World M&E News

UK , Censorship , Streaming Platforms

Saif Ali Khan Talks About 'Self-Censorship' After Tandav Controversy: 'Certain Areas You Should Stay Away From'

In a recent chat with the Hindustan Times, Saif discussed how self-censorship has now become a norm for filmmakers.

News18 | 29-Mar-25
UK , Streaming Platforms

Streaming algorithms edge out word-of-mouth

More viewers now trust personalised recommendations from streaming platforms over tips from friends and family, according to Ampere Analysis.

Advanced Television | 29-Mar-25
India , Entertainment Business , Streaming Platforms

Digital Surges Ahead as India’s Media and Entertainment Sector Hits $29 Billion, Annual FICCI-EY Report Reveals

Titled ‘Shape the Future: Indian Media and Entertainment is Scripting a New Story,’ the report reveals that digital media overtook television for the first time, becoming the industry’s largest segment and accounting for 32% of total revenue, ending a two-decade reign by TV.

Variety | 27-Mar-25
US , Localization

Generative AI Takes Localization from Cost Center to Growth Driver

At SlatorCon Remote March 2025, panelists share how GenAI can help businesses take localization from cost center to growth driver.

Slator | 27-Mar-25
India , Censorship , Government , Discrimination , Sexual Violence

Why has CBFC blocked UK's Oscar entry Santosh from release in India?

Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has refused certification for theatrical release to Santosh by Sandhya Suri over concerns regarding the film's portrayal of the Indian police.

Business Standard | 27-Mar-25
US , Entertainment Business , Regulation

California State Senators Call for 35% Tax Credit for All Los Angeles Productions, Aim to Add Animation and Sitcoms

California lawmakers behind one of the two bills intended to expand the state’s film and TV tax incentive program have unveiled the legislation’s full language, which includes calls to expand the types of productions eligible and offer a 35% credit to all productions based in Los Angeles.

The Wrap | 26-Mar-25
US , Entertainment Business , Government , LGBTQ

Trump's FCC says it will start investigating Disney, too

Brendan Carr, chairman of the FCC, said he plans to investigate Disney's DEI practices after similar announcements about Comcast and Verizon.

Business Insider | 26-Mar-25
US , Entertainment Business , Government

Court's Preliminary Injunction Rejection in UMG v. Anthropic Is Actually Likely A Victory for UMG on "Fair Use"

In an order issued on Tuesday (March 25), Judge Eumi K. Lee of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California denied the publishers’ motion for a preliminary injunction that would have prohibited Anthropic “from using copies of lyrics to compositions owned or controlled by Publishers for future training of Anthropic’s AI models”.

Music Business Worldwide | 26-Mar-25
US , Entertainment Business , Streaming Platforms

Deloitte: Nearly 50% of Consumers Say SVOD Services Too Expensive, Prefer Social Media Content to TV Shows, Movies

A price hike of $5 would be likely to make the majority (60%) of consumers cancel their favorite service.

Media Play News | 26-Mar-25
India , JioHotstar , Streaming Platforms

JioHotstar Reaches 100 Million Subscribers, Transforming India’s Streaming Market

The milestone underscores the platform’s successful strategy in converting streaming services from a premium offering to an essential component of daily media consumption for many Indian viewers.

Variety | 26-Mar-25
US , Streaming Platforms

In Warning Sign for Hollywood, Younger Consumers Are Choosing Creator Content Over Premium TV and Movies

A new Deloitte study shows that Gen Zers are choosing social and creator-driven content over big-budget entertainment, as consumers overall feel a price pinch over streaming.

The Hollywood Reporter | 25-Mar-25
India , Censorship , CBFC

Sikandar' makers voluntarily cut 14.28 minutes despite censor approval

The Salman Khan upcoming film has been passed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with a UA 13+ certificate after the filmmakers voluntarily trimmed 14.28 minutes from the film despite already receiving a censor certificate.

