MxMIndia

Category: ADVERTISING

  • The event being planned for select invitees of the marcom industry on 3 December

    AdAsia 2021 Macao to be streamed on Dec 3

    By Our Staff

     

    The first day of the AdAsia Macao 2021 conference being held as a virtual event this year will be streamed into an event being planned for select invitees of the marcom industry on December 3.

     

    Srinivasan Swamy
    Srinivasan K Swamy

    Said Srinivasan Swamy, Vice Chairman Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA): “The first day at an AdAsia is eagerly looked forward to. This streaming would include the inaugural session with the awards ceremony, the keynote address by Mark Read Global CEO WPP and other interesting speeches and presentations, by leaders of industry like James Murphy Founder New Commercial Arts (previously founder of Adam&Eve DDB which was Cannes Lions Agency of the Decade), Rajeev Chaba, President and M.D. Morros Garage Motor India, Cynthia Lau Director of CruiSo Digital Solutions, Mann Lao Founder and Creative Director Chiii Design, to name a few. I am glad the Advertising Council of India has taken up this unique and useful initiative and I thank IAA India Chapter for having led this effort.”

     

    Locally, there will ba panel discussion featuring industry leaders like Megha Tata, MD- South Asia, Discovery Communications India & President IAA India Chapter; Pradeep Dwivedi, Group CEO & Executive Director, Eros International Media Ltd & Vice President IAA India Chapter; Sam Balsara, Chairman, Madison World; Anupriya Acharya, CEO- South Asia, Publicis Groupe & President-AAAI, who will discuss the relevance and implications of the keynote address on the Future of Marketing in a brave new world in the Indian context.”

     

    Megha Tata
    Megha Tata

    Adds Tata:”The AdAsia has always been known for its rich content and its great networking. Now, this hybrid effort combines the two features in a venue right here in Mumbai and we are inviting a select group of 100 marcom professionals.”

     

    Those interested in registering for this event can contact soumen/execseciaa@gmail.com. Entry is strictly restricted to registered invitees only.

     

     

  • To drive growth of the practice through policy advocacy

    H+K India gets Srinivas Vunnava to head public affairs

    By Our Staff

     

    Srinivas Vunnava
    Srinivas Vunnava

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K) has strengthened its leadership in India by appointing Srinivas Vunnava as Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations. Working closely with Abhishek Gulyani, CEO, Vunnava will lead the domestic Public Affairs and Government Relations practice.

     

    Announcing the appointment, Gulyani said: “We are pleased to welcome Srinivas Vunnava as our new Director of Public Affairs. Srini’s extensive experience with leading corporates as well as Central and State Government departments, multi-lateral and bilateral agencies, and policy think tanks adds strategic value and contributes immensely to our India growth story.”

     

    Commenting on the new role, Vunnava added: “I am very excited to be joining H+K India at a time when India is amidst systemic transformation. Businesses, especially foreign owned entities are seeking a trusted partner to help them mitigate risk, build reputation, and accelerate growth. I look forward to leveraging my experience and H+K’s impressive expertise to enhance clients’ business outcomes through an integrated communications and public affairs approach.”

     

  • Should a media brand refuse allow high dominance on radio or outdoor for an extended period, asks Sanjeev Kotnala

    Can media prevent audience suffocation?

     

    By Sanjeev Kotnala

     

    Sanjeev KotnalaAlishan. Rokade. Talab. Nanga Putla. You may not know these names. However, if you have recently driven in and around Nagpur and Jabalpur, you will identify them as large regional brands dominating radio and outdoor. They overpower you with high visual clutter and irritate you with their high decibel-high-frequency jingles and mentions on the radio. Nothing wrong with it. Every media needs a client like these. However, if you dig deep, you will know what is wrong with this extended media approach, although it may be working for the brand.

     

    I may be using a few regional brands advertising on radio and outdoor as an example, but TV, Print and Digital, nationally, and regionally are equally infected with the problem. The concerned media should be blamed for neither keeping the audience in focus nor advising the client.

     

    I have driven more than 1700 km in the last two weeks. I’ve been on the road from Mumbai- Aurangabad- Nagpur- Jabalpur. As I start my return journey, I am irritatingly questioned on every turn of the highway- Talab khaya kya. And I loudly curse – Nahi khaya – and change the station.

