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  • Dippak Khurana, Co-founder and CEO, Vserv.mobi says its ad network is creating a compelling choice for brands to commence their mobile advertising journey

    Vserv.mobi client portfolio grows 3X

    By A Correspondent

     

    Vserv.mobi, a leading mobile advertising network for app developers, publishers and advertisers announced that their client portfolio of advertisers and brands has grown three times over the last quarter. Some of the marquee names amongst the company’s clients are top brands such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Microsoft, Google, ICICI Bank, Airtel, Nokia, Titan, Toyota, General Motors, Mid-Day, Dulux, Maruti and Aircel.

     

    Commenting on the company’s growth and strategy for advertisers, Dippak Khurana, Co-founder and CEO, Vserv.mobi said, “Being among the frontrunners of the mobile advertising wave in India, we have always strived to push the mobile ecosystem forward. Through constant innovation on our ad formats such as premium full screen ads and a clutter free viewing experience, we believe that our ad network is creating a compelling choice for brands to commence their mobile advertising journey.”

     

    Berg Insight, an independent wireless analyst firm states that the total value of the global mobile marketing and advertising market will see 37 percent growth by 2016, bringing the industry’s total value to USD 22.6 billion. Riding this wave, Vserv.mobi saw an 18X increase in premium inventory clicks on its network in the last one year, which contributed to 41% of the total click mix. This growth was driven by demand for powerful monetization by the company’s flagship technology, AppWrapper. With its simple one-click and zero-coding monetisation process, the unique AppWrapper has contributed to building Vserv.mobi’s repository of 10,000+ exclusive apps from developers across the globe. These apps along with mobile internet sites serve as powerful ad inventory for advertisers on impactful formats such as Full Screen Ads, Video, HTML5 interactive ads on both feature phone and smart phone apps.

     

    Commenting on the prospects of the rising mobile internet usage in India, Kshitiz Randhir Shori, Head of Sales – India, Vserv.mobi said, “We have seen tremendous traction with new brands that are starting to work with us, as well as RO value increasing significantly across our portfolio. As the mobile medium grows, brands are increasingly showing interest in our differentiated mobile media offerings that offers massive reach, unique ad placement, impactful ad formats and thus offering the best bang for the buck. With the festival season coming up, our ability to carry out circle/state targeting on the mobile will play a key role for brands looking at reaching the right audience with the right regional festive message.”

     

    Since Vserv’s inception in January 2010, the company has been delivering App and mobile web advertising for leading Fortune 500 brands & digital media companies, in over 200 countries. KFC is one of the many companies that initiated its mobile advertising journey using the company’s ‘AppWrapper’ technology. “Companies such as KFC have been instrumental in transforming the mobile advertising paradigm and we are proud to have partnered with them for this journey. The rising demand from marketers has augured well for us and we are strengthening our team, to continue growing the market.” added Mr Shori.

     

  • NBA India's Akash Jain says this is the largest fan programme they have hosted in India and the wide range of basketball and lifestyle elements will provide memorable experiences

    NBA 3X bounces ahead in September

    By A Correspondent

     

    The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced that it will launch the first-ever NBA 3X presented by Sprite in India, in September.  The free interactive event will combine basketball and entertainment to bring an unprecedented NBA experience to fans in four cities from September 15 to October 21.  The event will visit Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mumbai and this will mark the NBA’s first event in Hyderabad.

     

    NBA 3X presented by Sprite will feature the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament ever staged in India with 400 teams expected to participate; performances from top musical artists or well-known DJ each day; and a variety of on and off the court activities for fans.

