MxMIndia

Category: & More

  • He will be responsible for Network Development for India TV and upcoming group channels in domestic and international markets

    Rajmohan Nair joins IndiaTV as Prez-Network Devpt

    By A Correspondent

     

    India TV announced the appointment of Rajmohan Nair as President, Network Development. Prior to this he was VP-Distribution with TV Today. He has been fourth key appointee joining India TV from TV Today in less than three months.

     

    He will be responsible for Network Development for India TV and upcoming group channels in domestic and international markets. Mr Nair will be reporting to MD & CEO, Ritu Dhawan.

     

    Mr Nair has a career spanning around two decades, out of which 15 years have been in broadcast distribution space. As a member of the core strategy team of TVTN, he has been instrumental in encryption of the three TVTN channels & its launch in One Alliance Bouquet as a pay service.

     

    Welcoming Mr Nair on Board India TV MD & CEO, Ritu Dhawan said: “Digitalization is round the corner which will have an impact on the TV landscape in a big way. With Rajmohan coming on board at this juncture, we really feel optimistic that this will further boost the aggressive growth track we are set to follow”

     

    On his appointment, Mr Nair said, “It is a great opportunity for me to contribute towards further consolidating & cementing India TV’s leadership position in the news genre. What’s also exciting is the changing dynamics in the distribution space that shall also provide with a huge potential to develop pay business revenues for the channel.”

     

  • Kolkata Knight Riders dethroned Chennai Super Kings led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni

    IPL’s new champions- Kolkata Knight Riders

    By Sudarshan S

     

    April 18, 2008 to May 27, 2012 is a long wait, but as the owner and the mercurial Shahrukh Khan said: “This is something youngsters should believe in – resilience, patience, perseverance.  If you believe, you can win.”  Manoj Tiwary swings a delivery of Dwayne Bravo to the boundary on the 19.4 over, and the fireworks lit up the sky to usher in a new champion. Kolkata Knight Riders dethroned Chennai Super Kings led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni with a record of having qualified for semi-final of all the editions, and the fourth final.

     

    The match was not over, at 19.4th over, as the next KKR player walked in without helmets, pads, and no guards and took off from where Brendon Mcullum had left off on April 18, 2008 – the first game of IPL versus Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he scored 155, while KKR, then favourites even before the tournament started, posted 258 – the highest total in all IPLs.  Shahrukh Khan, the next player, walked in and seized the moment like a true showman.

     

    Every opportunity provided by the media was like a free hit that Shahrukh Khan lapped up, and displayed his candor by playing to the gallery. He wore his mask of modesty in the celebrations, and was humble enough in first congratulating his team, captain, coach and support staff, and in the same breath, he also thanked the hosts, their captain, crowds for the wonderful hospitality.  He hugged each and every player to now openly display his glee over the patient wait of the prophetic words on April 18, 2008 that had come true after ‘Four years One month and Nine Days’.  Jiving to ‘Will You be My Chhammak Chhallo’ along with the close knit family of cheer girls, and asking Navjot Singh Sidhu to comment something about the performance.

     

    This was KKR’s 75th game in IPL – a major milestone for a movie if it ran that many weeks, but Shahrukh would have spent 40 weeks over five years with the team by just his presence to achieve a brand valuation of about 50 odd million dollars (say about Rs250 crores), behind Chennai Super Kings ($75 million) and Mumbai Indians ($60 odd million).

     

    Just trying to imagine the glamour quotient of other teams, be it Shilpa Shetty for Rajasthan Royals, Preity Zinta, for Kings XI Punjab, Deepika Padukone for Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Akshay Kumar for Delhi Dare Devils.

    KKR was the only team to have a dream combination with John Buchanan as the coach, Sourav Ganguly as the captain, and a cheer BOY in Shahrukh Khan.  What changed were the coach and the captain, and this was akin to a brain and heart transplant, but the soul remained intact, and resurrected the team.  Fourth in the fourth edition, sixth in the first and third edition, eighth in the second edition – that also witnessed the Fake IPL player controversy.

     

    Now who remembers all that – for this was all a PR stunt – not Public Relations, but Performance and Response.  “This is something youngsters should believe in – resilience, patience, perseverance.  If you believe, you can win.”  You did.  Congratulations, Kolkata Knight Riders, Congrats Shahrukh — the Showman!

