MxMIndia

Author: mxmadmin

  • He was last with Pitchfork Partners as Executive Director

    Ideosphere gets Ashraf Engineer to head brand strat

    By Our Staff

     

    Ideosphere, the Pune-headquartered brand strategy communications consultancy, has announced the appointment of senior journalist turned communications expert Ashraf Engineer as Head of Brand Strategy.

     

    Engineer’s professional journey includes journalism stints with the Bombay Times, Mid-Day, Hindustan Times and the Sakal Media Group. He also helped set up a content practice at MSL Group and later joined Pitchfork Partners where the last responsibility was that of Executive Director. He is a published author, TEDx speaker and runs a popular and award-winning news podcast.

     

    On his appointment, Aniruddha Atul Bhagwat, CEO and Co-Founder, Ideosphere Consulting, said: “Industry hunger for sound strategic communications guidance is very high due to rapid landscape shifts and change in consumer sensibilities. Ashraf’s perspective, derived from a distinguished body of work spanning challenging industries in both India and abroad, aligns seamlessly with Ideosphere’s commitment to excellence. As we chart our path toward serving global markets and more profound industry impact, Ashraf’s appointment represents our commitment towards building cutting edge teams.

     

    Added Engineer: “Ideosphere’s commitment to effective communication aligns seamlessly with my belief in its pivotal role for businesses. As we enter the next phase of growth, I am enthusiastic about contributing to the organization’s success by leveraging my experience to help Ideosphere create possibilities through powerful communication. I’ve witnessed Ideosphere consistently achieve excellence in these arenas, delivering outstanding results over the past decade. As it enters the next phase of this growth, I am excited to be part of it.”

     

  • … for the Luxor Schneider LX MAX brand

    Luxor launches new ad film with Virat Kohli

    By Our Staff

     

    Luxor, the writing instruments brand, has unveiled a new brand film to coincide with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, featuring its new brand ambassador, cricket legend Virat Kohli.

     

    Speaking on the new brand film and the association with Virat Kohli, Pooja Jain Gupta, Managing Director, Luxor Writing Instruments Pvt. Ltd. said: “Luxor Schneider LXMAX is the first of many brands that we’re launching in India as part of our partnership with Schneider Pen, Germany who is renowned for its engineering and design superiority globally. Our association with youth icon and cricket legend Virat Kohli as the new face of Luxor epitomises our shared commitment to the highest standards of performance and excellence. We are excited to bring this association alive through the launch of our first advertising film featuring LX MAX and Virat which will go live soon.”

     

  • With the World Cup and festive season, the 360-degree campaign highlights 'Power of Connectivity' focusing on the positivity and overall well-being of digitally connected Indians

    Vi endorses inclusivity & togetherness in new campaign

    By Our Staff

     

    Telecom operator Vi has unveiled a new creative campaign titled ‘Be Someone’ssWe’

     

    Commenting on the same, Avneesh Khosla, CMO, Vodafone Idea, said: “Loneliness is a growing concern in India, especially amongst the youth. We believe as a brand designed to aid connectivity, we have a strong role to play in addressing this concern. Our new campaign ‘Be Someone’s We’ is designed to reflect our philosophy of inclusivity, helping the world become less lonely.”

     

    Conceptualized by Ogilvy India, the campaign comprises different slice of life stories that focuses on situations that may make us feel left out or lonely.

     

    Added Harshad Rajadhyaksha & Kainaz Karmakar, CCOs from Ogilvy said
“: Loneliness is one of the biggest silent killers of our time. The campaign shows how a simple phone call, a text or a connection in any way, can change how another person is feeling. Each story of the campaign addresses a different aspect of loneliness – from the first day at work to being a student in a city you don’t belong to. Rohit Dubey, who heads creative for Vi at Ogilvy has crafted the stories and Amit Sharma from Chrome films has brought them to life. Here’s wishing “Humari duniya mein akelepan ki koi jagah na ho”

     

  • Introduces a parent-focused mindset reorientation workshop to redefine success for the youth

    ‘MTV Question Marks’ campaign unveiled

    By Our Staff

     

    Leading youth entertainment brand, MTV, from Viacom18, has launched a new culture-defining youth campaigntitle ‘MTV Question Marks’. As a part of the  initiative, MTV organised a ‘mindset reorientation workshop for parents’ to reduce academic pressure on today’s youth.

