MxMIndia

Category: NEWS

  • LinOpinion nets senior PR honcho and sportscaster Hemant Kenkre as Vice President

    Hemant Kenkre joins LinOpinion as VP

    Hemant Kenkre

    By A Correspondent

     

    Senior communications professional and sportscaster Hemant Kenkre has joined public relations firm LinOpinion as Vice President.

     

    Mr Kenkre, who was consulting with Hanmer MS&L until recently as Senior Strategist, has also worked with MTV Asia in Singapore as Senior Director, Communications.

     

    Other than PR, Mr Kenkre has been a popular name in sports media. He has played cricket professionally and has done a stint with commentary at WorldSpace and Radio One.

     

    Other than being CEO of Cricketnext.com for a bit, Mr Kenkre has also been a columnist and contributor to various entities: Mail Today, The Straits Times, Rediff.com, Mid-Day, Sunday Observer and MxMIndia.com.

     

  • Companies will delay price increases, emphasise on low-priced packs, explore new value price points and step up promotions to prevent possible downtrading, or consumers switching to cheaper products, in case of a crisis

    FMCGs brace for a weak monsoon

    By Ratna Bhushan & Sagar Malviya

     

    Consumer goods companies are busy firming up contingency plans to stem any decline in volume sales in case a deficit in monsoon rainfall hit crop yields, escalate food prices and impact consumer spend.

     

    Companies such as Dabur and Parle Products said they will delay price increases, emphasise on low-priced packs of Rs2, 5 and 10, explore new value price points and step up promotions to prevent possible downtrading, or consumers switching to cheaper products, in case of a crisis.

     

    “If there’s a monsoon deficit, we would obviously look at protecting volumes,” said Sunil Duggal, CEO of Dabur, which makes Vatika shampoo and Babool toothpaste.

     

    “Contingency plans could include a combination of things like putting off price increases, accelerating focus on smaller packs and allocating more spends on consumer promotions, depending on where the deficit is,” he added.

     

    BK Rao, general manager at top biscuits maker Parle Products said the maker of Parle-G, Monaco and Hide & Seek biscuits will focus on smaller price points if the situation is bad.

     

    The monsoon has revived significantly in the past week to reduce total deficit in the country so far to 22 per cent from 31 per cent and accelerated crop planting. But crop yields may still be lower as rainfall has been uneven, with some regions, including parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra, remaining practically dry for three weeks. Economists warn that food prices may rise sharply if rainfall weakens again.

     

    FMCG companies have been bucking the overall slowdown in the economy and posting an average 15 per cent growth, but a weak monsoon could change it.

     

    “A weak monsoon will naturally reflect on costs and we will have to work around that. The industry will feel the impact around September-October,” said Chitranjan Dar, divisional chief executive of tobacco-to-chips maker ITC Foods.

     

    While impact of inflation on the premium urban rich is not very significant, mid-rung and rural demand is strongly linked to the monsoons. Thus, top FMCG firm Hindustan Unilever, Dabur and biscuit maker Britannia, which have large rural presence, could be hurt more than Nestle and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer, which have an urban focus for their products, say experts.

     

    Analysts say consumer goods companies tend to push ‘magic price points’ of Rs2, 3, 5 and 10 in an inflationary scenario to minimise any negative impact on discretionary spends. Such low-unit packs account for over 25-30 per cent sales of makers of shampoos, hair dyes, biscuits and snack foods.

     

    Also, with local competition always posing a threat, established players would have to step up volume discounts and consumer promotions in a weak monsoon scenario. A significant 70 per cent of low unit packs are sold through kirana shops (mom and pop stores).

     

    “Small SKUs and distribution expansion may save the day. Downtrading too would be arrested at the small-pack level,” Shirish Pardeshi, executive director and co-head, research, at financial services firm Anand Rathi Securities, wrote in an investor note two weeks back. “Rural expansion of distribution (for example, HUL’s Project Shakti and Emami’s Swadesh initiatives – both aimed at accelerating expansion in rural markets) would help arrest drop in consumption,” the note said.

     

    Some analysts, however, believe the impact of a weak monsoon will be limited on rural consumption because dependence on agricultural income has been declining. “Our discussions with rural trade and consumers have always highlighted that one bad monsoon does not result in consumption declining. Instead, it leads to trade credit terms becoming more onerous in rural India,” Ambit Capital’s Anand Mour wrote in a report.

     

    Some companies such as Marico, maker of Saffola edible oil, say they would wait for some more time before start worrying about monsoon. “The June-July period is too early to take any decision. We will have to wait for August to check the monsoon trend and get a clearer picture,” said Marico CEO Saugata Gupta.

     

    Source: The Economic Times

    Copyright © 2012, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved

     

  • MPG Media Contacts currently handles the regional media business of one of Temasek's portfolio company in Singapore – DBS Bank

    MPG wins Temasek’s global media biz

    By A Correspondent

     

    MPG Media Contacts, Singapore, the flagship brand of Havas Media, have won the global media planning and buying duties of investment company Temasek Holdings. The agency won the business after a closed door pitch with incumbent OMD.

