MxMIndia

Category: NEWS

  • Arijit Ray will lead New Business Development at Dentsu India Group as Simi Sabhaney, former President (Bengaluru and Chennai) at Ogilvy India moves into his role

    Arijit Ray moves to group role as Simi Sabhaney joins Dentsu Comm as CEO

    By A Correspondent [updated]

     

    Simi Sabhaney
    Arijit Ray

    Dentsu India Group announced the appointment of Simi Sabhaney as Chief Executive Officer of Dentsu Communications.  Ms Sabhaney, former President (Bengaluru and Chennai) at Ogilvy India, has spent over 23 years at the agency and will be based in Bengaluru (given some key Dentsu clients based there).

     

     

    Rohit Ohri

    Welcoming her, Rohit Ohri, Executive Chairman of the Dentsu India Group, said: “It’s been great going for us at Dentsu Communications. I’m looking to Simi to now lead the agency into it’s next phase of growth. Simi’s vast experience on diverse categories will truly add value to our client’s brands and businesses.”

     

    Meanwhile, Arijit Ray, who headed the agency, will now lead new business development across the group. Commenting on Mr Ray’s move to the group role, Mr Ohri said: “Arijit has been a great partner to me in Dentsu’s new exciting journey in India. I now wish to leverage his strengths in new business development for the entire group. I wish him all the luck in his new role. “

     

  • Week 2 of 2014 saw Zee rising to #2 with Sab and Life OK joint #4 in the weekly TAM ratings.

    Week 2 sees Sab and Life OK tie

    By A Correspondent

     

    Week 2 of 2014 saw some changes in the weekly TAM ratings. Zee rose to #2 and Sab and Life OK were joint #4.

     

    And even as Colors was #3, there’s reason for cheering in the camp as the fifth season of India’s Got Talent opened at 9.4 million.

     

    The rest is self-explanatory from the table alongside. As always, this info is based on what a little birdie from a TAM subscriber mailed us. Nothing official about it. But it’s reliable.

     

  • While Rohit Samarth will report to Mandeep Malhotra, President, DDB MudraMax, Alvin D'souza, Subhashish Sarkar and Amit Singh, who have been elevated to Head, Experiential – West, North and East, respectively, will be reporting to him

    Rohit Samarth to head experential at DDB MudraMax

    By A Correspondent

     

    Rohit Samarth

    Rohit Samarth has been elevated to Head – DDB MudraMax, Experiential with effect from January 1. He will report to Mandeep Malhotra, President, DDB MudraMax.

     

    Mr Samarth had joined DDB MudraMax in April 2012 as Senior Vice President, Terra, its rural marketing agency, in April 2012. In his new role, he will be incharge of the agency’s experiential campaigns, nationally.

     

    Meanwhile, Alvin D’souza, Subhashish Sarkar and Amit Singh, who have been elevated to Head, Experiential – West, North and East, respectively, will be working under the guidance of Rohit.

     

    Mandeep Malhotra

    Commenting on this new appointment, Mr Malhotra said, “Rohit has shown passion, hunger and discipline in his current role. Will be looking forward for him making all three infectious in his extended team.”

     

    Commenting on his elevation, Mr Samarth said: “It is my sincere belief that DDB Mudra Max’s experiential division, which is already a great force to reckon with in the experiential business, will grow to be one of the most competent and respected experiential communication solutions agencies over the next two years.”

     

  • The order on the guidelines uploaded on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting website is dated January 16 and it clearly states that the guidelines will come into force 30 days from the date of issuance

    The clock is ticking… Guidelines on TV audience measurement issued. 30 days wef Jan 16

    By A Correspondent

     

    Valentine’s Day this year is when the broadcast system may need to kiss the current audience measurement system goodbye. That is, if the government, the Courts or some divine power do not intervene. Or of course if TAM, the sole operator of the current audience measurement system, is unable to take some urgent measures to comply with the guidelines.

