Al-Khaimah were suspended "at least until 1000 hrs" on Tuesday due to the "evolving situation."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Travel Advisory In view of the evolving situation in the Middle East, our flight operations to and from Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Madinah, Fujairah, Jeddah, Muscat, Sharjah, Riyadh, Ras AI-Khaimah and Tbilisi have been suspended at least until 1000hrs…&mdash; IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiGo6E/status/1937244705819115614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/air-india-suspends-flights-to-and-from-middle-east-europe-and-north-america-amidst-middle-east-conflict-71528.htm">Air India suspends flights to and from Middle East, Europe, and North America amidst Middle East conflict</a>

IndiGo 'prudently' resumes Middle East flights as Gulf airspace reopens amid tensions

OMD India recently won the media planning and buying mandate for Muthoot Finance- but not in the traditional sense. The assignment is for a single quarter (Q2 FY26), after which the brand will decide whether to continue based on performance. 

It’s not just a project, it’s a probation. A trial period!

This isn't a one-off experiment. It's a growing trend, say experts, where brands are opting to “test-drive” agencies, giving them three to six months to prove their worth before committing to longer-term retainers. And industry veterans say it signals not just evolving business models, but the collapse of trust between agencies and clients.

“It’s a cruel twist of fate that one of our most iconic ad lines—‘pehle istemaal karein, phir vishwas karein’—has come back to haunt us,” says Soumitra Karnik, independent creative consultant. “This isn’t just a performance test; it’s a sanctity test. Clients aren’t just watching how well agencies perform, but how cleanly.”

Karnik’s comments are grounded in hard truths. The trust deficit in the agency ecosystem, exacerbated by the recent CCI investigation into cartelised media buying among global agency networks, has cast a long shadow. “Senior-most leaders allegedly rigging prices via WhatsApp groups—what more proof of institutional rot does one need?” he adds.


A Hostage Situation, Not a Partnership

The 90-day trial model is framed as accountability. In practice, it’s pressure without perspective.

In such arrangements, strategy gives way to survival. Agencies over-optimise early visibility, inflate KPIs, and cherry-pick data to appear high-performing. The focus isn’t on brand impact but on short-term metrics— click-throughs, CPIs, CTRs. Numbers that impress on paper, but say little about long-term brand health.

“This is a total mismatch,” says Karnik. “Clients want fire in the belly, creative courage, and fresh thinking—but give zero trust, time, or space. It’s a hook-up model where love is impossible.”


“Earlier, agency relationships were like Test matches—long-term and strategic. Then came the ODIs and T20s. What we’re seeing now feels like T10—short bursts with little time to create impact. Honestly, when smaller brands with limited budgets tried short-term deals with agencies, it was understandable. But when a reputed client like Muthoot Finance does this, it’s surprising," points out a senior media planner. 

For larger brands, a three-month partnership is simply not enough to assess agency performance. The agency needs time to understand the brand, develop media strategies, and drive meaningful results—whether it's market share or awareness. Media cost efficiency can be evaluated in the short term, but brand impact takes longer, he adds.

"If an agency is only brought on for a quarter, it’s unlikely to invest in a dedicated team or resources. Instead, they’ll stretch existing staff — putting pressure on people and compromising delivery. This kind of arrangement is counterproductive. It creates pressure without providing the space or time to deliver."


The Downward Spiral of Transactional Thinking


A senior marketing leader speaking off the record, calls it a downward spiral—“on both the client and agency sides.”

“Short-term mandates don’t allow for dedicated teams or deep understanding. Agencies stretch existing resources, and the output suffers. You can’t build strategic outcomes on tactical timelines.”

The executive says this model is particularly common among brands that aren't present throughout the year. “But when large, reputed clients adopt it, it sets a dangerous precedent. This trend devalues relationships, talent, and long-term thinking.”


When the Pitch Becomes the Product

Sowmya Iyer, Founder & CEO of DViO Digital, acknowledges the pragmatism of such arrangements in volatile markets, but warns of their creative cost.