     

    Every milestone in and around Nagpur on the Chindwara, Seoni or Aurangabad sides keep telling me: Dhule Ka Vishwash, Alishan- Alishan, Naga Putla Chowk, Gandhibag-Nagpur. In fact, the whole of Nagpur is covered with Alishan hoardings. In dominant isolation, clusters or series. One cannot drive more than 1-2 km without seeing a hoarding of Alishan or Rokade Jewellers. And if you have FM on, you can’t hear two songs without an Alishan, Vishal or Rokade spot.

     

    Nanga Putla Chowk. I laugh at the irony of the address. The regional Manyavar equivalent Alishan has its showroom at Nanga Putla Chowk, which is part of Gandhibagh. With Alishan advertising, Nanga Putla is maybe the most well-known landmark in the town. More than Zero-Mile, Santara mandi or Diksha Bhoomi.

     

    I may be exaggerating, but such is the dominance.

     

    INITIAL PROBE

    My first question. Should one expect a local or national media brand to help brands plan and decide better? Yes, for Alishan and Rokade Jewellers the initial burst of outdoor and radio happened during the Covid times. A godsent opportunity for media houses. The brand bought large volumes dirt cheap. The communication helped the initial spike of awareness, familiarity, and brand knowledge. So much so that competition like Vishal for Alishan and for Rokade followed the tested media strategy. Now, the overexposure is not adding much. There is no advantage. I have been expecting the brand will feel the pinch. But the wait continues to be extended. I must be missing some covert business strategy, as the communication is not adding much.

     

    Should media advise on selection, quantum, and frequency of advertisement? Should it consider advising the brand to even tone it down if it is overkill by overspending?

     

    Trust me, I changed frequencies but failed to find a radio station in Nagpur or Jabalpur that was not crowded by the brands referred. One that did not ask at every time with its five-second type spot – Talab Khaya Kya or sang me now the famous lullaby- Alishan-Alishan. However, let me also be honest, as a family, in Nagpur, we drove down to check WTF was Nanga Putla Chowk.

     

    QUESTIONS FOR MEDIA BRANDS

    And it leads me to raise a few questions that may be unwarranted or completely wrong. I am not in media sales. Maybe I am being idealistic. But bear with me and see if I make sense.

     

    Considering their audience interest, should a media brand refuse to allow such high dominance in terms of frequency in radio or visual dominance in outdoor for an extended period. The operating part is an extended period. I have been part of buying 150-200 hoardings in a city twice in my life. Both were strategic calls and for a real short period. These brands have been on your face for far too long.

     

    Should a brand refuse to release a creative it thinks is not good enough or unsuitable for the media? Like a short spot that comes back again and again and just asks you Talab Khaya Kya?

     

    THE UNCONTROLABLE SPIRAL

    If they don’t. Media brands will slowly accelerate the weaning away of audiences. Not because of the content, but because of irritant dominating advertising. Something beyond the level of audience tolerance.

     

    ASKING TOO MUCH FROM MEDIA BRANDS.

    I spoke to many residents of Nagpur and Jabalpur. I find there is a hint of distrust building. The consumers wonder what the brands are up to. They seem to be overspending even after considering discounted media pricing and large scale buying during the covid time.

     

    Where do you draw the line?

     

    Where and how does one say no to such business in these trying times?

     

    Should one even be expecting this from media brands?

     

     

  • Has highest quali-points growth over three years

    Dentsu X India on growth trajectory: Recma

    By Our Staff

     

    Recma, the research firm that evaluates media agencies, has recognised Dentsu X as the Indian media agency with the highest quali-points growth over three years.

     

    Divya Karani
    Divya Karani

    Said Divya Karani, Chief Executive Officer, Dentsu Media South Asia: “Dentsu has embraced the future by providing integrated idea-led, data-driven, tech-enabled solutions that offer our clients a competitive advantage in an ever-changing environment. Our body of work, our client partnerships is the bedrock for our trajectory and validates that we are on the right path.”

     

    Roopam Garg
    Roopam Garg

    Added Roopam Garg, CEO, Dentsu X India: “This is a huge affirmation of our ‘Experience beyond Exposure’ offer powered by data and analytics. This drives outcomes for brands v/s only output or media efficiencies. The fact that a growing number of marketers see the value dentsu X provides in this rapidly changing and challenging business, is a tremendous endorsement of our design.”