     

    The 3-on-3 tournament will have two age divisions: 16-18 and 18-23.  The winners in each city will be flown to Mumbai to compete in a National Championship on Oct. 21. The National Champions in each division will qualify to participate in a 2013 FIBA/NBA Asia 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

     

    Seven-time NBA Champion Robert Horry and the Golden State Warriors dance team, the Warrior Girls, will be in Delhi to tip off the event on Sept. 15-16.  Horry played 16 seasons in the NBA for four teams.  His seven championships are the most of any player not to have played on the 1960’s Boston Celtics.  Horry will also attend the Mahindra NBA Challenge Finals in Bangalore and conduct an NBA Cares event in Delhi with Love in Action — a Delhi-based NGO which uses the sport of basketball to provide life-skills education to children from slums.

     

    The musical artists and DJ’s performing include hip hop and Bollywood artist Hard Kaur; leading electronic and dance music duo VJ Nikhil Chinapa and DJ Pearl; award-winning singer Anushka Manchanda, past winner of Channel V’s music talent hunt search Pop Stars; along with two of India’s top DJs – Clement and Ajit (Goa).

     

    NBA 3X presented by Sprite will bring authentic NBA-style entertainment to fans in India.  Fans will participate in a variety of free contests and activities with the chance to win NBA merchandise.  They can participate in basketball clinics, play NBA video games, measure themselves against cut-outs of NBA players, and interact with Horry and the Warrior Girls.  For a full event schedule or to register for the 3on3 tournament, fans can visit NBA.com.

     

    NBA 3X presented by Sprite is being supported by adidas, HP, Spalding and the Basketball Federation of India (BFI).  Sprite will send two participants from the national champion team in the 18-23 division to NBA All-Star 2013.  These two participants may get a chance to be part of the global pool of players from which NBA All-Stars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James will select to be part of the Sprite Team Sudden and Team Intense competition during NBA-All Star 2013. In addition, the first Sprite Basket Blast 2012 will take place in select cinemas across select cities in India from September through October.

     

    HP will create an interactive technology experience for fans visiting NBA 3X presented by Sprite.  Fans can utilize HP products to access NBA.com, NBA social media, basketball training videos and create their very own NBA Avatar.  Spalding will provide all basketball equipment.

     

    “We are extremely pleased to announce brand Sprite’s association with the NBA 3X initiative. Sprite is an exciting and vibrant brand that has always maintained a meaningful connection with its consumers through engaging initiatives,” said Wasim Basir, Director, Integrated Marketing Communications, Coca-Cola India. “We look forward to working together with the NBA to develop more innovative basketball experiences that will resonate well with our consumers in India and give them the opportunity to be closely involved with the sport. We hope that NBA 3X presented by Sprite becomes a great success and is well appreciated by our consumers.”

     

    “NBA 3X presented by Sprite will combine NBA-style entertainment, 3-on-3 basketball, and music to engage youth and build our fan base in India,” said NBA India Senior Director of Development Akash Jain.  “This is the largest fan programme we have ever hosted in India and the wide range of basketball and lifestyle elements will provide memorable experiences for our fans.”

     

    Here is the schedule for NBA 3X presented by Sprite:

    CITY DATE LOCATION MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
    Delhi Sept.15-16 Great India Place Mall Sept. 15: Hard KaurSept. 16: Nikhil Chinapa and DJ Pearl
    Hyderabad Sept. 22-23 MJ College Sept. 22: Anushka ManchandaSept. 23:  Nikhil Chinapa and DJ Pearl
    Chennai Oct. 13-14 Besant Nagar Beach Oct. 13: Anushka ManchandaOct. 14: Nikhil Chinapa and DJ Pearl
    Mumbai Oct. 20-21 Inorbit Mall Oct. 20: DJ Clement and DJ AjitOct. 21: Anushka Manchanda

     

    About the NBA

    The NBA is a global sports and media business that features three professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association, and the NBA Development League. The league has established a major international presence, with offices in 15 markets worldwide, games and programming in 215 countries and territories in 47 languages, and NBA merchandise for sale in more than 125,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents. Current NBA rosters feature 78 international players from 39 countries and territories. The NBA’s digital assets include NBA TV, which is available in nearly 60 million U.S. homes, and NBA.com, which averages more than 42 million page views per day, more than half of which originate from outside of North America. The NBA is the No. 1 professional sports league on social media, with more than 300 million fans and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms. Through NBA Cares, the league and its teams and players have donated more than $200 million to charity, completed more than 1.9 million hours of hands-on community service, and created more than 720 places where kids and families can live, learn, or play.

