MxMIndia

Category: MEDIA

  • An industry first that enables a tapeless TV commercial delivery that is faster, cheaper and greener

    Star India invites advertisers to “Go Digital, Go Green” with STAR Content LIVE

    By A Correspondent

     

    In yet another game-changing move, Star India is pleased to announce Star Content Live, an industry first where the network will provide its advertisers and business partners a tapeless TV commercial delivery service which is faster, cheaper and greener.

     

    Star Content Live is a digital solution that enables the advertisers to deliver their TV commercials for telecast across the Star Network. This service will enable better cost and time efficiencies across the value chain and is a tapeless end-to-end workflow that is safe for HD and SD digital advertisement distribution.

     

    Star Network has always been extremely conscious of its carbon footprint and this initiative also forms an integral part of the movement to reduce the same by terminating the use of tapes for all TV commercials telecast across the network.

     

    With Star Content Live, the advertisers can turn around their campaign faster by instantly uploading their TV commercials. It is cheaper because it helps save costs incurred on betas for multiple campaigns, edits, languages and channels. It is also a greener option that helps reduce carbon footprint.

     

    Announcing this as an industry first, Kevin Vaz, President, Ad Sales, Star India Pvt. Ltd. said: “At Star, we believe that receiving tape-based commercials from advertisers is riddled with time and cost inefficiencies. The order-to-air cycle is slow and involves logistical and preparation costs such as purchasing tape, dubbing, shipping, digitising again for play-out and so on. It is also vulnerable to outside factors such as custom hold-ups, traffic which can further delay the process. Going tapeless, in addition to being a greener option, also eliminates many of these inefficiencies. We are sure that our advertisers, business partners and eventually the whole TV broadcast industry would move to this digital solution sooner rather than later.”

     

    Advertisers on Star Network can avail of this service by delivering their commercials using any one of the following three options:

     

    Option 1: Upload commercial as a file on http://content.startv.com/tvc via the internet.

    Option 2: Drop the commercial in a returnable hard drive at the Star TV kiosks located in Mumbai, New-Delhi and Kolkata.

    Option 3: If the commercial is being compiled at a Prime Focus studio, the studio can pick up the final files from the edit suite itself.

     

    STAR India is a leading media and entertainment company, broadcasting 33 channels in eight languages to more than 400 million people every week across India and more than 100 countries across the globe. Star India has defined India’s broadcast entertainment industry for over two decades with its unparalleled reach and unrivaled thought leadership position. Today STAR India is a sprawling media conglomerate, with a number of widely admired properties that transcend the barriers of language and culture and enlivens the lives of millions of Indians every hour of the day.

     

  • The newspaper carried a 16-column colour picture with the lead story of the day, with both, the front and back pages working seamlessly together as a unified 'front' page

    Lokmat Media thanks record-breakers with innovation

    By A Correspondent

     

    In what is possibly the first instance of a broadsheet newspaper innovation, Lokmat Media Limited used the full 16 columns across the front and back pages for a lead picture to physically communicate the size and scale of a world-record-setting event. It also spread its ‘front’ page coverage seamlessly across the back page over a span of 16 columns, perhaps creating another world record for its latest media innovation.

     

    Rishi Darda, Editorial Director & Joint MD, Lokmat Media Ltd, said: “Lokmat Connect had just assembled over a lakh of people in the stadium, and another 40 to 50 thousand outside, on a mid-week working morning, to set a world record for singing the National Anthem. It seemed as if all of Aurangabadresponded to our call to set the world record. So when we had our post-event editorial meeting to plan the next day’s issue, one of our main priorities, apart from excellent editorial content, was: How do we give the readers a sense of the scale of the mammoth turnout? While a picture normally speaks a thousand words, our lead picture bespoke a lakh”

     

    “To the best of my knowledge and belief, it was a world-first: a 16-column colour picture with the lead story of the day, with both, the front and back pages working seamlessly together as a unified ‘front’ page, ” he added.