     

    MPG Media Contacts currently handles the regional media business of one of Temasek’s portfolio company in Singapore – DBS Bank. The agency’s experience on DBS business in particular and financial category in general played an important role in this appointment.

     

    Melvin Lim, CEO of Havas Media Singapore said: “We are elated to be given the opportunity to manage the strategic media services of Temasek Holdings and, by extension, to propagate the success of one of our globally renowned national wealth management organisations. We found a common ground to synergistically contribute to Temasek’s marketing outreach goals because of the deep-set experience we already have in the financial and business sectors.”

     

    Mr Lim attributed the win to “a team which understands the media consumption from the person-on-the-street up to the upper strata, captains of industries. We demonstrated our ability to apply our strategies to good effect for Temasek.”

     

    Incorporated in 1974, and based inSingapore, Temasek is supported by 11 affiliates and offices in Asia and Latin America.

     

     

  • The objective of the page is to disseminate community radio information to a wider public and engage with over 134 operating community radio stations

    MIB starts Facebook page for community radio

    By A Correspondent

     

    In a bid to establish a direct communication between the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and various stakeholders of community radio fraternity in the country, the ministry has launched a dedicated page on Facebook- ‘Community Radio India’.

     

    The objective of the page is to disseminate community radio information to a wider public and engage with over 134 operating community radio stations of the country and other stakeholders. The page will update the stakeholders on status of licences, screening committee meetings, permission agreements, clearances for new community radio station, consultations and events.

     

    This platform would also enable community radio stations to share information about their radio programmes, upcoming events, success stories, photographs and their challenges.

     

    ‘Community Radio India’ page also aims to encourage new and aspiring stakeholders of community radio by regularly updating them on CR policy, guidelines and by answering their queries. The information shared through ‘Wall’ posts will not only be helpful for them but would also inform individuals interested in community radio.

     

    The Facebook page on community radio not only portrays the vibrant history of community radio movement in the country using ‘Timeline’ feature but also hosts key documents related to policies. The page also carries frequently asked questions (FAQs), relevant documents and photo albums of key events. The ‘Wall’ on Facebook page would facilitate discussions while enabling a participatory communication channel on issues pertaining to community radio stations.

     

    The scheme has been identified as a core intervention during the XII Five Year Plan and it is expected that the Plan period would see a quantum jump in the number of Community Radio Stations set up in the country.

     

  • Extramarks is planning sizeable investments on the media front with a high profile media campaign soon and the creative mandate will be handled by McCann Erickson

    Carat scores extra with Extramarks

    By A Correspondent

     

    Extramarks Education Private Limited – promoted by Atul Kulshrestha – is a leading new age digital learning solutions company. In a recent development, Extramarks has appointed Carat as their Media partner.

     

    Extramarks has emerged as one of the leading players in the digital education category within a short period of two years, since its commercial launch. Extramarks’ products are being used in more than 3000 schools acrossIndiaand its online service is used by more than 7 lakh students.

     

    Confirming the media agency appointment, Rohit Jain, CEO of Extramarks asserted that Extramarks is now mature enough to take the next step forward in the field of interactive education solutions. “Extramarks is setting revolutionary standards in education whereby we aim to enhance the regular classroom experience and take a quantum leap forward.”

     

    Infotel Broadband Services Ltd. (Infotel), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL), through its affiliate Reliance Strategic Investments Pvt Ltd, has acquired a 38.5 per cent stake in Extramarks Education Pvt. Ltd.

     

    It is learnt that Extramarks is planning sizeable investments on the media front with a high profile media campaign soon and the creative mandate will be handled by McCann Erickson.

     

    Vidhu Sagar, Executive VP Carat Media also acknowledges the development and says “We at Carat are extremely proud to have been chosen by Extramarks as their media partner.  We shall be partnering Extramarks in the media management exercise holistically – thus we’ll manage the entire set of media responsibilities for the brand including planning, buying and execution. Of course, we shall endeavour to do this with the help of all pertinent media platforms – including Television, Print, Digital, OOH as well as Activation.”

     

    Carat, the world’s largest independent media communications specialist, is part of the Aegis Media India Group  that also includes Vizeum, Posterscope the global OOH sector leader, Brandscope,  Hyperspace (Retail), Carat Fresh Integrated (Activation), PSI (Airports), Doosra (Creative), Isobar, the global communications agency with digital at its heart and  iProspect, the global leader in search and performance marketing.

     

  • The Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) of ASCI upheld complaints made against 9 advertisements from various sectors

    ASCI’s upholds complaints against 9 ads

    By A Correspondent

     

    During the month of May 2012, the Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) upheld complaints against 9 out of 14 advertisements. At the same time, the CCC found that complaints against five TV advertisements were not substantiated.