Jang | 25-Mar-25
US , Entertainment Business

76% of Consumers Own 4 or More Connected Devices

The digital landscape is dictating how consumers choose to pay, with a clear divergence emerging between tech-embracing early adopters and those content with more basic connectivity, according to a new report.

PYMNTS | 24-Mar-25
US , Entertainment Business

`IAB State of Data 2025’ Report Shows AI Use is Accelerating

A new report from IAB highlights that while AI use is accelerating, adoption in the advertising industry is still relatively low, with only 30% of agencies, brands, and publishers fully integrating AI into media campaigns.

TV Tech | 24-Mar-25
Australia , Government , Censorship , Classification

Australia Has Banned Silent Hill f But We Don’t Know Why

The Australian government has released the Silent Hill f rating for the country, and it's been given an "RC," which stands for "Refused Classification." There's no reason given why it was refused to be given a rating, but if Konami and developer NeoBards Entertainment doesn't change a few things, the game will be denied a release in the entire country.

DualShockers | 22-Mar-25
UK , Netflix , Ratings , Discrimination , Violence

Adolescence age rating – how old do you need to be to watch?

With conversations around whether “Adolescence” should be shown in schools and in Parliament, it's safe to say that the Netflix drama has continued to make waves since its release last week.

Radio Times | 20-Mar-25
Middle East , Censorship

John Abraham's The Diplomat banned in the Middle East

The political thriller, based on a real-life Indian diplomat, faces restrictions in the Middle East over content concerns.

Samaa | 19-Mar-25
South Korea , Government , Regulation , Ratings

South Korea’s Approach to Age Assurance

South Korea’s approach to age assurance differs from many Western governments’ more recent and debated efforts as it stems from a long history of government-led identity verification measures.

Tech Policy | 19-Mar-25
India , Censorship , Backlash , Religion

Vemal’s 'Paramasivan Fathima' faces censorship hurdles

The film 'Paramasivan Fathima,' facing controversy for its exploration of Christian religious conversions, has been asked by the censorship board to modify certain scenes and dialogues.

The Times of India | 19-Mar-25
US , Disney+ , Backlash , Sexuality , Drugs

Disney+ Under Fire From Parents Group for Streaming ‘Anora’

Disney+ is getting blasted by a family watchdog group for streaming five-time Oscar winner Anora, the ‘R’-rated movie about a Brooklyn sex worker caught up in a quickie Las Vegas wedding to the spoiled son of a Russian oligarch.

Media Play News | 19-Mar-25
Malaysia , Censorship , Streaming Platforms , FINAS

Fahmi: Finas Act amendments will not cover censorship of streaming platforms

The proposed amendments to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) Act 1981 will not include censorship of online streaming services.

New Straits Times | 19-Mar-25
US , Government , Regulation

Hollywood creatives urge government to defend copyright laws against AI

“We firmly believe that America’s global AI leadership must not come at the expense of our essential creative industries,” they wrote in a letter to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy last week.

Los Angeles Times | 18-Mar-25
China , Entertainment Business

China releases AI content labeling rules

A mandatory national standard “Cybersecurity Technology –Labeling Method for Content Generated by Artificial Intelligence” has been officially approved and published and will be implemented simultaneously with the Measures. These rules establish clear identification standards for AI-generated content, and enhance transparency, restrict misleading information, and protect public interests.

Lexology | 17-Mar-25
US , Entertainment Business

Does AI Dumb Down Creativity?

Over-Reliance on AI in the Creative Process Leads to Creative Atrophy & the Mundane

The Brain | 17-Mar-25
Canada , Classification , Censorship

‘There’s always going to be censorship. Who’s going to be in charge of it?’

On March 6, 2025, Jennifer Henderson broke the news that Finance Minister John Lohr had announced the phasing out of the Nova Scotia Film Classification Board.

Halifax Examiner | 17-Mar-25
US , Entertainment Business , Government

Hollywood warns about AI industry’s push to change copyright law

Paul McCartney, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Rock, and hundreds of others signed an open letter to the government, challenging OpenAI and Google.

