MxMIndia

Author: mxm_india

  • What’s-On-India’s distribution reaches 40 million, with 15 million homes added in October.

    What’s-On-India reaches its 40 million target

    By A Correspondent

    The What’s-On-India Channel – India’s premier TV guide and preview channel – is continuing to steadily strengthen its audience reach nationwide. With a view to further expand its horizons; the channel has now announced its launch on two of India’s most reputed DTH platfoms, DD Direct, Channel No 34, Reliance DTH Channel No 101 along with other reputed analog operators across India. The current addition with its existing distribution on Airtel DTH, DISH TV, Hathway, Digicable, and 1200+ cable operators now totals close to 40 million homes across India.

    Commenting on the development, Abrar Shaikh, General Manager, What’s-On-India, said: “We are happy to announce that our channel is now available on DD Direct, Reliance DTH and our distribution is now close to 40 million homes. We had stated 40 million as our target number in the beginning of the year and we are happy to be welcoming the promised new audiences into our fold.”

    A release from the company stated, “The six hundred plus channels strong Indian TV industry has more than one hundred news channels, over 50 movie channels and general entertainment channels, music channels, sports, infotainment and children’s channels, not to mention ultra specialist channels in genres such as Food, Crime, and Education. In that respect, Indian television has come of age in terms of the content offering to consumers. However this explosion of choice poses a serious challenge for consumers and that is to get to the right content. What’s-On-India is one of the first models in the country that is committed to bringing viewers closer to the shows and programs they seek based on their tastes and interests. “

     

  • Mid Day promoted Ask Me for the third time in one month.

    Mid Day hattrick for AskMe

    By A Correspondent

    AskMe was looking at promoting their positioning ‘sabka number ek’ and wanted to generate maximum attention through the promotion. Taking this brief forward, Mid Day created a package for AskMe inside which MiD DAY was wrapped. This package highlighted ‘sabka number ek’ positioning of AskMe along with focus on its features.

    This package was first delivered to Mid Day readers on October 14, 2011. Such was the impact of MiD DAY innovation for AskMe that AskMe implemented the same innovation two more times completing a hattrick for the innovation. Thus a second package was distributed to MiD DAY readers on October 16 and for those who could not grab their Mid Day AskMe package the last two times can grab the third package on October 31.

    Speaking on the innovation, Manajit Ghoshal, MD & CEO, MiD DAY Infomedia Ltd. said, “The effort with this innovation is to stand out and create buzz for our client. This is the third time we doing this innovation within this month which is a testimony to our success at creating hype and packing a punch. The prime motive of the innovation is to communicate in a simple, yet effective manner ensuring call to action. The placement of the number was also very strategic, so as to ensure maximum recall for our readers. Our focus is to adapt to each brand and clients requirement and leverage our strengths to deliver an effective communication platform.”

  • In association with T-Series, RED FM regales its listeners with superhit compilations.

    RED FM to launch Superhits TOP 30

    By A Correspondent

    This Diwali, RED FM celebrates the joy of the season with full-on entertainment and energy. Presenting an absolute dhamaka to its listeners, in association with T-Series, RED FM announces the simultaneous launch of 93.5 RED FM SUPERHITS TOP 30, across its network. To be unveiled on October 26, this Superhits CD boasts of a compilation of the Top 30 songs from Bollywood movies released this past year.

    93.5 RED FM SUPERHITS TOP 30 is a reflection of the CHR (Contemporary Hit Radio) format followed extensively by the station. With the launch of the music CD, the station for expression will engage its listeners through exciting on-air contests giving them an opportunity to win their very own copy of the 93.5 RED FM SUPERHITS TOP 30.

    Speaking about the association, Mr Rana Barua, COO, RED FM 93.5 Network said, “Listeners tune into RED FM because they know that it is the only radio station that plays contemporary hit music across shows. Similarly T-Series has regaled the audience over the years with one chartbuster after another. Through this association with T-Series, the listeners are in for a very good time as they will be treated to an exclusive compilation of 30 rocking chartbusters. This endeavor, will surely usher the festive celebrations with gusto!”

    Says Mr Neeraj Kalyan, President, T-Series, “We are delighted to partner with RED FM in launching Superhits T30 music CD which is a compilation of chartbusters that has been serenading the airwaves all year round! Since RED FM is the only radio station that plays contemporary hit music, our synergies matched effortlessly. Through this partnership, we intend to reach out to maximum number of people across the cities this Diwali.”

