MxMIndia

Category: MEDIA

  • In attendance: captains from corporates, advertising and media

    Sambad CEO Conclave 2024 ends on a high note

    Sambad Group, the largest media house in Odisha, organised the third edition of Sambad CEO Conclave 2024 in Bhubaneswar last week. The theme was ‘Sustainability Practices in Industry’. In attendance: captains from corporates, advertising and media.

    The Chief Guest was Odisha’s newly minted Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo who focused on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) aspects and opined that the corporate sector should maintain a fine balance between these three factors for sustainable development. “Our government is committed that the people of Odisha will take their own decisions regarding issues related to the environment and natural resources. This is one aspect of the Odia Asmita (self-identity),” he said. Cabinet Minister Suresh Pujari also spoke at the event.

    Speaking on the occasion, Avinash Pandey, CEO ABP Network; President, News Broadcasters and Digital Association and President IAA (India Chapter) said:  “Television viewership is larger than internet viewership in India. If we raise issues related to environment and sustainable development in television, they can reach the common masses,” adding: “We all should focus on 5 Ps—People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership—to achieve sustainable growth.”

    Said Madison World Chairman Sam Balsara: “May people from the lower strata are now moving towards the middleclass bracket. This is the first sign of development. Now, we have better infrastructure including road and airport. More and more job avenues are opening up to our youths. Small players in various sectors are now doing well. Our country has recorded the largest digital transactions in the world. Engineers from India are now managing the day-to-day operations of many corporate giants including the Google,” he pointed out.

    Added Srinivasan K. Swamy, CMD, RK Swamy Ltd; Chairman, Asian Federation of Advertising Associations and Chairman Audit Bureau of Circulations: “We all should adhere to the principle of 3 Rs—reuse, repair and recycle—to save our planet. We should conserve water and electricity and use eco-friendly products to protect our environment. The use of plastic should be brought to the minimum level. I hope that the government will introduce chapters on climate change and sustainable growth in the curricula for our students.”

    On the occasion, Pradeep Dwivedi, Group CEO-Eros Media World, gave a presentation on ‘Emerging trends in global media business-Technology driving tectonic shifts’. “The media and entertainment sector can develop their contents, editing and marketing aspects by utilizing AI and other advanced tools like Blockchain, Web3 and Tokenization,” he said.

    Ashwin Padmanabhan, President-Investments, Trading & Partnerships, Group M India, gave a brief presentation on ‘Leveraging influencers and branded content to drive engagement and consideration’. “Around 46 crore people in India are now using social media. The volume of influencer marketing in India has already reached Rs 1,275 crore and it is likely to go up further to Rs 2,800 crore by 2026,” he stated.

    Bharat Avalani, Founder & CEO, Connecting the Dots Consultancy, Malaysia; Secretary General of Asian Federation of Advertising Associations; Global Vice-President, IAA, gave a presentation on ‘Business leaders as storytellers’“Business leaders can give proper orientation to their employees through storytelling. The practice will reduce the mental pressure of the employees and raise overall productivity,” said Avalani.

    Abhishek Karnani, President, the Free Press Journal Group; Ramesh Narayan, Director Strategy, Asian Federation of Advertising Associations and Rani Reddy of Sakshi Media Group also spoke at the conclave.

    IAA governing body members—Ramesh Narayan, Avinash Pandey, Srinivasan K. Swamy, Sam Balsara, Abhishek Karnani and Pradeep Dwivedi—were felicitated at the event. The Sambad Group felicitated five ‘best’ advertisers—Khimji Jewellers, Lalchnd Jewellers, TPCODL, Chandi Bhandar and Freedom Oil—on the occasion.

    Similarly, ‘best’ 11 advertising agencies—Fast Communication, Xpose Advertising, Display Line, Anita Advertisers, Star Advertising, Herald Advertising, Sanket Communications, Annapurna Advertising, NextGen Advertising, P&A Advertising Agency and Tarini Advertising Agency—received felicitations at the conclave.

    Earlier Sambad and Kanak News Editor Tanaya Patnaik delivered the inaugural address, and later Sambad Group Managing Director Monica Nayyar Patnaik delivered the concluding address.

