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Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Unlock the South: Navigating India's dynamic regional ad markets
South India is no longer just a growth market; it's a driving force in Indian advertising. With an estimated INR 7,500 crore contribution to India's total TV advertising expenditure (AdEx) in 2024, this region is a critical battleground for both national and regional brands. The era of generic campaigns is fading, underscoring a strategic imperative for brands to adopt deeply localized approaches to truly connect with consumers and maximize returns in this powerful segment. Among the four southern states, Tamil Nadu leads with an estimated INR 2,900–3,100 crore in TV AdEx, according to the Madison Advertising Report 2025, underscoring its significant television penetration and brand activity. Following Tamil Nadu, Telugu-speaking markets (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana) contributed INR 1,500–1,700 crore, Karnataka brought in INR 1,400–1,600 crore, while Kerala added INR 900–1,100 crore to the overall adex pie. This substantial collective contribution underscores the need for granular market understanding rather than a generic 'South India' approach. The media landscape in South India is also distinctly regionalised. While national and English content is consumed, it is regional content that truly drives growth. The Madison advertising report 2025 indicates that regional channels grew 9-12 percent in 2024, now accounting for 30 percent of TV AdEx. This highlights the continued strength of regional TV in specific markets, particularly in the South. "Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu exhibit high TV penetration, where mass CPG brands might achieve sufficient reach with minimal digital investment," observes Niti Kumar, COO, Starcom. However, she adds, "markets with electricity challenges might require a stronger digital layer to complement TV reach." A unique aspect of Southern markets is the enduring popularity of certain programs and the pervasive passion for movies, which "must be integrated into media plans, unlike in the North where alternative connection methods exist." This necessitates media plans encompassing "not just general entertainment channels (GEC) and movies, but also local news and music channels specific to each state and language." Menaka Menon, president & managing partner, DDB Mudra highlights the distinct media choices available in each Southern market. "Each of the South markets has one or two lead players across both TV and print," she states. For television, channels like Sun TV, Maa TV, Zee Kannada, and Asianet dominate across four regions. In print, publications such as Thanthi, Eenadu, Vijay Karnataka, and Malayala Manorama hold significant sway. These established players, with their legacy and audience trust, tend to lead the pricing benchmarking. The Southern advertising market presents a unique equilibrium between regional and national brands. While national advertisers often dominate overall adex, local and regional brands hold a strong presence, particularly in print and digital, which allow for greater localisation. "Regional brands command 55-60 percent of total advertising inventory across media channels," reveals Upali Nag, chief strategy officer, Wavemaker India, while "National brands command 40-45 percent of inventory, but command approximately 60 percent of revenue due to premium positioning, targeting etc." She notes a growing trend of national brands creating "region-specific campaigns rather than adapting national campaigns," and regional brands expanding beyond traditional media with "significant YoY growth in digital spending." Kumar points out that the leading players vary by state and medium. "Kerala sees strong local retail advertisers like jewelry brands. In contrast, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are crucial markets for national CPG brands, particularly in categories like oral care and food & beverages." Experts shared the cost of advertising also reflects this regional focus, with regional channels generally being more affordable than national ones due to their smaller, language-specific reach. 'The states behave differently, and the situation changes from market to market. TN & Kerala are high on local player contribution, while AP and Karnataka are comparatively lower,' concluded Menon.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Wisconsin basketball center adds to his list of NBA workouts