     

    There was a meeting with the Minister of Information & Broadcasting and officials of the ministry and key BARC functionaries in Delhi on Thursday (Jan 16) and even though Advertising Agencies Association of India President Arvind Sharma underscored the need to extend the deadline for the guidelines by five to six months, the Minister said there was not much he could do since the guidelines were being uploaded on the website and since the Cabinet had approved them, there’s little he could do in the matter.

     

    The order on the guidelines uploaded on the ministry website is dated January 16 and it clearly states that the guidelines will come into force 30 days from the date of issuance. The 30th day would be either February 14 or 15 given when the 30-day notice comes into force – from Jan 16 or 17.

     

    Meanwhile, the industry is bracing for a measurement-free era. While some of those who got the government to intervene have reason to wonder if they have scored a self-goal, the real worry is for broadcasters who could now face the heat from advertisers.

     

    The pressure is also on the stakeholder-led BARC to ensure timely delivery of its measurement system. It may be recalled that BARC spokespersons have promised the commencement of a new television audience measurement regime by the second quarter of 2014.

     

  • The Next Radio Ltd and BBC Worldwide jv which runs seven differentiated formats in the metros has upped ad rates by 20 percent wef Feb 1

    94.3 Radio One hikes ad rates by 20%

    By A Correspondent

     

    Radio One, the joint venture between Next Radio Ltd and BBC Worldwide, which runs 7 differentiated formats in the metros has increased its advertising rates by 20 percent across markets effective February 1, 2014.

     

    Said Vineet Singh Hukmani, MD and CEO Radio One: “In the last two years, our ‘product-first’ approach has ensured unparalled engagement of our listeners and therefore huge value to our advertisers. Complementing on-air content with simulcast digital conversations with the same TG does cost us. However, advertisers gain most as a result of this continuous upgradation as they can get access to supremely engaged audiences only on Radio One.”

     

    Radio One was the first station to begin ‘Online rebroadcast’ of its international Delhi and Mumbai stations. “In the last year we have begun to offer noticeable engagement in the online streaming audience and continuous up gradation of this service is the need of the hour and we are willing to make this investment for our advertisers’  added Vineet.

     

    Radio One runs international stations in Delhi and Mumbai, both of which have an online ‘rebroadcast’. The format for Bengaluru and Pune is upmarket Bollywood, whereas Ahmedabad and Kolkata are Hindi retro. Chennai, on the other hand, is a 100% request station. “We are happy that in Q3, all our seven stations were EBIDTA positive and this is the best proof of our strategy based on continuous product up-gradation,” added Mr Hukmani.

     

  • The media mandate for Jindal Panther TMT Rebars is worth Rs 15 crore

    Starcom wins media duties for Jindal Panther TMT Rebars

    By A Correspondent

     

    Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) has chosen Starcom Worldwide to handle its media duties for its retail brand, ‘Jindal Panther TMT Rebars’. The agency won the account after a multi-agency pitch. The media mandate for Jindal Panther TMT Rebars is worth Rs 15 crore.

     

    The Gurgaon office of Starcom Worldwide will handle traditional media planning and buying for the client.

     

    On the win, Mallikarjunadas CR, CEO of Starcom MediaVest Group India said: “We’re looking forward to this partnership with JSPL.Our team in Gurgaon is strong, and we’ll be able to work hand in hand with JSPL to devise creative and engaging human experiences for their consumers.”

     

  • Lowe Lintas doesn't allow Ogilvy fifth consecutive 'Agency of the Year' title by 35 points as Hindustan Lever gets past Cadbury by 50 points

    Lowe Lintas, HUL win big at Effie 2013

     

    By Shobhana Nair

     

    It’s a fraternity which loves surprises. And the thousand-and-a-half-odd members of India’s advertising and marketing industry witnessed just that on Friday evening. The large contingent from Ogilvy & Mather India has made a habit out of winning big at the award events it participates in.  But the crew from Lowe Lintas ensured that the adlanders in black (as Ogilvy staffers always turn up at trade events) don’t experience their fifth consecutive win at the Effie, the annual advertising effectiveness awards conducted by the Advertising Club. Lowe won the coveted Effie Agency of the Year 2013 outwitting Ogilvy & Mather by just 35 points in the final tally. “This is one night of fun and party for 2500 bucks. We can’t have a cheaper party than this,” chuckled R Balki, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer at Lowe Lintas while celebrating his team’s victory.

