MxMIndia

Category: NEWS

  • Dynel will launch a range of differentiated LED lamps across spectrum of residential and commercial applications

    Dynel LED Lights ropes in Bang in the Middle

    By A Correspondent

     

    Dynel, a home grown brand of LED lights is aggressively planning to build its franchise in India and has roped in Bang in the Middle as its communication partner. Dynel will launch a range of differentiated LED lamps across spectrum of residential and commercial applications. These lamps are extensively tested for Indian conditions and will offer a premium experience to the audience

     

    Prithvideep Singh

    Prithvideep Singh, Brand Lead Dynel said, “We have spent a long time perfecting the technology for Indian conditions and our range of products is very innovative. In Bang in the Middle we have found the partner that will help us in establishing our brand in this new emerging market.”

     

    Naresh Gupta, Managing Partner Bang in the Middle said, “LED lamps is the category of today, and we are thrilled to be on board with a brand that is future thinking. The challenge of creating an Indian brand in this fast expanding market is a great challenge to face. We hope to make Dynel the mainstream lighting solution brand.”

     

    The brand was awarded to Bang in the Middle following a review with handpicked agencies. Bang in the Middle will handle integrated duties across digital and traditional mediums.

     

  • The brand is looking at strengthening its position in the retail space

    Grasshoppers India to handle creative biz of Aquionics International

    By A Correspondent

     

    Kuala Lumpur based Aquionics International, which is an expert in the area of designing, developing and manufacturing water cleansing systems, has given the creative mandate for its India operations to Grasshoppers India Pvt. Ltd. Though Aquionics entered India three years ago, it was so far focusing on the water treatment segment in the B2B markets. The brand is now looking at strengthening its position in the retail space as well and is embarking on an aggressive marketing campaign to create awareness among the end consumers about its various product offerings.

     

    Grasshoppers will be working on a 360 degree advertising campaign which will initially focus on North India and gradually extend to other key markets across the country.

     

    Aquionics International, which was incepted in Australia in 1973 by Garry Adams, has designed some of the largest aquariums in the world including the famous Dubai Mall Aquarium & Siam Paragon Aquarium, Bangkok. In the retail segment, the brand not only offers contemporary range of RO systems but also complete water treatment solutions such as wholehouse water softeners, wholehouse filters, sand & carbon filters and iron removers which have become the need of the hour in the urban areas in India with the highly polluted and untreated water that the households consume.

     

    Sandesh Srivastava, Vice President (Strategy, B.D. & Operations), Aquionics International said, “A lot of health, skin and hair problems that the urban population constantly struggles with are due to the hard and impure water in the households. Our innovative products and solutions go a long way in combating those issues as well as in reducing the home energy consumption and also save home appliances such as geysers & washing machines from scaling considerably. Nobody understands water better than we do and the campaign that we are currently developing in partnership with Grasshoppers is aimed at making Indian consumers aware of our expertise in the water purification segment.”

     

    Grasshoppers has been awarded the creative duties following a multi-agency pitch. Over the past few years, the agency has been associated with various initiatives that have been in the larger interest of the society. “By associating with Aquionics, we are not aiming only to promote water filters. Rather, we are looking at addressing the water problem that a lot of people are suffering from. It delights us to get associated with a company that has some innovative solutions in this space,” said Megha Jain, Chief Brand Strategist, Grasshoppers India.

     

  • To be held on Friday, December 19 at 4pm

    Tushar Vyas to discuss digital at IAA Webinar on Dec 19

    By A Correspondent

     

    Tushar Vyas

    The International Advertising Association (IAA) India Chapter, has organised its next webinar on ‘World Goes Digital’ which will be addressed by Tushar Vyas, veteran digital media specialist and Managing Partner, GroupM South Asia, on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 4pm.

     

    Tushar Vyas is part of the GroupM South Asia ExCo and leads the digital media practice for GroupM South Asia. He is also responsible for investment and corporate business development.

     

    He had launched Digital Media business unit (Interaction) for GroupM India and built up a 300+ member team and expanded services in areas like content, search and programmatic buying, mobile, digital activation, social, insight and digital analytics. The GroupM Digital Media practice is today the largest digital media solution provider with more than 200 active clients.

     

    Srinivasan K Swamy

    “We are delighted to have Tushar Vyas to address the IAA Webinar. I am sure brand managers and digital media practitioners would use this opportunity to interact with him,” said Srinivasan K Swamy, IAA India Chapter & Vice President, Development Asia/ Pacific Region of IAA.

     

    Abhishek Karnani, Director, Free Press Journal and Manish Advani, Head – Marketing and Public Relations, Mahindra Special Services Group, are co-chairing the IAA Webinar series.