     

    Getting a lakh-and-half people, which is around 8 per cent of Aurangabad’s population to congregate on a working day morning, is no mean feat. “Lokmat’s media innovation is not just a celebration of that success, but, more importantly, our way of thanking everyone who turned up, putting their lives on hold for the hours they spent with us,” said Mr Darda.

     

    Lokmat’s innovation not just communicated the scale, but also had a clever element of surprise for the reader. When one picked up the newspaper and saw the front page, it had a beautifully aligned 8-column banner picture. The layout of the other elements on the front page looked like a normal, well designed front page. “Only when the reader opened the paper and glanced at the back page did the picture reveal itself to be a full panoramic 16-column spread, and the editorial content on the back page too merged, seamlessly, with the front page layout,” explained Darda.

     

    Explaining the world record attempt, Mr Darda said: “Media brands do several things to connect with their readers. Ours was an activation exercise driven by patriotism, and a solemn sense of our duty to the nation. We wanted to help people gift to the nation, a World Record around our National Anthem, on the eve of Republic Day. We were not only commemorating 100 years of Jana Gana Mana, but also celebrating 30 years of our solid presence in, and bond with, Aurangabad.”

     

    Fittingly, even the massive backdrop had only Jana Gana Mana on it, with a tiny ‘Lokmat’ below – like its salute to the National Anthem.

     

    The media innovation was made possible by the depth of Lokmat’s emotional and enduring connect with the people it has been partnering and serving in their day to day lives for the past 30 years. “It was a never-before connect managed brilliantly by Lokmat Connect, our Events specialist team, which has organized many mega events. This connect with the people of the city, across barriers of caste, community, gender and age groups is what empowers us to contribute to and make an impact on the life of every Maharashtrian in general and Aurangabadkars in particular,” said Mr Darda.

     

  • Ten Golf to be launched in India; official broadcast partner for PGTI tournaments

    PGTI, Ten Golf ink three-year deal

    By A Correspondent

     

    Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), the official sanctioning body of professional golf in India, on Thursday announced a three-year exclusive partnership with the soon-to-be-launched sports channel, Ten Golf.

     

    The deal provides Ten Golf with the broadcasting rights for all PGTI-sanctioned tournaments within and outside the country from 2012 to 2014. Ten Golf  is India’s first exclusive golf channel.

     

    Announcing the partnership, Mr. Padamjit Sandhu, Director, PGTI, said: “Professional golf inIndiahas had strong positive growth over the last five years under PGTI. We are at a stage now where it is important for us to showcase the depth of Indian talent and their achievements with the support of a professional electronic medium. To further grow golf, and project the opportunities and the potential the sport has, it is important to have a strong broadcast partner. With Ten Golf we see strong synergies, and are confident that their expertise, knowledge and bandwidth will substantially help take Indian golf to the next level.”

     

    Mr. Atul Pande, CEO, Taj Television India Private Limited, said, “Our sports broadcast strategy of building committed viewers in specific sports, has led to the idea of the golf channel – Ten Golf. Our tie up with PGTI will help in strengthening the Indian Tour. We will be working closely with Asian Tour and European Tour to bring world class golf action for viewers inIndiaand the subcontinent.”

     

    When Ten Golf launches in March, it will broadcast a weekly show titled “Inside the PGTI”. This show will highlight the best golfing action from PGTI events and will feature golfers on the PGTI circuit. The sports channel will also air special promos and fillers based on Indian golfers and the PGTI tour.

     

    Ten Sports bouquet of channels are the leading sports channels in Indian Subcontinent. Ten Golf will be the latest addition to the bouquet of products offered by Taj Television Limited, whose portfolio includes Ten Sports, Ten Cricket, Ten Action+, Ten HD. TEN bouquet of channel reaches 100 million households acrossIndia.

     

    Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognized official body of professional golf inIndia. PGTI’s objective is to promote professional golf in the country as well as give players an opportunity to be involved in decision making for all aspects of the game.

     

  • On an overall level, the index had peaked during the mid-months of 2011 but most months saw the index about 20 per cent lower than the July 2008 levels.

    Media hiring 9% higher in Jan than Dec

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Indian entertainment and media sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy, and has witnessed tremendous growth in last couple of years.

