MxMIndia

Category: NEWS

  • Star Network has expanded its UK reach with an extended distribution partnership with Sky

    Star Network expanded on Sky

    By A Correspondent

     

    Star Network and Sky have agreed a new multi-year carriage deal that will see an expanded range of Star’s entertainment channels and programming available to Sky’s customers.  The agreement forms part of Sky’s on-going commitment to deliver greater breadth, depth and value for all subscribers, including those audiences who value high-quality programming from overseas.

     

    Now with a monthly reach of over 1.5 million viewers, Star Network’s portfolio of channels respond to the growing demand for high-quality Hindi and Bengali language programming.  In addition to a channel carriage renewal for its existing channels, Star TV will also launch HD and on demand services as well as a brand new channel, Star Jalsha, to better satisfy customers.

     

    The agreement sees Sky renew its distribution partnership for Star Network’s leading range of Hindi-language entertainment and Bollywood film channels, including Star Plus, Star Life OK, and Star Gold. This follows the recent launch of Star Plus HD – the UK’s first Asian TV channel in full high definition.

     

    On 22 November 2012, the renewed carriage deal brought the brand new entertainment channel, Star Jalsha, to Star’s UK channel line-up.  Star Jalsha is the number 1 Bengali general entertainment channel in India, offering premium content including drama and reality series, cultural and religious shows, cookery programmes, comedies and more.

     

    In addition, the partnership between the broadcasters includes distribution rights that will see Sky offer access to Star Network’s programmes through its catch-up platforms, including Sky’s On Demand service.

     

    Yeshpal Sharma, Sr. Vice President UK & Europe, Star Networks said, “It has been a fantastic journey with Sky so far and we are glad that with the multi-year deal Sky has recognised our commitment as the UK’s No. 1 Asian television network offering top quality content to a growing Asian audience. We have built a firm foundation and are committed to taking it to new heights.”

     

    Adrian Pilkington, Director of Partner Channels, Sky, said, “We’re pleased to be extending our partnership with Star TV as viewing amongst the UK’s Asian audience continues to grow strongly. At Sky, we’re delighted to help Star’s programming reach more than 10m homes, and to give viewers more choice, control and flexibility by making Star’s content available in high-definition and on-demand.”

     

  • The Bal Thackeray funeral and Ajmal Kasab execution cause a spike in news TV viewership, notes Ormax Media study

    Thackeray funeral & Kasab execution lead to news viewership spike: Ormax study

    By A Correspondent

     

    All leading news channels benefited from big news events in the week of Nov 18-24, according to Ormax Media’s syndicated research Ormax TV Track. The week saw Bal Thackeray’s funeral on Sunday, Kasab’s execution on Wednesday and start of the winter session of the Parliament from Thursday, besides other regular news events.

     

    Ormax TV Track records viewership of television channels based on day-after recall (DAR). The weekly research covers 1,400 respondents every week, across 17 cities.

     

    Based on the results, the news category showed 34% increase in its viewership, vis-a-vis the previous week (Nov 11-17). Category leader Aaj Tak showed an increase in its average daily reach from 17% to 23%, while ABP News jumped from 13% to 17% average daily reach.

     

    Shailesh Kapoor

    Commenting on the results, Shailesh Kapoor, CEO, Ormax Media, said: “Last week was an unusually busy week for news channels. An increase in recall is indicative of both a higher volume of audience, as well as higher engagement levels with the content. Movie channels were affected the most as a result, while GECs and other niche categories seemed unaffected.”

     

  • The channel won a silver award in the Best PR/Guerilla Marketing Stunt category for Cyril’s Family Vacation (Hawaii Edition)

    AXN bags Silver at 2012 Marketing Events Awards

    By A Correspondent

     

    AXN was recently awarded a Silver at the 2012 Marketing Events Awards in the Best PR/Guerilla Marketing Stunt category for Cyril’s Family Vacation (Hawaii Edition). The award ceremony that took place in Singapore boasted of an impressive line-up of judges.

     

    Says an official communique: ‘Up against stiff competition, it is heartening that the promotional efforts for the show which centered heavily around PR and the guerilla marketing stunts (Cyril hanging from the lamp post) in Kuala Lumpur and Mumbai have been recognized. In total the campaign generated US$4.7+min press value across 302 different media including 24 TV shows, 7 radio shows , 99 print media and 172 articles on line, 30 video uploads, 500,000+ video views and over a million reach on FB updates and buzz. Cyril had visited India earlier this year in June and had performed an outdoor stunt to showcase his illusions at Carter Road, Bandra.’

     

    The Marketing Events Awards recognize and honour the best of Asia’s event marketing, management and planning industry. It is the event for event marketers and planners – giving praise to creative excellence, strategic marketing, and operational precision. Winners of the Marketing Events Awards represent the best in the business.