Former Wisconsin Badgers center Steven Crowl is compiling a long list of NBA workouts. Crowl, whose Badgers tenure concluded with an NCAA Tournament round of 32 loss to BYU in late March, has reportedly worked out with the Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets and Denver Nuggets over the past few weeks. Advertisement The 7-foot center's most recent workout came with the Pelicans on Thursday, per The Athletic's Will Guillory. Crowl worked out alongside North Carolina's R.J. Davis, Arkansas' Johnell Davis and Kansas' Hunter Dickinson. Earlier this week, the Hornets worked out former Badger Chucky Hepburn alongside Crowl, per Hornets beat writer Rod Boone. The two spent three seasons in Madison together from 2021-24. Crowl isn't the only former Badger to dip his toes into NBA waters this offseason. Star guard John Blackwell worked out with the Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trailblazers and Philadelphia 76ers before withdrawing from the 2025 NBA draft in late May. The Minnesota native started 141 of his 153 career appearances in five seasons from 2020-25. In those contests, the veteran averaged 9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and two assists off a 52.5% shooting rate from the field, 36.3% mark from 3 and 82% clip from the charity stripe. Advertisement During Wisconsin's 27-10 season, Crowl started all 37 games and logged per-game averages of 9.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He did so while shooting 54% from the field, 41% from 3 and 82% from the free-throw line. At his size, Crowl's shooting ability is an unquestionable commodity in the NBA. Given modern spacing and skill at the center position, the former Badger's progression as a shooter, especially from the top of the key, headlines his potential professional portfolio. Nonetheless, Crowl's odds of being picked in the 2025 NBA draft or signing with an NBA franchise are slim. The workouts will expose him to some NBA personnel, but his most likely route involves a career oversees. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin basketball center Steven Crowl NBA workout with Pelicans
Fox News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
University of Wisconsin provides nearly $136K to student sex group that gives ethical porn programming
The University of Wisconsin–Madison has reportedly approved doling out $136,000 to fund a group that provides sexual programming, including a 90-minute "Ethical Porn" session for students. The approved budget for the FY 2026 budget says that the Sex Out Loud club, billed as a "peer to peer sexual health resource," requested $136,475 for 2025–2026 and was approved to receive $135,706.51. Their budget allocates over $90,000 for salaries, and over $41,000 for supplies and services. Within their service budget, $14,000 is reserved for programming. The Sex Out Loud club hosted a "Sex After Dark" program in April. In an Instagram post, they advertised the event would include a drag performance and bingo as well as a sex toy giveaway. Their website, which has a content warning for readers upon opening the page, says that their mission is "to promote healthy sexuality through sex-positive education and activism," and says that it seeks "to empower all students by providing inclusive and accessible programs, events, and resources, and by creating [a] safe space where students can freely discuss these issues." The page offers a "Safer Sex Supplies Order Form," with over 20 different types of condoms to choose from, eight different kinds of lubricant options, and flavored latex sheets to be used when performing oral sex to reduce risk of spreading sexually transmitted infections, as well as Plan B and pregnancy tests. It also highlights that items are donated by Planned Parenthood and the EC Access Network. The website says that the group offers "a mix of interactive activities, guided group discussions, and presentations by trained peer facilitators" and "four events weeks per year allow for keynote speakers, crafts, pole dancing, yoga, carnivals, and more!" Some of the programs offered by Sex Out Loud include a 90-minute "Ethical Porn" session that looks at "common assumptions/critiques of porn" and "Understand what porn is and the key differences between ethical and mainstream porn." Another 90-minute program, "LGBTQIA+" is about "Understanding personal gender identity and societal constructions of gender," and seeks to "explore the embodied experience of Coming Out and reduce expectations and pressure pertaining to the experience of 'Coming Out.'" "Sex Jeopardy," which is 1-2 hours long, is a "Classic jeopardy game with a fun and sexy twist," and says participants "get quizzed on interesting and informative questions on sexual health, identity, expression, pleasure, and sex!" Other programs include "Advanced Pleasure," "Kink" and "Masturbation." The club also produces a publication called, "Zine," with the theme for this year being "F*ck Me: Pleasure, Kink, & Politics." The Instagram post advertising the publication's theme says, "We invite you to explore the complexities of desire, pleasure, and identity that shape our unique sexuality." Sex Out Loud's website also shares a page advertising 15 approved sex toy brands, such as "The Tool Shed," a site "where people of all genders and sexual orientations can explore their sexuality in a positive environment and be treated with respect by a friendly and knowledgeable staff." Another highlighted sex toy brand, "Cute Little F*ckers," is a "queer owned, trans owned, disabled owned" company whose mission is to "make authentic sexual expression as inclusive and accessible as possible." On its website, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a public university, says it received "more than $816 million in federal awards for research across campus," in 2023-2024. Fox News Digital reached out to the University of Wisconsin–Madison as well as Sex Out Loud for comment on the club's funding, but did not immediately receive a response.
