Category: Top Stories

  • More jury chairs announced for Abby 2024

    Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer of DDB Mudra Group, Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP Network, Malvika Mehra, Sudha Natarajan, Director Response in Times of India Group and Tista Sen join as jury chairs for Brand Activation and Promotion category, Broadcaster category, Young Maverick Abby category, Publisher category and Green Abby category respectively, at The Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show.

    The Abby Awards, part of the annual Goafest, are scheduled to be held in Mumbai on May 29 to 31, 2024.

  • Khyaal announces partnership with CaratLane

    Khyaal, an app for senior citizens has announced a partnership with CaratLane, to introduce Khyaal Digi-Gold–a digital gold investment solution tailored for seniors.

    Commenting on the partnership, Hemanshu Jain, Founder & CEO, Khyaal said: “Gold has always been a trusted investment avenue for seniors and continues to be the preferred option. Our partnership with CaratLane, furthers our ongoing commitment to enhance the lives of our seniors by offering greater access, security, and independence. The aim is to ensure that seniors can invest in gold through a simple and seamless platform that streamlines the gold investment process, making it accessible and hassle-free.”

    Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership, Avnish Anand, Chief Executive Officer at CaratLane, added: “The whole point of building the digital gold business is to provide a simpler cost effective solution to consumers who buy and gift gold for future jewellery purchases. This strategic partnership with Khyaal is a crucial step in making that happen. We feel that we can combine our capabilities and provide a wonderful experience and great value to Khyaal’s customers.”

  • Disney+ Hotstar to offer ‘Free on Mobile’ viewing experience

    Disney+ Hotstar has announced that the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be available to stream ‘Free on Mobile’ for those using the Disney+ Hotstar app.

    Commenting on this, Sajith Sivanandan – Head, Disney+ Hotstar India said: “By offering the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 for free on mobile, we aim to make the game of cricket more accessible, reach a wider audience across the country and ensure that none of the sporting action is missed. No sport works as a better catalyst than cricket in bringing people together. Last year’s Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, where we offered both tournaments for free on mobile, allowed us to serve newer audience segments helping us to significantly expand viewership.”

  • Interactive Avenues partners with Chhanv Foundation

     

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    Interactive Avenues, the digital arm of IPG Mediabrands, has joined forces with Chhanv Foundation, a non-profit organisation, for an initiative in support of acid attack survivors.

    Expressing solidarity with the cause, Shantanu Sirohi, COO, Interactive Avenues, said: “We firmly believe in using our craft to make a difference not just to clients, but also to communities. Through this initiative, we wanted to boost Sheroes Hangout Cafe’s visibility, attract more patrons, and raise funds for the rehabilitation of acid attack victims.”

    Added Alok Dixit, Founder, Chhanv Foundation: “Our mission is to Stop Acid Attacks and create a more inclusive society where survivors are supported, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive. Heinous crimes like acid attacks can be reduced through public awareness campaigns, and our collaboration with Interactive Avenues marks a significant step in that direction.”

  • Bloomberg Media, Emeritus sign partnership

    Emeritus, the company offering professional education courses and certifications, has partnered with Bloomberg Media, provider of business and financial news content to publishers and broadcasters to launch  ‘Bloomberg Learning’,  a portfolio of courses for global professionals looking to upskill.

    Said Ashwin Damera, Co-Founder and CEO, Emeritus: “Bloomberg Media is a powerhouse, which serves modern leaders with insight, expert analysis, and inspiration from 2,700+ of the best minds in business and finance journalism. We are thrilled to work with Bloomberg to launch this compelling portfolio of professional education courses around the world, and deepen the connections business leaders need to thrive through learning.”

    Added Nick Sallon, Chief Partnerships Officer at Bloomberg Media: “Professionals worldwide trust Bloomberg to deliver quality news, context, and applicable tools and information. With Bloomberg Learning, participants will be able to build their credentials by leaning on our brand. With Emeritus’ deep expertise in course design and development, we’re excited to offer small private online courses with hands-on learning and grow a deeper relationship with new consumers.”

  • BBH India onboards two senior VPs-Strategy

    Himanshu Saxena
    Himanshu Saxena
    Layla Khan
    Layla Khan

    BBH India, part of the Publicis Groupe India, has onboarded two senior level members in the planning function with Ankit Sharma and Layla Khan joining the agency as Senior Vice-President – Strategy. Their mandate will be to lead and drive the planning and strategy function. They will be based out of the agency’s offices in Gurugram and Mumbai respectively. The new leaders will report directly to Himanshu Saxena, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director at BBH India.

    Ankit Sharma
    Ankit Sharma

    Speaking about the two key appointments, Saxena said: “We are thrilled to welcome Ankit Sharma and Layla Khan to our leadership team. Both these leaders come with a stellar track record of delivering highly impactful and effective campaigns on variety of global and local market leading brands. Their wealth of experience and passion for creating exceptional work across advertising, digital, design, experience, and analytics for our clients will reinforce our position as a leading force in India.”

