Amrita Thapar

I am thrilled to share the exciting news about our next big initiative 'Toyow Podmasters presented by HT Smartcast and Fever'. The podcasting industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom, with an estimated 424.2 million podcast listeners worldwide as of 2023. In India alone, the podcast audience is expected to grow at a CAGR of 34.5%, reaching over 90 million listeners by 2025. Podcasts have become a powerful tool for storytelling, education, and brand engagement, attracting more and more interest from brands looking to connect with diverse audiences in authentic ways. The growing interest from brands in podcasting highlights the immense potential and reach of this industry. In India, the podcast listening audience skews young. The average age is around 20-21 years, with Gen Z listeners making up the biggest cohort. There are older listeners too, but they make up a larger segment in mature markets like US and Europe, where the average age is much older than in India. With increasing adoption in the country, the average age is also bound to move up. One of the biggest use cases observed is that people across the board are using podcasts to learn, and hence the two content segments that are working right now are entertainment and self-improvement. And so, while this indusctry is evolving and getting ready for the next phase of growth and acceptance, let's pause and celebrate the big milestones achieved in the Podcasting world. It's a humble effort by Fever & HTSmartcast to bring the stalwarts of the podcasting industry for this incredible forum. The event is produced by FeverLive. Our efforts in organizing such a prestigious event underscore the significant impact and opportunities within this medium. Anyone interested to attend this event can DM me! Coz it's entry by invite only😉 Deets are as follows - ITC Grand Central, Mumbai, at 2:30 PM on May 30th, 2024. #HappeningHai #Podcasting #ToyowPodmasters #HTSmartcast #FeverFM #Networking #BrandEngagement #AudioIndustryBoom #Feverlive Rohit Kalra Deepti A. Yatin Naik Ramesh Menon Shikhar Varshney Sharat Bhattatiripad

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👇👇👇👇👇 With OTT penetration at 38 percent, stagnant SVOD and signification traction in connected devices, the report from Ormax Media throws many nuanced insights and actionable marketing strategies in #entertainmentbusiness #mediaandentertainment 📈📈📈 Personally loved the 3 sub classifications in SVOD and 2 in AVOD...a very Indian affair must say..Are we missing any sub segments in this segmentation🤔🤔🤔🤔 Anupama Chopra Santosh K Patra Dr. Satyanarayana Rentala Saurabh Bajaj - Practical Marketer Harsh Pamnani Prof. Ujjwal Anu Chowdhury Dr. Parag Amin Vanita Kohli-Khandekar Rajiv Chilaka What are the meso and micro implications from this macro report. Share your 2 cents 💡💡💡💡 https://lnkd.in/gZAfyVkS

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In a thought-provoking article, published in The Economic Times today, Shailendra Katyal, MD, Lenovo India,  shares his insights on the 'missing layer' of India's digital framework. As we progress towards a digital-first economy, he highlights the critical gap in our approach to AI and its implications for India's future in technology. His perspective sheds light on the importance of digital literacy and access, urging us to rethink our strategy to maintain our edge in the IT landscape. A must-read for professionals and policymakers alike, the article serves as a wake-up call to address the digital divide and harness the full potential of India's talent pool. #AI #IndiaStack #DigitalTransformation #Innovation

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There is a significant meltdown of global business across film TV and content creation in Hollywood and the world’s leading studios are in a massive reset mode as a result of the prolonged strikes in 2023. The ripple effects on our amazingly successful VFX and animation services industry in India are consequently devastating. This situation underscores a key lesson: growth and comfort do not coexist. India needs to put these headwinds into perspective and look for multiple solutions - new business applications, new geographies and new models of talent and technology engagement. #CIIsummitfx2024 was an opportunity to gather all of industry government and academia to ideate and chart out what would help garner greater market share of the global business as one prepares for the next cycle of growth. My message was clear - “we need a collaboration across all constituencies to be resilient, adaptable and determined” such that we find solutions in these ‘slow’ times…. The mantra as always is : “Problem plus hope equals change” #birenghosespeaks #CIImediaandentertainment #technicolorgroup #technicolorindia #ministryofinformationansbroadcastibg #GovernmentOfIndia #Cii4india #abai #Nfdc #avgc

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'In the week that NCA sells to Ogilvy, it's clear that agencies need to invest in their own brands to attract clients and talent'. A handful of newly launched agency brands from India have mastered this art. Good wishes to all of them. But cannot help detect an element of 'gaming the system' in garnering visibility. A certain kind of work that attracts global jury attention, the awards which follow and so on. Of course, work that makes business sense and help build brands happen too. #advertising https://lnkd.in/gQtMStAM

