MxMIndia

Author: mxmadmin

  • To bring back mythological shows

    Star Bharat returns to 5-Day programming

    By Our Staff

     

    Star Bharat television channel plans to revert to its previous programming style of airing shows five days a week. Furthermore, the channel is also launching a new initiative that involves the re-airing of its iconic mythological programs, such as ‘Radha Krishn’ and ‘Devo Ke Dev….. Mahadev’.

     

    According to the channel’s statement, the decision to bring back ‘Radha Krishn’ and ‘Devo Ke Dev Mahadev’ on weekends came after an outpouring of demand from viewers. Starting on March 25, the shows will be shown every Saturday. The channel believes that this move will allow viewers to engage with their favourite shows in a more consistent manner.

     

    Star Bharat’s decision to bring back its mythological shows stems from the fact that they were immensely popular when they first aired. The channel hopes that by re-airing these shows, a new generation of viewers will have the opportunity to experience them. ‘Radha Krishn’ and ‘Devo Ke Dev Mahadev’ will air on Saturdays.

     

  • The subversion of democracy has happened on several levels and it continues, writes Ranjona Banerji

    Ranjona Banerji: Things have never been so bad…

    By Ranjona Banerji

     

    Ranjona BanerjiCongratulations to the winners of the Ramnath Goenka awards for excellence in journalism. Chosen by an elite panel, these winners represent some of the best work in Indian journalism today, telling stories about forgotten people, issues that affect us and subjects that will never make it to screaming TV debates. These award-winners, and the awards cover the pandemic years as well, represent all journalists who work at their actual jobs – not PR, not government and party propaganda, not owner-diktats – despite pressures from all sides.

    https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ramnath-goenka-excellence-in-journalism-awards-winners-8513161/

     

    The Ramnath Goenka awards are given out by the Indian Express group. For decades, the Express was the journalists’ paper: it did the stories which no one else would bother to do but many wanted to do.

    Lately, though, once avid fans like me have turned their back on the Express. Not just were the once-awaited in-depth investigations too rare in appearance, but opinion pages appeared to have become mouthpieces for the ruling party and its supporters and also mainly for politicians.

    I am not alone in these regrets.

    Thus, there was much exclamation, amazement and admiration at the very strong speech which Indian Express editor Raj Kamal Jha gave at the awards ceremony.

    Since the Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, was chief guest, Jha directed his comments to a larger hope that the judiciary would remain firm in the face of untold pressures to our democratic system.

    These words particularly resonated for journalists and interested citizens:

    “For journalists and journalism, year after year, case after case, their starlight has illuminated the road ahead… that’s why, when the lights dim, when a reporter is arrested under a law meant for terrorists, when another is arrested for asking a question, when a university teacher is picked up for sharing a cartoon, a college student for a speech, a film star for a comment, or when a rejoinder to a story comes in the form of a police FIR – we turn to the North Star for its guiding light.”

    https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/ramnath-goenka-awards-indian-express-editor-raj-kamal-jhas-vote-of-thanks-touches-upon-several-pressing-issues-in-country-watch

     

    Jha’s tone was light, but his words are heavy with meaning.

    Much as our fence-sitting “liberal” journalists and commentators play their destructive “both-sides” game and refuse to acknowledge the damage they have done to the media, to Indian polity and society with their false equivalences; all journalists know that things have never been so bad. I do not, as ever, include star TV anchors in my definition of journalists. They fall in some other category which parliamentary language rules debar me from using.

    I will repeat again what I have said before: no government before this has been as vicious with the media, and with anyone who speaks truth to power, in as consistent a manner as this one.

    The subversion of democracy has happened on several levels in the past almost nine years and it continues. And tragically and shamefully, many in the media have applauded this regime’s stranglehold on press freedoms.

    In his own quiet way, Jha referenced this. He also appealed to the judiciary. But sadly we have also seen the judiciary being slow in its bail applications when it comes to freedom of speech “transgressions”.