     

    Speaking on announcing its latest campaign, Anshul Ailawadi, Head – Youth, Music, and English Entertainment, Viacom18, said, “MTV has never shied away from shining the light on themes that matter to young Indians. Our latest campaign, MTV Question Marks, is a clarion call for change. With this initiative, we hope to bring a mindset-shift amongst parents, to move beyond traditional academic benchmarks, and believe in the capability of young minds to define success on their own terms.” To expand the campaign’s reach, MTV has forged strategic partnerships.

     

  • This is being celebrated with a series of events and initiatives aimed at bringing together its thousands of multidisciplinary members

    IAA turns 85

    By Our Staff

     

    This month (October), the International Advertising Association (IAA), the leading network of marketing and marketing communications professionals and global umbrella body for the marketing and advertising industry, is celebrating 85 years of existence. This is being done with a series of events and initiatives aimed at bringing together its thousands of multidisciplinary members.

     

    Among the initiatives are:

    :: The official launch of IAA’s new 85 years celebrations logo starting October 3, 2023

    :: The IAA Global B2B Brand Summitwith a selection of the finest voices in B2B from around the world.

    :: A gala dinner in New York City, attended by 85 of IAA global leaders and IAA Compass partners from 56 countries around the world.

    :: The 45th IAA World Congress, which takes place every 2-3 years in major cities around the world, will be held in Penang, Malaysia highlighting sustainability, diversity, equity, inclusion and ESG.

     

    Said Sasan Saeidi, Chairman and World President of IAA Global: “Since IAA was founded 85 years ago by Thomas Ashwell and 12 Ad Execs at the New York Harvard Club, much has changed in the industry and in the approach of advertising goods and services. IAA is kicking off celebrations with initiatives which bring together our vast and multidisciplinary members, allowing IAA to tap on global best practice and play a strong role in supporting key industry issues and values.”

     

    Said Pradeep Dwivedi, IAA Area Director & Vice President, Asia Pacific Region said: “The IAA APAC region has amazing potential and joins the IAA @ 85 celebrations along with chapters in Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, S. Korea, Malaysia, Macao, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taipei and new emerging chapters to take the ideals of the IAA forward and collectively ensure that IAA remains the leading compass of marketing communications globally in a dynamic business world, even as we thrive on the amazing confluence of creativity and technology in our industry with social impact as a key tenet”

     

    Added Avinash Pandey, President, IAA India Chapter: “As the International Advertising Association marks its remarkable 85-year journey, we take pride in being part of this global community that has consistently shaped the landscape of marketing and advertising. The series of events and initiatives planned for this milestone not only reflect the IAA’s enduring commitment but also offer a platform for our diverse members to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the future of our dynamic industry. We look forward to contributing to the continued success and influence of the IAA as we navigate the exciting intersection of creativity and technology, with social impact at the forefront of our endeavours. Here’s to 85 years of innovation, camaraderie, and the unwavering spirit that propels the IAA forward.”

     

  • The big names in TV have remained since 2014 firmly on the side of authoritarianism and in favour of government action against the media, writes Ranjona Banerji

    Ranjona Banerji: No low too low for TV media

    By Ranjona Banerji

     

    Ranjona BanerjiI wish I could say the current situation with government assault on Newsclick was a definitive moment in the story of Indian journalism, that we had reached so low that the only way was up, that a turning point had come.

    The sad reality is that there are no lows too low, as long as the larger section of the Indian media remains in thrall of and/or subservient to the Narendra Modi government and the BJP.

    Gaurav Sawant is a familiar face on Indian television and is managing editor of India Today. This is what he posted on X, formerly Twitter, on October 5: “They call themselves ‘liberal’ but are anything but that. They adopt a *holier than thou* attitude. They want their unsubstantiated claims to be taken as the Gospel. They hide Chinese role. They hunt in packs. They ignore facts. When exposed they play the victim card”. (screenshot attached)

    Sawant is a powerful person in the media and here he makes it clear that media solidarity is out of the question. He sides with the abuser. Why abuser, you may ask. Because. The Delhi Police picked up independent journalists and contributors associated with Newsclick, held them for hours without allowing them legal representation, questioned them about whether they had covered the Delhi riots and the farmers’ protests, seized their electronic devices.

    The police then arrested the editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayastha and administrative officer Amit Chakraborty under the UAPA, an act for terrorists. They refused to give a copy of the FIR to the arrested.

    https://indianexpress.com/article/india/hand-fir-copy-to-newsclick-court-tells-cops-10-journalists-questioned-8970471/

    Print and digital media have condemned the police action and the arrests.

    https://thewire.in/media/another-blow-for-press-freedom-under-modi-govt-say-newspapers-on-newsclick-raids-arrests

    Practically every media organisation has issued a strong statement, calling out the police action for its illegal and brazenly pro-BJP actions. Now even coverage, let alone criticism, of the Government’s actions during the Covid19 pandemic are being presented by the police and pro-Modi outfits as anti-national and therefore equal to acts of terrorism.