     

    The Webinar will be aired live on the IAA YouTube channel –www.youtube.com/iaaindiachapter on December 19, 2014 from 4pm onwards.

     

  • In early November this year, Google had announced the launch of the Indian Language Internet Alliance

    Google introduces Hindi ads on its Display Network

    By A Correspondent

     

    As a part of Google’s effort to stimulate the growth Indic languages and extend support to more languages around the world, Google has announced the launch of Hindi Ads across the Google Display Network. Marketers will be able to advertise to India’s booming online population in the most widely spoken local language – Hindi.

     

    There are over 500 million speakers around the world, and a wealth of quality Hindi content is available on the Web. Extending the ability to support Hindi ads will enable global advertisers to connect with one India’s fastest growing online audiences. With the introduction of Hindi ads, AdWords advertisers will now be able to build campaigns reaching Hindi language sites on the Google Display Network using text, image, rich media, and video display ad formats.

     

    Speaking about the launch, Dushyant Khare Head of Partner Business Solutions – India & Southeast Asia, Google said, “We are really excited to launch support for Hindi Ads on Google Display network, we hope that this launch will give a boost to the growth of the Hindi web and will encourage the creation of a whole new wave of online Hindi content that will not only be useful to the burgeoning Hindi internet audience, but also make it easy for advertisers to market to this very important consumer base.

     

    In early November this year, Google had announced the launch of the Indian Language Internet Alliance (ILIA), a group committed to promoting the growth of Indic-language content online. Through its efforts, the ILIA hopes to enable 300 million Indian language speakers to become highly engaged Internet users by 2017.

     

  • Various college activities are being organized to bring awareness and action through a series of tasks

    Laadli unveils campaign against gender violence

    By A Correspondent

     

    Laadli has joined hands with IIT Bombay’s annual Science and Technology TECHFEST as a cause partner and has launched Roar – a nation-wide competition for the youth to use their creativity and intelligence to create awareness about violence against women and come up with college based programs to combat the same.

     

    Various college activities are being organized to bring awareness and action through a series of tasks, which include creating a platform for candid discussions, coming up with innovative campaigns to address the issue at college level and making films of 100 seconds duration on the issue. The challenge for the film makers is to make a film without a female protagonist.

     

    Roar serves to unite and strengthen voices speaking out for girls and women around the world. Around 3000 colleges from across India and other countries would be participating in the TechFest, which is one of the most prestigious tech feats in Asia.

     

    Also , as part of Roar, Laadli is organizing a panel discussion on the theme “Where men are truly confident, women are valued” highlighting the changing dynamics of man-woman relationships in the 21st Century in India on 3rd January 2015, at IIT Powai, Mumbai at 1 pm. Some of the most high profile women and men would be participating in the discussion.

     

    The Fest provides students from all over the world an opportunity to learn, experiment, show case, and implement ideas. Amratya Sen, Jocelyn Goldfein, Rakesh Sharma, Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, David J Griffiths, Sir Azhar Hussain  have been esteemed panelists at earlier festivals.

     

  • As part of his new role, Manoj will be responsible for sales activities at the Network

    iTV appoints Manoj Jagyasi as Biz Head, Regional Channels

    By A Correspondent

     

    Manoj Jagyasi

    ITV Network has announced the appointment of Manoj Jagyasi as Business Head, Regional Channels. As part of his new role, Manoj will be responsible for the sales activities including sales strategy, planning, ad sales operations and revenue generation for the regional channels of India News. He will be reporting to Sanjay Dua, CEO, NewsX & CRO, ITV Network.

     

    Manoj carries more than 13 years of experience in business development and sales across industries; television, radio, internet and FMCG. In his earlier association with TV18 Broadcast Limited he worked as an AVP, where he was the revenue head, India and prior to this, he was the Sales Head, ETV News Network- MPCG & Gujarat. In the past, he was also associated with organizations like India Today (Red FM 93.5) and Hindustan Unilever Ltd. A Bachelor in Commerce, Manoj also holds Post Graduate Diploma in Management from Nirma Institute of Management.

     

    Welcoming Manoj on board, Kartikeya Sharma – Managing Director, ITV Network said, “With Manoj’s expertise and stronghold in managing markets like Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat and MPCG, I believe he makes the ideal person to drive our sales activities for our regional channels. I am confident that his association with our group is definitely going to bring great value to our leadership.​”

     

    “Manoj has got a vast industry knowledge. His ‘go-getter’ approach and strong relationship with clients and agencies will ensure boost in sales revenues.” said Sanjay Dua, CEO, NewsX & CRO, iTV Network.