     

  • AFAA is represented in India by the Advertising Council of India (ACI) whose members are The Advertising Club, the Advertising Agencies Association of India, the India Chapter of International Advertising Association, Indian Broadcasting and Digital Association and the Indian Society of Advertisers

    Srinivasan Swamy elected Chairman AFAA

    By Our Staff

     

    The Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA), at its General Body Meeting held on Wednesday, elected Srinivasan Swamy as its Chairman for a term of four years. Swamy, who is well known as the Chairman of R K Swamy Hansa group, has held leadership positions in many industry bodies at a national and global level. He has been Chairman and World President of the International Advertising Association (IAA), Chairman Confederation of Asian Advertising Agency Associations (CAAAA), President Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI), IAA India Chapter, Chairman Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), President All India Management Association (AIMA), to name a few.

     

    Said Swamy: “This is a privilege not just for me but for the Indian marcom community at large. The AFAA not just hosts the prestigious AdAsia conference, but is also connected with AdStars, and runs the widely acclaimed FastTrack program where young professionals are trained and transformed in a three-day program. I look forward to making a meaningful contribution to the communications industry in Asia, as well as seeing how AFAA can work along with other global industry Associations and further the cause of professionalism.”

     

    Adds a communique: “India has seen two distinguished AFAA Chairmen in the past – Gautam Rakshit and Pradeep Guha. Unfortunately both of them passed away recently.”

     

    AFAA is represented in India by the Advertising Council of India (ACI) whose members are The Advertising Club, the Advertising Agencies Association of India, the India Chapter of International Advertising Association, Indian Broadcasting and Digital Association and the Indian Society of Advertisers.

     

  • As the Most Creative Agency Network globally

    Ogilvy tops WARC Creative 100

    By Our Staff

     

    Ogilvy is proud to announce that the World Advertising Research Centre (WARC) has named Ogilvy the most creative agency network in the world. On Wednesday, WARC released the results of its annual Creative 100 ranking of the most creative agencies, networks, and campaigns in the world. In addition to Ogilvy ranking as the #1 Agency Network, Daivd Miami was named the #1 Creative Agency and Burger King’s “Moldy Whopper,” a creative collaboration between DAVID Miami and INGO Stockholm, ranked as the #1 Creative Campaign. The WARC Creative 100 is the definitive benchmark for creative success based on results from the most prestigious global and regional industry competitions.

     

    Said Liz Taylor, Ogilvy’s Global Chief Creative Officer: “Topping the WARC Creative 100 speaks to the borderless creativity that unites Ogilvy’s global creative network, and what’s possible when creative thinking stretches across departments, geographies, and cultures to become a shared mission. What makes us most proud of this achievement is that it recognizes work delivered during a year where creativity helped us deliver through unimaginable circumstances. Our sincerest thanks to every person who works at Ogilvy for their passion and ingenuity, and to our brave clients for their partnership, trust, and collaboration.”

     

    Ten Ogilvy offices were ranked among the world’s Top 50 individual creative agencies contributing to the network’s success with David Miami ranked #1, Memac Ogilvy Dubai at #7, INGO Stockholm at #8, David Madrid at #17, Ogilvy Sydney at #19, Ogilvy Bogotá at #21, Ogilvy UK at #24, Ogilvy Toronto at #31, Ogilvy Singapore at #36, and Ogilvy Islamabad at #38. Additionally, Ogilvy’s offices in Sydney, Mumbai, and Bogotá ranked among the top agencies on the WARC Effective 100.

     

    Thirteen Ogilvy-created campaigns were among the most awarded campaigns of the year, seven of which were among the top 25. Campaigns recognized include: “Moldy Whopper” for Burger King from David Miami and INGO Stockholm (#1), “Stevenage Challenge” for Burger King from David Miami and David Madrid (#2), “Courage is Beautiful” for Dove by Ogilvy UK and Ogilvy Toronto (#12), “The Book that Will Change Your Life” for IKEA from Memac Ogilvy Dubai (#15), “Please Arrest Me” for RIT Foundation from Ogilvy Singapore (#16), “Naming the invisible by Digital Birth Registration” for Telenor Pakistan from Ogilvy Islamabad (#17), “Michelin Impossible” for KFC by Ogilvy Sydney (#25), “Buy With Your Time” for IKEA from Memac Ogilvy Dubai (#36), “Secret Menu” for KFC from Ogilvy Sydney (#44), “Burn That Ad” for Burger King from DAVID São Paulo (#64), “Mother Blanket” for Fundación Vivir & CCPDA from Ogilvy Bogotá (#48), “NarcoStore” for Fundación Colombia con Memoria from Ogilvy Bogotá (#75), and “Every Drop Counts” for Miyahuna from Memac Ogilvy Amman (#96).

