MxMIndia

Category: ADVERTISING

  • To celebrate this intangible, yet very relevant, human trait called 'spirit', The Free Press Journal decided to profile Mumbaikars who did not give up

    Free Press Journal celebrates 84th anniv

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Free Press Journal, one of the oldest dailies published from Mumbai, recently celebrated its 84th anniversary by publishing a special eight page pull-out called Spirit.

     

    To celebrate this intangible, yet very relevant, human trait called ‘spirit’, The Free Press Journal decided to profile Mumbaikars – men and women of courage – who did not give up. The issue was an attempt by The Free Press Journal to inspire Mumbaikars and present them with living examples of persons who surmounted obstacles by summoning the indomitable spirit.

     

    Each page of the supplement had profiles of persons who summoned their inner strength, to deal with life challenges. The pull out had people like Raageshwari Loomba spoke on how Bells Palsy did not stop her from fighting back and opening up a new world; activist and lawyer Flavia Agnes spoke about the struggle of fighting domestic violence and how she battled years of abusive marriage.

     

    The anniversary issue was received very well across the market thanks to the theme and the array of articles.

     

  • Vikas Sharma has joined Mogae Media as head of Solutioning & Integration

    Vikas Sharma joins Mogae Media

    By A Correspondent

     

    Vikas Sharma has joined Mogae Media as head of Solutioning & Integration. “Mogae are trying out many new interesting things. The place is bursting with ideas and energy. I am glad to be part of this young-and-on-the-go organization,” said Mr Sharma.

     

    “Mogae is looking at various opportunities in the digital and mobile ecosystems where Vikas’ experience will help us create solutions for clients and their brands,” said Tanya Goyal, welcoming Mr Sharma to Mogae.

     

    Mr Sharma has experience in Information Technology across telecom and IT industries. Through the years, he has taken on additional and varied IT roles & responsibilities.

     

    Prior to his current assignment, Mr Sharma was the VP Sales & Operations with Cocktail Mobile Technologys. Additionally he headed Cocktail’s IT operations and Technical Integration with service providers, as also B2C application innovation groups. He was part of the core team that developed strategic IT outsourcing deals with telecom operators.

     

    Mogae Media is Airtel’s sole and exclusive partner for mAdvertising. The company was started in October 2011 by Sandeep & Tanya Goyal, erstwhile partners of Dentsu in India.

     

  • MPG Media Contacts currently handles the regional media business of one of Temasek's portfolio company in Singapore – DBS Bank

    MPG wins Temasek’s global media biz

    By A Correspondent

     

    MPG Media Contacts, Singapore, the flagship brand of Havas Media, have won the global media planning and buying duties of investment company Temasek Holdings. The agency won the business after a closed door pitch with incumbent OMD.

     

    MPG Media Contacts currently handles the regional media business of one of Temasek’s portfolio company in Singapore – DBS Bank. The agency’s experience on DBS business in particular and financial category in general played an important role in this appointment.

     

    Melvin Lim, CEO of Havas Media Singapore said: “We are elated to be given the opportunity to manage the strategic media services of Temasek Holdings and, by extension, to propagate the success of one of our globally renowned national wealth management organisations. We found a common ground to synergistically contribute to Temasek’s marketing outreach goals because of the deep-set experience we already have in the financial and business sectors.”

     

    Mr Lim attributed the win to “a team which understands the media consumption from the person-on-the-street up to the upper strata, captains of industries. We demonstrated our ability to apply our strategies to good effect for Temasek.”

     

    Incorporated in 1974, and based inSingapore, Temasek is supported by 11 affiliates and offices in Asia and Latin America.

     

     

  • The objective of the page is to disseminate community radio information to a wider public and engage with over 134 operating community radio stations

    MIB starts Facebook page for community radio

    By A Correspondent

     

    In a bid to establish a direct communication between the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and various stakeholders of community radio fraternity in the country, the ministry has launched a dedicated page on Facebook- ‘Community Radio India’.