     

    According to the complainant, the advertisement for Brooke Bond Red Label Natural Care Tea claimed that the product “has a scientifically proven combination of five ayurvedic ingredients like tulsi, ashwagandha, mulethi, ginger and cardamom to strengthen your body’s defence” and that “It helps to protect you and your family from cold, cough and flu”. The ad also said: “It is clinically shown that drinking three cups of Brooke Bond Red Label Natural Care daily helps enhance one’s immunity”. The CCC concluded that the claims that Brooke Bond Red Label Natural Care “helps to protect you and your family from cold, cough and flu”, and “drinking three cups daily helps enhance one’s immunity”, were not substantiated adequately.  The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.  The complaint was Upheld.

     

    IMS – Score more at BBA / BBS advertisement that appeared on IMS website claimed that “143 IMS students got selected into SSCBS in 2011”. The  advertisement showed a “bar chart showing selection of IMS students into SSCBS over the years 2008 to 2011”.The CCC concluded that, in the absence of validation by an independent agency, the claims mentioned in the  advertisement and cited in the complaint, were not substantiated.  The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code. The complaint was Upheld.

     

    A complaint was filed against Tata Sky’s print advertisement which appeared in The Hindu, Chennai edition dated March 30. As per the complaint, the advertisement states that “Cable is just a Dabba” meaning non standard or poor quality box, which is not the fact.  The CCC concluded that “by referring the Cable Set up Boxes as dabba”, the advertisement unfairly denigrated other products.  The advertisement contravened Chapter IV.1 (e) of the Code.  The complaint was Upheld.

     

    The ad which declared Lokmat – No. 1 Newspaper claimed that “Lokmat has added 65,000 readers in SEC A segment in Pune”. The ad did not mention the period over which this growth has been attained, which in itself is misleading. As per IRS 2011 Q4, in the last quarter Lokmat has added only 5,000 SEC A readers in Pune city. The CCC concluded that the claim, “Lokmat has added 65,000 readers in SEC A segment in Pune”, was misleading, as the advertisement did not mention the reference period pertaining to the source data. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.4. of the ASCI Code.  The complaint was Upheld.

     

    A complaint was filed against Glenmorangie’s print advertisement which appeared in Conde Nast India in the February issue. The advertisement states: “Why is it so important that we only use our casks twice?  Taste Glenmorangie and the question becomes rhetorical”.  The visual depiction of the brand name is suggestive of a well-known brand of liquor – Glenmorangie. In the absence of specific information, the advertisement appears to be a surrogate advertisement for Glenmorangie. The CCC concluded that the advertisement was a surrogate advertisement for a brand of alcohol – Glenmorangie.  The advertisement contravened Chapter III.6 of the Code.  The complaint was Upheld.

     

    Alchemist’s claim of “India’s most successful MBA prep” was pulled up too. It has not been backed up and substantiated and there is no validation by any independent agency that confirms this claim. In the absence of any proof, supporting information, from the Advertiser, the CCC concluded that the claim, “India’s Most Successful MBA Prep” was not substantiated.  The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.  The complaint was Upheld.

     

    Shree Maruti Herbal’s print advertisement on “Maruti Stay -On Capsules & Oil” claimed that it “helps improve vitality, stamina and energy”.  The website also claimed “Stay-On guarantees – “Sexual performance of adults in all age groups”,  “Rectifying temporary / partial / occasional or permanent  erectile dysfunction”,  “Increasing the extent of orgasm”,  “Augmenting libido”,  “Increasing the length & size of penis”,  “Mending premature (early & sudden) ejaculation”,  “Enhancing vitality, vigor and stamina”,  “Stay-On is 100% natural with no side effects.  It is a totally secure tested product”. The claims in the print advertisement and on the website were not substantiated. The advertisement and the website do not provide any scientific data related to the safety and efficacy of the product. The CCC concluded that the claim, “helps improve vitality, stamina and energy” was not substantiated.  The advertisement contravened The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act.  Also, the advertisement tends to create, by implication, a perceived inadequacy of physical attributes, in this case the impotence and infertility, which could be objectionable to both men and women.  The advertisement contravened Chapters I.1, III.4 and I.5 (d) of the ASCI Code. The complaint was Upheld.

     

    Jake’s Beauty-Spa-Salon & Academy received a complaint related to its design and copy. It is similar to the Complainant’s advertisement of “Schnell Hans Salon Spa & Academy”. The CCC noted the contents of the Complainant’s and the Advertiser’s advertisements and concluded that the headline, “Your Passport to Success”, was similar to the Complainant’s advertisement and thus suggested plagiarism.  The advertisement contravened Chapter IV.3 of the Code.  The complaint was Upheld.

     

    According to the complainant, the TV commercial for Nikon camera required permission from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) for the use of birds in advertisement or films.  In the application by Nikon, permission was asked for four sparrows to be shown in their natural habitat with a girl playing and passing through. In reality, the birds turned out to be cockatiels which are being used as toys by the girl. The CCC concluded that as the requisite permission was not received from the AWBI to shoot cockatiels in the TVC, it was in violation of The Performing Animals Registration Rules 2001.  The advertisement contravened Chapter III.4 of the Code.  The complaint was Upheld.

