MxMIndia

Category: NEWS

  • The decision to hold off the IRS 2013 results until the audit and revalidation process is done in four to six weeks doesn't speak too well about the future of the print sector in India

    IRS 2013 in indefinite abeyance. Comment: Win-win for no one. Print will lose big sans measurement

    By A Correspondent

     

    The choice of the word indefinite may indicate that it could months or years, but if you read the statement from the MRUC director-general Shaswati Saradar and juxtapose it with the way things actually work, the end to the controversy is decidedly not near.

     

    First the statement:

    Headlined: RSCI MRUC decision on IRS 2013

     

    Main copy: RSCI Managing Committee and MRUC Board met yesterday and considered the preliminary report of the sub-committee appointed by them to critically assess the Indian Readershsip Study 2013.

     

    RSCI and MRUC accepted the finding of the sub-committee that the methodology and process adopted were robust. They approved the recommendation of the sub-committee that the revalidation and audit of field work by a third party commence immediately and be completed within four to six weeks.

     

    The IRS 2013 report will remain in abeyance until this process is completed.

     

    The document is signed by Ms Saradar.

     

    What we read from this:

    1, As reported by MxMIndia earlier, the IRS report is abeyance is still on. It’s not March 31, it now appears to be May 15 or 31.

     

    2. The RSCI and MRUC feel that the methodology and process followed is robust. Of course this doesn’t mean that the sub-committee felt the same, but we think a strong affirmation could influence the third party appointed. It also ensures that Nielsen can’t be fired for a wrongdoing because it can always come back and say that the process and methodology had the MRUC/RSCI sign-off.

     

    3. If the RSCI and MRUC indeed feel that its methodology and process are robust, so why then not go ahead with the status quo of a published report. Or is the field work not in order? Why take so much time for the review?

     

    4. Who is the third party entrusted with the job of revalidation and audit of field work? A consulting firm like EY or KPMG, another research firm… the identity has not been revealed, but we can be sure it’s a ‘robust’ entity.

     

    5. Four to six weeks is as vague as it can get. The February 19 statement said March 31 is the end-of-abeyance date. Assuming the R&A will take four to six weeks from March 31, that gets us to mid-May. Remember this is also a period when there are some chhuttis: Good Friday, Voting Day in Delhi, Voting Day in Mumbai, Labour Day/Maharashtra-Gujarat Day. Counting day is not a holiday thankfully, but don’t expect much/any work to be done that day. Last heard a well-known media company had already large screens and popcorn machines for the day.

     

    6. We don’t know if Nielsen is continuing with the field work for the next round, but mid/end-May is the time when the next round will be published.

     

    7. The legal tangles involving the MRUC are still on, and the final word from there could spin things around

     

    8. The views of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) are not known on this.

     

    End-point:

    The scrapping (okay, abeyance) isn’t good for publishing in India. It only gives a handle to advertisers and media buyers to shift monies from print to other media (esp digital).  It’s also very unfair on the players who have been performing very well over the last year. The laggards will prosper and the agile will lose out. The industry and some of its representatives have failed themselves and the rest of us. It’s a win-win for no one.

     

    The industry seniors need to get together to hammer out a solution. Advertisers are already of the belief that digital reaches out better to the youth and urban set than newspapers, and wouldn’t mind playing around with cheaper buys.  Social media is most effective with a call-for-action and its virtues for brand-building are being noticed. Radio as a medium may not come very cheap but is indeed very effective for the retail trade. Once news happens, radio will get a lot more engaging.  And television’s virtues are well-known.

     

    Bottomline:  Let’s stop the ullu-banoing.  Kill IRS and you kill yourself. The industry needs to understand this.  It’s time the INS or the publishers get together and arrive at a consensus and a way out of the mess.

     

     

     

  • Business daily Economic Times has announced the launch of ET Panache, a three-times-a-week lifestyle and leisure accompaniment to the main newspaper

    Eco Times unveils ‘ET Panache’

    By A Correspondent

    Business daily The Economic Times has launched ET Panache, a thrice-a-week lifestyle and leisure accompaniment to the main newspaper. ET Panache is ET’s stylish nod to bigwigs, honchos, top guns – be it in India Inc, sports, politics, Bollywood, et al.

    “ET Panache is a reflection of the lives of today’s young readers – busy, driven, ambitious and forever pursuing new dreams,” said Ravi Dhariwal, CEO, BCCL.

    As a reading experience, ET Panache will comprise lists, recommendations, reviews, opinions, DIYs, great finds and more, constitute the staple, even as it delves in-depth into the rarefied universe of upscale travel, dining, wellness and style, notes a communique.