     

    The objective of the page is to disseminate community radio information to a wider public and engage with over 134 operating community radio stations of the country and other stakeholders. The page will update the stakeholders on status of licences, screening committee meetings, permission agreements, clearances for new community radio station, consultations and events.

     

    This platform would also enable community radio stations to share information about their radio programmes, upcoming events, success stories, photographs and their challenges.

     

    ‘Community Radio India’ page also aims to encourage new and aspiring stakeholders of community radio by regularly updating them on CR policy, guidelines and by answering their queries. The information shared through ‘Wall’ posts will not only be helpful for them but would also inform individuals interested in community radio.

     

    The Facebook page on community radio not only portrays the vibrant history of community radio movement in the country using ‘Timeline’ feature but also hosts key documents related to policies. The page also carries frequently asked questions (FAQs), relevant documents and photo albums of key events. The ‘Wall’ on Facebook page would facilitate discussions while enabling a participatory communication channel on issues pertaining to community radio stations.

     

    The scheme has been identified as a core intervention during the XII Five Year Plan and it is expected that the Plan period would see a quantum jump in the number of Community Radio Stations set up in the country.

     

  • Extramarks is planning sizeable investments on the media front with a high profile media campaign soon and the creative mandate will be handled by McCann Erickson

    Carat scores extra with Extramarks

    By A Correspondent

     

    Extramarks Education Private Limited – promoted by Atul Kulshrestha – is a leading new age digital learning solutions company. In a recent development, Extramarks has appointed Carat as their Media partner.

     

    Extramarks has emerged as one of the leading players in the digital education category within a short period of two years, since its commercial launch. Extramarks’ products are being used in more than 3000 schools acrossIndiaand its online service is used by more than 7 lakh students.

     

    Confirming the media agency appointment, Rohit Jain, CEO of Extramarks asserted that Extramarks is now mature enough to take the next step forward in the field of interactive education solutions. “Extramarks is setting revolutionary standards in education whereby we aim to enhance the regular classroom experience and take a quantum leap forward.”

     

    Infotel Broadband Services Ltd. (Infotel), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL), through its affiliate Reliance Strategic Investments Pvt Ltd, has acquired a 38.5 per cent stake in Extramarks Education Pvt. Ltd.

     

    It is learnt that Extramarks is planning sizeable investments on the media front with a high profile media campaign soon and the creative mandate will be handled by McCann Erickson.

     

    Vidhu Sagar, Executive VP Carat Media also acknowledges the development and says “We at Carat are extremely proud to have been chosen by Extramarks as their media partner.  We shall be partnering Extramarks in the media management exercise holistically – thus we’ll manage the entire set of media responsibilities for the brand including planning, buying and execution. Of course, we shall endeavour to do this with the help of all pertinent media platforms – including Television, Print, Digital, OOH as well as Activation.”

     

    Carat, the world’s largest independent media communications specialist, is part of the Aegis Media India Group  that also includes Vizeum, Posterscope the global OOH sector leader, Brandscope,  Hyperspace (Retail), Carat Fresh Integrated (Activation), PSI (Airports), Doosra (Creative), Isobar, the global communications agency with digital at its heart and  iProspect, the global leader in search and performance marketing.

     

  • The Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) of ASCI upheld complaints made against 9 advertisements from various sectors

    ASCI’s upholds complaints against 9 ads

    By A Correspondent

     

    During the month of May 2012, the Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) upheld complaints against 9 out of 14 advertisements. At the same time, the CCC found that complaints against five TV advertisements were not substantiated.

     

    According to the complainant, the advertisement for Brooke Bond Red Label Natural Care Tea claimed that the product “has a scientifically proven combination of five ayurvedic ingredients like tulsi, ashwagandha, mulethi, ginger and cardamom to strengthen your body’s defence” and that “It helps to protect you and your family from cold, cough and flu”. The ad also said: “It is clinically shown that drinking three cups of Brooke Bond Red Label Natural Care daily helps enhance one’s immunity”. The CCC concluded that the claims that Brooke Bond Red Label Natural Care “helps to protect you and your family from cold, cough and flu”, and “drinking three cups daily helps enhance one’s immunity”, were not substantiated adequately.  The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.  The complaint was Upheld.