    With songs from the movies such as Rockstar, Dabangg, Ready and Delhi Belly amongst others featuring in the CD, RED FM reinforces the fact that it is the only radio station that breaks the clutter by promoting contemporary super hit music!

    Says Nisha Narayanan, Senior VP Projects & Programming, RED FM 93.5 Network, “Superhit Top 30 has always been the trademark for Red FM. It is this show that is associated with RED FM across India. Thus, with the kind of response the show has received, Red FM has decided to launch the compilation of top 30 songs in a CD and who better to do it with than TSeries. The compilation consists of the best voted songs in the chartbusters for the last one year. We are happy to have associated with one of the best music company – ‘TSeries’ and hope that our clients and listeners like this gesture of us in the form of Superhits Top 30 for this festive occasion.

  • The third edition of the Dainik Bhaskar India Pride Awards in association with DNA was held at Taj Palace, New Delhi.

    Dainik Bhaskar Indian Pride Awards given

    By A Correspondent

    The third edition of the Dainik Bhaskar India Pride Awards in association with DNA was held at Taj Palace, New Delhi. The Award recognized and felicitated the contribution made by the Public Sector Undertaking and Civil Servant. Presided by Shr. Montek Singh Walia as the Chief Guest the award function ignited a sense of pride for the winners at the awards night.

    In the opening address, Mr Ramesh Chandra Agarwal, Chairman, Dainik Bhaskar Group said that India lives in Tier II & Tier III markets and the PSUs have extended their reach in such areas and Town and it’s great pride for Dainik Bhaskar to honor, the efforts taken by them for the development of the nation.

    Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Planning Commission, Govt. of India, in his address, appreciated and thanked Dainik Bhaskar for their initiative and said “such acknowledgement of the work done for the economic development of the nation, by the special vehicles called the PSUs is note-worthy”. He further added that Dainik Bhaskar’s recognition of the outstanding work done by the members of the civil society towards the welfare of the nation and a better change for the society at large was a big step.”

    Addition to this, Mr Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister for Rural Development, Govt. of India, the Guest of Honour, said, “Introducing Impact Creator-Civil Servant and Social Change Agent category awards for the individual contribution would serve as a source of inspiration for more and more citizens, specially the youth, who will get encouragement to work for the welfare of the society.”

    Also, Mr V.Narayanasamy, MOS for Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of India, added “PSUs and civil servants are working hard for the economic development of the country and their contributions should be duly acknowledged. Dainik Bhaskar group is the first in taking up such an initiative at such a grand level.” He termed this as a welcome step.

    The grandeur of the ceremony was the Life Time Achievement Award which was bagged by Mr M D Mallya, Chairman & Managing Director, Bank of Baroda. Speaking on behalf of all the PSUs he mentioned, “Be it the Central or the State PSUs, they are giving their important contribution in the economic development of the nation. This includes development of the rural as well as the corporate sector. Dainik Bhaskar has identified the contributions of the PSUs and appreciated the same on a huge platform. India Pride Awards also instils a sense of healthy competition amongst PSUs.”

    This high powered function commenced with the performance of two time Grammy award winner Robin Hogarth and Indian classical vocalist Padamshree Sumitra Guha. It was a fusion of traditional African and Indian classical music. Adding glitter to the function was, the famous Sufi singer Kailash Kher enthralled the audience with him famous numbers.

    The initiative was supported by SKNL, Title Sponsors, ADANI Group, Principal Associate Sponsor and VIDEOCON, Associate Sponsor.

     

  • Online shopping likely to touch over Rs 5,000 cr during Diwali: Asssocham.

    Mouse click is good business

    By A Correspondent

    Online demand during the upcoming festive season for products like mobile phones, e-tablets, consumer electronics, home appliances, home decor, furnishings, apparel and ornaments is likely to shoot up 300 per cent from last year to over Rs 5,000 crore as nearly 1.25 crore consumers are expected to place orders through internet, according to The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).

    The figure has gone up by over 100 percent which was around 250% to Rs 2,000 crore in 2010 in which nearly 90-100 lakh consumers took part according to Assocham.

     

    Commenting on the ASSOCHAM analysis, its secretary general, Mr. D S Rawat said that, the articles that are likely to be shopped intensively during Diwali would include electronic items, gift articles, idols of Gods and Goddesses, sweets, flowers, clothes & jewellery and diamonds due to discount range from 10-15 percent to 80-90 percent depending upon product vertical and other offers are lucky draws, free shipping, free gifts and gift vouchers.