     

    During the month of May, the CCC also received complaints against five television commercials. The complaints were received against the advertisement of Midas Care’s Clean & Dry cream, Sprite Cold drink, Emami’s Fair & Handsome for Men, Gillette Mach 3 and Extra Strong Axe. However, as these advertisements did not contravene ASCI’s codes or guidelines, the complaints were Not Upheld.

     

  • The 6.2 feet tall, strong-built man known as a 'gentleman' departed from this world yesterday morning, leaving a gap which will never be filled by any one else

    Hanuman leaves a vacuum in Indian TV…

    By Meghna Sharma

     

    Remember those Sunday mornings when the whole nation was glued to their television sets? No, we aren’t talking about Satyamev Jayate, but about a show for which the country stood still – Ramayan.

     

    The characters were larger than life and people prayed in front of their TV sets to please the gods. Apart from Ram and Sita, one character which is still fresh in people’s memories is Hanuman, played by none other than the wrestler-turned-actor Dara Singh.

     

    The 6.2 feet tall, strong-built man known as a ‘gentleman’ departed from this world yesterday morning, leaving a gap which will never be filled by any one else.

     

    As the nation bid goodbye to Dara Singh, who died in his home following a brief illness, his fans – from ministers to common man – were talking about their beloved ‘Hanuman’. Many took to social networking sites to pay tribute to their hero. The late actor was among the top five trends on microblogging site Twitter.

     

    Dara Singh as Hanuman in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan (Pic source and courtesy: www.sagartv.com)

    Here what a cross-section from the industry tweeted about the loss:

    Ashok Lalla: Dara Singh. The 70mm pehelwan and one-man @WWE industry long before it was invented.

     

    Sneha Rajani: Met him just once, that too in the early 80s…but etched in my memory forever. Such was his impact. RIP Dara Singh ji

     

    Cricketwallah: Dara Singh earned more money & became more famous thru films but it was in the ring that he was the undoubted star. Remember aeroplane spin?

    Tanuj Garg: RIP Dara Singh, the real He-man.

     

    Rajdeep Sardesai: Maybe we need Dara Singh back in the parliament. Might ensure our MPs don’t jump in well of the house!

     

    Satbir Singh: Dara Singh’s endorsement of Verka Ghee remains till date the only believable celebrity endorsement

     

     

     

    Main Photograph: Fotocorp

     

     

     

  • Host of the world famous Doha Debates, Tim Sebastian will be seen anchoring a debate series on Indian television channel BloombergUTV and he hopes to bring quality programming to Indian TV screens, just as he had done with Hardtalk in the past

    I’m not chasing ratings here: Tim Sebastian

    By Shruti Pushkarna

     

    Tim Sebastian

    Award-winning British television journalist known for his ‘hard talk’, Tim Sebastian will soon by seen on Indian television screens. Business news channel, BloombergUTV has joined hands with Sobo Films to produce a debate series called ‘The Outsider’, which will go on air in August. The show will be hosted by Mr Sebastian, the  founder and host of the world-famous ‘The Doha Debates’ and the first host of BBC’s flagship international interview programme, Hardtalk.

     

    Mr Sebastian is hopeful of bringing quality television to Indian TV screens, just as he has done in the past with the Doha Debates and Hardtalk in other parts of the world. He said that a similar rigorous routine will be followed in the making of this show in terms of research as he followed on Hardtalk. Mr Sebastian said: “These are very well-researched programmes. I’m known to do my homework. A very similar research team to the one I had on Hardtalk, providing me with a lot of details, will be working on this show.”

     

    [youtube width=”400″ height=”225″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vm5FHz1WD6k[/youtube]

    When asked about the choice of India for a debate show at this point of time, Mr Sebastian said: “I’ll be putting India on a global stage. I’ve always visited countries when they are in crisis. Countries don’t incite interest when they are doing well. This is a perfect time to come to India. Why now because the view in the outside world is that India is at a crossing point. Maybe it’s no longer shining in the way it was five or ten years ago. Maybe the national mood has sunk a little bit in India . People are obsessed with their problems; they feel a promise has not yet been fulfilled. My aim is to have a fair debate, a debate that should shed light on a particular issue of concern to India. My job is to make sure these debates contain both the heat of your passion and the light to illuminate extraordinary things to a curious world. India matters more than ever. There’s no escaping that.”

     

    A 13-part series, The Outsider will feature debates on some of the major social, political and economic issues faced by India, including subjects like education,Kashmir, relationship between business and corruption, dynastic politics and more.

     

    Each debate will have speakers arguing for and against the motion. Speakers will include politicians, business people and activists. The debate will be conducted in the presence of a live audience of around 200 people. The audience will vote for or against the motion at the beginning and at the end of the discussion and the votes will be compared at the end of the show. The motion will then be thrown open in the viral world for people from across the globe to post their vote to determine the majority sentiment for the motion.