“A 90-day trial can reward speed over depth. The pitch becomes the product, not the entry point. It forces agencies to prioritize short-term wins over strategic brand-building.”

She argues that real impact takes time. “Trust, cultural chemistry, and creative intuition cannot be trialed like tech platforms. Relationships don’t scale under suspicion.”

Worse still, smaller agencies are being squeezed out of the game entirely. With big agency networks accused of price-fixing and media rate manipulation, the playing field is anything but level.

“Even if a smaller agency brings sharper insights or more agile strategy, they can’t compete on CPMs,” says Karnik. “They will go to anyone who offers a better rate and on occasions, even pocket a slice of the 'volume discount' in return. Hand on heart, is there even a single small agency left that believes programmatic democracy exists for them today?”

“We’ve Normalised the Broken”

The bigger problem, industry voices agree, is normalisation.

“Every time an agency accepts a broken model, we reinforce it,” says Karnik. “We’ve gone from trusted consultants to fixers—opportunistic and disposable. The industry’s moral compass is spinning.”

Tarun Rai, Co-Chairman at Start Design Group, shares the concern. “I started my career in advertising when a 'pitch' meant sharing the agency's credentials. More recently, however, huge amounts of time and resources were being spent on full-blown pitches. At the end of which, though, the client awarded the business to the successful agency. 

Awarding the business on a trial basis is a new one. Makes no sense either for the agency or, in fact, for the client. I thought a visit to the agency's office and 'chemistry meetings' with the actual team was what was done for reassurance before signing up."


Not Every Business Can Be Trialed

From a brand consultancy lens, Landor India’s Growth and Marketing Director Meenaz Shamim calls the trend incompatible.

“Our work involves repositioning global brands, building identity systems, and defining purpose. It’s not transactional. A 90-day trial is not only inadequate—it’s counterproductive.”

Shamim advocates for paid strategic immersions or scoped projects to assess compatibility, rather than dangling uncertain timelines over strategic mandates. “The trial model fosters shallow KPIs and undermines the long-term vision brands need.”

The Verdict: A Crisis of Courage

As agencies continue to bow to this new model, many believe it’s time for collective pushback.

“Agencies aren’t vendors,” says a senior brand executive. “They’re partners in brand-building. If we let clients reduce us to quarterly contractors, we’ve failed to defend the value of what we bring.”

Karnik doesn’t mince words either. “This is match-fixing. And just like cricket had to clean house, the ad industry must too. Enough of the self-congratulatory panels and cause-driven campaigns. Let’s name names. Suspend the corrupt. Reclaim our credibility.”

If this turns into a trend— where more clients demand quarterly partnerships, it would be damaging. Agencies might feel compelled to accept such deals just to stay competitive. But at an industry level, this needs pushback. Agencies must come together and say no to such short-sighted arrangements, suggests a senior media planner.

In a market obsessed with measurement, the real test may not be agency performance but the industry’s ability to stand up for its value, clean up its practices, and rebuild trust before the 90-day clock runs out.

From Partners to  90-day Probation: Are India's ad agencies losing ground in client negotiations

Air India on Monday announced the immediate suspension of all flights traversing Middle Eastern airspace amidst mounting Israel-Iran tensions. The airline also halted operations to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe amid rising regional tensions and airspace closures.

"Amid the developing situation in the Middle East, Air India has ceased all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect, until further notice," an Air India spokesperson said in a statement posted on X.

The airline added that India-bound flights from North America were being rerouted or returning to their points of origin. "Others are being diverted back to India or re-routed away from the closed airspaces. We request the understanding of all passengers who may be affected by this disruption that's beyond an airline's control," the spokesperson added. "Air India is in continuous consultation with its external security advisors and is vigilantly monitoring the evolving solution."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TravelAdvisory?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TravelAdvisory</a> “Amid the developing situation in the Middle East, Air India has ceased all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect, until further notice. Our India-bound flights from North America are…&mdash; Air India (@airindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/airindia/status/1937223473790877987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Air India Express, a subsidiary, confirmed diversions and cancellation of flights on affected routes. 