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Is your organization BYOAI (Bring Your Own AI) ready? In an insightful conversation with Atul Sharma, CEO of Ruder Finn India and Head of Middle East, we dove deep into the transformative role of AI in the PR industry. Here are the standout takeaways from the podcast: **AI as a Disruptor: From real-time consumer sentiment analysis to monitoring brand conversations, AI is reshaping how PR professionals respond to crises and shape narratives. **Hybrid Approach is Key: While AI delivers actionable insights with speed, the emotional nuance of human intervention remains irreplaceable. The magic lies in blending automation with human creativity. **Crisis Preparedness Through AI: Tools like Ruder Finn’s proprietary "Sonar" simulate potential crises, compressing weeks of scenarios into a day to train teams for real-world challenges. **Empowering Talent: Identifying and enabling "power users" who leverage AI for repetitive tasks frees up time for creativity and innovation, breaking career ceilings. **Balancing Innovation and Ethics: While AI enhances productivity and profitability, leaders must ensure its deployment is fair, transparent, and authentic. **Leadership Evolution: The modern leader must embrace AI-tech, adapt AI tools first, and champion organizational change. **AI as a Career Catalyst: Smart professionals leveraging AI will break career ceilings, but the industry still faces a talent crunch. Full podcast episode link in the comment section. Follow HT Smartcast for more podcasts on AI and business!! #LeadershipLessons #AI #Innovation #PR #FutureOfWork #Podcast

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It’s incredible to look back at my journey in the media industry and see how every role has prepared me for where I am today. I began my career building a solid foundation in magazines, where I learned the art of deep, immersive storytelling. Moving to digital platforms like Microsoft MSN India taught me to adapt, engage quickly, and navigate the fast-paced world of online media. Each platform had its own unique challenges and rewards, helping shape my approach to content. Today, at Hindustan Times, I’m in a rare position — working across magazines, websites, and newspapers all at once. This blend has reminded me of how distinct each medium truly is: • Print requires precision, timelessness and an attention to lasting impact. • Digital thrives on speed, engagement and the agility to pivot with trends. • Magazines allow for a curated, visual storytelling experience that can linger in the reader’s mind. To all the emerging content creators out there, I’d say: embrace versatility. Each medium teaches you something different — print hones depth, digital sharpens responsiveness, and magazines nurture a keen eye for detail and aesthetics. With a foundation across these platforms, you’re equipped to adapt in this dynamic field, making you more resilient and versatile as a writer or editor. What’s been the most surprising lesson you’ve learned in your media journey? I’d love to hear from others in the industry. A huge thanks to Hindustan Times HT Media Group for allowing me to bring these worlds together under one roof. Here’s to more stories, more growth and more shared experiences! also check out the newest baby here: https://lnkd.in/gcg3K4MU And of course the OG: https://lnkd.in/g4UwrEEm #contentcreation #media #HindustanTimes #digitalmedium #printjournalism #storytelling #careergrowth #mediaindustry #professionaljourney #journalist #htcity

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A far as technology journalism in India is concerned, there is no place that has made a bigger contribution to the industry than Digit. A large chunk of our senior technology journalists today can trace their roots back to this place — either because they worked here or because the Digit Magazine in their school library was responsible for stirring their interest in technology. For me, it was both. The three years at Digit were among the best in my career, and the kind of learning I got is irreplaceable. Digit took a chance on youngsters (at the time) like us, who didn’t have much to show other than enthusiasm. It allowed us to explore our ideas of what tech journalism should be and in more ways than one, ot built us. I’ll never forget what I was told by the company when I left: “You’re doing the right thing, and we take pride in the fact that people come to us fresh, and leave as seniors.” (This was the jist, not an exact quote) Truthfully, I didn’t believe it then. But over time I learned the huge impact Digit had on my career, both in terms or learnings and my personal portfolio. Here’s hoping the Times Network can keep up the tradition. And while most equate Digit to consumer tech alone, its impact is actually much more. Two examples from my time: - When DeepMind first beat Go using the AlphaGo AI, I interviewed David Silver for Digit. This was followed by a series on electronic blood and VPUs, essentially the anatomy of future computers. - When the Jio network was starting out, and no one in the country really understood how a 4G only network worked, I was tasked with writing a long piece explaining the shift from Packet Switched to IP Networks, and how they impact us. This was eventually cited by EPW as reference on their in-depth analysis of Jio. People who worked here before me did a much better job than I did. I learned about colorimeters, nanometers, and more. On the one hand, Digital helped shape my understanding of tech, but more importantly it helped fight the good fight that finally led to Indian journalism taking technology seriously, and looking at it as more than IT Services.