     

  • The first Laadli Gender Champion award will be presented to Advocate Flavia Agnes

    Laadli Media & Advertising Awards to be held on December 5

    By Our Staff

     

    The national edition of the Laadli Media & Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity will be held online on Sunday, December 5 from 4:30 pm onwards and will be awarding noteworthy work in the fields of journalism, advertising, films, television, theatre and books. The event will be held online and will be attended by Norwegian Ambassador, Hans Jacob Frydenlund and Sriram Haridass, Country Representative, UNFPA India, as guests of honour. Veteran journalist, writer and television personality Mrinal Pande will be the chief guest. The initiative is supported by UNFPA and the Norwegian Embassy in India.

     

    Shama Zaidi
    Shama Zaidi

    This year, the Laadli of the Century is being given to Shama Zaidi, screenplay writer, costume designer, art director, theatre person, art critic, and documentary filmmaker while Laadli Lifetime Achievement Award is to be conferred upon Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry. The awards seek to acknowledge the path-breaking efforts made by them to not only challenge gender biases but for being a source of inspiration for many to be not fed cowed down by dogmas and societal limitations.

     

    To honour the work put in by women behind the screen and recognise their contribution to films and TV shows, Tanuja Chandra, director and writer will be awarded the ‘Laadli Woman Behind the Screen’.

     

    To honour the work of the late Gail Omvedt, Kamla Bhasin, and Sonal Shukla, stalwarts of the Indian feminist movement and social activists, who passed away recently, the Laadli Gender Champion Award has been instituted and it will be given to Flavia Agnes, the well-known women’s rights lawyer who had started Majlis to work with women seeking legal recourse from domestic violence and inequalities.

     

    To watch the event live, please visit www.youtube.com/laadli_PF

     

  • Elevates Arindam Sengupta and Prashant Tekwani

    Havas India restructures creative leadership

    By Our Staff

     

    As part of the ongoing restructuring of the senior leadership team at Havas Worldwide India, Havas Group India has elevated Arindam Sengupta and Prashant Tekwani to new profiles. Prior to this, Manas Lahiri was elevated as Managing Director and Ravinder Siwach as ED & National Creative Director of Havas Worldwide India, respectively.

     

    Rana Barua
    Rana Barua

    Said Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India: “Despite the challenges of the last two years, as a network, we have witnessed unprecedented growth through new business wins, acquisitions and extending several global expertise to India. All of which has helped us build a marquee list of new clients and partnerships. Havas Group India has emerged as one of the strongest integrated networks in India, offering our clients effective solutions through collaboration and coming together of the best talent and expertise. I am confident both Arindam and Prashant will continue to drive excellence and take us to greater heights.”

     

     

  • To revamp its visual identity and enhance its online presence

    Ants Digital bags mandate for Kleen Skin

    By Our Staff

     

    Sustainable beauty brand Kleen Skin has handed over its digital mandate to tech-led marketing agency, Ants Digital, to revamp its visual identity and enhance its online presence.

     

    Viola Louise
    Viola Louise

    Said Viola Louise from the brand: “Kleen Skin is a growing organic beauty and wellness brand. Our motto is to retain, maintain, and sustain. We seek to deliver our brand’s vision on the internet through our packaging, website and social media. We are so excited to work with Ants Digital as our creative and digital partner to transform our online appearance with their clever mix of ideas.”

     

    Sanjay Arora
    Sanjay Arora

    Added Sanjay Arora, Chief Executive Officer, Ants Digital Private Limited: “Kleen Skin is an emerging brand with a vision to provide sustainable wellness solutions for everyone. Their range of eco-friendly and natural products is awe-inspiring. We’re eager to conceptualise creative ideas and develop a tech-led contemporary approach that reflects the brand’s vision.”

     

     

  • Speaks about the real power of communication

    Ramesh Narayan inducted into AFAA Hall of Fame 2021

    By Our Staff

     

    Ramesh Narayan
    Ramesh Narayan

    At the inaugural session of the prestigious AdAsia conference being held at Macao, Ramesh Narayan was inducted into the AFAA Hall of Fame, 2021.

     

    Earlier, outgoing Chairman of AFAA, Raymond So said: “the AFAA Hall of Fame sets out to recognize the best of the very best. Ramesh Narayan is a legend who has the ability to look past what’s good enough and focus on making everything better than it has to be”.

     

    He read out a citation that outlined the highlights of an illustrious career studded with almost all the national and global awards in the advertising industry, leadership positions in all the relevant Indian marcom industry associations, the contribution he has made to many social causes, his belief in using communication as a force for good and above all, for his integrity, truthfulness, effective communication skills, and his unique way of winning friends and influencing people.