     

    IMS – Score more at BBA / BBS advertisement that appeared on IMS website claimed that “143 IMS students got selected into SSCBS in 2011”. The  advertisement showed a “bar chart showing selection of IMS students into SSCBS over the years 2008 to 2011”.The CCC concluded that, in the absence of validation by an independent agency, the claims mentioned in the  advertisement and cited in the complaint, were not substantiated.  The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code. The complaint was Upheld.

     

    A complaint was filed against Tata Sky’s print advertisement which appeared in The Hindu, Chennai edition dated March 30. As per the complaint, the advertisement states that “Cable is just a Dabba” meaning non standard or poor quality box, which is not the fact.  The CCC concluded that “by referring the Cable Set up Boxes as dabba”, the advertisement unfairly denigrated other products.  The advertisement contravened Chapter IV.1 (e) of the Code.  The complaint was Upheld.

     

    The ad which declared Lokmat – No. 1 Newspaper claimed that “Lokmat has added 65,000 readers in SEC A segment in Pune”. The ad did not mention the period over which this growth has been attained, which in itself is misleading. As per IRS 2011 Q4, in the last quarter Lokmat has added only 5,000 SEC A readers in Pune city. The CCC concluded that the claim, “Lokmat has added 65,000 readers in SEC A segment in Pune”, was misleading, as the advertisement did not mention the reference period pertaining to the source data. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.4. of the ASCI Code.  The complaint was Upheld.

     

    A complaint was filed against Glenmorangie’s print advertisement which appeared in Conde Nast India in the February issue. The advertisement states: “Why is it so important that we only use our casks twice?  Taste Glenmorangie and the question becomes rhetorical”.  The visual depiction of the brand name is suggestive of a well-known brand of liquor – Glenmorangie. In the absence of specific information, the advertisement appears to be a surrogate advertisement for Glenmorangie. The CCC concluded that the advertisement was a surrogate advertisement for a brand of alcohol – Glenmorangie.  The advertisement contravened Chapter III.6 of the Code.  The complaint was Upheld.

     

    Alchemist’s claim of “India’s most successful MBA prep” was pulled up too. It has not been backed up and substantiated and there is no validation by any independent agency that confirms this claim. In the absence of any proof, supporting information, from the Advertiser, the CCC concluded that the claim, “India’s Most Successful MBA Prep” was not substantiated.  The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.  The complaint was Upheld.

     

    Shree Maruti Herbal’s print advertisement on “Maruti Stay -On Capsules & Oil” claimed that it “helps improve vitality, stamina and energy”.  The website also claimed “Stay-On guarantees – “Sexual performance of adults in all age groups”,  “Rectifying temporary / partial / occasional or permanent  erectile dysfunction”,  “Increasing the extent of orgasm”,  “Augmenting libido”,  “Increasing the length & size of penis”,  “Mending premature (early & sudden) ejaculation”,  “Enhancing vitality, vigor and stamina”,  “Stay-On is 100% natural with no side effects.  It is a totally secure tested product”. The claims in the print advertisement and on the website were not substantiated. The advertisement and the website do not provide any scientific data related to the safety and efficacy of the product. The CCC concluded that the claim, “helps improve vitality, stamina and energy” was not substantiated.  The advertisement contravened The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act.  Also, the advertisement tends to create, by implication, a perceived inadequacy of physical attributes, in this case the impotence and infertility, which could be objectionable to both men and women.  The advertisement contravened Chapters I.1, III.4 and I.5 (d) of the ASCI Code. The complaint was Upheld.

     

    Jake’s Beauty-Spa-Salon & Academy received a complaint related to its design and copy. It is similar to the Complainant’s advertisement of “Schnell Hans Salon Spa & Academy”. The CCC noted the contents of the Complainant’s and the Advertiser’s advertisements and concluded that the headline, “Your Passport to Success”, was similar to the Complainant’s advertisement and thus suggested plagiarism.  The advertisement contravened Chapter IV.3 of the Code.  The complaint was Upheld.