    And as all this was happening, journalists got a reminder that the assault on a free press as guaranteed in the Constitution has not stopped.

    Journalist Irfan Mehraj was arrested by the NIA for alleged “terrorist” activities on Monday.

    https://thewire.in/media/irfan-mehraj-kashmir-journalist-nia-arrest

    https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/21/kashmiri-journalist-irfan-mehraj-arrested-under-terrorism-charges

     

    The regime has persistently gone after journalists in Kashmir. Even more so after the abrogation of Article 370. Democracy itself has been shelved in the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir, so why would journalists get a free pass?

     

    Various media organisations have issued strong statements. Jha has made a strong statement.

    But our biggest dangers are from within. As long as powerful media owners like Aroon Purie of Living Media continue with their public hero-worship of Narendra Modi and his BJP government, the rest of the media will continue to suffer and more often than not, pay a heavy price for trying to speak truth to power.

     

    Ranjona Banerji is a senior journalist and commentator. She writes on MxMIndia on Tuesdays and Fridays. Her views here are personal

     

  • To work with heads of Network18 Group

    IndiaCast appoints Piyush Goyal as COO

    By Our Staff

     

    Piyush Goyal
    Piyush Goyal

    IndiaCast, multi-platform Content Asset Monetization entity, has appointed Piyush Goyal as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

     

    In his new role, Goyal will closely work with the operating heads of TV News, Entertainment and Sports businesses of the Network18 Group. He will report into Network18’s Managing Director Rahul Joshi.

     

    Jointly owned by TV18 & Viacom18, IndiaCast brings Indian content to viewers across the globe. The company’s mandate includes Domestic Distribution, Placement Services, International Channel Distribution & Advertising Sales, New Media (digital) Distribution and Content Syndication for all the group company (TV18, Viacom18, A+E Networks|TV18) channels and content.

     

    Commenting on his new role, Piyush Goyal said: “I am extremely thrilled and look forward to spearheading Indiacast. It’s home coming for me at Indiacast after 10 years. With the ever changing landscape in the media industry, there could not have been a better time to be part of this vibrant and fastest-growing media conglomerate.”

     

  • Celebrates Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru as real estate growth engines

    Magicbricks launches multi-city campaign

    By Our Staff

     

    Magicbricks, property portal, has launched a multi-city, omnichannel marketing campaign #OurCityOurHome to celebrate the growth engines for real estate and reiterate its commitment to partnering home seekers to find their dream homes in these cities.

     

    The campaign unveils video trilogy celebrating Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru as real estate growth engines.  According to Magicbricks Research, in 2022, 80% of potential home buyers searched for apartments, up from 67% in 2021, and Bengaluru was the most searched city in India for purchasing properties.

     

    Elaborating on the campaign, Devarshy R. Ganguly, Head of Marketing, Magicbricks said: “For more than 15 years, we at Magicbricks have been serving customers throughout the country in their quest for a home. As the cities have evolved, so have we, and have grown and gained deep insights into the evolving needs of our customers. Consequently, we are ideally placed to partner with home seekers in making this important decision. This campaign is a reflection of our deep understanding of these cities and how we are best placed to serve as the gateway for customers to find their dream homes.”

  • For the Telugu, Kannada and Tamil Nadu markets

    Kalyan Jewellers ropes in Rashmika Mandanna as brand ambassador

    By Our Staff

     

    Kalyan Jewellers has announced the appointment of Rashmika Mandanna as its brand ambassador for the South, representing Kalyan’s lifestyle segment.

     

    Commenting on the appointment, Ramesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director of Kalyan Jewellers, said: “We are thrilled to have Rashmika Mandanna as our brand ambassador for the Telugu, Kannada and Tamil Nadu markets. Together will Kalyani Priyadarshan, she will be the face of our lifestyle jewellery line up, and we are confident that her popularity and appeal will help us connect with a wider audience and strengthen our brand further.”