     

    # # #

     

    For further information, please contact:

    Aaron Gomes – aaron.gomes@adfactorspr.com

    9819496494

     

    Rohan Alvares – rohan.alvares@adfactorspr.com

    9820564549

  • Media consulting and sales firm Aidem Ventures has been appointed as the media representative for Punjabi GEC GET Punjabi

    Aidem expands regional footprint, bags Get Punjabi

    By A Correspondent

     

    Media consulting and sales firm Aidem Ventures has been appointed as the media representative for Punjabi GEC GET Punjabi. GET Punjabi was launched in India in October 2011 GEE Info Media stable. The network has presence in US and Canada as Punjjabi TV in US and Canada.

     

    The channel is available across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh (PHCHP). Said Vikas Khanchandani, Director, Aidem Ventures, “We, at Aidem, intend to create an assortment of focused offerings that deliver a pan-India reach to our advertisers. With this deal coming through, we have expanded our footprint in the regional market with channels ranging from the Tamil Nadu’s Jaya TV, Jaya Max, Jaya Plus and J Movies; Odisha’s Lakshyya Entertainment, Mi Marathi and now Get Punjabi.”

     

    Alok Rakshit, head, broadcast business, regional and news, Aidem Ventures said, “We are pleased to have Get Punjabi on board, as it is a perfect fit in our regional TV channels bouquet. It will help shape our growth path for the next few years. The Punjabi-speaking population across Northern India is the target audience for many a brands. With Rs. 75 Crores riding on Punjabi entertainment genre, the growing trend is deemed to continue.”

     

    “We at Get Punjabi invest a lot of time and resources to reinvent our programming and cover every aspect of entertainment in order to connect with evolving viewer interests.  With Aidem’s thorough understanding of what drives profitability and cash flow and its market-oriented approach to business, we are confident that this collaboration will have a progressive bearing on our ROI,” added Manish Vasisht, Executive Director/CEO, GEE Info Media Pvt. Ltd.

     

  • Centuryply has entered the readymade furniture retail business by launching Nesta Furniture, a chain of complete home lifestyle solutions

    Centuryply expands its presence with Nesta

    By Tuhina Anand

     

    Centuryply, the brand of plywood and decorative veneers, has extended its footprint and has entered the readymade furniture retail business by launching Nesta Furniture, a chain of complete home lifestyle solutions.  It has opened its first store in Bengaluru and will follow it up with launches across the country.  It has ambitions to open 111 outlets in the next five years with a projected turnover of Rs 500 crore with an initial investment of Rs. 100 crore. The company plans to build Nesta as the foremost brand in the Indian readymade furniture industry through steady investments in the next 5 years.

     

    Sajjan Bhajanka , Chairman, Century Plyboards (I) Limited, said, “Retail business in India is at an interesting stage. Our latest venture in the readymade furniture retail business is a move up the value chain and a natural progression in the wood products category. We are keen to leverage the company’s experience and strengths in retailing the finished end product. Centuryply will have flagship stores in key markets and also adopt franchise model to tap other markets.”

     

    Talking about Nesta, Abhra Banerjee, Executive Business Head, said,” There has been a sharp increase in the popularity of genuine designer furniture over the last few years and Nesta will serve to be a retail hub for those interested in highest quality designer furniture and home accessories. We at Centuryply believe in providing utmost satisfaction to the consumer through best quality products and customer care. The designs are contemporary and they reflect the lifestyle needs of the India consumers. We will offer the latest designs and introduce a new collection every 3 months.”