     

    But it’s not that Pandey’s O&M cut a sorry figure. Other than scoring 130 points as compared to Lowe’s 165, Ogilvy also secured the Grand Effie for its Lifebuoy Roti campaign for Hindustan Unilever. Said Pandey who is Executive Chairman and. Creative Director, South Asia of the agency: “We have come first so many times and it feels great that Lowe is enjoying their win. Of course, being second is not a great feeling. You need to try harder.” The Aadat Campaign for Cadbury’s Bournvita and the Ear Muffs activation and Made for You campaign for Vodafone helped Ogilvy win its three golds.

     

    The other three agencies in the Top 5 were McCann Worldgroup, JWT and Publicis Communications at 60, 40 and 35 points respectively. Nakul Chopra, CEO, South Asia at Publicis admitted his agency could have done better but he’s bullish on the year ahead. “I am not happy and I think the kind of work that we will do in 2014 is what I am excited about. I think in the years to come Publicis is going to be a brand which will be known for quality work,” he said.

     

    From the client side, Hindustan Lever bagged the ‘Effie Client of the year’ after the total points came to 95. The campaigns for its brands Kissan and Lifebuoy were clear favourites of both the jury and the crowds at the awards. “Well, I think these awards are for effectiveness and we are quite delighted and proud to have received these awards,” said Hemant Bakshi, Executive Director – Home & Personal Care of Hindustan Unilever (HUL) and Chairman, Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA).

     

    Cadbury India which emerged the Client of the Year in 2011 and 2012 came second with 55 points.  “It is always a joy to win a few awards because it is recognition by the industry of the work that we have done,” said V Chandrmouli, Executive Director, Chocolates and Biscuits, Cadbury India. “Over the last few years, we have been getting recognition which pushes us to do better work,” he continue as Siddhartha Mukherjee, Director – Chocolate Category & Media added: “We have had a long-standing partnership with our agencies like Contract and Ogilvy who have produced excellent work over the years. And to get any award is a great reward to that partnership.”

     

    This year, the number of entries leapfrogged 20 per cent to 419 from 52 agencies participated while 1200 tickets were sold for the awards night.  On his impressions as the curtains came down on Effie 2013, Ajay Kakar, Chief Marketing Officer – Financial Services, Aditya Birla Group who was Chairperson of the Effie 2013 Committee said:  “Effie has grown in participation therefore in stature and respect which is gratifying. This is an awards show which is beyond question and controversy. Both agency and client happily participate at various stages.”

     

    Underscoring the role of the advertising effectiveness awards, K V Sridhar, Chief Creative Officer India subcontinent at Leo Burnett said: “Creativity will not matter without effectiveness and effectiveness doesn’t exist without creativity. The combination is what really works. This is why Effie is the most coveted award in India. Also, the fact is that there are no controversies attached to it.”

     

     

     

    Delighted: Hemant Bakshi

     

    Given the importance of advertising and promotion for its brands, it’s not surprising that Hindustan Unilever was crowned ‘Client of the Year’ at Effie 2013.  A quick Q&A with Hemant Bakshi, Executive Director – Home & Personal Care of Hindustan Unilever (HUL) on the win.

     

    How important are awards like the Effie for an organisation like Hindustan Unilever?

    Well, these awards are for effectiveness and we are quite delighted. We are proud to have received these awards.

     

    There’s this big debate about creativity versus effectiveness? What matters to you more?

    Well, it is good to know that we have created value through what we do in marketing. We acknowledge the external appreciation that we’ve got.

     

    And what are the goals you have set yourself for 2014?

    Clearly, we have to sustain what we achieved in 2013.

     

     

    In advertising, you are supposed to be more creative to be effective: R Balki

     

    If there was joy in breaking the winning run of Ogilvy at the Effie, Lowe Lintas & Partners’ R Balki was understating it.  A quick Q&A with the agency’s celebrated Chairman and Chief Creative Officer.

     

    How important are awards like the Effie you?