     

    Some of the categories in the awards were: Best Consistency in Branding, Best Consumer Event, Best Digital Integration, Best Event For Press/Media among many other categories.

     

  • The group has had an award-winning year with multi-year sponsorship renewals

    ESPN STAR Sports’ Event Management Group on new high

    By A Correspondent

     

    ESPN STAR Sports’ (ESS) Event Management Group has announced the multi-year renewals of the sponsorship for two of its marquee events, Tiger Street Football and Achilles Formula Drift Asia. EMG was also awarded the Gold Award for Best Event Production and Silver Award for Best Sponsorship Activation, both for the Tiger Street Football 2012 event, at the recently held Marketing Events Awards, an annual industry event.

     

    Following two successful seasons, Asia Pacific Breweries has extended its partnership with ESS for Tiger Street Football event for the next two years till 2014. The event, which has garnered popularity in Asia, will now expand to new markets such as Australia, Cambodia and Mongolia.

     

    ESS’ Event Management Group has also extended another key partnership with PT Multistrada Arah Sarana Tbk, one of Indonesia’s leading tyre manufacturers. As a result of two very successful seasons of the Achilles Formula Drift in 2011 and 2012, ESPN STAR Sports has renewed a multi-year deal with PT Multistrada Arah Sarana Tbk as title sponsors till 2015 for the event in three markets – Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia, for the very first time.

     

    These wins bring to a close a packed calendar of events that includes Tiger Street Football, Achilles Formula Drift Asian Series, Guinness World Series of Pool and the KIA X Games, as well as new events such as adidas Extreme Power 5s and the upcoming iFly World Championships 2012 in December.

     

    The Tiger Street Football and Achilles Formula Drift Asia events have grown from strength to strength, and we are encouraged by the tremendous support and enthusiasm of Asia Pacific Breweries Limited and PT Multistrada Arah Sarana Tbk. This is a great affirmation of how Sports Marketing, through our event and platforms continue to bring brands alive and we look forward to taking these two exciting sports events to even greater heights with our new partnerships,” said Harvey Davis, ESPN STAR Sports Vice-President, Event Management.

     

    Edmond Neo, Director (Group Commercial), Asia Pacific Breweries Limited said, “Tiger Beer has always thrived on delivering the best ‘live’ football experience to our consumers and we are pleased to partner ESPN STAR Sports’ Event Management Group that shares the same synergies and belief as us. After two successful years of staging Tiger Street Football, we are committed to take Tiger Street Football to the next level with an aim to offer a different dimension to playing street football in Asia. We could not have asked for a better partner to collaborate with to extend this fast-paced, adrenalin-pumping game combined with a unique carnival-like atmosphere across the region, for another two years.”

     

    Pieter Tanuri, President Director, PT Multistrada Arah Sarana Tbk said, “We’re proud of the achievements with ESPN STAR Sports’ Event Management Group over the last two seasons and we’re pleased with how our brand has grown with the event. Our goal has always been to advance the world of drift racing and this partnership aims to elevate our Achilles brand as a premium tyre brand across the region, encourage a high-level of international competition, and feature our flagship products prominently through this exciting motorsport event, and we’re delighted to continue our partnership and take this event to new heights.”

     

     

  • Long-serving DNA CEO KU Rao moves to a corporate role at Zee, as Group CEO Dr Bhaskar Das to take charge

    Bhaskar Das takes charge of DNA as CEO KU Rao to moves to corporate role @ Zee

    By A Correspondent

     

    Bhaskar Das

    After serving as CEO of the six-edition Daily News and Analysis (DNA) for six years, K U Rao is moving to the Zee group in a senior corporate role. It is not known if and when his position will be replaced, but Dr Bhaskar Das, who joined Zee recently as Group CEO, will be in charge of the newspaper.

     

    Mr Rao, who joined DNA from Shell, helped consolidate the paper and weather slowdown storms, ensured a smooth transition from the paper’s management by the Dainik Bhaskar group to Zee in 2008. His move was disclosed internally last week.

     

    Zee is learnt to be launching an English news channel and recently appointed Dr Das from The Times of India group with a specific task of consolidating its news offerings. The Zee group is reportedly in advanced level discussions with Amar Ujala to pick up a significant stake. There could be other acquisitions in the offing.

     

    Although Zee News pioneered independent news bulletins on television and the company has had a reasonable financial statement, it has not fared too well in ratings in recent years.

     

  • Master Brand Award is conferred upon the brands that appeal to mass value seeker to premium set of consumers, while constantly keeping in mind a consumer-centric FMCG approach

    Fortune cooking oil wins the Master Brand Award

    By A Correspondent

     

    Mr. Angshu Mallick, COO, Adani Wilmar Ltd.receiving the Master Brand Award 2012-12 for Fortune by 2012-13

    The Fortune brand from Adani Wilmar Ltd, the leading manufacturer and distributor of cooking oils, was recognised with the Master Brand Award for 2012-13 by the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Asia. The Master Brand trophy and citation was received by Angshu Mallick, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Adani Wilmar Ltd in Mumbai.

