New Delhi, March 24, 2025 – India’s Competition Commission (CCI) has launched a sweeping investigation into the country’s advertising and broadcasting sectors, conducting surprise raids on leading firms suspected of price-fixing and market manipulation.
Sources indicate that enforcement teams raided the offices of global advertising giants GroupM, Publicis, Dentsu, and Interpublic Group, as well as the headquarters of the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) in key cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi, and Gurugram. The raids follow allegations that these firms engaged in anti-competitive practices, including ad rate manipulation and collusion to withhold discounts from advertisers.
Officials close to the investigation suggest that the firms may have coordinated to control pricing structures, limiting fair competition in the advertising sector. If proven, such practices could lead to hefty fines and regulatory action against the involved entities.
Industry experts believe this crackdown could reshape India’s advertising landscape, pushing for greater transparency and fair pricing. As the investigation unfolds, advertisers and broadcasters alike await further developments that could significantly impact the media and marketing industries.-AirMedia Broadcast