     

    According to the complainant, the TV commercial for Nikon camera required permission from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) for the use of birds in advertisement or films.  In the application by Nikon, permission was asked for four sparrows to be shown in their natural habitat with a girl playing and passing through. In reality, the birds turned out to be cockatiels which are being used as toys by the girl. The CCC concluded that as the requisite permission was not received from the AWBI to shoot cockatiels in the TVC, it was in violation of The Performing Animals Registration Rules 2001.  The advertisement contravened Chapter III.4 of the Code.  The complaint was Upheld.

     

    During the month of May, the CCC also received complaints against five television commercials. The complaints were received against the advertisement of Midas Care’s Clean & Dry cream, Sprite Cold drink, Emami’s Fair & Handsome for Men, Gillette Mach 3 and Extra Strong Axe. However, as these advertisements did not contravene ASCI’s codes or guidelines, the complaints were Not Upheld.

     

  • No immediate impact in India as Dentsu's announcement of acquiring Aegis brings it closer to adland biggies WPP, Omnicom, Publicis & Interpublic

    Welcome,the new adland superpower:Dentsu

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    It’s no longer watercooler chatter or just a whisper in the corridors. By gobbling up Aegis, Dentsu has made its intentions very clear. Sir Martin Sorrell and Maurice Levy, the Japanese are a-comin!

     

    Announcing the mega-deal: Tadashi Ishii, President and CEO, Dentsu Inc and Jerry Buhlmann, CEO, Aegis

    Dentsu’s $4.9 billion acquisition is being counted as the biggest in the advertising business. It’s the second buy of a British ad entity within a month. But, of course, Aegis is a large network while BBH (which sold out to Publicis) is just a creative boutique.

     

    There was nothing forthcoming from the Dentsu and Aegis offices in India, however, it’s set to be business as usual for the now. The nitty gritty will only be completed by the end of the current year, and the impact, if at all, will be more on shared services, sources tell us.

     

    There is a marked difference between our respective styles of functioning, an insider at Dentsu told MxMIndia on conditions of anonymity. “But that too is a global issue”.

     

    Another industry voice told MxMIndia that the scale which Dentsu attains will help it considerably. It’s not just the preserve of networks like WPP, Omnicom, Publicis and IPG any more. The rub-off will be very positive on both entities and pitches henceforth will see them as significant players.

     

    First some background:

    In July 2009, Dentsu announced its medium-term management plan titled “Dentsu Innovation 2013”, focusing on global business expansion and intensifying digital offerings, together with further strengthening its mass media business, to drive its business strategy as one unified group and to achieve strong growth. Looking to its clients’ and media agencies’ business landscape, Dentsu’s business exposure has been expanding globally, especially with strong focus on emerging markets including Asia.

     

    On the other hand, Aegis, a global focused media and digital communications group with highly competitive digital service offerings, enjoys a strong presence across Europe and increasingly in the US (clearly the world’s largest advertising market), and is rapidly growing its footprint across Asia and the Pacific. The combination of Dentsu and Aegis will be highly complementary, bringing together a global media platform with capabilities to provide integrated solutions, and offer enhanced quality services to clients.

     

    Both companies place “client centricity” at the core of their values and Dentsu’s corporate vision for “Good Innovation.” and Aegis’ to “Reinvent the Way Brands are Built” demonstrate the respective commitment to continuous improvement.

     

    The Rationale:

    Dentsu believes that a business combination between Dentsu and Aegis will deliver the following strategic and financial benefits:

     

    1. Expansion of global presence

    The geographical fit between Dentsu and Aegis is highly complementary. Dentsu has a leading market position in Japan’s advertising and marketing sector, an established presence across Asia, and an increasingly expanding business in the US, with mcgarrybowen as its core US subsidiary.

     

    Additionally, Aegis enjoys a leading position showing strong presence across Europe and increasingly in the US. Moreover, Aegis is rapidly growing its footprint across emerging markets, and has established robust positioning in Asia excluding Japan.

     

    Together, the enlarged group will be a stronger global competitor with the scope and scale to compete for and win international mandates across Japan, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas. The combined network with a full range of advertising, media and marketing services will enable Dentsu and Aegis to provide highly integrated services for local, regional and global clients across multiple international locations.