A Kochi-Doha flight was diverted to Muscat, and a Kannur-bound flight returned mid-journey. "We currently have no aircraft on the ground in Qatar and no other flights bound for the country," an Air India Express spokesperson clarified, according to media reports.

Other regional carriers, including Kuwait Airways, IndiGo, and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), have also suspended operations to the Middle East and issued passenger advisories.

Air India suspends flights to and from Middle East, Europe, and North America amidst Middle East conflict

In a move that could have sweeping implications for India's digital ecosystem, the Karnataka government is preparing to roll out one of the country’s most stringent anti-misinformation laws- the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025. Tabled for cabinet review this week, the draft law aims to criminalize the dissemination of false information online, prescribing prison terms of up to seven years and fines as high as Rs 10 lakh, or both.

State Law Minister HK Patil confirmed that the draft was among two proposed legislations, the other being the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime Prevention Bill, 2025, in response to rising online toxicity, including fake news, hate speech, and communal disinformation.

But as the bill gains traction politically, it has ignited a debate about its legality, scope, and potential misuse, especially in a time when India’s digital economy is rapidly expanding and grappling with the complexities of AI-generated content and algorithmic amplification of falsehoods.


What the Bill Proposes


The draft law defines “misinformation” broadly to include any false content that could incite hatred, disturb public order, influence elections, disrespect religious sentiments, or target the dignity of women. The penalties proposed include:

Imprisonment: 2 to 5 years, extendable to 7 years in aggravated cases.

Fines: Up to Rs 10 lakh.

Jurisdiction: Applies to content shared anywhere online, regardless of where the originator is based.

The draft bill defines fake news to include misquoting individuals, or publishing false and/or inaccurate reports of their statements. It also covers the editing of audio or video clips that result in the distortion of facts or context. Additionally, it applies to individuals or entities- natural or juridical, organized or unorganized- who use social media platforms to disseminate messages or information through accounts that are either verified or operated under pseudonyms, fictitious names, or false identities.

It further states that the state government will be responsible for enforcing a complete ban on fake news on social media platforms. To implement the provisions of the Act, it proposes to set up a Fake News on Social Media Regulatory Authority.


Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/new-consent-api-under-dpdp-act-set-to-redefine-data-use-rules-for-digital-platforms-70503.htm">New consent API under DPDP Act set to redefine data use rules for digital platforms</a>


The Authority will be chaired by the Minister for Kannada and Culture and Information and Broadcasting (as ex-officio chairperson). Other members will include one representative each from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, to be nominated by their respective presiding officers, two representatives from social media platforms to be appointed by the state government, and an IAS officer who will serve as the Authority’s secretary. 


Business, Legal, and Free Speech Fallout


The legislation poses major compliance challenges for digital platforms, especially intermediaries like X, Meta, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Legal experts warn it could lead to over-removal of content to avoid liability, harming user engagement, local businesses, and creators. Small startups and news aggregators may be particularly vulnerable due to lack of legal infrastructure.

“The bill’s extraterritorial reach could make Karnataka a hub of digital policing,” says Dinesh Jotwani, Co-Managing Partner, Jotwani Associates. “Any content, posted from anywhere in India or abroad, could invite an FIR in Karnataka, possibly leading to international legal complications. This could open the floodgates to litigation and may lead to international warrants being issued against unknown offenders. The highly subjective definition of "fake news" is likely to result in a deluge of FIRs across the state. ”

Finding the source from where misinformation started spreading is in itself is a difficult task.

The subjective definition of "fake news" under the Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, allows for easy lodging of FIRs against media outlets. This risk of widespread police action, coupled with potential jail terms and fines, can create a chilling effect, leading to self-censorship and effectively muzzling free media. 

Additionally, in an age of AI, videos, messages, and photographs are easily manipulated, often with unknown repercussions and origins of content.