     

    Sriram Kilambi

    Announcing the launch of The Outsider in New Delhi on July 12, Sriram Kilambi, President, BloombergUTV said: “To understand the business in India, you have to understand the business of India. Business is larger than just the stock market and we want to broad base what our channel can be. We want to be about business and we want to stay in business, but we believe a couple of shows like this help us broad base, so that our shows on policy and on judiciary can actually get people to see them.”

     

    Mr Kilambi said that BloombergUTV was excited about Tim Sebastian hosting the series. “The Outsider is the first ever television show about India to be showcased on a global platform and we are proud to be the channel to carry it. We expect the entire nation, and Indians living across the globe, to sit up, watch and participate in the series, which will send a strong signal to the bureaucracy and corporate India about issues that need to be tackled to ensure that the country stays on-course with its growth map,” he added.

     

    A lot of Indian television programming, as we know, is governed by how well the show scores on TRPs. When asked whether he will be tailoring the content of his show to generate enough ratings, Mr Sebastian said: “No, I am not chasing ratings here. I am chasing interesting television, whether it’s mass market or niche television, it doesn’t really matter to me. I am chasing what I think is good quality television, discussing issues that matter to people. I’ve worked for 30 years in public broadcasting system, and we never chased ratings. We did it because we thought it was useful TV to do. I am applying the same standards this time.”

     

    The Outsider will be broadcast by Bloomberg UTV in India and by Bloomberg TV across Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and Middle East, thereby reaching out to over 300 million viewers globally, making it the first and only show about India to be produced in India and telecast across the globe.

     

    Mr Vikas Gulati, Director, Sobo Films (SBF), speaking about the series, said: “With a combination of Tim Sebastian, one of the leaders in his field, great topics, a young audience and international viewers, we are looking forward to the start of this series. We are proud to be able to give the youth of this country an opportunity to share their views with a global audience. This programme will allow an international audience to hear what the future leaders of this country have to say.”

     

    Tim Sebastian, previously a BBC foreign correspondent, based in Warsaw,Moscow and Washington has over 30 years of reporting from more than 25 countries. He is globally recognized as a sharp, incisive and unbiased cross-examiner and enjoys a track record for fearless and forensic questioning of some of the most powerful people on the planet.

     

  • No immediate impact in India as Dentsu's announcement of acquiring Aegis brings it closer to adland biggies WPP, Omnicom, Publicis & Interpublic

    Welcome,the new adland superpower:Dentsu

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    It’s no longer watercooler chatter or just a whisper in the corridors. By gobbling up Aegis, Dentsu has made its intentions very clear. Sir Martin Sorrell and Maurice Levy, the Japanese are a-comin!

     

    Announcing the mega-deal: Tadashi Ishii, President and CEO, Dentsu Inc and Jerry Buhlmann, CEO, Aegis

    Dentsu’s $4.9 billion acquisition is being counted as the biggest in the advertising business. It’s the second buy of a British ad entity within a month. But, of course, Aegis is a large network while BBH (which sold out to Publicis) is just a creative boutique.

     

    There was nothing forthcoming from the Dentsu and Aegis offices in India, however, it’s set to be business as usual for the now. The nitty gritty will only be completed by the end of the current year, and the impact, if at all, will be more on shared services, sources tell us.

     

    There is a marked difference between our respective styles of functioning, an insider at Dentsu told MxMIndia on conditions of anonymity. “But that too is a global issue”.

     

    Another industry voice told MxMIndia that the scale which Dentsu attains will help it considerably. It’s not just the preserve of networks like WPP, Omnicom, Publicis and IPG any more. The rub-off will be very positive on both entities and pitches henceforth will see them as significant players.

     

    First some background:

    In July 2009, Dentsu announced its medium-term management plan titled “Dentsu Innovation 2013”, focusing on global business expansion and intensifying digital offerings, together with further strengthening its mass media business, to drive its business strategy as one unified group and to achieve strong growth. Looking to its clients’ and media agencies’ business landscape, Dentsu’s business exposure has been expanding globally, especially with strong focus on emerging markets including Asia.

     

    On the other hand, Aegis, a global focused media and digital communications group with highly competitive digital service offerings, enjoys a strong presence across Europe and increasingly in the US (clearly the world’s largest advertising market), and is rapidly growing its footprint across Asia and the Pacific. The combination of Dentsu and Aegis will be highly complementary, bringing together a global media platform with capabilities to provide integrated solutions, and offer enhanced quality services to clients.

     

    Both companies place “client centricity” at the core of their values and Dentsu’s corporate vision for “Good Innovation.” and Aegis’ to “Reinvent the Way Brands are Built” demonstrate the respective commitment to continuous improvement.