     

    In January 2012, hiring activity in the media sector saw a growth of 9 per cent above December 2011 levels and 3 per cent above the January 2011 levels.

     

    The May 2011 index at 1025 was the highest point on the job index in three years. The last three months of 2011, however has seen some dipping hiring numbers.

     

    Hitesh Oberoi, CEO and MD, Info EdgeIndiasaid “With the beginning of the new year, the recruitment scenario seems to be moving in a positive direction. However, this year, firms will be more particular about recruiting the right talent and employees who can make meaningful contributions to the firm.”

     

    Thus, on an overall level, the index had peaked during the mid-months of 2011 but most months saw the index about 20 per cent lower than the July 2008 levels.

     

    Naukri.com, India’s No. 1 job site, is the flagship brand of Info Edge. It revolutionized the concept of recruitment inIndia. Since its inception in 1997, Naukri.com has seen continued growth while outperforming its competitors in every sphere. Info Edge is the first internet Company to be listed inIndia.

     

  • Inorbit Malls have created an online forum on Twitter and launched a dedicated 24 hour customer SMS service

    Inorbit Malls’ interactive feedback mechanism on Twitter & SMS

    By A Correspondent

     

    Inorbit Malls, the pioneers in mall culture in India, now brings to its shoppers an interactive feedback mechanism that will enable them to connect with their consumers in real time as well as provide a forum for consumer interaction and response. Inorbit Malls have created an online forum on micro blogging site, Twitter as well as launched a dedicated 24 hour GSM customer short messaging services (SMS).

     

    The feedback mechanism will enable an expeditious and inexpensive forum to shoppers for resolution of complaints relating to certain services rendered by the mall. All that the consumers, who are active on Twitter, have to do is #InorbitMall on twitter while posting their queries or complaints and Inorbit Malls will respond immediately. A dedicated digital and social media team has been set up, which will monitor these posts and respond to shoppers in real time.

     

    Similarly, people who are not active online can send an SMS with key word ‘FEEDBACK’ on 9619792233. The query will be stored after the mechanism captures the key words, which will thereafter send an alert to the response team for further action. The response team will respond to all the queries within 24 hours.

     

    Talking about this initiative Kishore Bhatija, Chief Executive Officer, Inorbit Malls Pvt Ltd, said: “Consumer engagement and feedback is an integral part of brand awareness and commitment. As a brand, it is extremely critical to understand and connect with consumer on a personal level, as these help us in improving and furthering brand experiences. With this feedback mechanism, we will able to communicate with our shoppers in real time and build trust in the brand.”

     

  • The campaign, promising not to carry paid news during elections, was appreciated by the readers

    “No Paid News” in Dainik Bhaskar

    By A Correspondent

     

    Dainik Bhaskar has unveiled a campaign  ‘No Paid News’ with a promised to readers that they will not be misguided.

     

    Simple yet stark statements and visuals in a very common man’s language and imagery were used to drive home the differentiator and the message was amplified by radio. The campaign ran through the entire election duration ending with the polling.

     

  • The solutions, a global first, will give more recruiters in India access to high potential candidates and drive the growth of the local talent economy

    LinkedIn announces localized solutions 4 Indian recruiters

    By A Correspondent

     

    LinkedIn, world’s largest professional network, with over 135 million members worldwide and over 13 million in India, on Tuesday announced localized hiring solutions used by recruitment professionals in India.

     

    This move, a global first for LinkedIn, will give more recruiters in India access to high potential candidates and drive the growth of the local talent economy.

     

    LinkedIn India is rolling out, specifically for India, localized versions with India pricing for offerings like LinkedIn Recruiter, which will allow Indian recruiters to search and target profiles in India. Other offerings with differentiated India pricing include Jobs Network, Work with us Ads, Targeted Recruitment Ads and Talent Direct.

     

    “The growth currently being experienced by the Indian economy needs to be complimented with the right talent. Our member base, which consists of educated and engaged professionals, is much sought after by recruiters from corporations and executive search firms. By creating localized products for recruiters in India, we hope to build on our philosophy of connecting talent with opportunity,” said Irfan Abdulla, Head of Hiring Solutions at LinkedIn India.