    “The Sambad Group has been organising the CEO conclave for the last three years to deliberate on various issues. The first conclave in 2022 had deliberated on the post-pandemic scenario. The second conclave in 2023 delved into the emerging challenges before the corporate sector. The third conclave focused on sustainability practices in industry,” Monica Nayyar Patnaik said. Tanaya Patnaik set the context for the Conclave on by talking of climate change and its impact on our daily life. “In this summer, a few places in Odisha including Bhubaneswar and Baripada recorded maximum temperatures above 45 Degree Celsius. They were among the hottest places in the world. This is very alarming,” she said.

    FULL PAGE-Odisa Daily

  • Journalism of Courage??!!

    Journalism of Courage??!!

    Ranjona BanerjiThis June, the International Women’s Media Foundation awarded Palestinian journalist Maha Hussaini with their Journalism of Courage award for her coverage of Israel’s war on Gaza.

     

    This week, the IWMF withdrew that award for comments made by Hussaini in the past. The IWMF’s position is that it is opposed to intolerance and it cannot compromise on that.

     

    Hussaini writes in the Middle East Eye about being subjected to smear campaigns after the award, from Israeli sources, demanding that the award be withdrawn. She makes the important point that the IWMF has not mentioned what these objectionable comments are.

     

    What is courage in journalism if it is not protesting against the intolerable?

    Writes Hussaini: “During this period (since October 7, 2023), I was forcibly displaced three times, moving from one shelter to another. My home was bombed, and I endured months of starvation, blackouts and ongoing bombardment. At times, I had to resort to using a pen and paper to send my reports via text messages after Israel cut fuel and electricity supplies and bombed the infrastructure of Gaza’s main telecommunications companies.”

    https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/palestinian-journalist-gaza-take-away-award-will-not-take-away-my-voice?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Social_Traffic&utm_content=ap_wlfqanvigg

     

    What we have seen consistently since Israel’s bombardments on Palestinians, first in Gaza and now elsewhere began, after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, is the failure of journalism. Especially western journalism. Thousands of Palestinian civilians have been killed, women and children in large proportions, medical staff and UN workers have been killed. Hospitals and universities have been targeted and destroyed. And now suddenly we have found that the release of numbers has dried up. Now we do not know how many people are being killed every day by Israeli forces.

     

    In such circumstances, what is “journalism of courage”? Is it standing on a rooftop from a distance asking an Israeli politician to identify missiles raining down on another country? Or is it being on the ground, in the midst of battle fire, reporting on events as they happen?

     

    https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-gaza-war-education-students-fight-keep-learning

     

    https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-gaza-war-famine-mothers-struggle-feed-babies-starvation-returns

     

    It is not a sufficient excuse for media organisations – where I include media houses and associations – to hide behind the curtain of funding and the threat of withdrawal of funding for their actions. Yes, money is important, but if we are going to give in to rich people pulling the strings then we might as well give up now and stop pretending that our work has any meaning.

     

    Why didn’t the IWMF do due diligence on Hussaini before giving her this award, if her crimes were so terrible? That the IWMF cannot even be clear about Hussaini’s transgressions, gives credence to the allegation that the award was taken back because of Israeli pressure. It is difficult for anyone to take their excuse seriously. Every murderer after all is entitled to a defence in a just world, where organisations claim to have core “principles”.

     

    **

     

    Meanwhile in India, the Modi-led BJP government demonstrated its intolerance of foreign journalists once again. Sebastien Farcis of Radio France found his work permit had been cancelled on March 17 and he was forced to leave India on June 17. Farcis had lived in India since 2011, is married to an Indian and has OCI status.

     

    https://www.livemint.com/news/india/home-ministry-refuses-to-renew-visa-of-french-journalist-sebastien-farcis-says-uprooted-overnight-with-no-reason-11718870004826.html

     

    https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/french-radio-journalist-leaves-india-adds-to-exodus-of-foreign-correspondents/cid/2028481

     

    Although we are now in the regime of the BJP-led NDA government, and Farcis’s departure predates the new ascension to glory, the message to the media remains the same: criticise us and you will pay the price. Even if there appears to be marginally more courage from some journalists and newsrooms, the bulk of the media is still in worship mode. And possibly applauds this decision taken by their lord and master. No doubt his three set not very taxing yoga poses will get maximum coverage today. Because who cares for a few public examination scams, destruction of lives of thousands of students, train accident, fallen bridges and so on when you can stay blessed in permanent worship-asana?

     

    https://www.livemint.com/news/india/home-ministry-refuses-to-renew-visa-of-french-journalist-sebastien-farcis-says-uprooted-overnight-with-no-reason-11718870004826.html

     

    Ranjona Banerji is a senior journalist and commentator. She writes on MxMIndia on Tuesdays and Fridays. Her views here are personal.

  • Launches AI Audio Series to build AI capability to empower writers

    Pocket FM teams up with ElevenLabs

    Pocket FM, an audio platform, and software company ElevenLabs have joined forces with the launch of AI Audio Series, a Voice AI capability now accessible worldwide.

    Said Prateek Dixit, CTO and Co-founder of Pocket FM: “This is a game-changing, industry-first innovation, disrupting the norm by enabling writers to seamlessly transform their stories into captivating audio series with a single click of a button. By enabling this, we’ve not only empowered the writing community but also made audio series creation faster and simpler, making storytelling accessible for everyone.”

    Added Mati Staniszewski, CEO, and Co-founder of ElevenLabs: “We are excited to collaborate with Pocket FM in shaping the future of audio entertainment. Combining our Voice AI expertise with Pocket FM’s innovative approach to audio series promises to take content production to new heights of efficiency and creativity. It’s an exciting journey ahead, one that we believe will set new standards in the entertainment industry.”

  • He will succeed NP Singh

    Gaurav Banerjee to take charge of Sony

    Gaurav Banerjee
    Gaurav Banerjee

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced the appointment of Gaurav Banerjee as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective on or before August 26, 2024, pending regulatory approvals. Banerjee will succeed NP Singh.

    Said Banerjee:  “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of MD & CEO at SPNI. Under N.P. Singh’s remarkable leadership, SPNI has achieved tremendous success and innovation in the entertainment industry. I am excited to lead talented teams as we explore new frontiers in original programming, enhance our viewers’ experiences, drive our distribution footprint across India, and significantly boost our revenues. Together, we will set new benchmarks in entertainment and deliver exceptional value to our audiences and stakeholders.”

    NP Singh
    NP Singh

    Added Singh, who with this appointment will move into the role of Non-Executive Chairman to support this transition through the end of the fiscal year: “I am immensely proud of the success and innovation SPNI has achieved. I am confident that Gaurav will elevate SPNI’s impressive portfolio to new heights. His visionary approach will undoubtedly continue our legacy of excellence and creativity. I look forward to supporting him and our talented team as we further our impact in content creation, audience engagement, and digital media initiatives. And most importantly, I would like to thank the entire SPNI team for being the fulcrum of our growth and success.”

    Said Ravi Ahuja, Chairman of Global Television Studios and President and COO of Sony Pictures Entertainment: ” NP Singh’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping SPNI into the powerhouse it is today. I am confident that Gaurav Banerjee, with his proven track record and visionary approach, will continue to drive SPNI’s success. Gaurav’s expertise in content creation and strategic leadership will undoubtedly lead SPNI into an exciting new chapter of growth and achievement. We are thrilled to have him at the helm and look forward to the continued success of SPNI under his leadership.”

  • With host Anil Kapoor and six sponsors in the bag

    Jio Cinema says Jhakaas as Bigg Boss OTT Season 3 nets big bucks

    L to R Alok Jain, President – General Entertainment, Viacom18, Anil Kapoor and Deepak Dhar, Founder Group CEO, Banijay Asia EndemolShine India

     

    JioCinema Premium has announced the reality show Bigg Boss OTT Season 3 starting tomorrow, June 21.

    The new season stars actor Anil Kapoor and a score of interactive features, with the 24-hour live channel. So Bigg Boss OTT 3 is co-presented by Too Yumm!, Siggnature Finest Silver Elaichi; co-powered by Oppo and Sofy; with beauty partner Lotus; Sanitaryware Partner Cera; with many more identifying opportunities to integrate.

    Speaking about the new season, Alok Jain, President – General Entertainment, Viacom18, said: “Over the years, Bigg Boss OTT has witnessed exponential growth, solidifying its position as one of India’s most popular reality entertainment shows. With Anil Kapoor as the host of Bigg Boss OTT 3, we aim to deliver unmatched value to our stakeholders – viewers, advertisers, and content creators. This season’s increased interactivity will amplify engagement and excitement, broadening our reach, taking the show to extraordinary new levels and offering viewers an unprecedented front-row experience of over-the-top entertainment.”

    Speaking on bolstering JioCinema Premium’s offering, Ferzad Palia – Business Head, JioCinema, added:  “With Bigg Boss OTT 3 we expand our JioCinema Premium offering into the highly consumed Reality genre. In addition to Hollywood, Original Series, Movies, Kids, Anime & TV, our rapidly growing base of members will now witness one of the biggest digital entertainment shows, with a brand-new experience. We’re certain that this season will be a whole new level of entertainment.”

    Added Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO, Banijay Asia and EndemolShine India, the makers of the show: “Bigg Boss has been a flagship show for us, constantly innovating and setting new benchmarks in entertainment year after year. With this season of Bigg Boss OTT, we are taking it a notch higher for our audiences. We are excited to have Anil Kapoor as the host this season and cannot wait to see how his charisma, energy, and connection with audiences brings a fresh dynamism to the show. Viewers can expect an electrifying season this year with an exciting theme, new twists & high-voltage drama.”

    So how will so many sponsors get a bang for their megabucks on a premium streaming offering? Obviously not those intrusive 5-/10-/20-seconders, but integrations within the show. Hmmm.

  • To streamline Digital Ad Supply Chain Privacy Compliance

    IAB Tech Lab finalises Data Deletion Request Framework

    IAB Tech Lab, the digital advertising technical standards-setting body, has released the final Data Deletion Request Framework, following the conclusion of two extensive public comment periods. This signifies a key step forward in handling consumer data privacy concerns within the digital advertising supply chain.

    The Data Deletion Request Framework establishes a standardised mechanism for transmitting data deletion request signals throughout the digital advertising ecosystem. It provides provisions for validating request origins, ensuring requester authenticity, confirming receipt, and employing cryptographic signatures for authentication. By offering a holistic solution for handling data deletion requests, the framework aligns with the ‘Right to Delete’, a Data Subject Right (DSR) which is currently protected by the GDPR, 16 US state privacy laws, and additional privacy legislation, including Quebec Law 25.

    “The industry has long struggled with the need for a standardized solution to manage data deletion requests,” said Jared Moscow, Director of Product, Privacy & Addressability, IAB Tech Lab. “The Data Deletion Request Framework addresses this challenge head-on, providing clear guidance and strategic insights into effectively handling these requests. Acting as the industry’s first signal for upholding consumer data subject rights, the Framework equips industry players with the technical tools necessary for efficiently managing data deletion requests.”

    The Data Deletion Request Framework builds upon IAB Tech Lab’s portfolio of privacy compliance initiatives, including the Global Privacy Platform, the Accountability Platform, and the Privacy Taxonomy project. Collectively, these initiatives form a foundational framework for streamlining privacy regulatory compliance and advancing responsible data-handling practices in digital advertising.

  • Investment made in his personal capacity

    Punit Goenka acquires majority stake in Maverick Media

    Punit Goenka
    Punit Goenka

    Zee Entertainment CEO Punit Goenka has acquired a majority stake in Maverick Media. Goenka has made this investment in his personal capacity and the same has no bearing on the company that he leads, a communique undesrscores.