     

    Mr. Rawat further added that the expected growth during key festivals like Karva Chauth, Dhanteras, Diwali, the online shopping portals will go up by 30-35% this diwali. So, online shopping seen a phenomenal rise in the country and will continue to do so  given the great potential and the huge segment of population which is still not net savvy.

     

    The reasons for e-shoppers number multiplying are because of factors such as home delivery which saves time, secondly ’24×7′ hours shopping with ease and availability factors for product comparisons.

     

    Gujarathis are taking lead in ordering their Diwali requirements of consumer durables product followed by Maharahtrian, Delhiites, Sindhi’s, Rajasthanis and Punjabi. The percentage of South Indians is equally strong.

     

    Keeping this boom in mind a lot of online players have already announced exclusive Diwali deals and even exclusive Diwali shopping stores. Besides for rediff.com the other shopping sites like ebay, homeshop18, sify, indiaplaza and indiatimes have also opened shop for Diwali offers and are enticing online buyers with discounts.

     

    These shopping portals are witnessing a large number of users buying gifts and products also for personal use. Cashing in on the growing number of online shoppers, portals like rediff and ebay are readying themselves for increased traffic, with a series of offerings to consumers.

     

    As per Assocham estimates, for any shopping site, the sales are expected to go up by around 20-30 percent month on month during October.

     

    Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are also shopping more online during the festive season. During Raksha Bandhan, online shopping by NRIs contribute to about 40-50% of total shopping, whereas during Diwali, it increases to 85%, adds the paper.

     

    Rediff has announced a series of offerings for its consumers, which includes offering of special gift vouchers of Rs 1,500 with every purchase.  The single portal has also seen an increase in the number of visitors each day from 1,00,000 to 1,50,000 during the festive season, which adds up to 7 million visitors a month.

     

    Similarly, other portals are also introducing the ‘Get lucky’ offer, where consumers who shop on the portal will get a discount coupon of 10-50% on all their purchases.

     

    The products that are sold most are in the tech and fashion category, which include mobile phones and accessories, MP3 players, digital cameras and jewellery, among others, said Mr. Rawat.

     

    Online shopping boom is not restricted to metros alone. Lucknow ranks high, followed by Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Dehradun, Nasik, Trichy, adds the Assocham report.

     

    Mr. Rawat also mentioned that “online shopping is definitely catching up. Emerging gifting trends also include imported wines and juices. Chocolates are picking up in a big way as a substitute to mithais.   This trend extensively points towards luxury shopping, an emerging concept in the Indian market.”

     

    Diwali also marks a time when online purchases of consumer durables, jewellery and gifts comes out of the shadows of online travel, which corners a lion’s share of the country’s e-commerce. “Majority of the Diwali shopping is consumer durables include electronics, mobile phones, accessories, jewellery and apparel during Dhanteras, when we see many big-ticket items being sold”.

     

    These clearly show that online shopping has truly come of age and consumers are keen to shop on the net. Festival shopping is the prime time for multi-channel retailers to attract new shoppers.

     

    Online retailers have seen growing consumer interest in buying Diwali gifts online. The growth in the last two years to be broad product selection and the ever-expanding range of unique and unusual gifts ideas as well as increased consumer confidence in shopping on interest.

     

    This business module is cost effective, easily accessible and profitable in many functional areas. Consumers and retailers both desire safe, simple and comprehensive online shopping that will truly realize the range of power of the Internet.

     

     

     

    (ASSOCHAM)

  • Suite of crazieRBrands online and mobile games lets players win a global adventure.

    Reckitt Benckiser plays easy to get

    By A Correspondent

    Global consumer products giant Reckitt Benckiser (RB), parent of Clearasil, Durex, Dettol, Harpic, Lizol, Veet, Mortein and other iconic brands, announced the launch of a collection of fun and easy-to-play online and mobile minigames called crazieRBrands. These games are available on RB.com and players have the opportunity to win an exciting and unforgettable trip for two, worth nearly £8,000, to one of eight amazing destinations worldwide – including New York, Cape Town, Bangkok, Barcelona, Switzerland, Iceland, Brazil or India.

    The selection of eight minigames in the crazieRBrands suite includes fast action and memory games presented by some of RB’s most famous Powerbrands. The Veet game lends an air of humour to the leg-waxing task and even cleaning a toilet bowl is rendered fun when playing the Lizol game.  Each of the crazieRBrands games rewards the player with the sense of achievement that comes with being at the top of their mental game – in addition to the potential to win an exciting trip for two.