     

  • Brand unveils "Flavor Wala Fast"

    Haldiram’s rolls out Navratri menu with campaign

    By Our Staff

     

    Haldiram’s launches its Navratra delights menu to fulfil all your navratra cravings. Brand has unveiled, “Flavor Wala Fast” campaign with sumptuous recipes with unbeatable taste. Serving the most hygienically prepared Navratri meal, Haldiram’s is one of the first restaurants to start with Navratra’s special delicacies.

     

    Unveiling the new menu, Divya Batra, Head of Marketing at Haldiram’s, said:“It is time to fast with room for enough flavours as you cherish the meal by the end of the day. To make the fasting journey scrumptious throughout navratra’s, we at Haldiram’s have unveiled the specially curated Navratri menu which includes the celebrated fasting snacks to filling, wholesome dishes without making you feel guilty. Visit your nearest Haldiram’s restaurant or order online on Zomato to try these lip-smacking creations.”

     

  • Technology was supposed to turn brands into your partners in need, but does it really do that, asks Vikas Mehta

    Can technology be a foe for your brand?

     

     

    With apologies to none at all

    By Vikas Mehta

     

    Vikas MehtaThe omnipresence of digital has its drawbacks. Not only are we inundated with messages galore but there is also the temptation to use technology and data in a half=hearted way. One which leaves the consumer frustrated and many a times move away from the brand. Sometimes, even category. In the rush to go digital or for everything to be online, some categories are actually doing a great disservice to customers.

     

    And my favourite whipping boy for this is online pharmacy brands. I have been inundated with messages, offers and marketing efforts trying to persuade me to try these brands. I have tried a few times. I have tried not just Netmeds but also 1mg and PharmEasy. But I have always ended up in frustration.

     

    Let’s look at this category from a consumer behaviour viewpoint. More often than not, one needs medicines in a rush. If I am unwell and the doctor prescribes some medicines, I need them immediately. But none of the online portals/apps can deliver the medicines to me in a jiffy. Not at least in Tier 1-2 towns like Dehradun. Whenever I have tried to buy prescribed medicines the minimum time required has been at least 48 hours. So, all you online pharmacies kindly tell me can I wait that long for the medicines?

     

    And clearly there is an over-promise and miscommunication. Netmed says same day delivery. PharmEasy says family ki healthwali sab zaroorat Pharmeasy deliver karta hai woh bhi same day. The communication left me confused. Digging a bit deeper you realise that what they mean is all health-related needs except medicines!

     

    Seriously, you want me to use your portal/app because I can get a blood pressure meter the same day or get a vitamin supplement the same day? And there is an asterix there also. In selected cities only. Isn’t it a case of miscommunication?

     

    I spoke to some friends and they advised me to get only long-term medicines or medicines that have been prescribed as precaution for illness like diabetes or BP which one takes daily. For all other illness, which could be small illness or an emergency, you cannot depend on these portals.

     

    So, what’s the point in sending me mail or messages asking me to buy online at 20% discount or limited time period offer. The category has to realise that limited time is about delivery in a limited time not about discounts for a limited time.

     

    Yes, associated categories like wellness or medical check-ups are a good revenue spinner but shouldn’t the players first focus on medicines?

     

    Quick delivery is the need of the hour for medicines. So, the ecommerce model has to be closer to that of Blinkit and Dunzo. Not like Amazon or Meesho. There are some category challenges like storage under controlled temperature but isn’t disruption the name of the game and shouldn’t the category be finding its disruption rather than depending upon adjacent categories?

     

    When my neighbourhood Reliance Smart offline shop opened an in-shop Netmed counter with white lab coat assistants manning it (that definitely is a nice touch. Lab coat cueing medicine) I thought that the quick delivery problem will now be sorted out. But, no, they were worse than chemist shops. Hardly any stock. They check online availability and then call you back to say that the delivery will take 1-2 days. And the situation has not changed for over a year. Frankly, It’s a waste of retail space. Reliance Retail can generate more revenue by stocking more groceries than having two chemists twiddling their thumbs.