From influencers and stand-up comedians to journalists and meme-makers, many fear a chilling effect. The ambiguity of terms like “disrespect” or “misinformation” may encourage self-censorship, stifling satire, critique, and political dissent.

Sonam Chandwani, Managing Partner at KS Legal, says, “This is a well-intentioned but flawed attempt. It lacks checks and balances, grants excessive power to government authorities, and risks becoming a tool for political suppression.”


Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/startups-call-for-higher-thresholds-in-ex-ante-regulations-under-draft-digital-competition-bill-70355.htm">Startups call for higher thresholds in ex ante regulations under Draft Digital Competition Bill</a>



While the intent to safeguard public order, health, and communal harmony in an era of rampant digital misinformation is laudable, the Bill’s overly expansive definitions of “misinformation” and “fake news,” combined with its severe punitive measures, pose a palpable threat to constitutional freedoms, she points out. 

The establishment of a government-controlled regulatory authority, devoid of transparent checks or independent oversight, risks empowering the ruling party to arbitrarily suppress dissent under the pretext of combating falsehoods. Moreover, the Bill’s extraterritorial reach and reliance on subjective terms like “disrespect” to specific ideologies could exacerbate enforcement inconsistencies and legal challenges. 

Furthermore, the absence of public consultation undermines democratic principles, potentially alienating stakeholders who rely on free expression, Chandwani highlights.

Though misinformation demands action, this legislation, in its current form, tilts perilously toward authoritarianism, necessitating rigorous revision to balance enforcement with the inviolable right to free speech, say experts. 

Constitutional experts point to the Shreya Singhal vs Union of India case, where the Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act for similar vagueness and arbitrary enforcement. Critics argue Karnataka’s bill could face the same fate unless drastically amended.

Mishi Choudhary, Founder of digital rights group SFLC.in, views the bill as part of a troubling national pattern, “This is not about solving misinformation; it’s about controlling the narrative. State-level laws with vague terms and harsh penalties are dangerous. We need stronger cyber-police units, not censorship tools.”


A Long-Overdue Measure


Some digital governance advocates see merit in the legislation.

Aruna Sharma, former Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), says, “With self-regulation failing and fake news damaging public trust, this is a welcome step. Readers deserve fact-checked, truthful content. The bill may serve as a deterrent and restore credibility in public discourse.”

"A beneficial consequence of this Bill is that individuals will likely exercise greater caution when sharing political, religious, or communal content," points out a senior media executive.


Read more:<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/industry-endorses-withdrawal-of-draft-digital-competition-bill-43211.htm"> Industry endorses withdrawal of draft Digital Competition Bill</a>


Although beyond policy implications, enforcement of the bill poses its own hurdles including identifying original offenders, meanwhile global platforms may not comply due to privacy commitments and jurisdictional issues.

If passed, Karnataka’s bill could embolden other states to introduce similarly restrictive digital laws. This could fracture India’s internet governance and create a patchwork of contradictory legal regimes, increasing compliance costs for businesses and limiting user freedoms.

“Do we want a democracy where each state decides what speech is acceptable?” asks a digital expert. “If yes, we risk becoming a federation of censorship zones.”

Karnataka’s fake news bill sparks national alarm: Free speech or state surveillance?

Several major brands in India have initiated agency review processes, inviting pitches for creative and media mandates as part of strategic realignments.

PNB MetLife has called for an integrated pitch, seeking a single agency to handle both creative and media duties. Sources familiar with the development indicate the account is complex, involving multiple agencies. The pitch is currently underway, and the brand has yet to finalize the agency.

Meanwhile, the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) has initiated a creative agency pitch. A senior executive at the creative agency confirmed the development, stating, "AMFI have called for the creative pitch. Multiple agencies have participated. They are yet to finalize the creative agency on record." The incumbent agency handling AMFI’s creative duties is WPP-led VML.

In the automotive sector, BMW India has recently concluded its creative pitch process but has not yet announced the new agency on record. The company confirmed to Storyboard18 that the pitch is part of a broader strategic realignment following BMW’s record-breaking performance in 2024, when it achieved its highest-ever annual car sales in India.