    The first issue of ET Panache appeared with the paper today. The supplement will be published on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

     

     

     

  • With the two regional news channels launched, the network is now planning to launch four more news channels in order to expand its reach across the Hindi Hinterland

    Aidem makes regional media portfolio more ‘buland’ with Best News Co channels

    By A Correspondent

     

    Best News Company has announced that it has handed over its national media sales duties for Buland Samachar Plus UP, Uttarakhand and Samachar Plus, Rajasthan to Aidem Ventures.

    Best News Company entered Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in June 2012 and Rajasthan in August 2013 with an attempt to become the voice of the people. With the two regional news channels launched, the network is now planning to launch four more news channels in order to expand its reach across the Hindi Hinterland.

    Within a span of two years, Buland Samachar Plus has managed to carve itself the second-highest ranking among the regional news channels in UP and Uttarakhand markets, notes a communique.

    Announcing the news, Shashank Bansal, Director – Best News Company said, “The channels are rapidly picking up pace in their respective markets and we are confident that the media representation capabilities of the Aidem team will put the channels on the fast-track to achieving their revenue potential. The team exemplifies relationship-driven sales. Industry colleagues acknowledge that Aidem represents their media owners passionately and have built a strong network base nationally.”

    “We are extremely glad to add Samachar Plus to our regional channels portfolio. While marketers and agency partners continue to increase their focus on improving SOV’s across specific markets, Aidem will consolidate and offer solutions across both Hindi speaking and other language markets. We will also work with brands to create opportunities to leverage by offering customized content solutions,” added Alok Rakshit, Business Head – Regional Channels, Aidem Ventures.

    “We, at Aidem, truly value this association with Samachar Plus. We view them as our partners. With the brand’s best interests in the forefront and our experienced perspective, we aim to work collaboratively with them to achieve measurable results,” said Shailendra Shetty, Senior Vice President, Aidem Ventures.

     

  • Reliance Broadcast Network stable regional channel has inked a distribution deal with Dish TV, adding an 8 million subscriber base to its reach

    Big Magic Bihar & Jharkhand inks DTH deal with Dish

    By A Correspondent

     

    As part of its distribution-strengthening strategy, Big Magic Bihar and Jharkhand, the regional entertainment channel from the Reliance Broadcast Network stable, has inked a distribution deal with Dish TV. Available on the base pack, this move adds 8 million million Dish TV subscribers to the channel’s reach as it reaches out to a larger diaspora across India.

     

    “We are a leading player in the regional market and have delivered excellent performance. We see a huge opportunity in catering to a larger diaspora and our endeavor is to reach our content mix to the discerning audiences spread across the length and breadth of India. Dish TV is a perfect partner to begin the exercise with, from here-on we will increase footprint through strengthened distribution across platforms,” the channel said in a statement.

     

    Big Magic Bihar and Jharkhand is currently available on Hathway, Incable, Manthan, Digicable, GTPL, Siti Cable, Maurya, DEN and other independent operators.

     

  • NewsX has announced another addition to the content line-up with 'Mandate with Destiny'

    NewsX gets Vir Sanghvi to host ‘Mandate with Destiny’

    By a correspondent

     

    Having undergone a repositioning exercise recently, NewsX announced another addition to the content line-up with ‘Mandate with Destiny’. The show would be hosted by distinguished journalist and TV show host Vir Sanghvi.

     

    ‘Mandate with Destiny’ is a show that tells the story of the making of modern India through the elections that have shaped our country.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Kartikeya Sharma, MD, iTV Network which owns and runs NewsX & India News said “We are happy to launch one of its kind show on NewsX. Vir’s understanding of Indian political landscape will provide invaluable insights as he takes us through a momentous journey of the historic elections that shaped modern India. I am confident that the show will generate a huge level of excitement amongst viewers”

     

    Written and presented by Vir Sanghvi, the show unites archival footage, personal insights and interviews with many of the key players to provide a gripping narrative that makes the complexities of Indian politics instantly accessible.

     

    ‘Mandate with Destiny’ goes on air from Friday, 4th April 2014. It will be a weekly show, every Friday 10 pm.

