MxMIndia

Category: ADVERTISING

  • The HD feed will be available from May 28 for analog and digital distributors

    Post-IPL, Sony goes HD

    By A Correspondent

     

    Viewers will now be able to watch their favourite shows on Sony Entertainment Television in pristine High Definition from May 28. The HD feed will be available for analog and digital distributors. It will be available on Tata Sky, Airtel, Dish TV and Videocon, covering almost all the current HD universe. Apart from this, it will also be available on Hathway, Seven Star & other key cable networks.

     

    NP Singh, COO, Multi Screen Media Pvt Ltd said: “I am pleased to announce that our flagship channel Sony is all set to be broadcast in HD. Traditionally, SET Network has always embraced technological excellence and going HD is another step in that direction. Improving viewer delight is our aim and I am sure that our consumers will enjoy the enhanced viewer experience immensely.”

     

    Sneha Rajani, Senior Executive Vice President and Business Head, Sony Entertainment Television said: “As a channel that has always been a pioneer in its content offering for the TV audience at large, Sony will continue to keep its viewers in the forefront and be a leader in the marketplace. Going HD is a continuation of that focus and a very proud moment for us all.”

     

    The other channel already on HD in the MSM bouquet is SIX. The IPL is also broadcast in HD on Max.

     

    Sony Pictures Television (SPT) comprises Sony Entertainment Television (SET), one of India’s leading Hindi general entertainment television channels; MAX, India’s premium Hindi movies and special events channel, SAB; a family comedy entertainment channel; SIX,,a premier sports entertainment channel, PIX, the English movie channel and MIX a refreshing hindi music channel.

     

  • MeridianCommunications Mumbai office has just won the new business mandate for hungama.com and bollywoodhungama.com and the apps business

    Hungama, Bollywoodhungama mandate Meridian

    By A Correspondent

     

    Meridian Communications’ Mumbai office has just won the new business mandate for hungama.com and bollywoodhungama.com and the apps business.

     

    Speaking on this new business win, a very excited Samrat Bedi, Head of Office, Meridian said: “The Hungama win, on the back of the Vespa win, is once again a testimony to Meridian’s strength in blending strategic thought with effective and inspiring creative work. The relevant use of new-age media and ideas that won hands down on high cut-through and freshness is where Meridian scored. In Hungama, we have a brave client who inspired us to push ourselves harder. Eventually, it was the chemistry and passion on both sides that brought us together.”

     

    This was a multi agency pitch. The agencies that were in the running for this business were Metal Communication, Network Advertising, Interface and Brand Insights.

     

    Shashank Lanjekar, Vice President-Account Planning, Meridian said: “Hungama.com is a brand that is young, fun and futuristic. We hope to partner them in creating work that mirrors these values.”

     

    Mohit Ahuja, VP Client Servicing: “At Meridian, we believe in creating long term buzz platforms, as opposed to mere taglines. Given the digital youth space that Hungama operates in, this approach is a perfect fit.”

     

  • Ormax Media launches a customized brand health and equity tool for the Indian television and radio industries

    Ormax launches brand track tool for TV & radio

    By A Correspondent

     

    The India n television and radio industries now have their own brand health & equity tool, called Ormax Brand Matrix (OBM).

     

    Launched by Ormax Media, OBM is the first brand-tracking tool customized to address the needs of broadcasters (both television and radio) in India. The product design is based on a mix of qualitative and quantitative consumer research.

     

    Speaking about OBM, Shailesh Kapoor, CEO, Ormax Media said: “There are various conventional models for brand health and equity measurement available in the research industry. However, none of these catered well to broadcaster requirements. Unlike FMCGs, television and radio consumption is very different. There is no monetary consideration, but there is time cost instead. Also, the viewer or listener consumes multiple brands everyday. The broadcasting industry deserves its own brand-tracking model. We are finally ready with OBM, after extensive research and testing over the last two years.” OBM is not only customized to television and radio, it also has custom-made variants for various television genres, such as GECs, movie channels, youth channels, kids, niche channels, and others.