Rediffusion, the current agency managing BMW India’s creative account, may be replaced depending on the outcome of the pitch. A senior executive from a participating agency noted, “It is a routine procedure for BMW to review agencies after a three-year period. They are yet to announce the agency on record.”

In 2022, BMW appointed Rediffusion to work on its brand strategy, creative, digital and dealer support communication. The business is being handled by Rediffusion Delhi. In the same year, Lodestar UM won and retained BMW India's integrated media duties following a multi-agency pitch. 

The agency is responsible for all of BMW India's media activities, including mainline, digital, out-of-home, events, and special projects. The agency's Gurugram office is handling the account, at present.

AMFI and PNB MetLife search for new creative partners; BMW wraps up pitch

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is facing internal dissent and backlash from employees over his growing public alignment with conservative politics and controversial internet personalities, according to a report by the Financial Times.

More than 40 current and former employees described a deep sense of "betrayal," "horror," and "grieving" over Zuckerberg's recent rhetoric and behaviour, with many reportedly stunned by what they described as a dramatic political and cultural transformation.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/ai-vs-agencies-mark-zuckerbergs-vision-of-ad-disruption-sparks-debate-in-india-65474.htm">AI vs. Agencies: Mark Zuckerberg's vision of ad disruption sparks debate in India</a>

Internally dubbed "MAGA Mark," Zuckerberg has drawn ire for his appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, where he criticized corporate America for being "culturally neutered" and called for more "masculine energy" in the workplace - a comment that reportedly sparked heated discussions inside Meta.

"He basically said: "If you don't like it, tough s**t," one staffer told FT, recalling Zuckerberg's dismissive response when confronted with employee concerns during an internal meeting.

Many insiders believe Zuckerberg's shift is, in part, a reaction to the cult-like admiration surrounding Elon Musk, who is frequently portrayed as the bold and unfiltered icon of Silicon Valley. "The core of The Social Network movie is true - he just wants people to like him," said one source, the report added.

The ideological pivot has reportedly disillusioned many long-time employees who once saw Zuckerberg as a champion of social justice and progressive tech values. "We are, they say, witnessing a Revenge of the Nerds-style midlife crisis," the report noted, describing his recent persona as one that leans into the "manosphere," a network of anti-woke, alpha-male influencers.

Adding to the chorus of criticism, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov told French outlet Le Point that while Zuckerberg is adaptable and quick to catch trends, "he seems to lack fundamental values that he would remain faithful to, regardless of changes in the political climate or tech industry trends."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/sam-altman-alleges-mark-zuckerberg-is-offering-100-million-to-lure-openai-talent-70745.htm">Sam Altman alleges Mark Zuckerberg is offering $100 million to lure OpenAI talent</a>

Mark Zuckerberg faces internal flak at Meta over political stance: Report

In a significant move set to impact Indian broadcast media measurement, the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has announced it will no longer release data on a 4-week rolling average basis. Starting June 26, 2025, BARC will provide weekly unrolled viewership estimates, marking a major shift in how television ratings are reported.

The transition is expected to benefit news channels and broadcasters by offering a more immediate and transparent view of audience behaviour. According to BARC’s latest advisory, the new methodology will allow advertisers and content owners to track channel performance on a weekly basis, enabling quicker decision-making and sharper insights into viewer trends.

The four-week rolling average was initially implemented when the ratings for the news genre were resumed on March 17, 2022, after a 17-month hiatus prompted by the alleged TRP scam. However, a group of broadcasters had sought unrolled data from BARC. The ratings agency then approached MIB for its permission.

An email advisory sent to BARC subscribers, accessed by Storyboard18, reads:

"Pursuant to the decision of the BARC India Board, and after getting all other necessary clearances, we are pleased to announce that effective Week 24’25 (Sat 14th June to Fri 20th June 2025), we will no longer release data on a 4-week rolling average basis. Viewership estimates of all genres, starting 26th June 2025, will be reported weekly without rolling."