    What is important is to do the kind of work that you want do for the clients. Being able to do that right through the year and being satisfied with your own. Award or no award can’t increase or decrease the value of your work. You should know the value of your work before you have won or lost.

     

    There’s this big debate about creativity versus effectiveness? What matters to you more?

    I don’t know the difference between these two. In advertising, you are supposed to be more creative to be effective. Obviously, there’s connect but both are passé words.

     

    Apart from your work, which ads have managed to impress you?

    I love Ogilvy’s work. The Roti activation campaign for Lifebuoy was good. In fact I am a fan of their work.

     

  • PepsiCo already has pouring rights of seven of the eight teams in the IPL, besides title-sponsorship rights for the cash-rich league

    No Coke at IPL stadia as Pepsi likely to be beverages partner of Mumbai Indians

    By Ravi Teja Sharma & Ratna Bhushan

     

    PepsiCo is close to signing a deal to become the beverages partner of Indian Premier League team Mumbai Indians, potentially shutting out rival Coca-Cola’s products from stadiums hosting the country’s most popular sporting event.

     

    The US beverages and snacks maker is expected to shell out close to Rs 11 crore for a three-year pouring rights deal with Mumbai Indians, an official closely involved with the developments said. It gives the firm exclusive rights to serve its beverages at teams’ home matches.

     

    PepsiCo already has pouring rights of seven of the eight teams in the IPL, besides title-sponsorship rights for the cash-rich league. Coca-Cola, which had been holding the pouring rights for Mumbai Indians for three years till last season, has also been in talks to renew its contract with the team.

     

    “But Coca-Cola is unwilling to pay a premium for the rights and since PepsiCo is already associated strongly with the IPL as title sponsor and with the rest of the teams, PepsiCo has been more keen on the rights,” the official quoted earlier said. A spokesman for Mumbai Indians declined to comment on the potential deal with PepsiCo.

     

    Spokespersons for PepsiCo and Coca-Cola too declined comment. Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who retired last year, represents Mumbai Indians and is also associated with Coca-Cola’s social campaigns. But his contract with the firm is up for renewal this year.

     

    The firm did not comment on whether it would continue its association with him. Coca-Cola had paid about Rs 5 crore for its three-year deal with the Mumbai franchise.

     

    Source:The Economic Times

    Copyright © 2014, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved

    Licensed to republish

     

     

  • Even as TAM part-owner Kantar takes on the government, there's a possible solution to the mess – which ensures the guidelines are followed and there's no blackout period

    Ahead of litigation, TAM part-owner Kantar takes on govt + A possible solution to the mess

    By A Correspondent

     

    So now that it’s formal that TAM or either of its joint owners were not selected for the critical technology vendor, what’s the path ahead for the measurement body?

     

    Will it shut shop on February 14 or 15, after the completion of 30 days post the  guidelines were issued? Unlikely. In fact, in all likelihood TAM will take the government to Court (see our report: http://www.mxmindia.com/2014/01/as-time-ticks-on-measurement-guidelines-will-tam-take-mib-to-court/). However, according to information received by MxMIndia, the objective is first to put the pressure on the government and stakeholders through media that’s not unfriendly and some heavyduty lobbying.

     

    Text of the ‘advertorial’ ad inserted in some newspapers:

     

    The Fact about Television Audience measurement

    1. The government has issued guidelines regulating television rating agencies in India. These guidelines specify that no legal entity can have 10% or more equity in both rating agencies and advertising agencies. Moreover these guidelines impose a requirement on existing rating agencies to comply within 30 days and lays down penalties for non-compliance.

     

    2. ‘Television Audience Measurement’ is a service used by professionals in the broadcasting and advertising agency industry to measure the size of the audience for television channel or campaign.

     

    3. TAM Media Research (TAM) was created 15 years ago at the request of the Indian advertisers, advertising agencies and broadcasters. They suggested that Kantar and Nielsen – the two global leaders in television audience measurement – come together to form a joint research company to provide measurement data, using their global expertise and technology. The identity of the partner companies are displayed prominently on the TAM website. Together Kantar and Nielsen provide TAM services in about 70 countries across the world.

