MAM
Piyush Kale joins JioStar as director programming strategy and insights
Media strategist brings experience from Star TV Network and Network18.
MUMBAI: In the fast moving world of television strategy, sometimes the biggest story unfolds behind the screens rather than on them. Piyush Kale has taken on a new role as director – programming strategy and insights at JioStar, strengthening the company’s leadership bench in programming analytics and audience strategy. Kale shared the update on his professional network, announcing that he has stepped into the position after several years working in programming strategy roles across India’s broadcast and media landscape.
Before joining JioStar, Kale served as manager – programming strategy and Insights at Star TV Network, a role he held from December 2019, where he focused on analysing viewership trends and helping shape programming strategies using audience data.
Earlier in his career, Kale spent 3 years and 7 months at Network18 Media & Investments Limited in multiple roles including manager, assistant manager and senior executive. During this period, he worked on media analytics, programming insights and market research aimed at improving channel performance and content scheduling decisions.
His professional journey began in the television research ecosystem with TAM Media Research Pvt. Ltd., where he spent 1 year and 6 months, first as a management trainee in 2015 and later as a senior executive.
At TAM, Kale’s work focused on translating television viewership data into actionable insights for broadcasters and advertisers. His responsibilities included analysing audience behaviour at a micro level for new channel launches, advising networks on programming schedules, repeats, distribution and promotion strategies, and delivering performance reports on TV channels and radio stations.
He also worked closely with advertisers, analysing data across product categories and media platforms including television, print and radio, while preparing weekly reports on channel performance and audience trends.
With more than a decade of experience spanning media analytics, audience behaviour and programming strategy, Kale’s move to JioStar comes at a time when broadcasters and streaming platforms are increasingly relying on data led insights to shape content decisions.
In a market where programming strategy is becoming as much about algorithms as it is about storytelling, Kale’s expertise in audience intelligence and media analytics could play a key role in guiding JioStar’s programming roadmap in the evolving Indian entertainment ecosystem.
MAM
Publicis Groupe acquires sports marketing agency 160over90
Deal strengthens Publicis Sports with global scale and talent partnerships.
MUMBAI: Publicis Groupe has just scored a major goal in the sports marketing arena and this time, it’s not just about fans in the stands, but brands looking to win big. The French advertising giant has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 160over90, a leading global sports and culture-first agency that is part of WME Group. The move builds on Publicis Sports’ recent expansions, including the acquisitions of Adopt and Bespoke in 2025, a partnership with Magic Johnson Enterprises, and the launch of Influential Sports.
The combined Publicis Sports group will be led by Suzy Deering, CEO of Publicis Sports. Robbie Henchman, most recently President of 160over90, will stay with WME Group as Senior Partner and President of its brand representation business while overseeing the strategic partnership between WME Group and Publicis Groupe.
160over90 employs over 670 people across the US, UK, EMEA and APAC. It specialises in creating meaningful connections between brands, sports events, properties and culture. The sports media market is valued at $150 billion globally, while sports sponsorships have crossed $90 billion, yet many marketers still struggle with fragmented and outdated approaches.
With this acquisition, Publicis aims to offer brands a more unified solution through greater scale and reach across key markets, data-first optimisation powered by the Publicis Sports Intelligence platform, activation of the creator economy via Influential, and a new strategic talent and entertainment partnership with WME Group.
Publicis Groupe CEO Arthur Sadoun described sport as one of the most high-value channels in the age of AI. “This acquisition is the latest demonstration of our ongoing commitment to investing in the channels and capabilities that deliver the highest value for our clients,” he said.
Publicis Connected Media CEO Dave Penski added that sport has become the most powerful intersection of culture, commerce and community.
WME Group president and managing partner Mark Shapiro noted that combining 160over90 with Publicis Sports will create an unmatched offering for brands seeking deeper connections with sports fans.
In a fragmented sports marketing landscape, Publicis has clearly decided that the best way to win is to bring the whole team together turning scattered plays into one powerful, end-to-end strategy that connects brands to fans in meaningful and measurable ways.