     

    Sudarshan S teaches public relations at various business and media schools. He also head the Mumbai-based Prognosys Marcom Services

  • The9X Music Network Live app is targeted at the ever-growing segment of connected users who consume content on-the-move

    9X Music Network now on iPad

    By A Correspondent

     

    9X Music Television Network’s four channels - 9XM (Bollywood music channel),  9X Jalwa (Bollywood Hits music channel), 9X Tashan (Punjabi Super Hits) and 9X Jhakaas (Marathi music channel) are now available on iPad through 9X Music Network Live Application.

     

    Commenting on the app, Vibha Gosher VP-Digital 9X Media Group, said: “We are living in a world of convergence where music, movies, gaming, social networking and other forms of entertainment all come together on your personal devices. Tablets have changed the way entertainment is consumed globally. With iPad sales skyrocketing and their ever-increasing popularity, it’s probably one of the best platforms to extend the 9X experience of unadulterated music. The 9X Music Network Live app is targeted at the ever-growing segment of connected users who consume content on-the-move.”

     

  • After their e-commerce store, www.basicslife.com opened, Hanif and Suhail Sattar feel the time is right to push for a national presence

    Make way for the men. Basics Life goes National

    By A Correspondent

     

    After having enjoyed great success in the men’s fashion segment inSouth Indiawith over 90 stores, Hasbro Clothing has decided to launch its Basics Life brand in a nationwide campaign to promote their newly launched online shopping portal, Basicslife.com.

     

    Hasbro Clothing was founded by brothers, Hanif and Suhail Sattar in 1992. Their rebranded retail experience store, Basics Life, was launched in 2008 and in 4 years, it has spread across 90 exclusive outlets and has presence in over 600 multi-brand outlets across Indiaand the world, apart from being available on the lifestyle and fashion portals like myntra, Jabong and others. The brand houses clothing, footwear and accessories from their three private labels Basics 029, Genesis and Probase.

     

    After their e-commerce store, www.basicslife.com opened, they feel the time is right to push for a national presence. “Our dream of being the one of a kind lifestyle retail fashion destination for men is finally showing signs of coming of age, the range in the store, and the store itself, was testimony to that fact, now the communication and the reach with this new creative will put us on the map,” said Hanif Sattar.

     

    The campaign, ‘Shop like a Man’, speaks to and for the men, and has been conceived and created by Happy, Bangalore. The agency has been handling the account from 2008, right from creation of the Basics Life brand.

     

    “The central idea was to promote shopping for men like never before. We latched onto the idea ‘Shop like a man’ (working out of the insight that online shopping could only have been invented by man),” said Kartik Iyer, Chief Executive Officer and creative lead on the project.

     

    The campaign starts off with ‘The ‘Man’tra”, a signature anthem created specifically to celebrate all the basic things that make men, men. Kartik Iyer had himself penned the song in collaboration with Mikey McCleary. In addition to the TVCs, The ‘Man’tra will also be released as a standalone 3minute song supported by a 2 minute video on YouTube.

     

    “The project has been brewing for a while now. So when we decided to create a song, the order of process was all very different. Not to mention loads of fun. But I must confess being true to mankind was truly a pleasure,” said Mr Iyer.

     

    In addition, the campaign also comprises of spots, activation, digital/social and viral engagement programmes.

     

    Campaign Credits

    Brand: Basics Life

    Client: Hanif Sattar, Suhail Sattar

    Agency: Happy,Bangalore

    CEO & ECD: Kartik Iyer

    CCO: Praveen Das

    Lyricis: Kartik Iyer / Mikey Mccleary

    Copywriter – Athul C

    Art Director – Viduthlai Raj M

    Account Management:  Neelima K, Ajaykumar

     

    Production House: Hello Robot

    Producer: Kitisha Gaglani

    Director: Barney Howells

    Director of Photography: Edward Goldner

    Music Director: Mikey McCleary

    Art Director: Sid

     

  • From CIL 9 onwards, Ram Kapoor continues to hold the first position. He is more popular than Priya who is at rank No. 4

    Ram Kapoor continues to be favourite Hindi GEC character : Ormax Media

    By A Correspondent

     

    According to the eleventh edition of Ormax Media’s quarterly study Characters India Loves (CIL), Ram Kapoor (Bade Achhe Lagte Hain) continues to be the favourite character among Hindi GEC viewers.