     

  • The refreshed service would enable MSLGROUP to offer seamlessly integrated campaigns across multiple channels for marketing and communications programmes

    MSL Group enhances Events & Experiential service offerings

    By a correspondent

     

    MSLGROUP India has announced the enhancement of its service offering – Events and Experiential. The refreshed service would enable MSLGROUP to offer seamlessly integrated campaigns across multiple channels for marketing and communications programmes. Integrating with its existing service offerings in traditional PR, social media/digital and content solutions, MSLGROUP, India will now provide event planning, management and execution for a range of projects targeting media as well as other stakeholders. The team comprises of extremely skilled professionals with a diverse range of experience and skills having worked extensively with reputed clients.

     

    Audiences today skim through the onslaught of information provided by various media, forcing advertisers and marketers to constantly scramble for new, inventive ways to connect and make an impact with their target audience. As the most impactful campaigns are based on one, big idea which is rolled out through a 360 degree approach, MSLGROUP further enhances this critical offering from amongst its roster of traditional PR, Digital, Creative and Content Creation. This refreshed service offering will employ a strategic and innovative approach to convey the brand message thereby helping the company create stronger connections and relationships with the consumer.

     

    Jaideep Shergill, CEO, MSLGROUP in India, said: “The industry is evolving and clients are looking for creative and innovative ways to engage with their target audience, which goes beyond tried and tested methods. Being an integrated communications firm, we, at MSLGROUP, in India, firmly believe in the power of well-crafted and well-executed experiences which enables the target audience to engage with the brand and its story. Our distinctive way of conceptualizing and creating successful events for our clients helps us to stand out in the marketplace.”

     

    The team has been instrumental in planning the event to announce the historical launch of Australia’s leading back, Westpac, in India. Some other notable clients that the firm has worked with are Steelcase for the launch of its Gesture Chair, Manpasand Beverages India Pvt. Ltd. for the launch of a new beverage, Global Gases Pvt. Ltd. for a plant inauguration in Chennai, History TV18 for the visit of extraordinary magician, Dynamo to name a few.

     

  • A print and television campaign is being launched featuring Arjun Kapoor showcasing the new Spring Summer'14 collection

    Flying Machine gets Arjun Kapoor to endorse brand

    By a correspondent

     

    Flying Machine has announced the signing of Arjun Kapoor as its new brand ambassador. A print and television campaign is being launched featuring Arjun Kapoor showcasing the new Spring Summer’14 collection.

     

    “Catering to the fashion needs of a generation looking for instant gratification, the brand’s promise of “New Cool” resonates very strongly with its young fashion patrons,” said Alok Dubey, COO Arvind Lifestyle Brands Ltd.

     

    Commenting on the partnership with Arjun Kapoor, Dubey said, “Flying Machine is the vanguard of youth trends and hence our next brand ambassador also had to be someone who’s seen and believed to be the new cool. With noteworthy performances behind him, quite a few big releases ahead and his zeal and commitment to be in the big league, we believe Arjun Kapoor is all set to be “The New Cool” not just in the  film industry but with youth at large. He’s leading a cultural shift where bold new subjects are being taken to the target audience and a new youth culture is being defined. He’s definitely a youth icon with a real persona and that is a glove-fit for Flying Machine, a cult icon itself. ”

     

  • SITI Cable Network Ltd has achieved the landmark of 4 million digital customers as on 31stMarch 2014

    SITI eclipses 4 million subscriber mark

    By a correspondent

     

    SITI Cable Network Ltd has achieved the landmark of 4 million digital customers as on 31stMarch 2014. Encouraged by the significant improvement in the performance in FY13-14 and to support the aggressive growth plan to grow subscriber base to 10 million in FY 14-15, the promoters have invested additional Rs.2430 million in the business.

     

    As per the approval received from Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in March 2013 to raise Rs. 3240 million from promoter entities, the company has already received first tranche Rs. 810 million in March 2013 and this is balance tranche fund of Rs. 2430 million. With this total promoter shareholding rises to 72.82 percent.

     

    The funds will be utilized primarily for Business expansion and to partially reduce debt.

     

    Subhash Chandra, Chairman, stated, ” The Indian television distribution industry is on the cusp of high growth value phase as it marches towards the digitization of balance phases of cable television in the country. With the change in leadership last year, SITI Cable has driven higher revenue and profitability through relentless focus on operational excellence despite uncertain environment. Our sustained investment in this sector will further accelerate the growth momentum and will serve the Digital Cable TV viewing needs of many more million Indians on SITI Cable Network”.

     

    Commenting on this development, V D Wadhwa, CEO of SITI Cable said “For the wider digitization roll out, the company needs to invest in upgrading its digital infrastructure further and enter into newer strategic markets. We plan to seed over 6 million set-top-boxes in phase-3&4 markets through organic and in organic growth. We believe that we are well poised to benefit from the ongoing digitization implementation and ready to penetrate the market at a faster rate.”