     

    The award was presented by Dr David Forbes, President and CEO of Forbes Group, USA and Donovan Neale-May, Executive Director, CMO Council.

     

    On the occasion  Mr Mallick said, “It is an honour to be bestowed with this prestigious award and to be considered among the most trusted and preferred brands in the country. After a decade of success in the Indian market, with our relentless dedication to quality, innovation and health we continue with our commitment of bringing the best to the Indian markets.”

     

    The Master Brand Award is conferred upon the brands that appeal to mass value seeker to premium set of consumers, while constantly keeping in mind a consumer-centric FMCG approach.

     

  • Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd in association with Star India have announces the third edition of the 'BIG Star Entertainment Awards' which will be aired on December 31, 2012

    RBNL and Star to usher in 2013 with 3rd ‘BIG Star Entertainment Awards’

    By A Correspondent

     

    It’s the season of awards and Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd in association with Star India have announces the third edition of the ‘BIG Star Entertainment Awards’.

     

    The Awards will feature 31 categories, winners for which will be selected through online and SMS votes sent in by 92.7 BIG FM listeners and Star Plus viewers. The awards night is scheduled for December 16, though the show, which clocked in 6.8 TVRs on Dec 31, 2011, is scheduled to be on air on December 31, 2012.

     

    Tarun Katial
    Nikhil Madhok

    Speaking on the announcement, Tarun Katial, CEO, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited said, “The unique format of BIG Star Entertainment Awards has clicked with audiences as an exceptional usher in to their New Year!”

     

    Said Nikhil Madhok, Senior VP Marketing, Star Plus, “New Year’s eve is a special night that all families like to spend together. Star Plus is back with the 3rd season of BIG Star Entertainment Awards which promises to be a great opportunity for families to bond and bring in the New Year.”

     

  • DDB Mudra Delhi has won the Rs 40 crore business of Marico's Livon brand

    DDB Mudra Delhi bags Marico’s Livon

    By A Correspondent

     

    DDB Mudra Delhi has added Marico’s Livon brand to its slew of accounts. The size of the account is pegged at Rs 40 crore. The incumbent on the account ‘Cut the Crap’ had been working on the brand before Marico acquired the brand from Reckitt Benckiser earlier this year. DDB Mudra Group won this mandate after a rigorous multi-agency evaluation process.

     

    Sonal Dabral

    Sonal Dabral, Chairman & CCO, DDB Mudra Group, said, “Livon presents us with a wonderful opportunity to take the DDB ideology of social creativity forward. A brand that talks to audiences that live in a connected world, we look forward to creating ideas that have an inherent ‘talk value’ that drives the brand forward. Besides, with Marico, we are really excited about partnering with one of the most professional Indian multinationals.”

     

     

    Vandana Das

    Commenting on this big win, Vandana Das, President, DDB Mudra Group, Delhi, says, “It’s a great starting point and very encouraging for all of us to be associated with a brand from Marico’s stable. Having won Livon, we are all really delighted and geared to have a long innings together. We look forward to doing some path-breaking and exciting work on the business in months ahead.”

     

  • R K Swamy BBDO's 'Adoption Drive' Campaign done for Pedigree has won a place in the Communication Arts' Advertising Annual 2012

    RK Swamy BBDO ‘Adoption Drive’ campaign enters Communication Arts’ ad annual

    By A Correspodent

     

    R K Swamy BBDO’s work has made its way to the Communication Arts’ Advertising Annual 2012. The ‘Adoption Drive’ Campaign done for Pedigree won in the Consumer Magazine Ads campaign category.

     

    A distinguished panel of jurors selected 142 winning projects from 4423 entries representing the work of 82 countries for the Communication Arts’ 53rd Advertising Annual and online gallery. Said Navneet Virk, Executive Creative Director, R K Swamy BBDO, “It’s indeed a great honor for us. Communication Arts is one of the most prestigious advertising awards in the world and is very tough to get into. The idea is based on a universal insight that ‘a dog is a man’s best friend’. Our approach was radical.”

     

    The visuals are scenes in history and mythology where betrayal is the main theme. This provides a strong context illustrating the universal insight that dogs are known for their loyalty and selflessness, and adopting a dog ensures you have a friend for life.

     

  • The move followed feedback from listeners and a conclusion that the choice of music is moving more towards Bollywood

    Red FM goes Hindi in Bengaluru

    By A Correspondent

     

    Popular FM radio network Red FM has turned its Bengaluru frequency into a 24×7 Hindi radio station: Red FM Bangluru. The move follows the station’s observation where listeners expressed a keen liking for Bollywood music over their current songs playlist. The move is expected to help the brand become more popular across the metropolitan audiences and at the same time break through the clutter of homogenous sounding Kannada radio stations in Bangalore.