     

    The Rationale:

    Dentsu believes that a business combination between Dentsu and Aegis will deliver the following strategic and financial benefits:

     

    1. Expansion of global presence

    The geographical fit between Dentsu and Aegis is highly complementary. Dentsu has a leading market position in Japan’s advertising and marketing sector, an established presence across Asia, and an increasingly expanding business in the US, with mcgarrybowen as its core US subsidiary.

     

    Additionally, Aegis enjoys a leading position showing strong presence across Europe and increasingly in the US. Moreover, Aegis is rapidly growing its footprint across emerging markets, and has established robust positioning in Asia excluding Japan.

     

    Together, the enlarged group will be a stronger global competitor with the scope and scale to compete for and win international mandates across Japan, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas. The combined network with a full range of advertising, media and marketing services will enable Dentsu and Aegis to provide highly integrated services for local, regional and global clients across multiple international locations.

     

    2. Enhanced service and integrated solution offerings

    Dentsu and Aegis each rely, in order to be competitive, on distinct service offerings and expertise, together with their creativity and integrity, to exploit best solutions with a variety of service offerings.

     

    Following the transaction, the combined group will have a strengthened ability to offer a wider spectrum of niche services and expertise as a full service agency. With both Dentsu and Aegis’s extensive experience and knowledge, the combined group will enhance its ability to offer integrated solutions to clients.

     

    3. Intensified digital capabilities

    The adoption of ‘scaled’ technologies by consumers has driven the proliferation of connected devices and advancements in communication technology, significantly affecting clients’ advertising and marketing activities. Dentsu faces strong client expectations to strengthen digital solutions.

     

    With the rise of digital consumption and client demand for digital services, Dentsu has successfully enhanced its digital solutions over the years. By integrating Aegis, with Isobar and iProspect’s digital strengths in creative origination and performance marketing, the combined business will provide a powerful global platform for media, content and digital technology, and will increasingly support client activities.

     

    The combination of Dentsu and Aegis, with its robust client portfolio, will count at least 71 out of the top 100 marketers as clients on a combined basis, and will provide global and local clients with a new, differentiated proposition to achieve their objectives, and also accelerate the drive to continuously create new innovations as one unified group.

     

    CEO-speak:

    Here are comments from the respective CEOs:

    1. Dentsu: Tadashi Ishii, President and CEO:

    I am pleased to announce this exciting and transformational combination between Dentsu and Aegis. Together, we will be able to deliver fully integrated and best-in-class services to our clients through a new global communication network born in the digital age offering a broadened service portfolio. Dentsu and Aegis will be the market leader in the Asia-Pacific region, enjoying a strong presence across Europe and the fastest growing agency network in the US.

     

    In recent years, under the leadership of Jerry Buhlmann and his team, Aegis has been recognised as the most successful independent media and digital communications agency with strong performance momentum and talented, client-focused employees. We look forward to working with our new colleagues with whom we already share a common “client-centric” philosophy. Jerry and I have huge ambitions for a truly client-focused global communication network built in the digital age, and are looking forward to further innovating our business and continuing to contribute to our clients’ success.

     

    2. Aegis: Jerry Buhlmann, CEO:

    This is a compelling combination of two great businesses that will create one of the world’s most dynamic marketing services groups – and the first to be born in the digital age.

     

    We at Aegis are delighted at the prospect of being able to play a full part in helping Dentsu create a platform for global growth and continued digital innovation. By forming the first communications group with true global reach, the growth strategies of both businesses will be enhanced as we provide more scale, geography, capability and investment to support clients.

     

    “For the people of both these great businesses, the combination offers continuity and the promise of working for one of the most exciting, high-growth companies in our industry. We have complementary geographic fits and aligned visions and strategies. Together, we have strengthened investment capabilities as we work to help more clients than ever before navigate the complex and converging media ecosystem.”

     

    The India angle:

    Market observers in India credit the team led by Sandeep Goyal for the initial salience of Dentsu amongst advertisers. The Japanese ad network is no longer an alien name, even though it’s not as big as WPP, Publicis, Ommnicom or IPG.

     

    In India, Dentsu has the following arms: Dentsu Marcom, Dentsu Communications, Dentsu Creative Impact, Dentsu Media and Dentsu Digital. And Aegis has: Carat, Vizeum, Isobar, iProspect, Posterscope, Brandscope, Hyperspace, Carat Fresh Integrated, PSI and Doosra.

     

    But the presence of Mr Goyal earlier and now Rohit Ohri has ensured that business keeps coming in to Dentsu, a senior media agency executive told MxMIndia. As for Aegis, the leadership of Ashish Bhasin means that the group has stability at the helm.

     

    For Mr Ohri: Ken Terasawa (Exec Vice Chairman), Soumitra Karnik (NCD) Narayan Devanathan (Dentsu Marcom), Titus Upputuru (NCD, Dentsu Marcom), Arijit Ray (Dentsu Communications), Glen Ireland (Dentsu Digital), Yutaka Kamoshita (Dentsu Digital) and Divya Gupta (Dentsu Media) and for Mr Bhasin: Kartik Iyer (Carat), Anand Bhadkamkar (CFO), S Yesudas (Vizeum), Haresh Nayak (Posterscope), Shamsuddin Jasani (Isobar), Zaheer Mirza (Doosra).