Fast Company | 17-Mar-25
UK , Regulation , Government , Sexuality

Policing pornography: how Labour is trying to criminalise sexual entertainment – and our desires

A new government-commissioned Review – Creating a Safer World – the Challenge of Regulating Online Pornography – recommends overhauling the government’s approach to online pornography, giving the state more power to police sexual content and its use.

The Canary | 16-Mar-25
Nigeria , Censorship , Government , Misrepresentation

Industry Suffers Artistic Loss as Court Rules Against ‘Gangs of Lagos’ Producers and Amazon Over Fictional Portrayal of Eyo Masquerade

As part of the settlement, the producers (third to eleventh respondents) are required to issue a formal letter acknowledging IEDU’s position, recognizing that Gangs of Lagos misrepresented and disrespected the Eyo masquerade and the traditions of the Isale Eko people and to tender an unreserved public apology.

Shock | 16-Mar-25
Canada , Classification , Ratings , Government , Morality

End of an era: Board that classified films in the Maritimes fades to black

Maritime Film Classification Board sometimes found itself in controversies over censorship and morality

CBC | 16-Mar-25
Malaysia , Regulation , FINAS , Religion

Film, Drama Producers Should Consult Relevant Authorities On Religious-themed Works - FINAS

Film and drama producers planning to create content with religious themes or involving uniformed services have been advised to seek verification and approval from the relevant authorities to ensure their productions are appropriate and do not spark controversy.

Bernama | 16-Mar-25
US , Censorship , Government

Sounds like censorship to me.' O cinema co-founder slams proposed eviction over film

O Cinema South Beach, an independent, non-profit movie theater, has been showing sold-out screenings of the controversial, Oscar-winning film No Other Land. But the Miami Beach's mayor calls the documentary "anti-semitic" and is now trying to cut off the city's funding and lease to the cinema, which is operating on city property.

NPR | 15-Mar-25
Saudi Arabia , Backlash , Censorship , Religion

Saudi TV drama sparks outrage: Iraq, Iran ban show, clerics call it sinful

A multimillion-dollar Saudi TV drama has sparked a firestorm across the Middle East, with Iraq and Iran banning the show and religious leaders calling it sinful.

Caliber | 15-Mar-25
US , Entertainment Business

The $6.6 Trillion Digital Commerce Boom and the Rise of Shoppable TV

The intersection of content, commerce, and advertising is shaping the next wave of monetization, with retail media and shoppable TV leading the way

The Streaming Wars | 14-Mar-25
Fiji , Regulation , Ratings

Cinematographic Film Amendment Bill passed

The aim of the amendment is to introduce a new Parental Guidance rating for films suitable for children between six and 12 years, a move intended to offer more viewing options to younger audiences while maintaining appropriate content standards.

FBC News | 13-Mar-25
Nigeria , Censorship , Culture , Misrepresentation

Court bans viewing of controversial film, ‘Gang of Lagos’

A Lagos High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) has banned public viewing and streaming of a controversial film entitled, “Gang of Lagos”.

The Nation | 13-Mar-25
US , Entertainment Business , Culture

‘Just don’t say DEI’: Brands sit out advertising around Black History Month, other heritage months this year

According to three marketers Digiday spoke with for this story who said brand clients have either paused marketing around days geared toward honoring historically marginalized communities or tweaked language away from anything that could be deemed DEI.

Digiday | 12-Mar-25
India , Censorship , Politics

Censor Board clears ‘Rajagunj’ for release after editing PM’s remarks

“We have complied with the censor board’s directives while ensuring that viewers’ right to watch the film remains intact,” Rauniyar stated. “However, the removed scenes will not be replaced with alternative visuals or dialogues. Instead, blank spaces or beeps will be used.”