     

    Bade Achhe Lagte Hain launched on May 30, 2011 and Ram Kapoor entered the CIL July-Aug 2011 track (Edition Eight) at No. 5. His co-star Priya entered at the No. 10 rank. From CIL 9 onwards, Ram Kapoor continues to hold the first position. He is more popular than Priya who is at rank No. 4 in this track.

     

    The favourite non-fiction show characters are Kapil Sharma (Comedy Circus), Raghu & Rannvijay (MTV Roadies) at No. 1, 2 & 3 respectively.

     

    This track of CIL was conducted among 3000+ respondents in six cities – Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Indore & Jalandhar, in the 15-44 years age group.

     

  • Besides, on-air programming on Neo Prime, the former Chelsea defender will also be involved with several on-ground initiatives

    Neo Prime signs Frank Leboeuf for special programming on UEFA EURO 2012

    By A Correspondent

     

    Neo Prime has signed French legend Frank Leboeuf for exclusive preview shows and wrap around content during UEFA EURO 2012 (starting 8 June). Mr Leboeuf was part of the historic French team that won the FIFA World Cup in 1998 and the UEFA EURO in 2000.

     

    The wrap around show ‘Extra Time’ will be hosted by Radhakrishnan Sreenivasan (popularly known as RK) and feature Frank Leboeuf along with celebrity football fans across all walks of life – Bollywood, business, music and fashion. Besides, on-air programming on Neo Prime, the former Chelsea defender will also be involved with several on-ground initiatives including football clinics, contests and meet and greet with fans.

     

    Frank Leboeuf said: “I am delighted to visit India and stay here and interact with the football fans. The UEFA EURO has always been one of the toughest football championships, on par with the FIFA World Cup. All the teams are top-notch competitors and 8 out of the 16 teams can potentially emerge champions in this edition. I am particularly excited about engaging with fans across multiple touch-points.”

     

    Mautik Tolia, EVP – Programming and Creative Head, Neo Sports Broadcasting Pvt. Ltd said: “UEFA Euro 2012 is the biggest football extravaganza of the year and we wanted to raise the bar and interact with fans beyond the TV screen. Frank is a legend and for a blockbuster event like UEFA EURO, we needed someone with his skill, knowledge and enthusiasm to take our programming vision forward and delight the football fans.”

     

  • She will be seen in an aggressive multi-media campaign which will be created by Lowe Lintas

    Luxor signs Deepika Padukone as brand ambassador for Pilot

    By A Correspondent

     

    Luxor Writing Instruments has signed on Deepika Padukone as the brand ambassador for Pilot for two years.

     

    Announcing the new face of Pilot, Pooja Jain, Executive Director, Luxor Group, said: “We understand that young consumers today are very discerning of the brands they use. The brands have to match their aspirations, ambitions and personality. Deepika comes across as a go-getter who has made it on her own, is confident of her choices and works hard to achieve what she desires from life. She rightly represents the youth who is passionate and seek excellence in their endeavors. Our association with her is the right fit with many common factors between Pilot and Deepika which appeal to the youth instantly. I am sure this alliance will emphasize the positioning of Pilot series as a choice of young achievers.”

     

    Deepika Padukone would be seen in an aggressive multi-media campaign which will be created by Lowe Lintas. Speaking about the advertisement campaign, R Balki, Chairman & Chief Creative Officer, Lowe Lintas, said: “Deepika is a confident person and represents the youth which is aware and determined. Her personality perfectly matches with Pilot and reflects the achievements of the young generation. The ad campaign for Pilot will keep this synchronicity in mind and will have a young feel.”

     

     

  • This campaign by 92.7 BIG FM is an extension of the larger campaign called 'Mumbai Manao, Life Banao'

    Vivek Oberoi to flag off BIG FM’s ‘Cigarette Bhujao Life Banao’ campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    On World No Tobacco Day, 92.7 BIG FM, Mumbai launched a noble campaign ‘Cigarette Bhujao Life Banao’, in its endeavour to contribute to the welfare and development of society. Vivek Oberoi, a strong anti-tobacco campaigner, joined hands with 92.7 BIG FM to sign a pledge against smoking at the BIG FM studio with RJ Ankit.