     

    The only good thing that has happened out of this situation is that the local chemists have started giving discounts of 10-12%. So, the whole rationale of buying online cheap stands defeated. It will be interesting to see how developments unfold in this space.

     

    The problem of using technology half-heartedly manifests itself in many ways. For last six months, I have been getting mails and messages from HDFC telling me that I have qualified for an upgrade of my account to a higher category. I am given a link to upgrade which says enjoy your exclusive benefits. The problem is that the link takes me to the home page of the bank. Now, am I supposed to navigate and find my benefits? Or am I supposed to login to my netbanking and find where are the benefits? Why should I struggle to find these out? The result is that I haven’t upgraded and am still not aware of the benefits.

     

    I have a personal banker assigned by the bank. He keeps on calling me anytime during the day. And if I am in meetings or am busy and do not take his calls, I get a message that he tried to call me and if I need any help, I can call him back. When I do that to ask him about the benefits of the upgrade, I can’t get through to him as he has moved on calling another customer. The result is that on paper the bank is providing me an omnichannel experience but I am not getting it. Vague and general link, no messaging from the personal banker asking me when can he call or even returning a missed call. All of this actually leads to a situation where the bank may have been better off not telling me that I have an upgrade!

     

    There are many such peeves. Some ecommerce sites orders cannot be cancelled. On Jiomart, if the seller is anybody besides Reliance Retail, then the only way to cancel an order is to refuse to take delivery (yes, that’s what I was advised by customer service). BigBasket keeps on sending messages about BBnow which is all about quick delivery. But when I downloaded the app and try it, I get a message that it’s not operational in my area.

     

    Omnichannel, customer experience, customer satisfaction are all jargon which will remain on paper if technology is misused or used in a half-baked way. Brands and companies must start addressing these issues. Not to forget that the same brands must realise that just by being present in a few cities do not give them the liberty to publicise and talk about their services on a national level. Because when you are actually available nationally, many would have switched off from you.

     

    Technology was supposed to turn brands into your partners in need. But unfortunately, in many cases it’s turning into a foe.

     

  • From this week (and for the next few), get ready for some questions around the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League. Here's Dr Bhaskar Das in the March 27 edition of Das ka Dum. Read on…

    Das ka Dum with Dr Bhaskar Das | IPL is scheduled to start on March 31. Which team will you be rooting for, and why?

    Bhaskar DasFrom this week (and for the next few), get ready for some questions around the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League. Here’s Dr Bhaskar Das in the March 27 edition of Das ka Dum. Read on…

     

    If you wish to access the archives, please go to the Das Ka Dum tab on the website’s top navigation bar or click here: https://www.mxmindia.com/category/columns/das-ka-dum/

     

    Q. IPL is scheduled to start on March 31. Which team will you be rooting for, and why?

     

    A. Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainty, as they say. And it’s more applicable in T-20 format. There is a new defending Champion in the form of Gujarat Titans. The bottom of the table teams viz MI and CSK can’t be written off as both the teams have won the title on maximum occasions. And then there can be a new disruptors who can arrive on the scene.

     

    Having said that I must admit that I have been a silent supporter of CSK over the years- may be because of MSD. And I have no rational logic for it apart from his leadership style and his cool attitude.

     

  • To be held in New Delhi tomorrow (March 28)

    Times Network announces India Digital Fest

    By Our Staff

     

    Times Network will hold the India Digital Fest (IDF),  on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in New Delhi. Themed ‘The Future Begins Here’, India Digital Fest will see several speakers including Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Rajeev Chandrasekhar other than a cross-section of top names from industry and the media.