     

    “LinkedIn’s localized pricing is in line with its commitment towards introducing efficiency enhancing tools for professionals and an acknowledgement of the growing demand for customized solutions in the Indian market,” he added.

     

    Since managing talent is core to making recruiters productive and successful, tools like LinkedIn Talent Pipeline enable recruiters to easily manage all their talent leads in one place; LinkedIn Career Pages, is a one stop virtual destination which helps companies build a brand amongst prospective candidates; and Targeted Recruiting Advertising is a strategic tool which enables recruiters to reach a specific population of candidates as per skill, location or experience. These tools empower hiring managers to make effective and strategic hiring decisions.

     

    In India, LinkedIn Hiring Solutions are used by a number of companies including ING Vysya, Genpact, Biocon, Wal-Mart, HCL Technologies, L&T Infotech among others.

     

  • The campaign talks about activating "your personal blockbuster theatre" featuring BigFlixs+, equipping subscribers to download blockbuster titles in addition to merely streaming

    Reliance Entertainment’s BigFlixs unveils its latest ad campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    BigFlixs, a part of Reliance Group’s digital entertainment business on Tuesday announces the launch of a new ad campaign to increase awareness and promote its movies on demand service – BigFlix+ which lets the user ‘Click-Download-Play’ over 500 Blockbusters at a subscription fee of Rs249/ a month across PC, Tablets and Mobiles.

     

    Today’s metro generation is not able to see all films in theatres; they don’t want to watch the same on TV because of lack of variety and time limitations. There was a clear need of a service that can offer users the best in class movie experience on the devices that they are comfortable using – laptop, mobile or/and tablets.

     

    Hence the brief to agency was to establish BigFlix+ as a premium movie on demand service, where users of the service can also download blockbuster movies in addition to merely streaming them online.

     

    Commenting on the new campaign, Shreyash Sigtia, Business Head, BigFlicks Pv Ltd said: “The basic idea behind the campaign is to let the viewer know that they can now finally select a movie of their choice and view it wherever and whenever they want to see it. With BigFlix+, they can rest assured about the picture quality and enjoy a complete movie experience without the annoying ad breaks, on the device of their choice. This makes BigFlix+ service a Personal Blockbuster Theatre of the viewer. We deliberately kept the creative simple and focused the communication on the core offering and its benefit in order to build the category in the country.”

     

    On the completion of this campaign, Joy Ghoshal, Marching Ants, said: “Film content is not exclusive and viewing it comes with its irritants, so we decided to challenge the biggest provider; television. Big Flix+ is about to change the role of the laptop and other mobile devices to that of a ‘blockbuster theatre’, supported by huge choice of quality content and uninterrupted viewing.”

  • The DNA's journalistic bible called the Code of ethics unfurled recently is about DNA's journalistic values and guiding principles

    Leadership makes us tough, with ourselves first: DNA

    By A Correspondent

     

    Given Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s recent statement that the “media should come together to exercise a degree of self-regulation and to combat perversions like paid news”, broadsheet Daily News and Analysis (DNA) announced its Code of Ethics on its front page.

     

    According to the paper’s leadership team and CEO Mr. KU Rao, the “road of integrity and honesty is always difficult but in the long run, we will come through as an organization that has greater value which will one day bear fruits for us as well as for our partners who work with us.”

     

  • The awards marked the success of the 'Marks for Sports' campaign

    NDTV honours excellence in sports with ‘Spirit of Sport’ awards

    By A Correspondent

     

    In a grand finale, NDTV celebrated the success of ‘Marks for Sports’ campaign with the ‘Spirit of Sport’ awards held at the ITC Maurya Sheraton on Sunday. As part of the celebration, NDTV acknowledged excellence in sports by honouring renowned sports personalities across 14 categories. Union HRD minister, Mr. Kapil Sibal graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

     

    Highlighting the successful completion of the Marks for Sports campaign, Dr. Prannoy Roy, Chairman, NDTV, said: “I am delighted with the overwhelming response we received for the campaign. I would like to thank Ranbir Kapoor for his association with the initiative. I truly believe that we require youngsters like him to make this campaign a huge success.”

