Category: Top Stories

  • Sony Yay! to air Shin-chan

    Sony Yay!, the the kids’ entertainment television channel from Sony Pictures (Culvert Max), is now home to the popular Shin-chan show.

    Said Leena Lele Dutta – Business Head Sony Yay!: “Sony Yay! has been consistently working towards building its rich ecosystem of #Happyverse. With its endearing characters that have created connect across the globe, we are excited to welcome Shin-chan to the Sony Yay! Family. We are confident that Shin chan’s charm and mischief will resonate with our viewers.”

    Added Maiko Sumida- Head of Animation Sales and Development, International Business Department, TV Asahi: “We are excited to partner with Sony Yay! And look forward to the comprehensive 360-degree footprint generation for Shin-chan. We look forward to further growing the Shin-chan brand in India through this collaboration.”

    It may be noted that while Super Hungama will continue to air Shin-chan episodes Sony Yay! will air the newer episodes. It’s set to start in mid-May.

  • VerSe Innovation acquires Magzter

    VerSe Innovation, the local language technology platform, has announced acquision of Magzter, a cross-platform, self-service, global digital newsstand with a library of 8,500+ premium magazines and newspapers. This move marks Dailyhunt’s strategic foray into premium content and signifies a transformative juncture in VerSe Innovation’s journey to becoming India’s largest digital media tech conglomerate.

    Launched as Dailyhunt Premium, this subscription-based offering will provide users access to premium content from international publishers in over 60 languages including English, French, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and more. This includes globally acclaimed publications such as Time, Newsweek, Fortune, The Economist, Forbes, Reader’s Digest, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Maxim, Elle, Vanity Fair, New Yorker, Bazaar among others across their respective India and international editions. This expansion addresses the demand for high-quality premium content, particularly catering to the discerning tastes of India’s elite and aspirational upper-middle-class demographic.

    Speaking about the acquisition, Virendra Gupta and Umang Bedi, Co-founders, VerSe Innovation, said: “Magzter is a perfect fit for our ecosystem. The acquisition aligns seamlessly with our growth trajectory and enhances our ability to deliver premium content experiences to our ever-expanding user base. We will keep strengthening our capabilities and spreading our wings, leading the way in India’s digital content space.”

    Added Girish Ramdas and Vijayakumar Radhakrishnan, Co-Founders, Magzter: “We are excited to join forces with VerSe Innovation and contribute to the evolution of content consumption in India,” “This partnership opens up new avenues for delivering high-quality content experiences to users across India, further strengthening our goal of providing unparalleled digital reading experiences to our readers.”

  • Finolex Cables’s OOH campaign

    Finolex Cables, has launched an Out-of-Home (OOH) campaign as part of its ongoing ‘No Stress. Finolex.’ initiative.

    Said Amit Mathur, President – Sales and Marketing: “These standout hoardings are more than just advertising spaces; they’re testaments to our commitment to creativity and excellence. In an era where consumer attention is at a premium, these hoardings offer a unique opportunity to connect with our audience in a meaningful way, cutting through the clutter and leaving a lasting impression.”

  • Gulf Oil & Dentsu Creative campaign with CSK fans

    Gulf Oil Lubricants and Dentsu Creative have teamed up to unveil the ‘Unstoppable Army’ of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans.

    The campaign was kicked off with a behind-the-scenes film, featuring CSK players, led by MS Dhoni, as they arrived on set prepared to shoot the Gulf Oil ad.

    Notes a communique: “The Gulf Unstoppable Army campaign is a initiative that fosters a deeper connection between the brand, the fans, and the team. Leveraging digital platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for the campaign’s launch and subsequent fan-generated content, Gulf aims to create a cohesive and engaging narrative that celebrates the spirit of cricket and its supporters.”

  • Deepika Padukone in new Levi’s campaign

    Levi’s has released a new brand campaign “New Fits, Infinite Possibilities” featuring brand ambassador Deepika Padukone.