    So, media solidarity? Definitely not.

    The Editors Guild, the Network for Women in Media (India), The Press Club of India, the Mumbai Press Club, Digipub News India Foundation, to name just a few, have issued separate statements. Several media organisations have also collectively written a letter to the Chief Justice of India pointing out the dangers to the police action and the use of UAPA against journalists and media houses. Several journalists have issued independent statements condemning the police action. Protests have been held by journalists across India.

    Conspicuous in their absence? The most powerful media figures of all: Those in TV.

    The big names in TV have remained since 2014 firmly on the side of authoritarianism and in favour of government action against the media. Through the pandemic, as thousands of labourers walk thousands of kilometres to reach home in the hot summer; TV cameras were nowhere to be seen. Thousands gasped for oxygen and died from the virus; TV cameras were nowhere to be seen. Thousands were buried by rivers in shallow beds; TV cameras were nowhere to be seen. Thousands lay piled in morgues; TV cameras were nowhere to be seen.

    The term “anti-national” can be interpreted in any number of ways. There is a special place for these members of the media who use their power and platforms to create communal violence and hatred everyday but cannot do even a moment’s journalism.

    The allegations against Newsclick remain amorphous. News outlets are allowed foreign investment. It is not a crime to cover protests against government action, even if (especially if?) the government does not like it. People have a right to know why they have been arrested. To question authority is not a crime.

    As of now that is. But the more the mainstream television media refuses to join the battle for democracy and the more it supports an authoritarian regime, the closer we get to North Korea.

     

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

     

  • For Public Comment

    IAB Tech Lab releases Identity Solutions Guidance

    By Our Staff

     

    IAB Tech Lab, the global digital advertising technical standards setting body, released its Identity Solutions Guidance document for public comment for 30 days until November 4, 2023.

     

    The Identity Solutions Guidance document is an informational guide that provides a high-level overview of the most prevalent techniques employed by different identity solutions; explores the mechanics of how these identifiers work; reveals their value propositions and utility; and offersinsight into what factors to consider when evaluating an identity solution.

     

    Said Shailley Singh, EVP of Product & COO at IAB Tech Lab: “The Identity Solutions Guidance document is designed to demystify the rapidly evolving landscape of identity solutions. As the industry grapples with the imminent deprecation of cookies and reduced availability of mobile identifiers, this guidance will equip industry stakeholders with the knowledge required to comprehend and evaluate various identity solutions, products, vendors, and their underlying technologies. We invite industry stakeholders to actively engage during the public comment period and contribute to the refinement of this important resource.”

     

    Added Giovanni Gardelli, VP, Ads Data Products at Yahoo: “The digital advertising landscape continues to face questions about how identity solutions function and how they can thrive in the absence of traditional cookies and mobile identifiers. The IAB Tech Lab is aiming to support the industry, offering a comprehensive guide that fills the education gap and offers strategic insight into the practical implementation of these solutions.”

     

  • At the 19th Asian Games in China

    Sony Sports Network campaign hits target

    By Our Staff

     

    Sony Sports Network’s campaign hits the target at the 19th Asian Games in China. Its tagline ‘Iss Baar, Sau Paar’ became a reality as India made history and breached the 100 medal mark at the Games.

     

    Said Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India:  “With ‘Iss Baar, Sau Par’, our aim was singular: to inspire our athletes at the year’s biggest sporting event, the Asian Games. The campaign’s resonance, both nationally and internationally, is a testament to their prowess. Filled with pride, we watched our athletes surpass expectations, shattering records and crossing a historic centenary medal haul. This landmark achievement not only underscores their dedication and capabilities but also positions our nation on the path to becoming a sporting powerhouse.”

     

  • Rapper King to showcase the denim's legacy and passion for innovation

    Lee launches its new festive season campaign

    By Our Staff

     

    Lee launches its new festive season campaign titled “Lee: Home of The Real Denim”. The campaign features rapper King.

     

    Commenting on the campaign, Nitin Chhabra, CEO, ace turtle, the exclusive licensee of Lee in India, said: “We are excited to launch the new brand campaign for Lee during the ongoing Cricket World Cup that coincides with India’s festive season. We’ve onboarded King who represents both the aspirations of the youth of today. He also manifests the confidence that stems from being comfortable in one’s own skin. We believe that all these traits align well with the image Lee® has built over the years. We are confident that the campaign will help to build on Lee’s brand equity and help us drive more footfall at our retail stores and traffic on online channels. We aim to significantly grow Lee’s business in India by the end of the current fiscal year.”