     

    Supporting the cause, the Guest of Honour, Mr. Kapil Sibal, said, “I believe it’s a wonderful initiative by NDTV.  We have to change the mindset of people and the change should begin from home; it can then be taken to the next level to change the mindset of teachers. I am very happy that Ranbir is associated with the campaign, because with support of youngsters like him it will reach the masses. ”

    Celebrating the spirit of Marks for Sports, campaign ambassador and co-host for the awards along with NDTV’s anchor Sonali Chander, Ranbir Kapoor said: “The campaign needs the support of men and women to make it a success. The role of the mother is extremely important as I strongly believe that women are the true achievers as they excel in everything they take up.”

     

    The awards were presented by Mr. Sibal,  the Minister of State for Information and Technology Sachin Pilot and Leander Paes, ace Tennis player.

     

    The awards function was attended by Leander Paes, Rahul Bose, Milind Soman, Vijender Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Pankaj Advani, Jwala Gutta, Karun Chandok, Milkha Singh, Mary Kom, Vineet Joshi, Chairman, CBSE, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Chief Minister, Haryana and Dharmesh Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, Nirmal Lifestyle among other noted personalities.

     

    The highlights of the evening were music performance by Salim-Suleiman and stand up comedy by Papa CJ.

     

    Categories and Winners are as follows:

    1.    Legend Of Sport Award: Leander Paes

    2.    Lifetime Achievement Award: Late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and Baichung Bhutia

    3.    India’s Outstanding Achievers (6 winners): Vijender Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Karun Chandok, Pankaj Advani, Saina Nehwal and Mary Kom

    4.    Fit For Life Award: Fauja Singh

    5.    Best Fitness Activist Award: Rahul Bose and Milind Soman

    6.    Generation Next of Cricket: Virat Kohli

    7.    Rockstar Performer in 2011 (outside of cricket) (7 winners): Dipika Pallikal, Ronjan Sodhi, Shiva Keshavan, Deepika Kumari, Vikas Krishnan, Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa

    8.    Best Sports Advertisement: TATA Group

    9.    Against the Odds (Young Achievers): Shubham  Jaglan, Kokila, Arjun Vajpayee and Sagar Dhahiya

    10. Against the Odds (Lifetime Achievement):  Mahantesh andShiraz

    11. Best Corporate involvement in sports: TATA and Mahindra Groups

    12. BestStatefor Sports Promotion: Haryana

    13. Best Promotion of Sports in Education: Magic Bus, Olympic Gold Quest, YUWA and EduSports

    14. Fittest Bollywood Celebrity: Bipasha Basu

     

    Launched as an initiative in 2011, the ‘NDTV-Nirmal Lifestyle Fit India’ campaign has become a movement. The NDTV-Nirmal Lifestyle Fit India Movement is the first to create a nationwide fitness movement and in the first year of this campaign, it has created awareness about the importance of fitness in life.

    The year-long Marks for Sports campaign reached out to policy and decision makers across the country with a series of activities that included special televised debates and discussion programmes with the Campaign Ambassador, televised interactive ground activities with sportspersons and children and a signature drive asking for policy changes with pledges for donations and equipment.

  • BIG Regional Music Awards is a platform which seeks to recognize the excellence in regional music

    Reliance Broadcast Network returns with second edition of BIG Regional Music Awards

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited’s intellectual property vertical, BIG Live and radio arm 92.7 BIG FM on Monday announced its second edition of ‘BIG Regional Music Awards’- the biggest celebration of regional music in the country. The awards, having an imprint across 5 major states – Maharashtra, Punjab, Andra Pradesh, Karnataka and West Bengal- will have their own unique, regional flavour which will appeal to regional and local tastes. BIG Regional Music Awards is a platform which seeks to recognize the excellence in regional music.

     

    BIG Regional Music Awards is the only regional awards platform which not only has a wide national reach but also empowers people to recognize regional musical excellence and is a true people’s choice award.