     

    To promote this cause and enable widespread awareness amongst the audience, across the city of Mumbai, the actor signed ‘Out Smoking’ on huge cigarette caricature cut-out which will be placed in the Infiniti Mall, Andheri premises, so that people can support the campaign and spread awareness on the ills of tobacco.

     

    The campaign takes on the issue of smoking and the various harms related to it, which have ended many lives. This campaign by 92.7 BIG FM is an extension of the larger campaign called ‘Mumbai Manao, Life Banao’ which celebrates the spirit of Mumbai. As part of the campaign for World No Tobacco Day, 92.7 BIG FM’s RJ Ankit spoke to various celebrities like Vivek Oberoi, Javed Jaffrey, Ayushmann Khurrana on dangers of smoking and its effects. Besides this listeners shared their experiences and doctors gave tips.

     

    Actor Vivek Oberoi has been associated with the Cancer Patient Aid Association (CPAA) for over ten years. This opportunity with 92.7 BIG FM gives him another platform to spread awareness across a wider audience. Mr Oberoi, while speaking to RJ Ankit, said he strongly felt about the need to spread the message of the dangers of smoking and how tobacco-related diseases like cancer, tuberculosis can wreck the lives of individuals and their families alike.

     

    Commenting on this initiative, a company spokesperson said: “As the leading media brand that reflects the city’s passions and emotions, we believe in using our medium – radio to spread awareness and promote noble causes which are of relevance to the society. This campaign has been conceptualized to draw attention towards World No Tobacco Day. As a brand that celebrates Mumbai’s passions, this is our way to create awareness and draw people away from using tobacco.”

     

  • Karmik designers like Rohit Bal, Neeta Lulla, Anamika Khanna, JJ Valaya, Rocky S, Shantanu & Nikhil, Rina Dhaka and Kavita Bhartia to be part of the show

    ‘I Love Style’ powered by Karmik on BIG CBS Love

    By A Correspondent

     

    After the success of India’s Glam Diva, BIG CBS Love has launched its second home grown property, ‘I Love Style’, powered by Karmik. BIG CBS Love, the joint venture channel between Reliance Broadcast Network and CBS Studios International, is known for its international content. The channel has recently begun to create content locally and ‘I Love Style’ powered by Karmik, will be the ultimate destination for to all that one would desire to know on style and fashion.

     

    Karmik, the latest name to accessible designer-wear fashion, is the most appropriate partner for the show, and together, the brands promise to offer a show that depicts style and panache.

     

    At a press conference, held in C’est La Vie Lounge, Mumbai, Neeta Lulla, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated designers, along with Genelia Deshmukh, shared insights of some of her famous bridal outfits, the intricacy that goes in to dressing up a bride, what fashion really means and why she loves style.

     

    I Love Style will take all the style and fashion-conscious women through an intimate expedition of the latest in style, fashion, grooming and more.

     

    As the show progresses, it will feature biggest names in fashion from the Karmik stable like Rohit Bal, Anamika Khanna, JJ, Valaya, Rocky S, Abraham & Thakore, Gaurav Gupta, Ranna Gill, Shantanu and Nikhil, Rina Dhaka, Kavita Bhartia and more…

     

    The show is hosted by the model and anchor, Karishma Naina Sharma and is backed by veteran fashion guru, the founder editor of Harper’s Bazaar India, Sujata Assomull as the style expert on the show.

     

    The show will also go on-ground with audience connect properties like ‘I Love Style Bazaars’ – where designers with quirky styles will be invited to showcase their collection; and ‘I Love Style Parties’.

     

    Ensuring connect on social media, BIG CBS Love and Karmik will also launch a hunt for their stylish ‘Karmik Diva’.

     

    Commenting on the show, Mr. Vishal Rally, Business Head, BIG CBS Networks said: “The property is unique and first of its kind in India, tailored keeping in mind the specific preferences of our audiences. We are confident that we have the right concept to ensure the show delivers everything that the audiences desire to know on Style. We are happy to partner with Karmik and see excellent synergies coming into play which will benefit both consumers and marketers alike.”

     

    Mr. Pradeep Hirani, founder of Karmik said: “What would have better than to partner with and BIG CBS Love to make a stylish show - ‘I Love Style’. I am sure that people will love the show.”