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
My daughter's ‘sunburn' was actually a sign her ‘blood was on fire' – her horrific cries constantly replay in my head
AS Natassja Chadwick watched her daughter claw at her rapidly reddening skin after being in the sun, she "knew something terrible was happening". Madison, then a toddler, "let out a horrific cry" that replayed over and over in the mum's head. 14 14 14 14 When Natassja first noticed Madison go red after a day out, she thought it was just a normal sunburn. But the little girl was soon clawing at her own skin as the colour intensified. The 37-year-old mum rushed her to the doctor, where she was told that the toddler has a rare condition that boils her blood after sun exposure - it has no cure. Natassja said: 'I heard Madison let out a horrific cry after getting burnt by the sun in the garden – this sound replayed in my head over and over for a year. 'I asked her what was wrong, as I couldn't see anything. 'She told me her skin was so itchy that it hurt. 'As her body got progressively more red and she continuously cried out in pain, I knew something terrible was happening. 'When I took Madison to the doctors that first time, they told me that, essentially, her blood was on fire. 'I was horrified at what my little girl had been experiencing. 'As it's so rare, there's no cure." The condition is officially known as erythropoietic protoporphyria. It affects one in every 140,000 people in the UK, according to Oxford Academic, with only 394 known with the condition. It's caused by a genetic mutation in the blood, which makes those affected allergic to sunlight. A year later, it was discovered that Madison's brother, Isaac, also suffers from the same condition. 14 14 14 Natassja and husband David, 42, make sure their kids – who are now aged 13 and 11 – and slather exposed skin with expensive, specialised sun cream whenever they go outside. Both Madison and Isaac have never gone on abroad, as their parents want to avoid the hot weather and piercing sunshine of popular holiday destinations. But with the UK's temperatures rising, they are now worried for the future of their kids. Even playing in their own garden can be dangerous for Madison and Isaac. 'If Isaac had it his way, he would be outside from early morning until the last thing at night – but their condition makes this impossible," Natassja, a carer from the Isle of Man, said. 'Madison has so many friends and wants to hang out with them, but realistically, she can't always join in." Natassja said summers can be especially tricky to manage. 'I struggle in the summer, trying to get the balance right with them, but also battling my own desire to get out in the sun," she said. 'It's extremely stressful, timing taking them to events, so we can do everything quickly and leave to get them home safe in the dark. Rising temperatures over the weekend are adding to the mum's worries. 'I worry [about] the heatwave, as Isaac suffers with heat exhaustion. 'He tries to be an active young boy, taking part in football and sports with his friends, but due to being fully covered, he overheats and gets very sick. 'I wouldn't consider moving anywhere else, though. There aren't many places that would be better. What is erythropoietic protoporphyria? The word 'erythropoietic' is associated with red blood cells ('erythro-') and their formation ('-poietic'). Porphyrias are a group of rare disorders caused by something going wrong with the production of chemicals known as porphyrins. In the case of erythropoietic protoporphyria, there is a build-up of one of these porphyrins - protoporphyrin IX - in the blood, especially in the red blood cells. This leads to a sensitivity to sunlight. As blood passes through the superficial blood vessels under the skin, the protoporphyrin absorbs the energy from sunlight and this sets off a chemical reaction that can slightly damage surrounding tissues. The nerve endings in the skin interpret this as itching or burning pain, and if the blood vessels are affected, they can leak fluid, causing swelling. Skin exposure to sunlight causes tingling or itching within a few minutes, severe pain and burning then occur, which may be associated with redness and swelling. These symptoms can take several days to resolve. During this time, the skin may feel extremely sensitive to temperature, light and touch. The light producing these changes need not be direct – light reflected off water and sand, or passing through window glass, including car windscreens, can also cause the symptoms. The condition tends to become apparent in childhood. Source: British Association of Dermatologists 'We will spend the weekend indoors, with the curtains closed, windows open and lots of fans on. 