     

     

  • With global judging standards set to be replicated at the Kyoorius Awards, a look at what it took to decide on this year's most coveted awards

    What makes the Pencil so Pure?

     

    By Shephali Bhatt

     

    If ‘popular’ is the operative word for a Cannes Lion, ‘pure’ would perhaps be the most apt for a D&AD pencil. Among the most revered awards in advertising, the London-based show has a rigorous judging process that sets it apart. The winning categories are In Book (entries that find a place in the D&AD Annual, and an equivalent of Bronze), Nomination (Silver), Yellow Pencil (Gold) and finally Black Pencil (an equivalent of the coveted Grand Prix.)

     

    The judging for D&AD 2014 was held at Kensington Olympia in London over a period of one week starting 24 March. With the award entries spread out in the Olympia’s grand hall, it certainly makes a case for the most beautiful judging room, rivalling even the Palais at Cannes with its views of the Mediterranean.

     

    Unlike other shows where agencies enter a lot of work across categories to raise the odds of winning, here they only send what they think is exceptional. Part of it can be attributed to the high participation fees, says Sue Daun, executive creative director at Interbrand London and one of the jury members in the Branding category this year. But more importantly, it’s because everyone views the work basis its excellence.

     

    What’s encouraging is how the jurors don’t run a good piece of work down just because it wasn’t entered correctly. If they feel it’s deserving of some recognition, they go to the extent of asking if it’s also been submitted to the right category and if not, they ask if it can be. “There’s no agenda except to bring out the best work,” says Tista Sen, JWT India’s NCD and a D&AD 2014 jury member for Outdoor. Nobody tries to find which agency has created a particular piece or make an agenda of running down advertising from rival shops or networks. That whatever wins will be a reflection of the judges’ calibre is what drives them. “We should be able to defend the work we vote for,” is the mindset the judges have here which is unheard of at many other shows around the world which operate on a ‘more the merrier’ philosophy when it comes to trophies.

     

    At the same time, the criteria for choosing the best work are extremely stringent. So, phrases like ‘I like it’ or ‘I just don’t like it’ don’t cut ice with ‘Craft for Advertising’ jury foreman Louise Sloper who is also the head of design at BETC London. You will have to be able to answer ‘what bits did you like in particular’. The judges are tough but evidently fair. So John Mescall, Mc-Cann Melbourne’s ECD (Yes, of the Dumb Ways To Die fame) can solemnly ask to “kill the sound” of an entry for trailbytimeline.org.nz because the jury needs to experience what it is like to visit the actual website which doesn’t have a supporting voice-over.

     

    Alcohol brands are in for a hard time with the jury across categories since most innovations are suspected to have been “done before.” So is the case with any PSAs that come their way. Rob Reilly, jury foreman of Integrated and Earned Media and the global creative chairman of McCann Worldgroup, opines it’s easy to create a great idea for an NGO and convince them to buy it. It’s a challenge to do that for great brands and he for one has more respect for the latter while judging.

     

    Some judges did complain of too many entries trying too hard and becoming complicated in the process. The judges unanimously believe that to make something simple is a lot harder. What dominates the entire judging process is an aura of positivism where judges are immersed in bringing out the best work ahead and everyone is allowed to have their say, senior or rookie (which many complain is absent from other award shows). If implemented well, some of these ideas can raise the standards of the gong fests back home. Something that we are in dire need of.

     

    Source:The Economic Times

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

    Licensed to republish

     

  • Ambuja Cement has entrusted the creative duties for brand Ambuja to Publicis

    Publicis bags Ambuja Cement creative mandate

    By a correspondent

     

    Ambuja Cement has announced that they have entrusted the creative duties for brand Ambuja to Publicis.

     

    Vivek Deshpande- Head Branding, Ambuja Cements said, “We have very ambitious plans for our brand – we wanted an agency who would partner us at every step of the way forward. In Publicis we found both the strategic and creative quality that gives us confidence. We look forward to this partnership.”

     

    Nakul Chopra

    Nakul Chopra, CEO Publicis South Asia added, “Ambuja is an iconic brand; we feel privileged to partner them in taking their brand to the next level. That this opportunity will allow for media neutral ideas which could straddle traditional and non-traditional media – makes it even more exciting.”

     

     

     

    Partha Sinha
    Bobby Pawar

    In a joint statement, Partha Sinha and Bobby Pawar, Directors Publicis South Asia said, “We are delighted with this opportunity – we have some ambitious ideas for the brand and are currently in the middle of executing them. It’s a fantastic brand team to work with and we are confident of delivering big on this brand.”