     

    Mr Kapoor added: “More than a research product, we have conceptualized OBM as a strategic framework. If used well, it can enable brands to take sound business decisions based on statistically robust and qualitatively layered consumer evidence.”

     

  • The finale marks the end of the month long cricket tournament where different regions competed for the GPL trophy and a prize of Rs1 lakh

    Grand finale for Radio City’s Gully Premier League

    By A Correspondent

     

    Following the phenomenal start, the second season of Radio City 91.1 FM’s Gully Premier League (GPL) reached its peak during the grand finale. The second season of GPL witnessed a record number of 14,000 team registrations across the country.  The finale saw Ghatkopar ke Super 11 win the tournament. Young cheerleaders as well as celebrities such as Shaan, Babul Supriyo, Meet Brothers Karan Wahi and Vikas Kalantri added to the glitz.

     

    Season 2 of GPL was held across 14 cities – Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Nagpur, Surat, Baroda, Ahmedabad, Vizag, Coimbatore and Pune.

     

  • In a unique initiative, Radio Mirchi gave away bicycles to lucky listeners for an easier, better and eco-friendly commute

    Radio Mirchi tackles petrol price hike!

    By A Correspondent

     

    The continuous price hike in petrol has left everyone in a fix and in a unique initiative, Radio Mirchi gave away bicycles to lucky listeners for an easier, better and eco-friendly commute.

     

    Radio Mirchi invited listeners to give a vent to their angst in a enjoyable and memorable way. RJ Jeeturaaj asked Mirchi fans to compose fun, peppy poems on the constant increase of fuel prices on ‘Hi Mumbai’.On popular evening show ‘Sunset Samosa’, RJs Suren & Meera ran a musical contest where listeners had to sing and complete songs they had created on a cycle.

     

    The innovative initiative by Mirchi registered huge participation from the listeners as they spoke about the troubling state of affairs caused by the ever rising price hike on the airwaves.

     

  • Additionally, I like the fact that Micromax has stuck to its irreverent brand personality. Whether you agree with them or not, you have to appreciate their focus

    Debrief: Micromax: Sexy and cool

    By Anil Thakraney

     

    The king of irreverent advertising, Micromax, is back with another edgy campaign. This one is for their new handset called A50 Ninja, which comes with a built-in female voice feature that offers artificial intelligence. And very smartly, they’ve pet named the phone ‘Aisha’.

     

    The central idea is that the user bonds with the phone as if it was a beautiful woman. A woman who quietly obeys the master’s commands and offers him solutions like a good personal assistant. A cross between a sexy mistress and an efficient secretary. She has no emotions and is very matter-of-fact. And as a bonus, Aisha engages the boss in conversations that are laced with sexual innuendo, even as she solves his problems.

     

    This isn’t brilliant stuff but it most definitely is clever. Because the advertising panders to that ultimate fantasy of a man: to possess a smart chick who does what he demands, and never argues back. Clearly an impossibility in the real world, but we men do secretly fantasize about these things, don’t we? Admit it, dood!

     

    Additionally, I like the fact that Micromax has stuck to its irreverent brand personality. I know plenty of feminists who would abhor this campaign, but that’s of no consequence to the phone maker. They will play mischief, they’ve decided that from the start. Whether you agree with them or not, you have to appreciate their focus.

     

    Rating: (On a scale of 1 to 5):  3. Good strategy backed by provocative creative.

     

     

  • The Media Market Guide offers relevant information on media and markets in a lucid and easy-to-use format

    RK Swamy releases 11th edition of media guide

    By A Correspondent

     

    The RK Swamy Media Group has published the 11th edition of its popular Media Market Guide for the year 2011-12. The comprehensive pocket handbook is used as a valuable and handy reference across the advertising and media industry.

     

    The Media Market Guide offers relevant information on media and markets in a lucid and easy-to-use format. The Guide contains market demographics, audience description and information on various media. There are sections that talk about penetration and usage of products. Important information compiled from various sources is given in the form of snippets for quick reference.