  • Arkreach’s AI-powered tool for Contextual Sentiment Analysis

    Arkreach, a communications analytics product company, has unveiled a new AI-powered feature for Contextual Sentiment Analysis.

    Commenting on the success of the new AI feature launch, Vishal Sharma, Chief Strategy Officer at Arkreach, said: “In the digital era, communications metrics must evolve – the global PR software and media intelligence market is expected to be worth US$17,569 million by 2027, indicating a massive utilisation of the technology advancements. Arkreach’s Contextual Sentiment Analysis, powered by Artificial Intelligence, seeks to revolutionise the field of communications analytics. This novel approach transcends conventional metrics by incorporating granular, context-specific understanding derived from News Consumption Behavioural Data.”

    Added Neeraj Kumar, Chief Technology Officer, Arkreach: “The significance of contextual sentiment analysis, for a long time, had remained secluded in the conventional tools. Arkreach gives you pinpoint-accurate sentiment on any issue, but that’s not all. It also decodes the WHY behind the context. For clients, this translates into rocket-fueled communication strategies.”

  • Namit Sharma joins Arre Studio as CEO

    Arré, a digital brand that houses Arré Studio and Arré Voice, has appointed Namit Sharma as CEO of its studio business. Sharma is an old-timer in the world of television programming and has spent his early years as a journalist.

    Said B Saikumar, Founder, Arré: “Namit’s strategic leadership will undoubtedly propel Arré to new heights as we continue our journey in building one of the most exciting media brands of our time. Arré is poised to bring the world of tech, content, and social media together to entertain and engage consumers via Arré Studio and Arré Voice’

    Added Niyati Merchant, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Arré: “Namit’s extensive experience across various facets of media–from television to digital platforms–complements our goals perfectly as we aim to deliver compelling stories that resonate with our diverse audience. The industry is experiencing significant growth, and with Namit’s creative insights and proven track record, we look forward to shaping the future of entertainment by working with creators dedicated to authentic storytelling as well as platforms and partners across the country.”

  • APL Apollo’s TVC with Akshay Kumar

    APL Apollo Steel Tubes Ltd has launched a new TVC featuring actor Akshay Kumar. The 60-second ad has been produced in collaboration with Crayons.

    Said Sanjay Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director, APL Apollo Tubes Limited said: “At APL Apollo, we are committed to innovation and delivering products of the highest quality. Our collaboration with Akshay Kumar for the Roof Tuff TVC exemplifies our dedication to excellence and toughness, ensuring that our customers receive only the best. We are happy to launch this promo as we aim to promote this product in as many industries as possible.”

    Added Charu Malhotra, Chief Brand Officer & Group Head Marketing, APL Apollo Tubes Ltd: “The launch of our new TVC with Akshay Kumar underscores our relentless pursuit of finding new and impactful ways to connect with our audience. Through this engaging narrative, we aim to highlight the durability and reliability of APL Apollo’s Roof Tuff, setting new benchmarks for toughness and performance in the industry. We aim to extensively promote the campaign with a comprehensive integrated marketing strategy including TV/Radio/Cinema & Digital.

     

  • Ashar unveils new campaign

    Ashar Group, real estate developers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), has unveiled its brand campaign, ‘Promises Delivered’, reiterating the developers’ mission.

    Said Ayushi Ashar, Director at Ashar Group: “Our journey has been guided by the belief that every promise made is an assurance to turning dreams into reality. We are one of the only real estate developers in MMR with 0 RERA complaints, and with ‘Promises Delivered’, we aim to showcase our steadfast dedication to delivering on our commitments, upholding our core values, and enriching lives through exceptional spaces.”

  • LG expands initiative with Indian Cancer Society

    LG Electronics continues its comprehensive Cancer Support & Treatment CSR Programme with the aim of detecting cancer at an early stage. The program is built on the success of LG’s ‘Together Against Cancer’ initiative launched in February 2024 in collaboration with the Indian Cancer Society (ICS).

    Said Hong Ju Jeon- MD LG Electronics India: “As we strengthen our alliance with the Indian Cancer Society through the ‘Together Against Cancer’ initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to the ethos of life’s good. We strive to illuminate the path of hope and resilience in the face of cancer, wishing for a better life for all those impacted by this ailment.”

    Added Usha Thorat, National Managing Trustee, Indian Cancer Society: “The collaboration with LG Electronics India marks another significant stride in our collective efforts against cancer. Early detection and intervention are crucial. Through awareness, enhanced screening process and support services, we are committed to empowering individuals to take proactive steps to stay two steps ahead of cancer. Together, we can create a future where cancer is detected early, treated effectively, and survivors thrive.”

     

  • Archie Panjabi joins BBC Studios

    Emmy award-winning actor Archie Panjabi has teamed up with BBC Studios Kids & