MxMIndia

Category: NEWS

  • Announce 11-uear Global Media Rights Agreement beginning 2025

    Amazon Prime Video inks partnership for NBA for India, elsewhere

    Amazon Prime Video and the NBA hav announced an 11-year media rights agreement, beginning with the 2025-26 NBA season. As part of the deal, Prime Video will present exclusive global coverage of 66 regular-season NBA games, including an opening week doubleheader, a new Black Friday NBA game, and all games from the Knockout Rounds of the Emirates NBA Cup, including the in-season tournament’s Semifinals and Finals. This partnership footprint includes India.

    Prime Video also acquires rights to exclusive coverage of every game of the postseason SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, first and second-round playoff games, and Conference Finals in six of the 11 years of the deal. Prime Video will distribute its package of games in the U.S. and internationally, with an expanded package of games in select territories, including Mexico, Brazil, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom and Ireland. This expanded package includes a minimum of 20 additional primetime regular season games each year, a Conference Finals series each year, and the NBA Finals in six of the 11 years.

    “The digital opportunities with Amazon align perfectly with the global interest in the NBA,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.  “And Prime Video’s massive subscriber base will dramatically expand our ability to reach our fans in new and innovative ways,” adding:  “We are proud to be the first exclusive streaming partner for the NBA, bringing Prime members across the globe one of the most exciting and most popular sports in the world. With 66 regular season games, the NBA Cup, the Play-In Tournament, more than 20 playoff games every year, and NBA League Pass, we’re giving basketball fans around the world more ways than ever to watch the action,” said Jay Marine, Global Head of Sports, Prime Video. “Over the past few years, we have worked hard to bring the very best of sports to Prime Video and to continue to innovate on the viewing experience. We’re thrilled to now add the NBA to our growing sports lineup, including the NFL, UEFA Champions League, NASCAR, NHL, WNBA, NWSL, Wimbledon, and more. We are grateful to partner with the NBA, and can’t wait to tip-off in 2025.”

  • Drives the need for financial preparedness to secure child's future

    HDFC Life launches campaign to reach deeper into southern states

    HDFC Life’s latest campaign seeks to expand its brand presence and reach deeper into the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.

    Notes a communique: “As consumers continue to evolve, localised marketing strategies are crucial for driving stronger connections and affinity among audiences. The campaign has been tailored to capture cultural nuances and regional references that resonate locally. Aligning with the organisational strategy to extend its presence, the campaign aims to engage audiences in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets through regional language communication, fostering affinity in these markets.”

  • With Food and Beverages and Tech Brands in Mumbai

    Connekting Dots bags some new mandates

    Connekting Dots, a marketing and brand communication agency, has announced the addition of the foowing clients to its portfolio: Waikiki, Vario, Pompa, and Warehouse47.

    Said Neha Khilnani, Founder and CEO of Connekting Dots: “We are thrilled to welcome Waikiki, Vario, Pompa, and Warehouse47 to our portfolio. This expansion underscores our commitment to driving brand excellence through innovative, integrated approaches. At Connekting Dots, we believe in crafting tailored strategies that authentically represent each brand, ensuring they achieve their goals and leave a lasting impact in their respective industries.”

  • To support the entrepreneurial ecosystem

    Radio City hosts Business Titans – Chapter 3

    Radio City has concluded its ‘Radio City Business Titans – Chapter 3’ event, commemorating 63 achievers, commitment to championing entrepreneurship and innovation across the country. The event, held from July 19 to 21 at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, was supported by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and was graced by the presence of Uday Samant, Minister of Industries. It brought together industry leaders, visionaries, and budding entrepreneurs under one roof to celebrate success stories and share insights into the future of business in India.

    “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the Business Titans event,” said Ashit Kukian, CEO, Radio City, “It is heartening to witness the passion and dedication of our participants, who embody the spirit of innovation that propels India’s business landscape forward. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the firms reaffirm our belief in the power of collaboration and idea-sharing. Radio City remains constantly passionate towards nurturing talent, building a culture of entrepreneurship, and providing a platform for future business leaders to thrive. We look forward to continuing our journey of inspiring and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

  • In partnership with Sufiya Sufi renowned ultra-runner

    Mahindra Logistics commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas

    Mahindra Logistics Limited, an integrated logistics solutions provider, launched its latest video commemorating the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The video encapsulates the ‘Kargil Vijay Run’ by Sufiya Sufi, paying homage to the valour and sacrifice of our armed forces. Featuring ultra-runner Sufiya Sufi’s journey across the challenging terrains of Leh up till the Kargil War Memorial reflects relentless spirit and determination.

    Commenting on the ‘Kargil Vijay Run’ initiative, Mansi Nagri, Associate Vice President – Marketing, Communications & Sales Excellence, Mahindra Logistics Ltd., said: “Kargil Vijay Diwas signifies the valour and sacrifice of our armed forces. Our partnership with Sufiya Sufi for ‘Kargil Vijay Run’ captures her journey of endurance and perseverance. This association strengthens our commitment to support army veterans through career opportunities that ensure their successful transition into corporate life. This partnership is an effort towards inspiring every Indian with the spirit of determination mirroring the courage of our soldiers.”

  • Aims to foster a strong sense of belonging among Indian expats

    HSBC rolls out new campaign with Priyanka Chopra Jonas

     

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    A post shared by Priyanka (@priyankachopra)

    HSBC has unveiled a new campaign featuring superstar Priyanka Chopra Jonas to reinforce a sense of belonging among Indian expats.

    Commenting on HSBC’s new campaign, Sandeep Batra, Head of Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC India, said: “Our campaign celebrates the unique journey of Indians moving to another country. Just as familiar flavours can create a sense of home anywhere in the world, HSBC’s unrivalled international proposition – including digital onboarding, overseas education, access to global wealth solutions and our “Beyond Banking” partners and network – are designed to ease the transition for those embarking on global opportunities. We understand that moving abroad is more than just a change of address—it’s a life-changing transition. This is why we’re committed to being more than just a bank; we’re a trusted partner in our customers’ global journeys.”

  • For Madhusudan, a dairy brand

    Sociapa bags digital mandate for Creamy Foods

    Sociapa, a marketing agency, has bagged the digital and creative mandate for Creamy Foods Limited – Madhusudan, a dairy brand.

    Said Dheeraj Raj, Founder of Sociapa: “We are extremely excited to partner with Creamy Foods Limited – Madhusudan, a brand synonymous with dairy excellence. This partnership presents a fantastic opportunity to combine our digital marketing expertise with Madhusudan’s esteemed legacy to create compelling and effective campaigns.”

    Added Sandeep Aggarwal, Director and Yash Srivastava, Marketing Head at Creamy Foods Limited – Madhusudan: “We are thrilled to work with Sociapa, recognising their innovative approach and proven success in digital marketing. We look forward to this partnership enhancing our brand presence and engaging with our audience more effectively.”

  • Campaign film created by Ogilvy

    Project Nanhi Kali promotes education and sports for underprivileged school girls

    The K C Mahindra Education Trust has announced the re-defined intervention from Project Nanhi Kali with a campaign created by Ogilvy that integrates football into the curriculum for underprivileged schoolgirls across India.

    Commenting on the new film, Sheetal Mehta, Trustee and Executive Director, K C Mahindra Education Trust said: “At Project Nanhi Kali, we empower underprivileged girls through a transformative blend of education including 21st-century skills and sports leadership training. This holistic approach provides the girls with the essential tools to succeed in life. Our ‘Lessons from a Football’ film vividly showcases how football teaches crucial values like teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. By incorporating sports into our program, we see Nanhi Kalis evolving into strong, confident leaders who are ready to take on the world.”

    Added Kainaz Karmakar and Harshad Rajadhyaksha, Chief Creative Officers of Ogilvy India: “We visited a rural Nanhi Kali centre and spent a lot of quality time interacting with several Nanhi Kalis, and their coaches. The raw, captivating, and liberating stories of what the simple game of football has come to mean for these little girls and their sense of confidence and self-worth, is what inspired us to create this piece of communication.”

  • Urges parents to support their children’s future

    GSK launches campaign for 7 crucial vaccinations

    Biopharma company GSK has launched its new multichannel campaign ‘Ab India Banega 7-Star’. The campaign shows parents that the future of India is in their hands. It encourages them to secure their children’s future with seven essential vaccinations against 14 diseases, which include chickenpox, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, measles, mumps, rubella, pneumonia, influenza, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, HiB infection, and polio.

    Said Dr Shalini Menon, Medical Director, GSK, said: “After a child’s first birthday, it is critical to build robust immunity against serious vaccine-preventable diseases. The immunity granted by the vaccination can extend to the community thereby preventing the spread of disease and could help address threat of increasing antimicrobial resistance by reducing the need for antibiotics. The seven essential vaccinations given at this age protect them from 14 dangerous diseases and help them grow into healthy adults. Through this campaign, we want to communicate to parents the critical need to give their children the recommended vaccinations between the ages of one and two years.”

  • Features in latest campaign as value conscious shopper

    Sara Ali Khan is brand ambassador for Shopsy

    Shopsy has launched its latest campaign ‘Apna Swag, Bina Brand Tag’ starring brand ambassador Sara Ali Khan. The campaign centres around the value-conscious consumer’s tendency to stretch their rupee to get the best product quality and style in their budget.

    Commenting on the campaign, Prathyusha Agarwal, Business Head at Shopsy, said: “As one of the country’s fastest-growing hypervalue platforms, at Shopsy we provide a unique opportunity to millions of Bharat e-shoppers to bridge the gap between their dreams and means.

  • To keep customers engaged with important safety messaging

    British Airways releases new safety video

    British Airways has premiered its brand-new safety video ‘A British Original Period Drama’ inspired by some of Britain’s famous period literature, TV and film and starring more than 40 of the airline’s colleagues.

    The film depicts ladies and lords of the manor, as well as housekeepers and butlers going about their everyday lives in period Britain, before being abruptly interrupted by present-day British Airways colleagues demonstrating the safety briefing.

    When it came to location, the airline selected grand British country estates, including Hatfield House in Hertfordshire and Englefield House Estate in Berkshire to shoot the video.

    Said Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer: “We know that these videos deliver vital safety information, and it is so important that we do everything we can to keep our customers engaged throughout. When it came to selecting a genre, we wanted something that would enable us to do this, while resonating with global audiences, so a period drama with a little bit of humour seemed like the perfect fit,” adding: “We have created something truly original and entertaining that celebrates what makes Britain – and British Airways – unique while communicating the importance of safety on board. I am also incredibly proud that more than 40 colleagues star in the film as we have always said it is our people who make us who we are.”

  • The national TV media is sticking to its guns about being BJP propagandists, writes Ranjona Banerji

    Ranjona Banerji: Rumbles from Budget announcements…

    Ranjona Banerji PhotographYou can still hear rumbles from Budget announcements through the media, with the most emphasis on the removal of indexation for long-term capital gains. The markets have responded by crashing, recovering and staying flat. The media has tried to hype the government’s job creation scheme – a budget of Rs 2 lakh crore to create jobs over a five-year period. This sounds good to the innocent, but given the unemployment crisis and our well-known bureaucratic and general efficiency, a five-year window can also be seen as a neat excuse of future inaction. Most of the national media is hard-pressed to report on the reality of budget reactions.

     

    This edit from The Telegraph in Kolkata, gives you another idea of how the BJP itself responded to Narendra Modi on his government’s Budget in Parliament:

     

    https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/no-enthusiasm-from-bjp-members-during-pm-speech-modi-magic-seems-to-be-on-the-wane/cid/2032076

     

    While Bihar and Andhra Pradesh are understandably happy that their unspoken smiling threats of withdrawal of support have given them huge packages, there are murmurs of other states making their displeasure felt. You will see sprinkles of these murmurs in the national media; far more in the local and regional media. You will see more of the fiery speeches given in Parliament on YouTube and on social media than you will in the national media.

     

    Partly this is because the national TV media is sticking to its guns about being BJP propagandists. The latest BJP IT cell lie is about the lawyers’ fees which jailed Delhi Chief Minister has supposedly paid. These TV people put out these lies, then delete them but by then they have already been picked up by trolls and spread across the internet.

     

    What you will not hear enough of, unless you follow regional news, are the other rumblings, especially in BJP-ruled states. UP, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are seeing power tussles within the ruling party. The Maharashtra BJP coalition is in turmoil. Especially now after NCP (Sharad Pawar) politician, and former Maharashtra home minister, Anil Deshmukh has made some damning allegations against Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP, now deputy chief minister. Deshmukh chose to give his interview to an independent YouTube news channel rather than to the legacy media. The reports in the main English newspapers are scant, minus the detailed allegations.

     

     

    https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/devendra-fadnavis-coerced-me-to-frame-mva-netas-anil-deshmukh/articleshow/111997289.cms

     

    I would have thought there would be more excitement about the Olympics in the Indian media, but somehow my feed is more excitement about an asteroid. You would imagine from the headlines across most top media sites that we were about to get obliterated, but these were all perfect clickbait: NASA warns! NASA has actually warned nothing because the asteroid is very far away and will do nothing to us on Earth. In fact the warning is so insignificant that NASA forgot to put it front and centre on its own website.

     

    But I guess if it gets more people to read about science, it’s all worth-it clickbait. One of the major websites invited me to read their next clickbait hit: Is Sonakshi Sinha pregnant. I am not sure which of these two stories are more insignificant.

     

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