     

    2. Enhanced service and integrated solution offerings

    Dentsu and Aegis each rely, in order to be competitive, on distinct service offerings and expertise, together with their creativity and integrity, to exploit best solutions with a variety of service offerings.

     

    Following the transaction, the combined group will have a strengthened ability to offer a wider spectrum of niche services and expertise as a full service agency. With both Dentsu and Aegis’s extensive experience and knowledge, the combined group will enhance its ability to offer integrated solutions to clients.

     

    3. Intensified digital capabilities

    The adoption of ‘scaled’ technologies by consumers has driven the proliferation of connected devices and advancements in communication technology, significantly affecting clients’ advertising and marketing activities. Dentsu faces strong client expectations to strengthen digital solutions.

     

    With the rise of digital consumption and client demand for digital services, Dentsu has successfully enhanced its digital solutions over the years. By integrating Aegis, with Isobar and iProspect’s digital strengths in creative origination and performance marketing, the combined business will provide a powerful global platform for media, content and digital technology, and will increasingly support client activities.

     

    The combination of Dentsu and Aegis, with its robust client portfolio, will count at least 71 out of the top 100 marketers as clients on a combined basis, and will provide global and local clients with a new, differentiated proposition to achieve their objectives, and also accelerate the drive to continuously create new innovations as one unified group.

     

    CEO-speak:

    Here are comments from the respective CEOs:

    1. Dentsu: Tadashi Ishii, President and CEO:

    I am pleased to announce this exciting and transformational combination between Dentsu and Aegis. Together, we will be able to deliver fully integrated and best-in-class services to our clients through a new global communication network born in the digital age offering a broadened service portfolio. Dentsu and Aegis will be the market leader in the Asia-Pacific region, enjoying a strong presence across Europe and the fastest growing agency network in the US.

     

    In recent years, under the leadership of Jerry Buhlmann and his team, Aegis has been recognised as the most successful independent media and digital communications agency with strong performance momentum and talented, client-focused employees. We look forward to working with our new colleagues with whom we already share a common “client-centric” philosophy. Jerry and I have huge ambitions for a truly client-focused global communication network built in the digital age, and are looking forward to further innovating our business and continuing to contribute to our clients’ success.

     

    2. Aegis: Jerry Buhlmann, CEO:

    This is a compelling combination of two great businesses that will create one of the world’s most dynamic marketing services groups – and the first to be born in the digital age.

     

    We at Aegis are delighted at the prospect of being able to play a full part in helping Dentsu create a platform for global growth and continued digital innovation. By forming the first communications group with true global reach, the growth strategies of both businesses will be enhanced as we provide more scale, geography, capability and investment to support clients.

     

    “For the people of both these great businesses, the combination offers continuity and the promise of working for one of the most exciting, high-growth companies in our industry. We have complementary geographic fits and aligned visions and strategies. Together, we have strengthened investment capabilities as we work to help more clients than ever before navigate the complex and converging media ecosystem.”

     

    The India angle:

    Market observers in India credit the team led by Sandeep Goyal for the initial salience of Dentsu amongst advertisers. The Japanese ad network is no longer an alien name, even though it’s not as big as WPP, Publicis, Ommnicom or IPG.

     

    In India, Dentsu has the following arms: Dentsu Marcom, Dentsu Communications, Dentsu Creative Impact, Dentsu Media and Dentsu Digital. And Aegis has: Carat, Vizeum, Isobar, iProspect, Posterscope, Brandscope, Hyperspace, Carat Fresh Integrated, PSI and Doosra.

     

    But the presence of Mr Goyal earlier and now Rohit Ohri has ensured that business keeps coming in to Dentsu, a senior media agency executive told MxMIndia. As for Aegis, the leadership of Ashish Bhasin means that the group has stability at the helm.

