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Listen "Vikram Mehra on the Business of Music in the Age of Algorithms"
Episode Synopsis
In Episode 15 of The Media Room, media journalist and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar talks to Vikram Mehra, Managing Director of Saregama, one of India’s oldest and most iconic music labels, about how the business of music is evolving in the digital age. From reviving nostalgia with the Carvaan to investing in generative AI with IIT Bombay, Mehra outlines how Saregama is balancing tradition and innovation to stay culturally relevant and commercially competitive. He unpacks the shifting economics of music—from free to paid models, the growing importance of short-form video, and the role of labels in ensuring discoverability in an algorithm-dominated world. They also discuss why Gen Z craves authenticity over archetypes, how AI could reshape talent scouting and content creation, the risks of echo chambers, and the urgency for Indian media businesses to embrace risk and serendipity. Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation on what the music industry can teach us about the future of media.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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