     

    Nisha Narayanan

    Commenting on the initiative, Nisha Narayanan, Senior VP – Programming & Projects, 93.5 Red FM said, “We are in constant touch with the evolving needs of our listeners and have concluded that the choice of music is moving more towards Bollywood. Moreover, the listeners prefer to listen to superhit songs all the time and Red FM is going to cater to this emerging need gap in the Bangalore. We will continue to retain the ‘Bajaate Raho’ attitude of the brand which gives us an edge over the others.”

     

    The station promises to offer a whole new level of entertainment with new RJs and a completely new identity. The change took effect from yesterday (November 28)

     

  • In just four years, India has emerged as third-largest market for the lighter giant

    Zippo to expand offerings in India

    By Tuhina Anand

     

    For Zippo, which is known for its windproof lighters, India has emerged as the third-largest market in the world. This has happened in a short span of four years where India has gone from being a minor market to being second largest international market for the brand after China. Seeing the exponential growth the company too has increased its India focus. Recently, it concluded its Harley Rock Riders rock music festival in Bengaluru where the company has partnered with Harley Davidson.

     

    Interestingly, Zippo across the world  especially in the US, Western Europe, Korea and Japan among others, associates with close to 250 music events and has been driving brand communication via these events.

     

    David Warfel

    Talking about their growth plan in India, David Warfel, Director, Global Marketing Zippo Manufacturing Company, said, “In the last four years, our business has grown tenfold in India and we see this as a big opportunity. We have been focusing primarily in Delhi and to some extent in Mumbai but there is a whole lot that’s left to be tapped in this country. We are making efforts to have an increased focus on developing our retail distribution and trade development.”

     

    He added, “Our distributors have taken a much more aggressive distribution position and there have been an overlay of corporate marketing activities. We have introduced online social media, paid placement and as the market continues to grow and give us resources to reinvest in the market. As time goes on you will see an increased presence of Zippo in India.”

     

    He also disclosed company’s plan to introduce other products from Zippo be it the fragrances, wrist watch and even a men’s clothing line. Mr Warfel said, “Our core product remains the Zippo windproof lighter but we have moved to a lifestyle marketing company and diversified products in our portfolio which will also be available in India. The men’s clothing range should be available by 2013-14.”

     

    As far as the positioning is concerned, Zippo sees itself in the premium segment but not in the luxury or ultra luxury segment. The company is focusing on developing its e-commerce site too.

     

    On the online business, Mr Warfel, said, “We have seen that through online we have gained new customers and it doesn’t really cannibalize our retail sales at all. These are business we would have not got otherwise.”

     

    He concluded, “Our focus is to build loyalty and engage our consumers with Zippo products throughout their lives hence the stress on diversifying our product portfolio.”

     

  • Multi Screen Media's Hollywood movie channel Pix has appointed Saurabh Yagnik as its Business Head

    Saurabh Yagnik exits Star to enter Sony as Biz Head, Pix

    By A Correspondent

     

    Saurabh Yagnik

    PIX, the Hollywood movie channel from Multi Screen Media, has announced the appointment of Saurabh Yagnik as its new Business Head. He replaces Sunder Aaron who had resigned in August this year.

     

    Mr Yagnik brings with him a cumulative experience of over 17 years in varied fields. In his previous stint, he was Business Head, English channels at Star India.

     

    Mr Yagnik is a Chartered Accountant with qualifications in Cost Accounting and Company Secretaryship. He began his career as assistant manager at ITC in 1995. In 2000 he moved on to Hindustan Unilever as category finance manager. In 2007, Mr Yagnik joined Star India India as vice-president, Financial Planning & Treasury for the in India. He was appointed as SVP and business head, English channels cluster in 2010 and held the position for two years. He has also had long stints with brands like Hindustan Unilever Limited and ITC.

     

    “I am very excited to be a part of MSM and Pix in the current juncture of its journey. Pix is a youthful brand with unparalleled fan following. Over the years, it has created a definitive mark for itself and has become a leading English movie channel. I am looking forward to working with the team here and take the Channel to being No 1,” said Mr Yagnik.

     

    NP Singh

    N P Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Multi Screen Media said, “We are thrilled to have Saurabh joining us and we welcome him to the MSM family. The industry is at an important cusp and the English movie genre is seeing a lot of transformation. We have great confidence in Saurabh’s abilities and are privileged to have recruited someone of his caliber into the business. He comes in with tremendous knowledge and the channel is going to benefit multi-fold with him as Business Head. We are equally confident that Saurabh will lead PIX to newer highs.”