    Commenting on his decision, Punit Goenka said: “Cinema has played a crucial role in shaping our Nation, reflecting and celebrating our rich culture, legacy and traditions. Through the magic of viewing entertainment content on the big screen, cinema has served as the bridge for Indian entertainment to the World and has also helped address sensitive social aspects to drive societal change. While my professional commitments continue to remain a priority, I believe that as key members of the fraternity, it is our collective responsibility to enhance the growth opportunities for all segments in the media value chain, and hence I have taken this decision in my personal capacity. The potential of single screen cinemas across several tier II & III cities is immense, and it is imperative to revive this infrastructure, keeping its fabric and cultural essence intact. I am confident in the ability of the team at Maverick to achieve its vision and grow the single-screen cinema business. I truly hope this step enables an economically viable opportunity for cinema exhibition operators across key growth markets in the country.”

  • The Brand Published by RPSG Lifestyle Media will launch later this year

    Anupama Chopra to join Hollywood Reporter India as Editor

    Anupama Chopra
    Anupama Chopra
    Avarna Jain
    Avarna Jain

    The Hollywood Reporter India, published by RPSG Lifestyle Media, has appointed Anupama Chopra as Editor.

    Said Avarna Jain, Chairperson of RPSG Lifestyle Media: “We are delighted to have Anupama Chopra lead The Hollywood Reporter India as its Editor,” adding: “She is a well-respected name in the film- making fraternity and a much-loved movie critic. We look forward to seeing her lead THR India to become the country’s first platform that unites filmmaking across languages, regions, and platforms.”

    Said Nekesa Mumbi Moody, Co-Editor- in-Chief at The Hollywood Reporter, USA:  “We are thrilled to welcome Anupama to the THR family. Our partnership with RPSG Lifestyle Media underscores our commitment to a growing global audience, and we look forward to the year ahead.”

    “Anupama brings talent and passion that will undoubtedly enrich our content and deepen our connection with the dynamic and rapidly evolving international entertainment industry,” said Maer Roshan, Co-Editor-in-Chief at The Hollywood Reporter, USA.

    Meanwhile, the future of Film Companion, the decade-old website set up by Chopra, is not known. Will it shutter as it is rumoured, or will she hand over the reins (and ownership) to someone else, is not known.

  • The ultimate destination for Anime Worldwide

    Prime Video launches Crunchyroll

    Prime Video launched Crunchyroll, a destination for anime worldwide, on Prime Video Channels, increasing access to some of the more popular anime content for fans in India.  With a subscription to Crunchyroll on Prime Video Channels, Prime members can enjoy more than 40 new shows from the new anime season.

    “The popularity of anime content in India has grown exponentially over the last few years, and through various Channels, we are working towards building a wide and diverse library of popular and blockbuster Japanese animation,” said Gaurav Bhasin, head of Prime Video Channels and Movie Rentals, Prime Video, India. “We are thrilled to launch Crunchyroll on Prime Video Channels and make it even more convenient for Prime members in India to watch premium and latest anime content, immediately after its release in Japan. The availability of select shows and movies in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, besides English, will make anime more accessible for fans, while also helping introduce the genre to new viewers. We look forward to strengthening our anime programming on Prime Video Channels in the coming months.”

    Added Terry Li, Executive Vice President of Business Development at Crunchyroll: “Crunchyroll offers an anime adventure for every kind of fan. From sports to romantic comedy, horror and action to slice-of-life, even the anime-curious can get immersed in our library. We look forward to welcoming new fans into the anime community through our launch on Prime Video, offering convenient access to Crunchyroll’s vast library of anime, including the latest shows, new seasons and movies in India.”

  • To some Assange is still a hero; others may be hard-pressed to remember him and might have to go back to movies to find out, writes Ranjona Banerji

    Ranjona Banerji: Unveiling facts with Julian Assange & Wikileaks

    Ranjona BanerjiJulian Assange challenged the pillars of journalism more than any other person in recent times. He took the comfort out of information-gathering and went right to the edge. Journalists who relied on sources for information, by cosying up to people in power, were suddenly outed for cowardice and collusion. By leaking confidential government communications, without all the checks and balances which keep newsrooms safe, Assange and Wikileaks turned normal practice on its head.

     

    For this, he spent years in hiding and in jail. Over time, the journalistic community forgot about him, except for occasional reports on his condition. But we have all benefitted from Wikileaks and Assange’s ideas of what journalism should be. We have had to recalibrate what governments can and cannot or should and should not keep secret. The details in the US State department cables which Wikileaks published had loads of gossip, straw opinions and comments rather than any explosive stuff. But it provided us with knowledge on how governments work and more importantly, it shared that with the world. In a sense, what Assange has tried to do is break the vows of importance with which governments cover themselves.