     

    4. TAM data is common ‘currency’ for television rating in India. Data is uniform and provided via TAM’s website: data is not customized for any individual customer.

     

    5. It is a myth that TAM is a monopoly. Over the last two decades, several companies provided TV measurement data and alternatives exist. However the fact that the data is a “currency” means that customers typically prefer to have one supplier. It is expensive to set up there are no legal or other factors preventing competition.

     

    6. The involvement of international parent company in TAM was demanded by Indian advertising industry: their expertise provides the latest technology, investment and expertise in television measurement. Over the 15 years of its existence, TAM and its shareholders have invested over Rs 150 crore in increasing the panel base, and improving the technology and infrastructure. This investment continues even today.

     

    7. Currently TAM covers a panel of 35, 000 individuals in 225 cities through 9,600 people meters, making India one of the 5 largest TAM panels globally. TAM, in consultation with the industry, is on course to achieve its target of 20,000+ meters.

     

    8. TAM’s methodology has been audited by independent academics from the University of Michigan. The general panel operations are audited by independent external consultants.

     

    9. TAM has also instituted the TAM Transparency Panel: this is constituted by five globally acclaimed independent media specialists who rigorously apply global best practices to verity TAM’s commitment to data quality, panel home security and resolution of customer grievances.

     

    10. No other market in which cross ownership exists, such as the UK, France and Spain, has imposed restrictions on cross ownership between market research agencies like TAM, and advertising agencies. Restricting Kantar and their associates from ownership of meaningful stake in a rating agency will deprive India of one of the leading global players in this area. It is and would be impossible with the ownership structure and the oversight of all stakeholders – broadcasters, agencies and advertisers – for any one stakeholder to influence the TAM rating that are produced by the system, nor would there be an incentive to do so.

     

    11. Implementing the guidelines on crossownership would leave the entire industry without ratings for most of 2014, a situation that no one who really cares about the media industry in India could possibly tolerate.

     

    Sample this from an interview of Eric Salama, chairman and chief executive of Kantar, to Shuchi Bansal of Mint: “In no other market in the world where the provider has an equity stake from broadcasters and agencies-such as UK, France, Spain-has this been raised as an issue. Even Mediametrie which is rumoured to be in conversation with Barc (Broadcast Audience Research Council) is partly owned by broadcasters and agencies. Will that be an issue for the government or Barc? They (Mediametrie) have no meaningful experience of operating outside France. And I understand they are about to lose the one minor contract they have outside France, that of Morocco. With all that, does it strike you as the choice for the future?” (see link: http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/pTUcSWMPOR5k TjDuHSk86I/
    New-guidelines-will-disqualify-TAM-Kantar-CEO.html).  Mr Salama acknowledges that TAM will be disqualified if the guidelines go through.

     

    In an interview with Anant Rangaswami for CNBC-TV18, Mr Salama was more direct:

    It’s not a good idea because it’s not something that is an issue in India, and it’s not an issue for us anywhere in the world. It’s a red-herring that has been introduced. Even one of the companies that BARC wants to work with, called Mediametrie, has got an ownership stake from Publicis and Omnicom. Now, I don’t think that Publicis and Omnicom’s ownership stake in Mediametrie affects what Mediametrie does from a professional point of view. And what TAM does is not affected by the ownership stake either. There is no country in the world which has got this kind of cross ownership. It’s going to limit competition; it’s going to mean the number of companies that are able to do it is much less. And it means that India isn’t getting the best in terms of what’s available from around the world. (See link: http://www.firstpost.com/brands/kantars-eric-salama-wouldnt-be-good-for-tv-ratings -collapse-in-india-1348739.html?utm_source=ref_article)

     

    A quick look at Mediametrie’s shareholding did indicate a stake that Publicis has in it, but it’s below 10 percent, that’s permissible by the Government of India guidelines (see link: http://www.mediametrie.com/mediametrie/pages
    /capital-and-shareholders.php?p=10,88,86&page=26).