    The online and mobile crazieRBrands games are designed to raise awareness of RB’s corporate brand among students and graduates early in their career, by improving recall of the RB brand and tying it back to its iconic, innovative Powerbrands such as Dettol, Harpic, Veet, Lizol, Durex and Clearasil. The games aim at further increasing the recall with the RB Brand.

    The crazieRBrands suite of games is available on iPhone and Android, aimed at the target demographic, of which roughly 70 percent owns a smartphone, and 81 percent plays mobile games on a weekly basis.

    Mr Chander Mohan Sethi, Regional Director – South Asia, Chairman and Managing Director Reckitt Benckiser (India) Ltd, said.  “We have a unique culture that’s most suitable for young professionals who enjoy quick decision-making, coupled with a fast-paced and agile environment. To continue our rapid growth we are always looking for innovative ways to make ourselves better known among the next generation of managers. These games are a great idea to help people make the connection with RB and the speed at which our business operates.”

    The crazierBRands games and mobile app have been developed in partnership with The Workroom and social media agency TAMBA.

  • For BEST food, ZenithOptimedia is the best choice (for media)

    By A Correspondent

    ZenithOptimedia India has been appointed as media planning and buying partner for BEST Foods Limited, one of India’s largest rice producers, engaged in supply and trade of rice, health and wellness products. ZenithOptimedia won the business through a competitive pitch amongst the top 4 media buying agencies in New Delhi.

     

    Confirming ZenithOptimedia’s appointment, Dr Aayushman Gupta, Business Director of BEST Foods Limited said, “We are delighted to have ZenithOptimedia as our media partners for our India launch. Their deep understanding on launching brands in India and their holistic approach helped us decided on ZenithOptimedia.”

     

    “In an over-cluttered marketplace, it becomes imperative to communicate through effective communication mediums. Our neutral touch point approach will help optimize the best marketing mix for the launch,” said Mr Satyajit Sen, CEO, ZenithOptimedia India.

  • Dainik Bhaskar and Reasonable Communications launch a mega cricketing talent hunt – the T-10 Gully Cricket initiative that reaches 250 districts across 16 states.

    Spotting cricket talent in the gullies

    By A Correspondent

    Cricket is one game that forms part of the Indian DNA. Every by lane across the country has its own khiladis with local superstars known for their cricketing prowess. IPL has taken the game a few steps ahead with new heroes lining the landscape. Entertainment is the name of the game.

    However, the fact of the matter is that for every 1,000 excellent cricketers, maybe just one gets the chance to play professionally. Hidden in somewhere within this milieu is another Kapil Dev or Sachin Tendulkar.  This is a platform to spot just this prodigal talent lurking in the shadows.

    Over the past two years, Reasonable Communications has launched this platform in a few cities in India. Today, the Dainik Bhaskar Group and Reasonable Communications have joined hands in an effort to make it bigger.

    Dainik Bhaskar Group, the country’s largest media house with a presence in 13 states and publishing 64 editions, has a firm belief in this latent talent across the country. The Dainik Bhaskar Group believes that it can leverage its extensive presence across the country and unearth the best cricketing talent who can then be groomed as ‘Gen Next’ for India.

    This mega cricketing talent hunt will be the largest both in terms of geographical reach and players involved. The T-10 Gully Cricket initiative reaches 250 districts across 16 states, to touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of aspiring cricketers. Watched by experts with a keen eye for talent, the shortlisted players will first play for state honours and then national honours.

    The stage is now set for Gully Cricket to become a frenzy, because it reaches out to those far-flung and mofussil areas where playing with a leather ball is just a dream. Not any more.

    One unique dimension of the T-10 Gully Cricket is that no cricketer who has played first class cricket or even club cricket can be a part of the selection process or play for any team. This ensures that only new talent gets an opportunity to display their skills.

  • History channel has made its mark in the very first week itself, with 19.8 million viewers across India tuning in.

    History chalks up high in 1st week

    By A Correspondent

    Making History from the launch week

    Factual entertainment channel History, which debuted its India edition on October 9, has made its mark in the very first week itself, with 19.8 million viewers across India tuning in. With a connectivity of 50 million households across on leading cable TV platforms, History cuts across segments and demographics, and took the Factual Entertainment Genre up by 24 percent in just the first week. History also garnered significant market share in the launch week across market clusters. In All India 1mn+ (including Metros), History ranks as a strong No 2 with 24 percent market share vis-à-vis Discovery (32 percent) and Nat Geo (18 percent) and ahead of the other factual entertainment channels. In 6 metros, History with 29 percent market share vis-à-vis Discovery (32 percent) and Nat Geo (14 percent) further reduces the gap between existing players and fortifies its entry into the genre.