     

    Said MK Anand, MD & CEO, Times Network:  “As the nation’s most influential news network, we are committed to driving India’s growth story through our news channels and established Summit platforms such as India Economic Conclave, Times Now Summit, Leaders of Tomorrow etc. The digital revolution is well underway in India, and the country is rapidly establishing itself as a major player in the global digital economy. Powering India’s transformation to a digitally empowered society, India Digital Fest is a definitive platform to decrypt the full potential of our digital capabilities and showcase the future shaped by the power of transformative technologies. Through immersive experience of technological innovations and collaborative discussions with eminent tech leaders and policymakers on topics including future of warfare, skilling India’s future ready workforce, co-existence of AI and humanity etc., I am confident IDF will be a catalyst in developing decisive strategies that will drive India’s digital future.”

     

  • It features actor Mithila Palkar

    PepsiCo’s new campaign for Nimbooz

    By Our Staff

     

    PepsiCo India is has unveiled a new campaign for Nimbooz, featuring actor Mithila Palkar. The campaign has been conceptualised by Leo Burnett.

     

    Speaking about the new summer campaign, Anuj Goyal, Associate Director, Juices, PepsiCo India, said: “7UP Nimbooz has been inspired from Indian’s everlasting love for nimbu pani and is a perfect refresher for the long and hot summers ahead of us. Our new campaign beautifully captures the thought of ‘freshness in a bottle’ and transports you to a cool and rejuvenating place. We are confident that it will appeal to the masses and reinforce the brand’s superior taste offering.”

     

     

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Mithila Palkar (@mipalkarofficial)

  • He worked with TV9 Bharatvarsh as Senior Executive Editor for around three years

    Dinesh Gautam joins Times Now Navbharat

    By Our Staff

     

    Senior journalist Dinesh Gautam has joined Times Now Navbharat as Consulting Editor. He served TV9 Bharatvarsh as Senior Executive Editor for around three years. He has also worked with India News, ETV Bharat, Live India, Sahara News Network and Zee News in the past.

     

    Notes a communique: “Dinesh has also been inclined towards fiction. He has written and directed many plays and written a film ”Ab Dilli Dur Nahin” which soon is due for release”

     

  • The TVC features the cricketer doing a hook step to the tune of 'Orient BLDC Ghoomega, Toh India Jhoomega'

    MS Dhoni shakes a leg Orient fans

    By Our Staff

     

    Orient Electric Limited has launched a new TVC featuring brand ambassador MS Dhoni to promote its BLDC range of fans.

     

    Said Anika Agarwal, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, Orient Electric: “At Orient, we have been at the forefront of developing and promoting products and solutions that are good for our consumers and for the environment. Our wide range of BEE 5-star rated BLDC fans that provide up to 50% saving on electricity bills without compromising on air delivery and aesthetics is a step in that direction. We have great confidence in the potential of BLDC fans as the future of the industry which has been beautifully captured in our new campaign ‘’Orient BLDC Ghoomega, Toh India Jhoomega’. It is an earnest effort from our side at encouraging the entire country to switch to and groove to the benefits of BLDC fans. And with MS Dhoni adding his unparalleled charisma and charm to the campaign with his helicopter shot styled hook step, this film is certainly a treat for the eyes. I am sure this will grab viewers’ attention and create a lot of excitement about Orient BLDC fans.”

     

    Added Sagar Mahabaleshwarkar, Chief Creative Officer, Contract India: “There’s no better feeling than when you switch on a fan and that cool, calming breeze hits you in the face. And for Orient’s new campaign, we made good on this insight. The brief was clear from the beginning. In a market where every competitor is talking about the functionality of BLDC fans, how can Orient stand out? For a brand that has a rich legacy and has always been known for innovation, something simple just wouldn’t cut it. We had to establish Orient as a leader in the category. So, we decided to capture that joyous moment when you switch on a fan and marry it with a catchy, energetic jingle. Taking a page from MSD’s book, we devised an elegant dance hook and created a TVC which had MSD breaking into a dance for the first-time-ever in a commercial. In the process, we managed to capture the pulse of the country while ensuring that Orient becomes synonymous with the BLDC category.”