     

    Said Sandeep Sharma, President, R K Swamy Media Group: “The Guide encompasses two decades of our knowledge, understanding and experience of the market and the insights of the media scenario in India. The increasing demand to access information in a pocket handbook format has encouraged the team to improve the content and add value with each edition.”

     

    The Media Market Guide is available free to clients, media owners and advertising professionals and can be obtained by mailing mmg@rkswamymedia.com

     

     

  • MAX launches a new brand campaign with a completely new channel packaging

    JWT crafts new ‘shuruaat’ for post-IPL Max

    By A Correspondent

     

    Television channel Max has announced its latest brand campaign with the theme ‘Shuruaat Yahin Se’ . Created and conceptualized by JWT, the creative agency for Max, the campaign comprises three films – featuring an old couple, a politician and an Olympic shooter.

     

    The campaign highlights the monotony in the lives of these characters and how certain movies that they watch on the channel change their life for the better. Directed by ad film maker Piyush Raghani of Old School Films, these will be released across television, social media and online forums.

     

    Meanwhile, the channel also sports an all-new packaging. Charlieco, a Los Angeles-based agency has brought about this new look-and-feel. The music score mirrors and accentuates the visual themes of the packaging and has been created by the musical duo Salim- Sulaiman.

     

    Speaking on the new initiatives, Neeraj Vyas, Executive Vice President and Business Head, Max said: “‘Shuruaat Yahin Se’ aptly brings alive the central communication theme that Max gives its viewers the power to change their life for the better by showcasing the best of inspiring and thought provoking Hindi cinema. I am sure we will be successful in further engaging loyal viewers while bringing in new audiences.”

     

  • The study was done for five top celebrities and the brands they endorse. The score is a measure of the strength of the association of the celeb with the brand

    Katrina Kaif leads Ormax’s list of top celeb endorsers for Slice ad

    By A Correspondent

     

    Leading Bollywood star Katrina Kaif has emerged as the most powerful endorser amongst celebrities. This was determined by a celebrity-brand association recall study conducted by Ormax Media to measure the brand association of Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar with the various brands they endorse.

     

    The table below gives the association score of various celebrities with specific brands. The score is a measure of the strength of the association. 13 brand-celebrity combinations crossed an association score of 15. Katrina Kaif takes three out of the top four slots, with Slice being a clear leader. In contrast, the most popular male Bollywood star today, Salman Khan, has only brand (Wheel) making the cut, though Ormax Media believes this is because Salman remains a very selective endorser and most of his endorsements started only recently.

     

    Brand Celebrity Association Score
    Slice Katrina Kaif 45
    Boost Sachin Tendulkar 32
    Lux Katrina Kaif 28
    Veet Katrina Kaif 25
    Pepsi MS Dhoni 23
    Limca Kareena Kapoor 23
    Head & Shoulders Kareena Kapoor 21
    Lays MS Dhoni 21
    Pepsi Sachin Tendulkar 18
    Aircel MS Dhoni 17
    Boroplus Kareena Kapoor 16
    Olay Katrina Kaif 16
    Wheel Salman Khan 16

     

    The study was done among a total of 1000 respondents across 16 markets. TG was Males and Females, 15-34 yrs. Ormax Media plans to cover other celebrity endorsers such as Shahrukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra and Virat Kohli in the next round of the celebrity association track.

     

  • Radio Mirchi’s RJ Raaj dressed as a green crusader to spread the message of reducing carbon emission in Bengaluru

    Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Radio Mirchi

    By A Correspondent

     

    Radio Mirchi’s RJ Raaj – Majja Run patron –  dressed as a green crusader in a black robe with a huge life size cut out of a foot all made from recycled biodegradable products to spread the message of reducing carbon emission in Bengaluru. He won the first place at the Kingfisher ‘Run in Costume’ Green Crusader segment.