     

    Sharing the marketing viewpoint, Lokesh Kataria, CMO, ace turtle added: “Lee’s legacy extends to over a century combining the heritage of denim with the contemporary ethos of embracing one’s true self. The timeless nature of the brand and its relevance to our Indian consumers is the main idea that we’ve aimed to capture through the three films. Our objective is to bring out the association between Lee® and King with an integrated communication approach, driving greater consideration for the brand in the ongoing cricket-cum-festive season.”

     

  • Starring Ranveer Singh and Chris Gayle

    Zomato unveils its World Cup campaign

    By Our Staff

     

    Zomato has unveiled its World Cup campaign starring brand ambassador, Ranveer Singh and cricketer Chris Gayle.

     

    Zomato has launched an AI-generated film featuring actor Ranveer Singh and Chris Gayle, calling out restaurant partners’ names and their popular dishes, during this world cup season.

     

    Said Sahibjeet Singh Sawhney, Marketing Head, Zomato: “Our World Cup campaign is born out of our love and respect for Team India. And who better than Ranveer Singh to capture the infectious excitement, energy and passion of cricket fans across the country. There is a natural synergy between Ranveer and Zomato, which we have captured in our campaign as well. The Cricket World Cup is an exciting time for Zomato and while India breaks records on the field, we too are ready to serve the country. As the ad film says, it is time for India-India over Zomato-Zomato.”

     

  • Created by Ogilvy India

    Dabur Red Paste cheers for Team India in new campaign

    By Our Staff

     

    Dabur Red Paste, ayurvedic toothpaste brand, has rolled out a new campaign for the World Cup. With the hashtag #SabkoChabaaJaayenge campaign, Dabur Red Paste continues to strengthen its legacy by rallying behind Team India during this thrilling global tournament.

     

    Said Ritu Sharda, CCO, Ogilvy India (North): “This World Cup season, we’re bringing back ChaubeyJi. Geared up as a die-hard Indian cricket fan, he’s back to his antics and ready to Chabao anything or anyone who comes in the way of our World Cup journey. We’re sure the campaign will strike a chord with our audience as our team, chabaos, rival after rival this world cup season.”

     

    Added Abhishek Jugran, Vice President Marketing, Dabur India Limited: “Our mission at Dabur Red Paste is not just to provide exceptional oral care but also to celebrate the collective strength and spirit of India. The World Cup is the perfect stage for us to unite as a nation and cheer for Team India. With Chaubeyji leading the charge, we are confident that our Desh Ke Lal will ‘chabao’ their way to victory.”

     

  • To unveil the 'Largest Environmentally Interactive Billboard'

    Brooke Bond Taj Mahal & Ogilvy come together

    By Our Staff

     

    Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea has partnered with its creative agency Ogilvy to make the extraordinary Megh Santoor, a one-of-a-kind musical installation in Vijayawada.  Inspired by the rains and activated by them, the instrument was conferred a Guinness World Record for being the ‘Largest Environmentally Interactive Billboard’. The billboard measures 209 meter square in total surface area and achieved this record-breaking feat on September 10, 2023.

     

    Said Kainaz Karmakar & Harshad Rajadhyaksha, Chief Creative Officers, Ogilvy India: “We’re extremely proud of the Megh Santoor piece. It has taken months of planning, testing and failing, before we finally succeeded in making this happen. Taj and Indian classical music have been each other’s companions for very long now. We added rain to it for this experiment. We call it an experiment because it was filled with ‘what ifs’, with no guarantee of result until the day it rained, and the drops hit the keys and created music. Important to mention our Taj team at Unilever’s belief and support. Also, kudos to Fritz Gonzales, Jayesh Raut, Nikhil Mohan and his team at Ogilvy who saw it through from conception to execution. The world needs as much music as it can get and we’re happy to add our little bit to this.”

     

    Added Shiva Krishnamurthy, Beverages and Foods Head, Hindustan Unilever: “We are thrilled to have ‘Megh Santoor’ recognized as the world’s largest environmentally interactive billboard by The Guinness Book of World Records. Vijayawada is one of the biggest citadels for Taj Mahal Tea, and creating this extraordinary experience is our way of extending heartfelt gratitude to the city in a way that fits us best, with Hindustani classical music! This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to Hindustani classical music, the beautiful people of Vijayawada and to sheer tea enjoyment in the rains. We have created history, and we invite everyone to experience this extraordinary blend of art and technology.”