     

  • Well, almost. Meanwhile, Radio Mantra, a venture promoted by Jagran promoters, is like to be merged with Music Broadcast Private Ltd

    Radio City is now a Jagran company

     

    By Sandeep Puraname

     

    It was an Ispat group and  Star India-funded station. And then private equity player India Value Fund Advisors bought a controlling stake in radio station network Radio City. But PE companies normally do not have much of a long-term emotional tuning with their investments. So, after ensuring that Radio City delivers with some success, they’ve sold the station and allied ventures to Jagran Prakashan.

     

    Subject to government approvals, Radio City will be a Jagran Prakash Limited subsidiary. Music Broadcast Private Limtied (MBPL), the company that owns Radio City, will be run independently by its board, and for the now, it’s business as usual.  More importantly, Apurva Purohit will stay as CEO.

     

    With reason: Radio City has demonstrated good revenue growth combined with a strong operating performance, current EBITDA margins of 28% approx will positively impact JPL’s operating margins, according to a communiqué.

     

    Radio City is a leader in the FM radio sector with a presence in 14 of the top 16 advertising revenue generating markets of the country. It has 20 stations across seven states. MBPL’s FY14 revenues were Rs 161.8 crore and the H1-FY15 (unaudited) revenues exhibit healthy growth of 28% in ad revenues.

     

    Although it’s being touted as JPL’s entry into radio, the fact is that the promoters of the Jagran group made an entry into radio with stations in Tier 2 and Tier 3 India way back in 2007. Radio Mantra has a presence in eight markets, and will be merged into MBPL eventually, in fact in this financial year itself.

     

    The acquisition, which happened through an all-cash deal, is expected to provide strong return on JPL’s invested capital. The foray into the high growth radio media segment which is increasing its share of advertising expenditures in India. This ensures that save news television, a sector it exited after it sold most of its stake to Network 18 some years back, Jagran Prakashan Limited has an exposure to all media domains.  According to a senior executive, there are no plans to invest in News TV, as it continues to feel that it is an unprofitable investement.

     

    On Tuesday, the board of Jagran Prakashan Limited (JPL) approved the entry of the company into the radio industry via acquisition of Music Broadcast Private Limited (MBPL). The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, including from Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and execution of binding agreements. As part of acquisition the company is acquiring MBPL’s holding company and fellow subsidiary that provides activations.

     

    Said Mahendra Mohan Gupta, CMD, Jagran Prakashan Limited: “The radio business has witnessed significant growth in recent past and is expected to grow at more that 18% CAGR in the coming years, per KPMG FICCI, This deal will catapult JPL into a leadership position in the radio industry and enable the company to benefit from the rapid growth in radio advertising. Acquisition of Radio City further consolidates our position as India’s leading Media and Communication Group. The radio business will complement our print, outdoor, activation and digital businesses and enable deeper inroads with advertisers both at national and local level.”

     

    Talking on the announcement, Apurva Purohit – CEO, Radio City 91.1 FM said, “JThis augurs well for all stakeholders. Both Jagran and Radio City have been pioneers and leaders in their respective space and this partnership will help augment the growth aspirations of the brand. We look forward to exciting times ahead.”

     

    As part of acquisition the company is acquiring MBPL’s holding company and fellow subsidiary that provides activations. The acquisition will primarily be funded from internal accruals and investments. This acquisition will not impair the company’s ability to distribute dividends.

     

  • The award-winning DJ would be performing in Delhi on 19th and in Bangalore on 21st Dec, 2014

    Karbonn comes on board as Title Sponsor for DG India Tour 2014

    By A Correspondent

     

    Karbonn India has announced its association as the title sponsor of the David Guetta India Tour 2014. The Grammy award-winning DJ would be performing in Delhi on 19th and in Bangalore on21st Dec, 2014 enthralling the electronic music lovers of the country with his musical hits.

     

    Universally accredited with being one of the first DJs to open up the world of electronic dance music to global audiences, David Guetta has established himself as a true, modern day dance icon with a huge following in the subcontinent.

     

    Karbonn India would be running several Twitter contests to engage with the users. Participants would need to follow Karbonn’s page on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Karbonnmobiles) and answer five questions to stand a chance to win couple passes to the concert. Additionally, a lucky winner each from Delhi and Bangalore will get an opportunity to get up-close and personal with the DJ.

     

  • The first TV commercial of the campaign, with 'Bijli Bachao, Desh Banao' tagline, was unveiled on December 14 to mark the national energy conservation day.

    Ogilvy & Mather powers government initiative to save 25,000 mw of electricity

    By Pritha Mitra Dasgupta

     

    The power ministry has launched a mega advertising campaign saying the country can save 25,000 MW of electricity every year by just being prudent. The first TV commercial of the campaign, with ‘Bijli Bachao, Desh Banao’ tagline, was unveiled on December 14 to mark the national energy conservation day.