     

    RJ Raja went out to spread the message on how each one of us can take a green oath by reducing the carbon emission in our daily lives by adopting simple practices such as turning the lights, televisions and computers off when not in use, keeping fridge doors closed, drive less, do the weekly errands in a single trip or pay bills online, walk, bike, ride the bus or carpool and so on.

     

    Excited about his win, Beat Raja Raaj said: “It is a great high to win the contest for the second time in a row. I have always been an avid follower of green practices in my daily life and hence took up the carbon footprint concept.”

     

    Commenting on the occasion, Sangeeta Rath, Station Head – Radio Mirchi said: “We have been very actively participating in the World 10K for the last five years and every year RJ Raaj designs looks that are very topical in nature. This year it was the green message, it is commendable of RJ Raaj to come up with this unique and meaningful depiction! Kudos to him for winning second time in succession.”

     

  • The professional networking continues to grow in popularity

    LinkedIn celebrates 15 million members in India

    By A Correspondent

     

    LinkedIn announced that more than 15 million professionals are now using the platform in India. Indiais LinkedIn’s largest market outside the USin terms of membership. LinkedIn started its Indiaoperations in 2009 with a member base of 3.4 million.

    Hari V Krishnan, Country Manager, LinkedIn India, said: “We are delighted to reach the 15 million member milestone. It demonstrates that professional networking is becoming increasingly important to Indian professionals. In just three years our member base has grown by over 300 per cent. We attribute this growth to the tools we have developed that help professionals to stay connected, gain insights for their businesses, bag that dream job and ultimately, realize their professional potential. As awareness of our product features has grown, engagement and adoption of the platform has accelerated.”

     

    In India, members turn to LinkedIn to keep up with industry discussions (58 per cent), fostering their professional identity (75 per cent), networking with other professionals (77 per cent) and learning about companies (46 per cent).

     

    In addition to its growing membership base, LinkedIn has experienced growing demand for its marketing solutions and hiring solutions in India. A number of high profile brands are opting for LinkedIn Marketing Solutions to build conversations and influence with a highly targeted, affluent audience.

     

    Brands like AMEX, Wipro, DSP Blackrock and VolkswagenIndiahave leveraged the customized solutions that LinkedIn provides to its advertisers. Furthermore, companies like ING Vysya Bank, HCL Technologies, Genpact and Larsen & Toubro have been extensively using LinkedIn Hiring Solutions to recruit professionals for various positions in their organization.
    LinkedIn India is headquartered in Mumbai with 4 offices across Gurgaon, Bengaluru and Mumbai.

     

  • NDS to provide suite of end-to-end technologies including MediaHighway set-top box software, VideoGuard conditional access, NDS Dynamic Advertising capabilities, an electronic programme guide (EPG), interactive TV applications

    ADN selects NDS Technology to launch Digital Cable TV service in central and western Delhi

    By A Correspondent

     

    NDS announced that it will be providing the enabling technologies for cable operator ADN Networks to support the launch of its digital cable TV service in central and westernDelhi.

     

    NDS will provide  an end-to-end technology suite including MediaHighway set-top box software, VideoGuard conditional access, a customised electronic programme guide (EPG) and a host of interactive functionality such as games and TV applications, including regional content, to compliment ADN’s current channel offering.

     

    Tejinder Chawla, Director, ADN Networks, said: “With its raft of innovative, affordable technologies and strong support framework, we are confident that NDS is the right technology provider to enable the launch our digital cable TV services.”

     

    NDS will also enable additional revenue streams by providing regional advertising capabilities via the EPG home page and banner ads supported by NDS Dynamic Advanced Advertising technology.

     

    Jayant Changrani, Country Head & General Manager NDSIndia, said: “With the digitisation of cable TV inIndiarapidly progressing, cable operators are looking to swiftly migrate from their existing platforms to digital. This announcement underlines our commitment to provide operators with the enabling technology to meet the government’s digitisation mandate and enable a superior subscriber offering.

     

    NDS will continue to work closely with ADN to deliver a raft of world-leading, affordable and innovative solutions and services to its growing subscriber base in Delhi.