     

  • Bennett, Coleman and Co Ltd was among the four regional winners in the International News Media Association (INMA) Global Innovation Awards for 2014

    BCCL wins INMA Global Innovation Awards

    By A Correspondent

     

    Bennett, Coleman and Co Ltd was among the four regional winners in the International News Media Association (INMA) Global Innovation Awards announced in Dallas,USA. The competition rewards excellence in media company innovation programmes. A global winner will be announced on May 13 at the INMA World Congress in San Francisco.

     

    The other regional Global Innovation Awards recipients were Gannett, US; Fairfax Media, Australia and MittMedia, Sweden.

     

    The Best in South Asia accolade went to BCCL for its entry on “Transforming Print Media Sales Culture Through Technology.” The sales culture transformation programme looked at ending silo selling, more efficient pricing, driving agility and creating a climate of accountability, and data-driven selling. The programme included intense effort at changing the internal culture to one that encourages efficiency, agility, and accountability.

     

    From these four regional winners, a global award recipient will be unveiled at the closing dinner of the INMA World Congress May 13 in San Francisco. Regional winners’ innovation programmes will be presented at the World Congress and awards formally presented.

     

    The INMA Global Innovation Awards are designed to shine a spotlight on the fast-emerging structured innovation programmes of media companies seeking new foundations in transformational times.

     

    “With this new competition, INMA wants to reward the people, programmes, and processes behind the emerging innovation culture in the media industry – the foundations upon which novel ideas are being launched at a rapid rate,” said Earl J Wilkinson, executive director and CEO of INMA. “We want to reward media companies that are mastering the art of innovating routinely.”

     

  • AAAI has announced the winners of its Young Lions Competitions in Creative (Print), Media and Marketers categories

    AAAI announces the winners of Young Lions Competitions

    By a correspondent

     

    The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) has announced the winners of its Young Lions Competitions in Creative (Print), Media and Marketers categories.

     

    The winning teams included: Young Lions Creative Competition that was won by Gaurav Joshi & Siddharth Joglekar from Publicis India, Mumbai for “Come forward and help crime and accident victims”; Young Lions Media Competition that was won by Chinmay Kelkar & Rohan Sood from MediaCom, Mumbai for “Don’t bribe and kill the nation”; and Young Lions Marketers Competition that was won by Samyukta Iyer & Janvi Parekh from Hindustan Unilever, Mumbai for “A premium brand enters a traditional Indian category of hair oil but Indians are not willing to pay the premium. What Ad strategy should they use?”

     

    The jury for Creative Competition comprised Josy Paul (Chairman and National Creative Director, BBDO India), K S Chakravarthy (National Creative Director, FCB Ulka), Bobby Pawar (Director, Chief Creative Officer – South Asia, Publicis India) in Phase-I and Haresh Moorjani (Creative Director, FCB Ulka), Bobby Pawar (Director, Chief Creative Officer – South Asia, Publicis India), Nandan Srinath (Director-Response, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd) and Vinod Nair (Managing Director, Network Advertising) in Phase-II.

     

    For Media, the jury comprised Dinesh Vyas (General Manager, India-Planning, MEC), Anand Chakravarthy (Head-West, Maxus), Sujata Dwibedy (Vice President, Starcom India), Deepak Netram (Vice President, Lodestar UM) in the Phase-I and Sam Balsara (Chairman & Managing Director, Madison Communications), Jasmin Sohrabji (Managing Director, Radeus Advertising) in the final phase.

     

    The jury of Marketers Competition comprised Ajay Kakar (Chief Marketing Officer-Financial Services, Aditya Birla Group), Deepali Naair (Chief Marketing Officer, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts), Rohit Srivastava (Core Consulting and National Head of Strategic Planning, Contract Advertising), Nandan Srinath (Director-Response, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd), Vinod Nair (Managing Director, Network Advertising) and the Marketers competition was conducted under the leadership of Dr M G Parameswaran, Advisor, FCB Ulka.

     

    These competitions conducted by AAAI, supported by The Times Group, had invited participation of young creative people, under 28 years of age, from Advertising Agencies (for Creative) young media professionals, under 28 years of age, from Advertising/Media Agencies (for Media) and young marketing professionals, under 30 years of age, from client organisations/Advertisers (for Marketers). In all 250 entries were received for these competitions.

     

    The winning teams will be flying to France in the month of June this year to participate in the prestigious Young Lions Competitions in Cannes Lions.