     

    The store will provide the ability to visualize the furniture in a room. Customers can choose colours, different options for each room to get the perfect look, furnish the room dimensions and visualize how the furniture will look in your home on a giant LED wall in an exclusive zone ensconced to give them  privacy. The store will also have a mock-up of an apartment with approximately the same dimensions as a typical 1BHK flat, to help customers visualize how Nesta can transform their house into a dream home.

     

  • Celebrated South Indian playback singer Mano, popularized with the hit television music series Super Singers on Vijay TV, performed to packed audiences in Johannesburg and Durban

    Vijay TV’s Mano thrills fans in South Africa

    By A Correspondent

     

    Celebrated South Indian playback singer Mano, most recently popularized through the hit television music series Super Singers on Vijay TV, performed to packed audiences in South Africa last week with smashing performances in Johannesburg and Durban. The hugely successful concerts were organized by Vijay TV – the leading Tamil general entertainment offering by the Star Network available on TopTV’s Top Star bouquet.

     

    The star, who has over 20,000 songs in 15 languages and has over 3000 live concerts to his credit wowed audiences at his events in Johannesburg and Durban. Fans of the superstar arrived hours prior to the events hoping for a glimpse of him before his mind blowing shows.

     

    The South Indian community of South Africa enjoyed a three-hour-long special performance by Mano who belted out hits back to back for his fans at the premier shows at Johannesburg and Durban exclusively for subscribers of Top Star, TopTV’sIndian bouquet.

     

    Mano also made a special public appearance at India Club’s Incredible India Day where hundreds of fans had the opportunity to meet him personally with an opportunity for photographs and autographs with him and a live performance at the 66th Indian Independence Day festival in Gauteng. A surprise duet performance of his hit song, Mukala Mukabla with P Susheela’s grand-daughter, Keertika Ponugupati, had fans roaring for more.

     

    The superstar rose to stardom with his hit songs Muqabla Muqabla from the film Kaadhalan with music composed by A. R. Rahman, the movie was recreated in Hindi and Telugu due to its popularity. Thereafter hit songs ‘Shenbagme Shenbagame’ followed and when the highly successful ‘Velaikkaran’ was released, Mano became one of the most sought-after South Indian singers in the industry.

     

    Sarika Shankarnarayan, Assistant Vice President, Marketing for Star, said, “We are delighted with the tremendous response to Mano’s concerts in South Africa. This is the first of many more interactive initiatives that the Star Network will bring to the Indian community in South Africa.”

     

  • Footwear manufacturer Relaxo has signed Katrina Kaif as the brand ambassador for its casual fashion brand Flite

    Katrina is brand ambassador for Relaxo’s brand Flite

    By A Correspondent

     

    Footwear manufacturer Relaxo has signed Katrina Kaif as the brand ambassador for its casual fashion brand Flite. The name Flite coined from the words ‘fashionable’ and ‘light’ itself says a lot about the brand and its promise.

     

    Gaurav Dua, Executive Director, Relaxo Footwear Ltd said, “Flite has carved out a niche for itself by becoming a brand symbolic to youth, comfort and elegance. And to carry this brand persona a step ahead, we could think of no one better than Katrina Kaif. With a fan following that is hard to describe in mere words, Katrina is looked upon as a fashion diva and icon. Her vibrant and unconventional style is often imitated by girls across the country. Which is why Katrina Kaif was the perfect match for Relaxo Flite’s new campaign. We are extremely proud to associate with her and we are sure her charismatic appeal in the ad will win hearts!”

     

    Katrina Kaif said “It’s like an integral part of your life, an everyday staple that you need. It’s how you don a pair of Flite with what you wear every day, and you are ready to go.”

     

    Katrina Kaif will soon be seen in a 30-second TVC for Flite created by Arms Communications.