    Said Amisha Jain, Managing Director & SVP at LS&Co South Asia, Middle East, Africa: “Levi’s has always been a pioneer in women’s jeans and has brought together quality and fashion. For our consumer, style is such an expression and extension of self and this range of fits looks to give women the options they look for, for every occasion. Deepika Padukone as our brand ambassador, really embodies how you can express yourself in denim and through this campaign, we hope that women will find that new favorite pair, in which their style comes to life.”

  • 4AM Worldwide appoints Sriparna Tikekar as CCO

    Sriparna Tikekar
    Sriparna Tikekar

    4AM Worldwide, an integrated brand solutions agency has appointd Sriparna Tikekar as its Chief Creative Officer (CCO). Tikekar will be responsible for leading the creative vision for 4AM and will work closely with teams on revamping the agency’s creative offering and structure, bolstering its content marketing and creative strategy, curating content services, and building brands of scale.

    Jonathan Sreekumaran
    Jonathan Sreekumaran

    Said Jonathan Sreekumaran, Chief Business Officer, 4AM Worldwide: “We are on an accelerated path of creative transformation, and we couldn’t have had a better time to bring Sriparna on board. Her grip on pop culture, content consumption patterns, platform-centric content dissemination, and reader psychology is unparalleled. She brings a unique perspective and creative flair that will undoubtedly elevate our creative output. With Sriparna’s deep understanding of content creation for brands and customer engagement, she is uniquely positioned to drive creative excellence. We are excited to welcome her to the team.”

  • Havas facilitates partnership between Valvoline & LSG

    Havas Play, the specialised sports, entertainment, and content division of Havas Media Network India, has facilitated a tie-up between IPL team Lucknow Super Giants and Valvoline as its Official Lubricant Partner.

    Said Ipshita Chowdhury, Chief Marketing Officer, Valvoline Cummins: “Evidently, cricket holds a significant place in Indian culture, with millions of passionate fans across the country. The IPL, with its colossal viewership and widespread popularity, serves as a prime platform for Valvoline to amplify its brand identity. Partnering with a property as popular as the IPL enables Valvoline to extend its reach to various segments of its target audience, including dealers, mechanics, and other key stakeholders within the automotive industry. The collaboration emphasizes Valvoline’s commitment to quality, performance, and innovation in automotive lubricants. This partnership not only enhances brand visibility but also fosters deeper engagement and loyalty among consumers, solidifying Valvoline’s position as a trusted and influential player in the market.”

    Added Col. Vinod Bisht, CEO, Lucknow Super Giants: “We are thrilled to join forces with a distinguished brand like Valvoline, a true leader in the lubricant market. Valvoline’s unwavering commitment to excellence mirrors our own relentless pursuit as a team. The shared synergies between Valvoline and the Lucknow Super Giants are unmistakable – as we are driven by a common goal of achieving recognition as performance-driven and passionate champions. This partnership, orchestrated by Havas Play, exemplifies the essence of brand relatability and a value-driven proposition.”

    Talking about the collaboration, R. Venkatasubramanian, President – Investments, Havas Media India and MD, Havas Play said: “Leveraging Havas Play’s expertise in experiential marketing and content creation will serve to amplify the reach and impact of this collaboration. By harnessing its proficiency in crafting immersive brand experiences, we will create compelling narratives around the partnership, resonating with fans both on and off the field. Through innovative storytelling and captivating content, Valvoline will cultivate deeper connections with the audience, ensuring that the brand experience extends beyond traditional advertising avenues.”

  • ABP News launches campaign for elections

    ABP News has launched a campaign ‘Jeetna Aapka Zaroori Hai’ aimed at reinforcing the significance of the nation’s voters in shaping the course of democracy – the power of the people.

    Said Avinash Pandey, CEO of ABP Network: “Democracy thrives on the power of the people, by the people and for the people. Elections serve as a grand celebration of this fundamental principle, where each vote holds the potential to shape India’s destiny. Through our ‘Jeetna Aapka Zaroori Hai’ initiative, ABP News is steadfastly committed to reminding every Indian that their vote, their choice, constitutes the true victory to be achieved in this election above all else. We are rallying the nation to exercise their invaluable franchise and amplify their voices through the ballot.”

