The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) has set up a Media Council, bringing together senior leaders from major media agency networks to discuss the issues and priorities facing the industry. The initiative is part of AAAI’s 2026-27 agenda to increase industry participation and address developments in the media business.
The first meeting was chaired by Kartik Sharma of Omnicom Media and attended by representatives from Omnicom Media, WPP Media, Publicis Media, Havas Media, Madison World, R K Swamy and Network Advertising. The council will give agencies a platform to discuss common concerns and engage with advertisers, media owners and research bodies.
Discussions at the inaugural meeting covered talent and capability development, industry collaboration and thought leadership. The council plans an annual knowledge-exchange platform and practical playbooks on emerging areas of media and advertising. It has formed three working groups on knowledge sharing, events and thought leadership, and will meet regularly.
Kartik Sharma, chair, AAAI Media Council, said the platform will help agencies work together on issues affecting the wider industry, turning shared priorities into initiatives that prepare the media ecosystem for the future. AAAI president Sandeep Goyal said the council should also consider the concerns of small and medium-sized agencies, help agencies navigate industry changes and guide clients on relevant industry developments. The inaugural meeting was also attended by senior AAAI office-bearers Jaydeep Gandhi, Babita Baruah and Punit Batra.