     

    Piyush Pandey

    “This is part of a huge campaign which the ministry has planned and will be launched in phases,” said Piyush Pandey, executive chairman at Ogilvy & Mather India, which designed the campaign. The first leg of the campaign showcases school children as torchbearers of this initiative. The ministry has launched an on-ground school contact programme. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency hopes to register 1,000 schools on its portal in the next one year to will help spread the message.

     

    The power ministry recently roped in Pandey, Sam Balsara, CMD at Madison World, and Sunil Alagh, a marketing consultant, as part of its publicity committee. While the first leg of the ad campaign talks about saving domestic energy, the ministry has planned a separate campaign on how industries can save energy too.

     

    “The ministry will involve people from all walks of life to advocate the message as change of behaviour towards energy consumption and usage is the need of the day. I believe this campaign should go on even when we have saved enough power and energy,” said Pandey.

     

    Source:The Economic Times

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

    Licensed to republish

     

  • One winner will see the video of his/her selfie being launched from the ground to space

    HBO announces ‘selfie’ contest for viewers

    By A Correspondent

     

    HBO is premiering the award-wining movie Gravity this December. To make it a grand affair, the channel has announced a ‘selfie’ contest where one lucky winner’s selfie will be sent to space.

     

    To take part, viewers will have to post their selfies on www.facebook.com/HBOindia or www.hbosouthasia.com/selfieinspace and one winner will see the video of his/her selfie being launched from the ground to space.

     

    DDB Mudra West has conceptualised and launched the campaign around the same.

     

  • 'Be Bad' is the theme of ADFEST 2015

    Sonal Dabral to lead Direct Lotus Jury at Adfest 2015

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sonal Dabral
    Sonal Dabral

    Adfest has announced that acclaimed creative leader Sonal Dabral will be Jury President of the Direct Lotus category at Adfest 2015, which runs from 19th – 21st March in Pattaya, Thailand.

     

    As Chairman and Chief Creative Officer at DDB Mudra Group in Mumbai, Dabral was thrown into a career in advertising after studying Visual Communications at India’s foremost design school, the National Institute of Design.

     

    He has led three agencies to the No.1 creative position in three different markets across Asia. First, he joined Ogilvy Mumbai in 1991 and, in partnership with Piyush Pandey, drove the agency from creative anonymity to India’s top creative agency. He moved to Ogilvy Kuala Lumpur in 1999, which soon became the most awarded agency in Malaysia. At Ogilvy Singapore, Dabral led the team to become the No.1 creative office in Asia, and the third highest awarded office in the world at Cannes 2007.

     

    “I am looking forward to an intense round of judging with my fellow jury members and in keeping with the ‘Be Bad’ theme of Adfest 2015, I promise that we’ll be totally ruthless in sifting the best from the rest,” says Dabral.

     

    “With consumers having the power to respond like never before, across an unprecedented number of platforms, technology has made direct response advertising more exciting and challenging than it ever was. In a prestigious show like Adfest it’s sure to play out in some big path-breaking ideas.”

     

    “Sonal has a phenomenal track record in leading agencies from obscurity to the top of the creative ladder, so it is an honor to welcome him to Adfest again to lead next year’s Direct Lotus jury,” said Jimmy Lam, President of Adfest.

     

    Adfest 2015 takes place at the Royal Cliff Hotels Group in Pattaya, Thailand.

     

  • He will strategize and implement growth drivers for the network

    Times TV appoints Sandeep Bharadwaj as Head Distribution

    By A Correspondent

     

    Times Television Network (TTN) has announced the appointment of Sandeep Bharadwaj as Head – Distribution, All Platforms. Based out of Gurgaon, Sandeep will lead and drive domestic Subscription Revenue and Carriage for the various Channels under the TTN portfolio. He will report directly to JagdishMulchandani, Chief Financial Officer, TTN.

     

    Speaking on the announcement, Jagdish Mulchandani, Chief Financial Officer, TTN said, “With his extensive experience in Subscription Revenue and Carriage, Sandeep is a welcome addition to the dynamic, motivated team at Times Television Network. We believe that with his skill-set, he will drive commendable growth for the network.”

     

    Sandeep joins Times Television Network after a successful stint at STAR India as Sr. Vice President where he was instrumental in increasing penetration of the channels whilst meeting annual revenue and collection objectives. Prior to STAR India, Sandeep was associated with companies like Adinos India (Onida), Media Pro, Star Den and IndusInd Media.

     

    Sandeep holds an MBA in Marketing from Pune University. With over two decades in broadcast distribution, subscription revenue and carriage, Sandeep will add great value to the growth of the Times Television Network.