     

    For Mr Ohri: Ken Terasawa (Exec Vice Chairman), Soumitra Karnik (NCD) Narayan Devanathan (Dentsu Marcom), Titus Upputuru (NCD, Dentsu Marcom), Arijit Ray (Dentsu Communications), Glen Ireland (Dentsu Digital), Yutaka Kamoshita (Dentsu Digital) and Divya Gupta (Dentsu Media) and for Mr Bhasin: Kartik Iyer (Carat), Anand Bhadkamkar (CFO), S Yesudas (Vizeum), Haresh Nayak (Posterscope), Shamsuddin Jasani (Isobar), Zaheer Mirza (Doosra).

     

    While Mr Ohri is travelling and not available for contact, the information that MxMIndia received the morning after the announcement that the overall global structure will be unveiled only by the year-end, and following that regional and India-specific restructuring may happen. However, in the same breath, a source in a Dentsu international office told us that given the slowdown managements will be sensitive to overspending, so don’t be surprised if the process towards rationalization happens quicker.

     

    Suggested reading:

    Ad Age report: Not the ‘Big Four’ Holding Firms in Adland Anymore — Now It’s the Big Five

    http://adage.com/article/agency-news/big-holding-firms-adland-anymore-big/236001/

     

  • I doubt if the show has made any impact on the nation. Because every Sunday, a new issue is being raked up, the one discussed a few weeks ago gets erased

    Anil Thakraney: Satyamev Jayate: Handkerchief entertainment

    By Anil Thakraney

     

    Okay, the nation’s most expensive and the most-hyped TV show is drawing to a close. In a few weeks from now Satyamev Jayate will be history (there may or may not be a sequel). In fact, host Aamir Khan’s already moved on to what he does and what he knows best: Making movies. The hero’s strutting around in his ‘Dhoom 3’ look these days. It’s a good time to do an appraisal, and I have three large points to make.

     

    The ratings of SJ have been disappointing. It reported an okayish 4 when the show began, but in recent times the TVR points have dipped to about 3. And that is sad. This means India isn’t really euphoric over a TV show that discusses serious public issues. Dance reality shows enjoy better ratings. We can’t blame this on the channel or the producer. And this is also the reason I doubt they’ll put out another season.

     

    I also doubt if the show has made any impact on the nation. And I had expressed this concern when I first wrote about SJ. Because every Sunday, a new issue is being raked up, the one discussed a few weeks ago gets erased from the memory. In that sense, SJ has ended up becoming what I call ‘handkerchief entertainment’. Weep a bit and then discuss where to step out for lunch. This also tells me entertainment channels cannot change this nation. News channels can, but they have other problems which we’ll discuss another day.

     

    The onus then falls on the star host to keep the pressure going on the various issues he’s brought up. The only reason SJ even scores a TVR of 4 is Aamir Khan. Take him out of the equation and it will earn less than 0.5 points. It’s his charisma that drives the show. Which is why if Aamir doesn’t keep the fires burning, no one else will. But obviously the actor won’t and can’t do this. He has many other fishes to fry, and in any case his involvement in public causes in the past has been at a superficial level. So there’s no reason to believe it will be any different this time.

     

    Net net: An average performer. A nice Sunday tear jerker. Even voyeuristic to some extent. But all those of us who believed SJ will change India got a might egg on the face. Just as Aamir hummed ‘Meri jaan meri jaan Sunday ke ande’ in the show’s promos.

     

    * * *

     

    PS: Here’s a respected TV producer saying that advertising is killing the television medium. Of course he makes valid points. However it’s tough to visualize a situation where TV is freed of these irritating ads. Unless subscribers are ready to pay a lot of money to broadcast stations. That’s never gonna happen. Also, if there were no ad breaks, what happens to the loo breaks? 🙂

     

    Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/8227864.stm

     

  • Taking into account the growing popularity of the digital medium, ITC's Vivel FaceWash, along with Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and musician Shankar Mahadevan has launched 'India's first digital talent hunt' – MOBisur

    Hungama launches digital talent hunt MOBIsur

    By A Correspondent

     

    The mobile medium in the last many years have grown significantly, especially with 3G and now 4G coming in, there is great expectations from this medium. As wireless subscriptions continue to grow, billions of apps continue to be downloaded worldwide andIndiasaid to have the second largest mobile subscribers in the world.