     

  • With this, Airtel mobile customers acrossIndiacan enjoy exclusive access to mobile and video content of soccer matches during UEFA Euro 2012

    Airtel bags exclusive video rights on mobile platform for UEFA Euro 2012

    By A Correspondent

     

    Bharti Airtel recently announced that it has bagged exclusive video rights on the mobile platform for the biggest soccer extravaganza of the year, UEFA Euro 2012. With this, 183 million plus Airtel mobile customers acrossIndiawill have exclusive access to mobile and video content from UEFA Euro 2012 and choose from a wide range of services such as Go! Go! Go! Contest, live feeds, SMS or MMS score updates, games, mobile magazine and so on.

     

    The 2012 UEFA European Football Championship or UEFA Euro 2012 will be held from June 8 to July 1, 2012. Europe’s top 16 soccer teams (including Germany, England and Portugal) will be fighting for the Euro 2012 winner’s title during 19 power-packed matches that will span across 21 days.

     

    The exclusive video rights for UEFA Euro 2012 continues to reinforce Airtel’s long term commitment to soccer and other sports that appeal to discerning urban youth audience.

     

  • An exclusive platform which will honor singers and musicians in various categories who crafted the year's super hit numbers

    92.7 BIG FM announces BIG Tamil Melody Awards 2012

    By A Correspondent

     

    92.7 BIG FM recently announced the BIG Tamil Melody Awards 2012, a platform which will honour singers and musicians in various categories who crafted the year’s super hit numbers. Music directors Bharathwaj and James Vasanthan, along with singer Unnikrishnan will be the jury members for the BIG Tamil Melody Awards 2012.

     

    The Award lineup will have a total of 16 categories of awards. 15 popular categories will be nominated by the jury and thereafter decided by listeners through a multi-media voting campaign. The remaining award will be conferred by the honourable Jury directly.

     

    The radio station has put together a package called the ‘BIG Karaoke Station’ for its listeners who will nominate their musicians of the year not by voting, but by singing the year’s super hit songs.

     

    As an added incentive to its passionate listeners, 92.7 BIG FM has provided them an opportunity to sing along with the top singers and music directors at the BIG Karaoke Station, and the top 5 listeners, selected both on-air and on-ground, will get an opportunity to be mentored by the nominee musicians of the year for the music awards. The winner will sing along with the mentors at the BIG FM Studio.

     

    Renowned singer and actor SP Balasubramanian has been announced as the face of the Awards, which are part of the premier radio station’s national initiative across seven regional markets.

     

  • Wins the digital mandate for RC Cola & social media mandate for Zee TV's 'Phir Subah Hogi'

    Brandlogist wins two new mandates

    By A Correspondent

     

    Brandlogist, a boutique digital branding consultancy, has just won the digital mandate for RC Cola and social media mandate, including aspects such as social platforms, Bloggers program , social@mobile and influencers outreach, for Zee TV’s ‘Phir Subah Hogi’.

     

    For RC Cola the Indian market is literally a challenge with a far smaller market penetration, low awareness and smaller budget. They have decided to approach this challenge with an interesting perspective, taking digital as the primary driving platform and have chosen Brandlogist to help them strategize and execute this strategy.

     

    As Saurabh Parmar CEO, Brandlogist said: “That’s where we come in with an active engagement on the digital medium through which the communication extends to consumers across platforms and mediums.”

     

    Commenting on the reason for choosing Brandlogist, Mohit Khattar, Brand Head, Iceberg Foods Limited said: “It was the company’s strategy to build on a wider consumer base with the involvement of its audience and to create an experiential marketing environment by sharing the heritage and essence of the brand RC Cola.  We as a company were looking for young, creative, fresh and intelligent team who are among our target audience and would represent the sentiments and can draft the likes of the consumers. With Brandlogist we ascertained their passion for work, free flow of ideas and a sense of responsibility.”

     

    Phir Subah Hogi, Brandlogist’s second recent win is Zee’s new prime time show. Looking at the nature of the content, social media plays an important role to connect with people around the cause.

     

    Commenting on the two wins, Mr Parmar said: “It’s been 5 months but the idea of communication strategy which is new age yet not constrained by mediums is definitely having an impact. When we go to a client and say that it’s not about having x number of Facebook likes or people filing in a lead generation form without psycho-graphically analyzing that customer set or even getting a certain number of people to tweet your hashtag, but rather about doing something interesting, relevant enough so that they actually connect with you does raise a few eyebrows but has also got us the right accounts where clients have been perceptive enough.”