     

    There will be a jury and popular choice segment of awards, which will see talent being judged by the audience, ensuring transparency and fair play as the power to vote rests with the audiences.  The complete show will feature around honouring the biggest entertainers across the strongest emotions of the viewers and listeners.

     

    The awards will be promoted through a high-decibel marketing plan ranging from on-ground, television, radio, outdoor and digital. These awards will reach out to 4.2 crore consumers who tune into 92.7 BIG FM. The property will enjoy 360 degree promotions for 45 days offering unique integration opportunities for brands.

     

    Commenting on this occasion, a company spokesperson said: “Music is the true celebration of life in our country. BIG Regional Music Awards is this celebration of unity in diversity where our culturally rich country’s musical offerings are acknowledged. This platform is sure to excite not only the respective regional consumer but also the regional talent which has long sought its due recognition.”

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited is a multi-media entertainment conglomerate with play across radio, television, intellectual properties and out of home. It is part of the Reliance Group and specializes in creating and executing integrated media solutions for brands.

     

  • The channel will now be available on top DTH platforms like Reliance Digitial TV, Tata Sky, Videocon, Airtel, Dish TV

    Reliance Broadcast Network to distribute Bloomberg UTV

    By A Correspondent

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd. on Monday announced the coming on board of Bloomberg UTV, India’s premier business news channel, as part of its distribution portfolio. This move further strengthens the well-crafted television strategy of RBNL which includes the 3 BIG CBS Channels – BIG CBS Prime, Love and Spark, and the regional Channels BIG MAGIC and Spark Punjabi. Add to this, the channel which is scheduled to launch through the JV with Germany’s RTL Group, and Reliance Broadcast Network will boast of an unmatchable seven channel bouquet.

     

    The partnership points at excellent synergies between the businesses and will allow for seamless integration of Bloomberg UTV into the existing bouquet. While Reliance Broadcast will benefit from having a premier news channel empowered by the global authority in business news – Bloomberg. Bloomberg UTV gains through becoming part of a commanding bouquet of channels backed with an excellent brand lineage. This consolidation establishes a bouquet to be reckoned with and one that will meet requirements of both audiences and marketers alike.

     

    With digitization in the anvil, reduced bandwidth issues and a boost in demand for premium quality content, the channel portfolio stands to have an edge in the market. The reach and varied profile of consumers and customers brings with it opportunities for bundling and cross selling, ensuring the bouquet is able to garner optimal subscription rates.

     

    With each channel having its distinct audience base, the entire bouquet will cover a wide spectrum of the Indian cable and satellite television viewing audiences. With its ability to offer advertisers the opportunity to reach out to audiences ranging from 4 year olds to 25+ year olds, from heartland India to the key metros, it ensures an unparalleled marketing platform.

     

    The 7 Channel mix now offers the following:

    1. BIG CBS Prime, a male skewed premium entertainment Channel (male 15+, SECA,7 metros)

    2. BIG CBS Love, the first ever international women’s entertainment channel (female 15+, SECA,5 metros)

    3. BIG CBS Spark, the first ever International youth Channel (4-24, SECA,7 metros)

    4. BIG MAGIC, a variety entertainment Channel for the Hindi heartland (CS 4+ MP,UP, Bihar)

    5. Spark Punjabi, the country’s first International Punjabi Channel (CS 4+, Punjab, 1mn+)

    6. BIG RTL Channel in the action space

    7. Bloomberg UTV, India’s premiere Business news channel (male 25+, SEC A, 7 metros)

     

    With a prolific mix of channels cutting across genres ranging premium English, credible news and well-tailored regional channels, the bouquet of Reliance Broadcast Network stands to make a significant impact in the market.

     

    Speaking on the occasion Tarun Katial, CEO, Reliance Broadcast Network said: “With the addition of Bloomberg UTV to the RBNL network, we now present one of the strongest television portfolios in the country. This consolidation of the network delivery platform allows us to enable marketers with a single consolidated outreach platform, while offering audiences the best possible television content.”