     

    What’s the way out of the mess: A senior industryperson who spoke to MxMIndia insisting anonymity indicated that the guidelines concern only the vendor entrusted with the measurement responsibility. In the proposed scenario, BARC is the measurement body which will subcontract the measurement task to multiple bodies. Hence, BARC can even entrust the task of measurement in the interim to TAM which can undertake the task in its guidance.

     

    That way, the guidelines will be followed to the T, and the industry will have no blackout zone.  This will allow ease of entry to the new measurement regime.  Since the proposed audience measurement system is not plug-and-play as in there is no integrated solution and BARC will need to deal with multiple vendors and put the jigsaw together, a TAM-administered system allows for some respite and a no-blackout period.

     

  • Of the eight new regional practice leaders in Asia, four are from the India office

    MSLGroup elevates 4 from India to Asia regional practice leadership

    By A Correspondent

     

    MSLGroup, the Publicis Groupe’s strategic communications and engagement consultancy, has announced the appointment of eight new regional practice group leaders and two regional deputy practice group leaders across Asia to further strengthen the firm’s expertise and leadership.

     

    Glenn Osaki
    Jaideep Shergill

    The practice leaders will have as their mandate to ensure MSL’s regional leadership position in their respective practice through best-in-class client service and strategic counsel amongst.

     

    Said Glenn Osaki, President Asia, MSLGroup, said: “Most of these top talents and leaders have been with us for many years, some have grown with us for over a decade. We are very happy to appoint these experts to take on international leadership roles and to contribute to developing the future of MSLGroup in Asia and globally.”

     

     

    Amrit Ahuja

    Amit Misra

    Parveez Modak

    Narendra Nag

     

    The four Indians elevated to the role are: Amrit Ahuja (Business to Business and Technology), Amit Misra (Public Affairs), Parveez Modak (Employee Communication and Engagement) and Narendra Nag (Social Media). Meanwhile, MSLGroup India CEO Jaideep Shergill will continue his leadership role of the regional financial communications practice.

     

  • Star India will be FIH's media partner in eight-year broadcast and rights deal

    Star India bags hockey fed rights for 8 years

    By A Correspondent

     

    The International Hockey Federation (FIH) and Star India have announced an eight-year strategic partnership to improve the production of international hockey broadcast and extend the sport’s reach worldwide. The deal will run from January 2015 to December 2022. During the period of the deal, FIH will look to host a major event in India each year.

     

    Interestingly, Star Sports will be the host broadcaster for key FIH events both in India and across the world (except Argentina) and will be responsible for ensuring consistent and high level production.

     

    Last year, STAR Sports partnered with Hockey India to launch Hockey India League (HIL). STAR Sports showcased hockey in a completely new way, offering a TV experience relevant to the youth market. In its first season, HIL was broadcast in more than 80 territories across the globe.

     

    As part of the deal, STAR Sports has acquired global media rights for all territories, excluding Argentina. Through its network of international affiliates and other national broadcasters, content will be distributed to over 200 countries, reaching billions of sports fans taking hockey’s global viewing audience to unprecedented levels.

     

  • While the FM network will air live updates through the tournament, the Bihar & Jharkhand channel has live telecast rights for four matches of Team Bhojpuri Dabangs along with semi-final and final matches

    Big Magic Bihar & Jharkhand and Big FM partner Celebrity Cricket League 2014

    By A Correspondent

     

    As the fourth edition of the Celebrity Cricket League is set to start, Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd’s Big Magic Bihar & Jharkhand has acquired telecast rights to air four matches of Team ‘Bhojpuri Dabangs’ along with two semi-final and the finale match. CCL-4 starts January 25. Additionally, 92.7 BIG FM will also be associated and air live updates across its 45-station network.
    Team ‘Bhojpuri Dabangs’ is owned and captained by film actor Manoj Tiwari and consists of other celebrities from the Bhojpuri entertainment industry. The regional channel from the RBNL stable will also host programmes and contests around the property.

     

    Said Vishnuvardhan Induri, Founder and MD of CCL said, “We are happy to be associated with Big Magic Bihar and Jharkhand and 92.7 Big FM. We are sure this will help us reach wider areas and especially the regional hinterland.”