     

  • The billboard is two-sided and front lit, with adverts on both sides, hence visible while approaching and while exiting the airport area

    Mediascope Publicitas OOH creates India’s largest billboard in Bengaluru

    By A Correspondent

     

    Mediascope Publicitas has created the largest billboard in India measuring 100ftx100ft, located at the airport approach road, welcoming travelers to Bengaluru. This puts Bengaluru in the league of global cities like New York, Dubai and Singapore with extraordinarily huge advertising media.

     

    The billboard is two-sided and front lit, with adverts on both sides, hence visible while approaching and while exiting the airport area.

     

     

     

  • This year's campaign is being launched with the slogan 'Ganpati Bappa Morya, Dharti Mata Morya' in a crusade that protects planet earth while seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha

    Big FM Launches Big Green Ganesha 2012

    By A Correspondent

     

    BIG FM has announced the launch of the ‘BIG Green Ganesha Campaign’ (BGGC), which is entering its fifth year, with the aim of nurturing a better environment while celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi. This year’s campaign is being launched with the slogan ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya, Dharti Mata Morya’ in a crusade that protects planet earth while seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha. The initiative has found support from celebrities namely, Aamir Khan, Neha Dhupia and Ranveer Shorey among others, who have donated newspapers which will be used to make the papier mache idols during the festival. Donating newspapers may be a small but significant step in the right direction to spread the message on celebrating the festival in an eco-friendly fashion.

     

    Launched in 2006 before the Ganeshotsav, this initiative is aimed at creating social consciousness towards making one of India’s largest and most popular festivals better and more ecologically sound.

     

    Drawing attention to the fact that most commonly available idols are created from non-degradable material and the paints used contain a high amount of toxins, BGGC has helped generate awareness and gained steady momentum during the last four years by creating a sense of responsibility among communities and delivering significant value to its partners.

     

    The initiative has found support from leading celebrities including Aamir Khan, Neha Dhupia and Ranveer Shorey.

     

    The drive will culminate with the BIG Green Ganesha Awards, on September 19. Radio Jockeys accompanied by top celebrities will travel across cities and announce the names of winners based on measures they’ve taken to create ecologically sound Ganeshas.

     

    While 13 paper Ganesha statues were put up last year as part of the BGG campaign, this year will witness the erection of 30 Ganesha pandals (special temporary structures) across six major cities and a number of other smaller ones. Cities included in this campaign are Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Indore, Surat, Vizag, Baroda, Mangalore, Gwalior, Mysore, Sholapur and Goa. Tie-ups will also be initiated with popularpandals and malls to garner maximum awareness and participation. Supported with out-of-home media and print visibility, the campaign also aims to encourage close to 110 residential societies across the 13 cities to install eco-friendly Ganesha idols.

     

    The activities carried out last year saw more than 35,000 people donating paper by covering 15,000 households. With 14 lakh people visiting the pandals, it was no surprise when the Indian Radio Forum named the campaign the winner in the best On Ground Initiative 2012.

     

  • Kevin Pietersen, the South-African born English cricketer, will be the ambassador for Citizen watches. He presently plays for England, Surrey and the Delhi Daredevils

    Citizen signs Kevin Pietersen as brand ambassador

    By A Correspondent

     

    Kevin Pietersen, the South-African born English cricketer, will be the ambassador for Citizen watches. He presently plays for England, Surrey and the Delhi Daredevils and has the distinction of being the second-highest run scorer from his first 25 Tests. He became the fastest batsman to reach both 1,000 and 2,000 runs in One Day International cricket.  He is the third English batsman to top the ICC One Day International rankings in March 2007.

     

    Katsusuke Tokura, MD, Citizen Watches India said, “We are delighted to have Kevin Pietersen as Citizen’s brand ambassador. Kevin Pietersen is one of the finest batsmen, his sophistication and style superbly personifies our brand.”