     

    While Mr Ohri is travelling and not available for contact, the information that MxMIndia received the morning after the announcement that the overall global structure will be unveiled only by the year-end, and following that regional and India-specific restructuring may happen. However, in the same breath, a source in a Dentsu international office told us that given the slowdown managements will be sensitive to overspending, so don’t be surprised if the process towards rationalization happens quicker.

     

    Suggested reading:

    Ad Age report: Not the ‘Big Four’ Holding Firms in Adland Anymore — Now It’s the Big Five

    http://adage.com/article/agency-news/big-holding-firms-adland-anymore-big/236001/

     

  • Taking into account the growing popularity of the digital medium, ITC's Vivel FaceWash, along with Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and musician Shankar Mahadevan has launched 'India's first digital talent hunt' – MOBisur

    Hungama launches digital talent hunt MOBIsur

    By A Correspondent

     

    The mobile medium in the last many years have grown significantly, especially with 3G and now 4G coming in, there is great expectations from this medium. As wireless subscriptions continue to grow, billions of apps continue to be downloaded worldwide andIndiasaid to have the second largest mobile subscribers in the world.

     

    Taking into account the growing popularity of the digital medium, ITC’s Vivel FaceWash, along with Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and musician Shankar Mahadevan has launched ‘India’s first digital talent hunt’ – MOBisur.

     

    Mr Neeraj Roy, MD and CEO, Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. said: “The reach of Internet andMobiletechnology has grown tremendously in the past few years. The aim of MOBisur is to create a talent-scouting engine in spaces that haven’t been explored in the past, via an entry ticket that is their everyday communication device.”

     

    This unique mobile- and internet-based talent hunt promises to give every Indian an opportunity to prove their singing talent. The property was launched by Shankar Mahadevan, Nilanjan Mukherjee, Head of Marketing, Personal Care Products Business, ITC Ltd; Bhushan Kumar, MD, T-Series and Neeraj Roy, MD and CEO Hungama Digital Media Entertainment in Mumbai on July 13. T-Series is the official music partner for the property, which elevates the talent hunt to an even higher platform.

     

    Mr Bhushan Kumar, MD, T-Series, said: “It gives us immense pleasure to be able to bring new talent in to the industry. As a music label, we are always looking for fresh talent and with a truly digital talent hunt; we have access to talent across the country. We are looking forward to releasing an album composed by Shankar Mahadevan for the winner of the hunt”.

     

    The entries for the digital talent hunt, MOBIsur is said to continue for the next 45 days and the duration of the property will be for three months. The marketing budget is pegged at Rs3-4 crore.

     

    Mr Nilanjan Mukherjee, Head of Marketing, Personal Care Products Business, ITC, said: “Vivel FaceWashis delighted to present Mobisur, an exciting and innovative platform to discover hidden musical talent. Vivel Face Wash MOBisur, in line with this brand philosophy provides a unique opportunity to aspirants to live their musical dreams.”

     

    5,000 talented female participants selected from entries submitted on the Vivel Facebook page www.facebook.com/itcvivel will make it to the second round.

     

    The contestants who clear the first stage of the auditions will be given specific tasks by Shankar Mahadevan, who said: “When I conceptualised this property with Hungama, the thought was to give every Indian an opportunity to participate in a unique contest to try and reach the pinnacle of musical genius. Music is a powerful medium that can come from the most unexpected places.”

     

    Based on their performance in the tasks and the votes secured for each task, they will be chosen for the next round. There are three tasks in all and after clearing all three tasks the contestants make it to the final round, which is the On-Stage Performance. Ten finalists will be chosen to perform in front of Shankar Mahadevan and two other prominent personalities, where the final two winners will be announced.

     

  • Most crime shows do attract a large number of eyeballs, but most GECs also claim that it’s not about entertainment alone; they are helping the society as well

    Crime pays for GECs

    By Meghna Sharma

     

    What is it about the dark side that attracts us? A glance over any newspaper or news channel will tell us the increased attention being given to the gruesome incidents.

     

    The media, especially the television which is a reflection of the society, has reflected this growing interest with the increasing popularity in the number of the unglamorous, and sometimes, gory crime shows. From Karamchand in the 80s on DD to the latest Gumraah on Channel V, most crime shows have done well and have been able to garner an interest that other genres might not be able to. The longest running show on the Indian television, CID, is a crime show which was started in 1998 and recently turned tri-weekly.

     

    Speaking about the show’s success, Sneha Rajani, senior EVP and business head, Sony Television, said: “CID has been doing well for years now; it’s not a recent phenomenon. On an average, the show gets TVR of 3.3-3.5, and sometimes even goes up to 4.5. So, it’s no surprise that show has its share of viewers, as week after week people switch on their TV sets to get inspired by the bravery and the relentless passion of CID against crime.”