     

    Taking into account the growing popularity of the digital medium, ITC’s Vivel FaceWash, along with Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and musician Shankar Mahadevan has launched ‘India’s first digital talent hunt’ – MOBisur.

     

    Mr Neeraj Roy, MD and CEO, Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. said: “The reach of Internet andMobiletechnology has grown tremendously in the past few years. The aim of MOBisur is to create a talent-scouting engine in spaces that haven’t been explored in the past, via an entry ticket that is their everyday communication device.”

     

    This unique mobile- and internet-based talent hunt promises to give every Indian an opportunity to prove their singing talent. The property was launched by Shankar Mahadevan, Nilanjan Mukherjee, Head of Marketing, Personal Care Products Business, ITC Ltd; Bhushan Kumar, MD, T-Series and Neeraj Roy, MD and CEO Hungama Digital Media Entertainment in Mumbai on July 13. T-Series is the official music partner for the property, which elevates the talent hunt to an even higher platform.

     

    Mr Bhushan Kumar, MD, T-Series, said: “It gives us immense pleasure to be able to bring new talent in to the industry. As a music label, we are always looking for fresh talent and with a truly digital talent hunt; we have access to talent across the country. We are looking forward to releasing an album composed by Shankar Mahadevan for the winner of the hunt”.

     

    The entries for the digital talent hunt, MOBIsur is said to continue for the next 45 days and the duration of the property will be for three months. The marketing budget is pegged at Rs3-4 crore.

     

    Mr Nilanjan Mukherjee, Head of Marketing, Personal Care Products Business, ITC, said: “Vivel FaceWashis delighted to present Mobisur, an exciting and innovative platform to discover hidden musical talent. Vivel Face Wash MOBisur, in line with this brand philosophy provides a unique opportunity to aspirants to live their musical dreams.”

     

    5,000 talented female participants selected from entries submitted on the Vivel Facebook page www.facebook.com/itcvivel will make it to the second round.

     

    The contestants who clear the first stage of the auditions will be given specific tasks by Shankar Mahadevan, who said: “When I conceptualised this property with Hungama, the thought was to give every Indian an opportunity to participate in a unique contest to try and reach the pinnacle of musical genius. Music is a powerful medium that can come from the most unexpected places.”

     

    Based on their performance in the tasks and the votes secured for each task, they will be chosen for the next round. There are three tasks in all and after clearing all three tasks the contestants make it to the final round, which is the On-Stage Performance. Ten finalists will be chosen to perform in front of Shankar Mahadevan and two other prominent personalities, where the final two winners will be announced.

     

  • The point is that it has always been a matter of doubt as to what a journalist must do when confronted with a live, unfolding tragedy

    Anil Thakraney: Aren’t journos human beings?

    By Anil Thakraney

     

    Friday’s non-stop TV coverage of the Assam molestation incident reminded me of the horrific rape of a minor girl by a drunken man on a Mumbai local train. As seven people (including a journalist, who later filed the story) stood watching and did nothing. I recall having a drink that weekend with a friend, and after a few pegs we both declared we would have chucked the rapist from the moving train. Tabartop justice! Maybe it was the booze talking, but that’s not the point.

     

    The point is that it has always been a matter of doubt as to what a journalist must do when confronted with a live, unfolding tragedy. Should he or she intervene? Or should he or she stick to recording the incident, which is actually the job of a journalist. There are no easy answers to this one and even when there are, opinions are highly polarized. I put this question to acclaimed photographer Raghu Rai, who has shot many live tragedies in his lifetime.

     

    This was a part of the interview I did with him for GQ magazine. He is very clear on the issue: “If a person is dying, even if it’s a very close relative, I would first film it, and then see if I can save the person. If the issue concerns the nation, then I would like the nation to see it. And discover what kind of a nation we have become. We are not doctors or social workers, we are photographers. And our first duty is to take the picture and then do the rest.”