     

    Kevin Pietersen will also feature in the brand’s communication of the new Super Titanium watch collection. All models from the Super Titanium Collection feature a high-quality sapphire glass that helps resistance against scratches and always guarantees a perfect view on the time display. The watch is also water resistant to 10 Bar. Colour accents and changing design in minute division also revive the appearance of the dials, and Super Titanium watches are five times harder and 40 percent lighter than stainless steel watches.

     

  • Etihad Airways has appointed LinOpinion, the public relations division of Lowe Lintas and Partners, as its communications and public relations partner in India

    Etihad awards PR mandate to LinOpinion

    By A Correspondent

     

    Etihad Airways has appointed LinOpinion, the public relations division of Lowe Lintas and Partners, as its communications and public relations partner in India.

     

    Etihad Airways’ General Manager in India, Neerja Bhatia said, “We are delighted to partner with LinOpinion as they have demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the aviation, hospitality, and travel and tourism industries. We are confident that we will benefit from their expertise and experience in the market.”

     

    Ameer Ismail, Executive Director Lowe Lintas and Partners, said: “LinOpinion continues to grow exponentially. This is a testament to the excellent work and dedicated efforts being carried out consistently by the LinOpinion team. Etihad Airways is one of the leading airlines across the world, and we are honored to partner with them in India.”

     

    Joseph George, Chief Executive Officer, Lowe Lintas and Partners said: “LinOpinion is one of the most respected and fastest growing PR firms in the country. It is our ambition to partner with leading global brands, and being appointed by Etihad Airways as their communications partner is an enormous privilege for our team.”

     

    Etihad Airways commenced flights from Mumbai in September 2004 and today operates services to eight cities across India.

     

  • The Forum Mall Bangalore, part of Prestige Group, has awarded its creative duties to TBWA\India

    TBWA wins creative mandate for Forum Mall

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Forum Mall Bangalore, part of Prestige Group, has awarded its creative duties to TBWA\India.

     

    The Forum mall is one of Bangalore’s most prominent landmarks and a destination for shoppers in Bangalore. The business was awarded to TBWA following a multi-agency pitch.

     

    Rama Raju, General Manager, The Forum Mall, said, “What impressed us was TBWA\India’s ability to think out of the box, their disruptive approach and most importantly, brand ownership, which convinced us to partner with TBWA.”

     

    Commenting on the win, Nirmalya Sen, Managing Director at TBWA India said, “Only the most mature marketers pick their communications partner on the basis of their credentials. We are delighted to partner one such company in the Prestige Group and we are looking forward to co-creating The Forum brand with them.”

     

    Arindam Sengupta, Vice President-South, TBWA India, added, “We are delighted to work with a client who shares similar ideologies and understands our approach to communication. It is indeed a challenge and an honour for TBWA to build such an iconic brand. We look forward, in all enthusiasm, to create some unconventional and fresh advertising for them, with them.”

     

  • Dainik Bhaskar celebrated two years in Jharkhand, which it had entered with the launch of the Ranchi edition in August 2010, followed by the Jamshedpur and Dhanbad editions in December 2010 and April 2011 respectively

    Bhaskar celebrates 2nd anniv in Jharkhand

    By A Correspondent

     

    Dainik Bhaskar celebrated two years in Jharkhand, which it had entered with the launch of the Ranchi edition in August 2010, followed by the Jamshedpur and Dhanbad editions in December 2010 and April 2011 respectively.

     

    Dainik Bhaskar offers its readers a tailor-made newspaper as per their needs and expectations. It is a voice of the area with a deep sense of reader connect and quality, unbiased news reporting – and that has lead to its tremendous success across editions.

     

    As part of the celebration, a special 16-page issue was released along with the main newspaper. Dainik Bhaskar in Jharkhand has been a voice raising citizens’ concerns on infrastructural development and progress. Last year on the first anniversary the special issue had spoken about the thought of “Badlav Miljulkar”- collective change. This year the special issue highlighted the socio-economic changes witnessed by the state in the last few years, taking it that much closer to achieving dream state status.