     

     

    Popular Crime Shows

    Karamchand – 1980 – DD

    CID – 1998 – Sony

    India’s Most Wanted – 1999 – Zee

    Aadalat – 2010 – Sony

    Gumrah – 2012 – Channel V

     

    According to industry experts, most GEC experiments with crime shows have been successful – some have garnered a little interest and others have gone on to become national hits like Adaalat and India’s Most Wanted.

     

    Such crime shows consist of an economically viable format – no huge sets, no major actors, no glamorous outfits or expensive judges are required – hence, the channels don’t mind investing in them.

     

     

    Janardhan Pandey

    Janardhan Pandey, associate vice president, DDB Mudra Max feels that apart from reality shows, only crime shows have the ability to create sensationalism and that’s the main reason people are attracted towards the format. “People want to know what’s happening around them. And these shows are able to portray facts through dramatization, without costing too much for the channel.”

     

    ‘Curiosity killed the cat’ is the apt reason why crime shows work on television according to Anand Chakravarthy, executive vice president, Marketing, RBNL and business head, Big Magic. “Crime, as a genre, has an extremely wide appeal, irrespective of the country. In a developing nation likeIndiawhere crime and corruption are a part of the societal fabric, the audience is most likely to appreciate televised content in the genre.”

     

    Anand Chakravarthy

    He added: “The fascination with the morbid and intrigue that the genre provides work across a cross section of audience, regardless of age and gender, making it acceptable to a larger and diverse audience base.”

     

    However, the question which still arises is – aren’t such shows the figment of the writers’ imagination? The writers of such shows may choose to disagree about the authenticity. “Though some might say they are a writer’s figment of imagination, but in reality, newspaper reports, sometimes even FIRs and investigations done by channels help us gather facts and details about various cases,” said a writer with a national GEC.

     

    According to Priti Murthy, national director – Insights, Maxus, crime shows attract not only the middle-aged, but a large number of youth too. “Crime cuts across genres and finds a large number of youngsters hooked on to the genre like action, thriller, and crime. One could say it gives them adrenaline rush.”

     

    Prem Kamath

    Channel V recently launched a teen crime show, Gumraah, which has became popular for its disruptive format and unique viewpoint of understanding the psyche of young criminals. “V’s Gumrah, in its second season now, details the ecosystem in which a teen crime is conceived and the extraordinary circumstances that lead to it. The show has had an immense impact on us, in terms of viewership as well as vindicating our research and understanding of the youth. We have seen a tremendous response in terms of feedback and appreciation on social media and other consumer responses. It has also further encouraged us to try bolder formats and continue on our chosen content strategy,” said Prem Kamath, Executive VP and GM, Channel V.

     

    Most crime shows do attract a large number of eyeballs, but most GECs also claim that it’s not about entertainment alone; they are helping the society as well. “As for adults, and specifically parents, this show is an eye-opener: if one neglects their child’s need for attention or dismiss it as juvenile behaviour, it can have serious repercussions and lead to moment of madness, eternally irreversible,” added Mr Kamath.

     

    “Shows such as Police Files (aired on Big Magic), while showcasing crimes from the region, also attempt to educate and empower the viewer. The depiction of the crimes help the viewers to understand and accept the need to be vigilant in safeguarding themselves and their loved ones. The information imparted by way of applicable laws of the Indian Penal Code, safety tips by experts and NGOs help empower the viewer,” said Mr Chakravarthy.

     

    So, if one has to go by what industry experts have to say: it’s entertainment with awareness that makes one switch on their television sets to watch crime shows.  Whatever be the reason, the channels can surely say that ‘crime pays’!

     

  • PR Solution, which will launch country's first online press conference booking portal (www.pressconference.co.in) on July 25

    PR Solution to launch Press Conf booking portal

    By A Correspondent

     

    You need people to know about a new product or service or more people to hear about your business successes, or perhaps any agenda you want to put across the country’s branches. Now you can with the help of PR Solution, which will launch country’s first online press conference booking portal (www.pressconference.co.in) on July 25 inIndia.

     

    Through this unique portal, anybody from any part of the country can complete the formalities of holding a personal, public or corporate conference in any part of the country. The site is created to empower the national and international companies with instant booking of a press conference.

     

    Press Conference portal is a one-stop-public relations website that offers the broadest selection of PR services in India.

     

    The idea was incepted by S Vijay Kumar and the aim is to connect the companies and help them organize press conference across India and abroad and make it worthwhile for them and offer a range of best-value products and services along with cutting-edge technology and dedicated round-the-clock customer support.

     

    Vishnu Khanna, chief advisor, PR Solution said: “The Press Conference portal will offer companies the convenience of online press conference bookings at rock-bottom prices. The aim is to connect the companies of India and helping them in organizing press conference across India and abroad and making it worthwhile for them.”

     

    He added: “With the rapid development of public relations in India and abroad, Press Conference is going to become the preferred choice of millions of companies, who are delighted to be empowered by a few mouse clicks”.