     

    In his brief acceptance speech, Narayan said: “I’d like to thank AFAA and all my friends across Asia for this huge honor bestowed on me. Around 23 years ago, I was invited by my friend Pradeep Guha (you see I don’t say the late Pradeep Guha, because he lives in our minds and in our hearts) to join the AFAA movement and help make a bid to bring the AdAsia to India. This culminated in the AdAsia 2003 Jaipur. However, for me it was an introduction to industry work, as against only my own Agency work, and that experience is ongoing. I’d like to acknowledge the immense work done by all the architects of AFAA and to accept this honour on behalf of all of them.

     

    “I’d like to talk a little about our industry. I have had the amazing experience to be a part of an industry that keeps the wheels of our economies moving. That ensures more employment across the world. That gives individuals the right to choose. That educates, and entertains and spreads awareness.

     

    “However, I feel all this pales into insignificance before the power of this industry to help rid the world of diseases like polio. To raise money and combat calamities across the world, to help raise our collective voices for the environment and elder care and gender equality. And against domestic violence and animal abuse.

     

    “Can you think of any other industry that can claim to do all these things? Yes, my friends. That is the real power we as an industry wield. And that is what I call communication as a force for good.

     

    “And I urge more of us to think of our industry in this way.. And to make time for work like this. And show that what’s  good, is good for industry.

     

    “And so I stand here today, honoured and humbled.”

     

    Narayan has been President of the Advertising Club, The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI), the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA), Chairman of the Awards Governing Council of the Abby awards at GoaFest. He has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the AAAI, named Global Champion by the IAA, the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association of Business Communicators of India (ABCI), presented with a Special award by the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) and inducted into the IAA India Chapter Hall of Fame. He has been president of the Rotary Club of Bombay, and the recipient of several Rotary awards.

     

    Since the AdAsia was being held as a virtual event, a unique hybrid event was held in Mumbai to present the AFAA awards.

     

    Pradeep Guha was posthumously inducted into the AFAA Hall of Fame for 2019 and his wife Papia Guha accepted the award.

     

    Srinivasan Swamy was presented the AFAA Special Merit Award for 2019.

     

  • Puts the spotlight on trust and relationships

    Contract Advertising shoots new film for L&T Realty

    By Our Staff

     

    L&T Realty has launched a new campaign film conceptualised by Contract Advertising. The film puts the spotlight on trust and relationships.

     

    Said Ayan Chakraborty, EVP & General Manager, Contract Mumbai: “When we spoke to customers of L&T Realty, we found that there is almost a kind of blind faith that they equated with the brand. They felt they could trust the brand with their eyes closed. Because L&T always pleasantly surprised them with the product and the service at every step of the way. This is what sparked off the thought for this narrative.”

     

    Added Rahul Ghosh, SVP & ECD, Contract Mumbai: “The genome of trust doesn’t come from promises made on legal paper. Trust is built brick by brick. By people, behaviour and interactions. And L&T Realty’s legacy of trust is brought alive in a tale of what it means in people’s lives. In a category dominated by fuzzy make-believe worlds, we went back to good old storytelling that told a tale of trust that is far beyond the world of square feet.”

     

  • Will be a group resource with growth and business development responsibilities

    Rajendra Gupta joins Rediff as CGO

    By Our Staff

     

    Rajendra Gupta
    Rajendra Gupta

    Rediffusion announced the appointment of Rajendra Gupta as its Chief Growth Officer, based at its corporate office in Mumbai. An engineer from BHU-IT and an MBA from FMS Delhi, Gupta has been in advertising, industrial solutioning and telecom for well over 35 years. This will be Gupta’s second stint at Rediffusion. He earlier worked at Rediffusion Delhi and Mumbai from 1994 to 2002.

     

    Gupta will be a group resource with growth and business development responsibilities across Rediffusion, Everest, Rediffusion Healthcare, Rediffusion Direct (recently rechristened Rediffusion FutureTech), Rediffusion SmartMedia, Mogae Media and the Indian Institute of Human Brands (IIHB). He will be based in Mumbai.

     

    Said Dr. Sandeep Goyal, Managing Director of Rediffusion: “Rajendra is special. He is also Rediffusion’s lucky mascot for new business and new horizons. He combines the aggressiveness of a good salesman with very good understanding of technology. And over the years he has become an excellent advertising professional. Such a combination of virtues and talent is rare.”