'It's hard to entertain the kids inside, but we will play games, watch films and do some baking before going outside when it's dark to burn off some energy. 'We are lucky that we have lots of friends and family who will also visit us and spend time indoors with us which massively helps. 'I feel mum guilt when I want to sit out in the garden or when I think about having holidays abroad – but my kids' health is worth any sacrifice. 'But I hate being sat at home while the sun is shining with our curtains closed. 'The kids miss out on so many play dates with their friends. 'I worry they'll lose their social skills and become shells of themselves.' 14 14 After the kids' diagnoses, Natassja did her own research, finding a charity that helped put the family with other children erythropoietic protoporphyria. 'Knowing there's others like them out there was such a relief. 'It's helped them, and me, feel less alone in this battle.' Medications are being tested to help with the condition but at the time of writing, there is no cure. Natassja added: 'I want to raise awareness to help progress research into this disease. I've raised money and continue to spread the word. She said of Madison and Isaac: 'They're happy, fun and resilient children. 'I know they'll remain strong no matter what." The mum passed advise to other parents ahead of the June heatwave. 'I strongly urge parents to regularly apply and top up factor 50 sun cream, seek shade and ensure children are consuming plenty of liquids during the heatwave." 14
Skift
2 days ago
- Business
- Skift
Mint House Announces Expansion Into Washington, D.C
Mint House announced its expansion into Washington, D.C., with the grand opening of its newest property, and other hotel development news. The DJIA jumped 404 points while the Nasdaq was up 194, the S&P 500 rose 49 points and the 10-year treasury yield was down .04 to 4.25%. Lodging stocks were modestly higher. The biggest mover in the group was INN, up 6% on the day. InnVentures announced the completion of a total renovation of the Courtyard by Marriott Spokane Downtown Convention Center. The renovations include a refreshed exterior with a streamlined façade, enhanced lighting, and new landscaping; 149 fully renovated guestrooms; upgrades to the lobby and restaurant; and an expanded fitness center will open next month. The Courtyard by Marriott Spokane Downtown Convention Center is owned by BHG Hotels. An iconic Madison, Wisconsin, hotel has transitioned into the Madison Marriott South. The hotel remains open and fully operational as it completes this exciting brand conversion. The property boasts 239 guestrooms and more than 16,000 square feet of versatile meeting space. Renovations are currently underway in the hotel's ballrooms, with guestroom enhancements scheduled to begin later this year. The hotel is owned by DeFoor Brothers LLC, and along with the neighboring Fairfield Inn & Suites Madison South, both operated by Legacy Ventures. Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott Calgary Downtown has completed an extensive renovation of its 124 guestrooms and public spaces. The new look includes an updated breakfast lounge and fitness center, as well as new furniture, lighting, wall vinyl, and carpet in the lobby. Every guest room has been updated. The hotel also offers a market, fitness center, and business center. A new hotel and apartment building recently broke ground in Winooski, Vermont. This will be Marriott's first all-electric, non-fossil fuel, net-zero hotel in the whole world. The facility will have three components: 115 rooms in the eight-story Marriott Sugar House Hotel, 83 units of middle-income housing units, and a three-story municipal parking garage. The hotel itself will feature a rooftop bar, restaurant, event space, a general store in the front of the building, and more. The developer, Doug Nedde, hopes the project will be done by next summer. Host Hotels & Resorts and the Grand Hyatt Washington, located in Washington, D.C., announced the unveiling of the property's newly renovated 902 guestrooms, 31 re-imagined suites, and an expanded Grand Club lounge. The hotel boasts a 12-story atrium and 42,000 square feet of meeting space. IHG Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with owner Muncie Hotels, LLC and management company Amerilodge Group, celebrated the opening of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Muncie, Indiana. The newly-built hotel features 505 guestrooms, 995 square feet of meeting space, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel, located in Newport Beach, California, is now accepting reservations beginning November 1. The long-standing Newport Beach gem has been thoughtfully re-imagined and includes 25 individually designed rooms and suites, two signature rooftop gathering spaces, and a