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Lalit's powerful words underscore the robustness of innovation and talent thriving within India's Global Capability Centers (GCCs). These centers have transcended their traditional roles to become 'digital twins' of enterprises, embodying their innovation, agility, and leadership ethos. In a landscape where global leaders emerge from GCCs, they stand as catalysts of transformation, shaping the global tech landscape. By harnessing India's tech ecosystem to its utmost capacity, they are not just adapting but leading the charge. ANSR is proud to celebrate this journey of innovation and fostering the next wave of visionary leaders who will redefine the tech landscape. #GCC #TechInnovation #Leadership #FutureTechLeaders

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Viacom18 announces key additions to its technology leadership team as it seeks to expand its OTT platform, JioCinema.... Read More At:- https://lnkd.in/gZEYfDYx JioCinema Viacom18 Media Private Limited Shoury Bharadwaj #technology #leadership #ottplatform #app #jiocinema #news #newsupdate #newsfeed #dailynews #ibwnews

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ZEE5, a leading OTT platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Cloud TV, facilitating exclusive access to its extensive content library on Cloud TV’s smart TV operating system.... Read More At:- https://lnkd.in/gbvUvmXB ZEE5 #ottplatform #StrategicPartnership #CloudTV #SmartTV #content #news #NewsUpdate #newsfeed #dailynews #IBWNews

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#CEO@work Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India and South Asia in an exclusive interview with ET NOW Editor-in-Chief Nikunj Dalmia says AI is the fourth tech revolution. Here are some key excerpts from the interview. First tech revolution started with PC, servers, next revolution was web and interest, and followed by mobile and cloud. “This tech revolution is building on the three that came before it.” “Countries, companies, businesses and people who investing in AI today, are the ones who will break out. It is the defining technology of a lifetime.” “Our dream at Microsoft is imagine a future when every student in India has a Copilot or an AI agent that gives access to the best teacher in the world. Imagine every Indian having access to medical care or advise without walking to hospital.” “AI will augment IT services and the developer community in India.” “On jobs, there will be new skills, new jobs created, reskilling will be required and shifts in labor workforce.” Sumita Kareer Pallavi Walia Shreya Mehta Sheenu Sekhri Maitreyee Goswami

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Unveiling Growth Strategies for Small to Medium Agencies with Arun Sudhaman, Editor PRovoke Media Join us for an insightful conversation on The India PR Show's third episode, where Arun Sudhaman, an industry expert, shares invaluable insights into agency growth trends. Discover key questions answered, such as defining mid-size to small-size agencies, identifying niches for differentiation, and navigating global best practices. In this episode, Arun Sudhaman delves into the nuances of agency growth, providing actionable tips and real-world examples for aspiring agencies. From understanding industry benchmarks to implementing strategic differentiation, this episode is a goldmine for agencies aiming to scale their operations effectively. Don't miss out on this must-watch episode for PR professionals, agency owners and communicators eager to elevate their agency's growth trajectory. Subscribe to The India PR Show for more interviews and expert insights into the world of public relations. Watch the podcast here https://lnkd.in/gawbyQMM listen here on Spotify - https://lnkd.in/g8VtsvVV Google Podcast- https://lnkd.in/ggR_rTzM Tune in monthly across YouTube, podcast platforms, and social media channels to gain invaluable insights and join the conversation. Follow us on IG: TheIndiaPRShow LinkedIn: The India PR Show The India PR Show is brought to you by Bala Kumaran and me. Please watch, listen, and share. Let us also know what you think and who would you want to see on the show next. Produced by BrandStory Productions Ebony & Ivory PR #publicrelations #marketing #journalism #india #podcast #theindiaprshow #tiprs #communications #theindiastory #entrepreneur #digitalmarketing #pr

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Sharing my views on recent eMpower episode by Magnite ! The episode highlights some exciting trends and insights in the world of streaming. To recap, the three key takeaways from 2024 1. The significant growth of streaming driven by major sports events like IPL and T20 World Cup. 2. The evolving landscape of measurement for streaming, which will likely impact how advertisers and publishers approach their strategies. 3. The increasing innovation around CTV ad solutions, formats, and more, which will be exciting to watch unfold. Were there any specific points or discussions from the episode that resonated with you or sparked new ideas?

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Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced a significant leadership change in its International Business and Operations division.... Read More At:- https://lnkd.in/g3FsxvqT Sony Pictures Networks India Jaideep Janakiram #elevate #jaideepjanakiram #leadership #international #news #NewsUpdate #newsfeed #dailynews #IBWNews

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A focused discussion on the evolution of #cinema—exploring #Punjabi, #Bollywood, and more. Dive into the #BigScreen vs. #OTT debate, changing viewer preferences, and #BoxOffice trends. Watch the full video here: youtu.be/xSmFTAUgMIg

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30th August, Taj Lands End, Mumbai To register: https://lnkd.in/dYiUt5v6 For More details: https://lnkd.in/dJSWjAMg Theme(I) -Adapting to Change: Agility and Resilience in Brand Management Theme (II) - Sustainable Success: Leveraging CSR for Enhanced Branding and Marketing Impact Theme (III) - Unlocking Rural Markets: Strategies for Effective B2B Branding and Marketing

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Persistence and Patience key to achieve market leadership..

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✨ Super interesting discussion coming up! 💡 In an era where digital platforms reign supreme- I discuss how brands leverage data to influence buying behaviour and the emotional behaviour linked to retail therapy with Ritu David of The Data Duck. 🛍️📊 Bijay Gautam 1Finance #DigitalMarketing #ConsumerBehavior #RetailTherapy #BrandStrategy #DataAnalytics #EcommerceTrends #BehavioralMarketing

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