Online Khabar | 12-Mar-25
US , New Release

Snow White Premiere Plans Suffer Following Disney Remake's Controversies

Snow White will be theatrically released on March 21. However, Disney reportedly scrapped plans to have a premiere for the film in the United Kingdom last week. Snow White has been mired in controversy since the very beginning, with complaints about the film dating back to January 2022.

Comic Book Resources | 11-Mar-25
India , Streaming Platforms , Censorship , CBFC , Sexuality

‘Anora’ May Never Have a Theatrical Release in India Despite Multiple Oscar Wins

"Anora" will release directly on a streaming platform in India, thus bypassing its theatrical release. And a certain regulatory body could be responsible for it.

IndieWire | 8-Mar-25
India , Regulation , Streaming Platforms , MIB , TRAI

Cable operators demand regulatory parity as FAST 'blurs' broadcasting boundaries

The cable operators' association has also written to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), urging it to direct these OTT platforms to restrict the transmission of live channels.

Storyboard 18 | 7-Mar-25
US , Entertainment Business

AI Will Soon Dominate Ad Buying, Whether Marketers Like It or Not

Advertisers are grappling with trade-offs of AI-powered ad planning and buying tools for automating nearly every step in digital ad campaigns.

The Wall Street Journal | 6-Mar-25
US , Government , Politics

As political polarization intensifies, agencies struggle to find brand-safe gaming influencers

In 2025, content creators are no longer afraid to share their political opinions — and it’s created a headache for brands looking to engage in influencer marketing without prodding the hornet’s nest.

Digiday | 6-Mar-25
Australia , Ratings , ACB , Violence

GTA 6 Age Rating Sparks Global Outrage: Will Rockstar Tone Down Violence?

The Australian Classification Board has given GTA 6 an MA15+ rating. This is different from GTA 5's R18+ rating. Fans are now wondering if Rockstar Games is making significant changes to the game.

Analytics Insight | 6-Mar-25
India , Censorship , CBFC , Violence

Explained: Why Unni Mukundan's Marco faces TV ban after OTT release

The Malayalam film 'Marco', starring Unni Mukundan in the lead role, has not been cleared by the CBFC for television screening. Here's all about the board's decision and the reason they have cited.

India Today | 5-Mar-25
US , Government

Extra! Extra! The Future of Interpretation Just Changed. Again!

An Executive Order designates English as the official language of the U.S.

Linkedin | 5-Mar-25
Egypt , Backlash , Censorship , Religion

Ramadan 2025: TV series Muawiya sparks controversy and bans in parts of Arab world

Senior figure from Egypt’s highest religious authority urges viewers not to watch show

The National | 5-Mar-25
UK , Ratings , Classification , PEGI , Gambling

When video game age ratings go wrong: Balatro’s battle with PEGI

Card game Balatro was a huge hit last year – but a year-long struggle with the European age ratings board has exposed how well-meaning rules can have unintended consequences

The Guardian | 5-Mar-25
India , Censorship , Streaming Platforms , Violence

Marco Ban On OTT? Producer Vows To Not Make 'Violent Films' After Unni Mukundan Starrer Stirs Controversy Over TV Premiere

Now, the call for Marco streaming rights cancellation may signal something much worse for the team and the film community.

Republic World | 5-Mar-25
India , JioHotstar , Censorship , Streaming Platforms , Sexuality

Oscar Winner Anora Cut on JioHotstar OTT

The biggest winner from this year’s Academy Awards is coming to Indian OTT soon. Anora, that won a whopping number of five Oscars this year, will be streaming on Jio Hotstar from the 17th of March. But people are concerned about the movie being heavily cut and censored before coming to Indian OTT. The movie is about an erotic dancer and has many sexually explicit scenes.

M9 News | 4-Mar-25
France , Canal+ , Entertainment Business

Canal+ eyes Africa growth, rules out ITVS move

Canal+ Group is not interested in investing in ITV Studios but is pursuing an “active M&A strategy” in Africa after posting its first results since listing on the London Stock Exchange in December.

Broadcast Now | 4-Mar-25
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