lobby café. Mint House announced its expansion into Washington, D.C., with the grand opening of its newest property, 1010 Vermont. The company's first property in the nation's capital is a former 11-story office building, transformed into a boutique apartment hotel with 8 units, a fitness center, a Grab-and-Go station, rentable meeting spaces, and a lounge with game tables and TVs. This will be Mint House's second opening this year, following the recent opening of The Dylin, located in Madison, Wisconsin, with further openings expected in 2025. Construction walls have gone up in Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa for the construction of a new concierge lounge, which is expected to open in 2026. The hotel is undergoing an extended refurbishment. Napa Rose is currently closed, Storyteller's Café was also closed for refurbishment, and the hotel also got new Disney California Adventure entrance gates, as part of a larger rollout of new park gates around the Disneyland Resort. Kabani Hotel Group completed the leasehold interest sale of the Wyndham Garden Tallahassee Capitol, a 147-room property located in Tallahassee, Florida. The transaction closed at a sale price of $7,915,000. Kabani Hotel Group held an exclusive listing for the property. Marriott International, Inc. announced a signed multi-unit agreement with Corporacion Polaris and Cardedeu to open four City Express by Marriott properties, marking the brand's debut in El Salvador. The signed projects are expected to further enhance Marriott's footprint in the country with the addition of 440 rooms. Located in the heart of San Salvador's historic center, City Centro by Marriott San Salvador is expected to convert by the end of this year. Expected to open in late 2026, City Express by Marriott Aeropuerto will connect San Salvador's metro area with the International Airport. Also set for 2026, City Express by Marriott Santa Elena will sit along the Pan-American Highway. By late 2027, City Express Plus by Marriott San Benito is set to open in the heart of the San Benito district. Royalton Luxury Resorts, by Blue Diamond Resorts, has launched Royalton Vessence, a new adults-oriented brand that re-imagines the all-inclusive experience. The first to bring this vision to life will be Royalton Vessence Barbados, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resorts - Adults Only, debuting in Summer 2026. Formerly introduced as Royalton CHIC Barbados, the adults-oriented, all-inclusive resort will also be the first in the region to introduce glow-lit pools, along with dedicated spaces for digital detox. The experience continues with Moddo by Royalton FIT, a holistic wellness program featuring yoga, breathwork, and expressive movement sessions led by expert coaches. MGM Muthu Hotels is set to make its debut in Jamaica with the takeover of the Decameron Club Caribbean, Ramada All Inclusive, located in Runaway Bay, St. Ann. The new property, to be rebranded as the Grand Muthu Club Caribbean, is scheduled to open on August 1. Personnel News Mainsail Lodging & Development announced the promotion of two long-standing team members into key leadership positions. Brandon Marshall, who has served as Corporate Director of Sales for the past nine years, has been promoted to Vice President of Sales & Marketing. In his new role, Marshall will lead the development and execution of sales and marketing strategies for Mainsail's entire portfolio, focusing on maximizing revenue opportunities, cultivating top talent, and contributing to the feasibility and planning of further projects. Rhonda Mestler, formerly the Corporate Director of Revenue, has been elevated to Senior Director of Commercial Strategy. Mestler will oversee all revenue-generating functions across the company, including eCommerce, reservations, revenue management, and front-office operations. Peachtree Group has promoted Jared Schlosser to head of originations for all commercial real estate and hotel lending, in addition to continuing his role as head of the firm's Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy lending program. Europe Highlights IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh - Haymarket, a 195-room flagship hotel. This property opens in partnership with Palm Holdings, a virtual family-owned real estate and hospitality company. Hilton has announced the opening of The Marcus Portrush, a new hotel under its Tapestry Collection brand, marking the brand's entry into Northern Ireland. The hotel is located in a restored Victorian building in Portrush and features 80 rooms, a restaurant, and cocktail bar. The Marcus Portrush was developed under a franchise agreement with Andras House Ltd. The building, which previously operated as a hotel and bakery, underwent an £11 million renovation.