    History also leads the factual entertainment pack in time spent per viewer with 32 mins vis-à-vis Discovery (20 mins) and Nat Geo (16 mins) which is an indication of differentiated programming and the stickiness quotient of History’s content.

    Source: TAM, Week 42’11, CS AB 15+, all India 1 Mn+, 0600-2400 hrs

  • The application provides 2,50,000 minutes of free of cost content in 12 Indian languages

    Jigsee enables video streaming on common mobiles

    By A Correspondent

    Jigsee, a company with operations based in Mumbai, made it possible to view videos on the basic mobile phones with limited memory, low processing power and shorter battery life.

    What makes the service attractive is the ease of use—by downloading Jigsee with a Rs 5 per day GPRS connection any one can watch videos of their choice for a few hours. And there is 250,000 minutes of content to select from.

    Jigsee has now enhanced its content to 2,50,000 minutes coverage in 10 Indian languages — Assamese, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Tamil and Telugu in addition to Hindi and English.

    Jigsee’s patent-pending technology allows common inexpensive phone users to enjoy free and uninterrupted viewing experience for superior entertainment, education and informative content.

    Jigsee has 36 content partners including top tier content owners 1take media, Gypsy Videos,  Mukta Arts, Point Zero, Speed Records, Spice Digital, Soor Mandir (largest Rajasthani music label),, Manorama, Mayura (largest Rajasthani music label), UTV, UTV Bindaas, Wave Music (Vee Gee), Khan Academy (educational content, including IIT-JEE prep material),  and Yuki.

    In the first 30 days of its launch, the application has been downloaded by over 250,000 users, who don’t own smart phones, broadband and even ready access to television. If the phone has minimum data rates of 30 to 40 Kbps, videos of any length flow through Jigsee’s platform flow in a continuous stream and the content is free of cost (though internet connection is charged as per the operators’ plans).

    Jigsee Beta can be downloaded for free via http://m.jigsee.com and at half a dozen app stores, including on the Appia (Opera Mobile Store, Mobile2day, Zedge), Airtel, Getjar, Ovi and Tata Docomo.

    Jigsee was founded in Canada by Ray Newal and Areef Reza, and funded by Sequoia Capital and the Indian Angel Network. At the core of Jigsee’s products lie specialized technologies which allow video and other forms of rich media content to be delivered in a continuous and resilient manner to basic mobile devices, over low-bandwidth networks.

  • The line-up has a collection of enthralling, nerve wrecking and entertaining movies this October

    PIX brings you Dynamite Diwali

    By A Correspondent

     

    PIX is amping up the Diwali excitement with its Diwali Dynamite throughout October, 11pm onwards. Pix has planned laughter, suspense, drama and action, right from the sensuous murder mystery Basic Instinct to the outrageously funny Grown Ups.  Diwali Dynamite will include blockbusters like Social Network, Jurassic Park, Gladiator, Nacho Libre, Mighty Heart, Salt, Road Trip and Mini’s First Time.

  • Radio Mirchi and IBN7 offer an off-beat look at current events, politics, people and happenings in a satirical tone, in the new show 2G.

    IBN7 partners with Radio Mirchi for 2G

    By A Correspondent

    IBN7 has partnered with Radio Mirchi for the promotion of IBN7’s new show, 2G that offers an off-beat look at current events, politics, people and happenings in a satirical tone. For the first time, Radio Mirchi is set to present on the television RJ Naved. Now viewers across the country will get a double dose of Mirchi Murga both on the Mirchi airwaves and on the television live and exclusive on IBN7’s brand new show- 2G.

    Commenting on the association, Mr Sachin Tagra, Vice President, Cluster Head, ENIL said, “We are thrilled to present RJ Naved on the television celluloid to his fans. Over the years, the concept of Mirchi Murga has become widely popular amongst our listeners owing to its novelty. It is a special treat for our fans this time as we bring Mirchi Murga to them LIVE on 2G on IBN7. We hope that we continue to add entertainment and fun to the lives of Mirchi listeners”

    Mr Piyush Jain, COO, IBN7 adds, “IBN7 has always believed in content innovation and bringing something different for our viewers. A show like 2G brings a daily dose of humour and lightens up the mood in the very serious genre of news. The concept of political satires is very popular across the world and an association with Radio Mirchi will help popularize this here as well. RJ Naved of Radio Mirchi was an obvious choice as a co-host of the show since he has all the wit and the brain to fit in the portfolio.”