  • Concept bags Fashion Entrepreneur Fund mandate

    Concept Public Relations has won the PR mandate for the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund (FEF), a venture studio that supports entrepreneurial ideas of the fashion industry.

    Said Ashish Jalan, Managing Director of Concept PR: “Concept PR is truly honoured to be entrusted with the PR mandate for the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund. This partnership not only reflects our steadfast dedication to fostering success in fashion and entrepreneurship but also underscores the exceptional concept behind FEF. As a venture studio, FEF is committed to nurturing innovative ideas within the fashion industry and fostering a collaborative ecosystem. With FEF inviting fashion entrepreneurs to showcase their visionary business ideas, we are eager to leverage our expertise and creativity to enhance the brand presence of this prestigious venture. Together, we look forward to turning dreams into reality.”

    Added Sanjay Nigam, Founder of FEF India Fashion Awards and Fashion Entrepreneur Fund: “Selecting a PR partner is a critical decision, and Concept PR’s stellar industry reputation, coupled with their history of successful campaigns, made them the clear choice. I have full belief in the team’s ability to authentically convey the essence and vision of the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund.”

  • Bombay Sapphire launches campaign

    Bombay Sapphire brings its global campaign ‘Saw This, Made This’, by introducing city-inspired crafted cocktail experiences to imbibers in India on World Creativity Day.

    Said Mahesh Kanchan, Marketing Director at Bacardi India: “What I’ve found surprising is that so many things that could be quite ordinary until someone shows what it could be turned into. For us at Bombay Sapphire, we’ve seen how bartenders have crafted their cocktails because they saw something in these cities that they’ve fallen in love with. The campaign is something that a lot of bartenders have taken to heart. We’ve heard so many stories from bartenders about how they’ve had a new love for their craft, and discover this renewed, creative energy and inspiration.”

  • Chef Ranveer Brar partners with MasterChow

    MasterChow, the homegrown Indian brand specialising in ready-to-cook Asian staples, has partnered with Chef Ranveer Brar as its brand ambassador. Studio Fry has been instrumental in shaping and executing the creative and production aspects of the campaign.

    Said MasterChow founder Vidur Kataria: “Ranveer Brar epitomizes everything we stand for – authenticity, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. With his unparalleled expertise and passion for good food, he is a stark reflection of MasterChow’s brand ethos, and together, we’re ready to take on the industry. We’re not just offering a product, we’re offering an experience – one that promises unparalleled taste and quality with every bite. With Ranveer by our side, we’re all set to revolutionise the way people experience Chinese food at home.”

  • Media.Monks onboards Shouvik Roy

    Shouvik Roy and Robert Godinho

    Media.Monks India has announced the appointment of Shouvik Roy as the leader spearheading business transformation. Roy will be working closely with Robert Godinho, Managing Director at Media.Monks India, who was promoted to drive the company’s renewed focus on growth in the Indian market.

    Said Robert Godinho, Managing Director at Media.Monks India, underscores the strategic significance of Shouvik’s role and said: “Transformative growth isn’t merely a choice but a necessity and Shouvik’s strategic foresight and innovative mindset resonate deeply with our vision for Media.Monks India. Shouvik’s seasoned expertise in fostering boardroom relationships and his proficiency in harnessing data-driven insights tied in with our legacy strengths of Tech and innovations will shape creative solutions and fortify our journey with our clients.”

    Added Matthew Godfrey, EVP, Head of Content, APAC: “In the ever-evolving digital realm, Media.Monks India acknowledges the critical significance of addressing the nuanced requirements of high-value clientele, whose multifaceted demands necessitate tailor-made solutions. Through a concerted focus on this segment, Media.Monks endeavors to reinforce its stature as a top-tier collaborator for brands aspiring to amplify their digital footprint and achieve tangible business objectives. As we further integrate India into the global Monks ecosystem, leveraging the transformative AI capabilities of Flow.Monks and Persona.Flow, we are poised to deliver unparalleled value and innovation on both regional and global scales.”