     

    Many of us, even or especially in the mainstream media, are happy with status quo. We also like to worship at the altar of power so we bow down to government rules, government systems to protect themselves, to accepting the need for secrets in the upper echelons of “Government”. Wikileaks worked very well to break those myths and brought governments down to size.

     

    That is why Assange was persecuted and jailed. He removed the veils which we, as a society, felt that Power was allowed. He also made us realise how mundane some secrets were, as well as how governments protected themselves from their own misdeamenours, how government agencies infiltrated operations in other countries, how torture was used against people of other nations by Western Democracies, how spyware was used to target sovereign nations. The Iraq War provided a treasure trove of information via Wikileaks.

     

    Much of the information about then presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton using her private email id for public work also came via Assange. These leaks set up a whole other conversation about Assange, his political leanings and his methodology. There was also information about how the controversial firm, Cambridge Analytica which was accused of manipulating voters’ minds towards the far right and Donald Trump through social media, especially Facebook, had possibly worked with Assange.

     

    https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jun/06/cambridge-analytica-brittany-kaiser-julian-assange-wikileaks

     

    The US was a common target for Wikileaks, and thus it was the US which fought for his extradition. The fact that he is out on a plea deal is some measure of how the influence of Wikileaks has waned and possibly seen as less of a threat than it was before.

     

    https://www.reuters.com/world/us/wikileaks-assange-expected-plead-guilty-us-espionage-charge-document-says-2024-06-24/

     

    Controversial as Assange is, his use of data has triggered a new form of journalism within the mainstream media. Exposes like the Panama Papers are testament to collaborative journalism which uses massive data leaks on a global scale to highlight fraud and chicanery. The tools of journalism have also changed as a result.

     

    To some Assange is still a hero; others may be hard-pressed to remember him and might have to go back to movies to find out!

     

    But we owe him, either way. For changing our ways of working, understanding and respecting power, for better or for worse.

     

    Ranjona Banerji is a senior journalist and commentator. She writes on MxMIndia on Tuesdays and Fridays. Her views here are personal.

  • MK Anand, who led Times Network as CEO and MD will now work in the Times Group MD’s office and will continue to report to Jain

    Varun Kohli to helm news broadcast at Times Group

    Varun Kohli

    The Times Group has announced the appointment of Varun Kohli as Chief Operating Officer for the News Broadcasting Business. Varun will report to Managing Director Vineet Jain’s office while working closely with N Subramanian , Executive Director and Group CEO, Non-Publishing Business, Times Group. Kohli’s last assignment was with Bharat Express as Director and CEO. MK Anand, who led Times Network as CEO and MD will now work in the Times Group MD’s office and will continue to report to Jain.

    All functions in the television news broadcasting business other than finance and distribution will report into Kohli. Jagdish Mulchandani, who heads the Finance, Legal and Distribution function for news broadcast will work with the MD’s office for the finance and legal functions. For the distribution function and the entertainment business, Mulchandani will report to Rohit Gopakumar, CEO – Entertainment Business , Times Group. Mulchandani will continue to work closely with the news, entertainment and the TTN digital verticals.

    According to a circular issued, these changes will be effective immediately.

  • For exclusive news content

    ABPLive goes premium

    ABPLive, the digital news platform from ABP Network, has unveiled ABPLive Premium, a subscription service. Initially, it will be available in English and Hindi.

    Speaking on the launch, Avinash Pandey, CEO of ABP Network, said: “ABPLive Premium is the natural evolution of our success, allowing us to provide an even more enriching content experience for our audience. It is designed to cater to a discerning audience that values quality and depth in their news consumption. Whether you’re interested in a deeper understanding of complex political issues, nuanced takes on business and technology trends, or insightful cultural commentary, ABPLIVE Premium offers a richer, more rewarding news experience. Our commitment is to empower our subscribers to stay informed and ahead of the curve.”