     

    Of course, there’s merit in what he says, and I suspect this must be the opinion of many journos. You have to tell the world about the horrific things going on, else there’s little possibility of change. But after having pondered over this matter for some time, I have reached the conclusion that we journalists have to be human beings first. In the place of the cameraman who filmed the girl being molested by so many perverts (and that is if the dude didn’t provoke the crime, as some people allege!), I would first call the cops, and then jump in to try and save the girl. And this is no hindsight herogiri, this is most certainly the right thing to do for any sensible human being.

     

    Later, I would tell the story and put out the images of the culprits. Isn’t that what really matters? Broadcasting footage of an unfortunate girl being traumatized serves no purpose beyond offering voyeuristic pleasure to some depraved souls. And if you have credibility on your side as a journalist, your readers and viewers will believe your version of things. Indeed that is what journalists must first try and accomplish: Credibility. Scoops and news breaks can wait.

     

    What happened with the young lass in Guwahati is appalling. But given our lax laws and weak law enforcement machinery, and given the general lack of ethics in this nation, such stuff will happen on our streets again and again. But this incident must serve as a reminder to journalists that being human must come above all else.

     

    * * *

     

    PS: Some of the most repugnant ads created across the world. What amazes me is not that they were created… creative minds can often be wicked… but that there are clients who agreed to run these. Wow
    http://inspirationmind.com/45-controversial-extreme-print-media-commercials/

    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    PR Solution, which will launch country's first online press conference booking portal (www.pressconference.co.in) on July 25
    
			
    PR Solution to launch Press Conf booking portal
    
			
    By A Correspondent
    

     
    

    You need people to know about a new product or service or more people to hear about your business successes, or perhaps any agenda you want to put across the country’s branches. Now you can with the help of PR Solution, which will launch country’s first online press conference booking portal (www.pressconference.co.in) on July 25 inIndia.
    

     
    

    Through this unique portal, anybody from any part of the country can complete the formalities of holding a personal, public or corporate conference in any part of the country. The site is created to empower the national and international companies with instant booking of a press conference.
    

     
    

    Press Conference portal is a one-stop-public relations website that offers the broadest selection of PR services in India.
    

     
    

    The idea was incepted by S Vijay Kumar and the aim is to connect the companies and help them organize press conference across India and abroad and make it worthwhile for them and offer a range of best-value products and services along with cutting-edge technology and dedicated round-the-clock customer support.
    

     
    

    Vishnu Khanna, chief advisor, PR Solution said: “The Press Conference portal will offer companies the convenience of online press conference bookings at rock-bottom prices. The aim is to connect the companies of India and helping them in organizing press conference across India and abroad and making it worthwhile for them.”
    

     
    

    He added: “With the rapid development of public relations in India and abroad, Press Conference is going to become the preferred choice of millions of companies, who are delighted to be empowered by a few mouse clicks”.
    

     
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    The business will be primarily handled out of Delhioffice, with Grey's Bangaloreoffice playing a key role for the South Market
    
			
    Grey wins creative duties for Muthoot group
    
			
    By A Correspondent
    

     
    

    The Muthoot Group (M George Enterprise), gold loan business set up in 1887, has now also diversified into financial Services, securities and a host of allied interests. Grey Worldwide has been mandated to handle the creative duties for all of these.
    

     
    

    The business will be primarily handled out of Delhi office, with Grey’sBangaloreoffice playing a key role for the South Market. Having established itself in the South, the Muthoot Group is now seeking to enter and consolidate its presence in the North, West and East markets.
    

     
    

    According to Dip Sengupta, VP and Branch Head, Grey Delhi: “It’s a great win! From the very first meetings with the Muthoot Group, we were moved by the ethics and value systems that drive this great brand. Our task is to help make the brand iconic.”
    

     
    

    “It was great to be a part of such a diverse pitch and of course, win it eventually! It takes a lot to identify a powerful brand idea and to make it relevant for Muthoot’s diverse markets. It was a great challenge and we look forward to this partnership,” added Hari Krishnan, VP and Branch Head, Grey Bangalore.
    

     
    

    According to Cherian Peter, Chief Marketing Officer, Muthoot Group: “We are delighted to have Grey as a partner and look forward to some great work!”