The advisory also cautioned stakeholders:

"Please be advised that with this switch, caution should be drawn when trending ADRS (Rolled Data) based data with unrolled data, given the differences in the methodology and estimates."

"The special YUMI licence issued to concerned broadcasters for accessing unrolled data of their own channels, will continue to be operative to enable them to access their historical data."

"However, unrolled data of channels which was not released to the ecosystem during the "rolled data period" (Week 10’22 to Week 23’25), would not be retrospectively made available to subscribers." 

To support broadcasters during the transition, the YUMI licence issued for accessing channel-specific unrolled data will remain active, ensuring continuity in access to historical records. However, BARC clarified that data from channels not released during the “rolled data period” (Week 10’22 to Week 23’25) will not be retrospectively provided.

A senior broadcaster welcomed the move, calling it a long-awaited step. “This long-pending demand has been finally addressed by BARC. This will help understand the news channel viewership in entirety, unlike earlier, when the 4-week rolling average data had complexities,” the broadcaster told Storyboard18.

The industry has widely interpreted the shift as a positive development that enhances the credibility, accountability, and agility of TV viewership metrics in India.

Storyboard18 has reached out to BARC for an official comment. This article will be updated if a statement is received.



From June 26, BARC to release weekly unrolled viewership data

The Karnataka government is poised to introduce one of India’s strictest anti‑misinformation laws yet: the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025. Tabled before the cabinet in Bengaluru this week, the draft legislation marks a decisive effort to tackle the pervasive harm caused by fake news, hate speech, misogyny, obscenity, and religious disrespect online.

Under the proposed law, individuals found guilty of spreading misinformation could face prison sentences ranging from 2 to 5 years (or up to 7 years in severe cases) along with hefty fines, up to Rs 10 lakh. Acts that disrupt public safety, elections, or target religious symbols and women’s dignity would fall under the law’s purview.

"Two bills, Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News Prohibition Bill, 2025, and Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime Prevention Bill, 2025, have been proposed to curb fake news and hate speech," State Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil told reporters recently after the cabinet meeting on June 19.

Following the tragic June 4 stampede that claimed 11 lives, Patil added that the Karnataka Crowd Control and Management of Mass Gatherings Bill, 2025 was also discussed in the cabinet. Additionally, Karnataka Rohith Vemula Bill, 2025 has been proposed, and the cabinet decided to hold further deliberations on these bills before bringing them up in the next meeting.

The draft Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News Prohibition Bill, 2025, defines fake news to include misquoting individuals, or publishing false and/or inaccurate reports of their statements. It also covers the editing of audio or video clips that result in the distortion of facts or context. Additionally, it applies to individuals or entities- natural or juridical, organized or unorganized- who use social media platforms to disseminate messages or information through accounts that are either verified or operated under pseudonyms, fictitious names, or false identities.

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/karnataka-govts-12-hour-workday-proposal-legalizes-exploitation-experts-warn-71163.htm">Karnataka govt's 12-hour workday proposal legalizes exploitation, experts warn</a>



The state government will be responsible for enforcing a complete ban on fake news on social media platforms. To implement the provisions of the Act, it proposes to set up a Fake News on Social Media Regulatory Authority.

The Authority will be chaired by the Minister for Kannada and Culture and Information and Broadcasting (as ex-officio chairperson). Other members will include one representative each from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, to be nominated by their respective presiding officers, two representatives from social media platforms to be appointed by the state government, and an IAS officer who will serve as the Authority’s secretary. Additionally, special courts, with sessions judges and dedicated Public Prosecutors, to swiftly adjudicate cases. Courts will hold the power to issue “Correction Directions” to counter misinformation and “Disabling Directions” to block access to offending content.

The draft defines misinformation as “false or misleading factual statements made knowingly or recklessly,” while fake news encompasses misquoting, manipulated audio/video content, and deliberate fabrication. Exemptions apply for satire, opinions, or religious/philosophical discourse not intended as factual claims.

The cabinet approval on the bill is expected in the coming days, with legislative debate to follow.

MEDIA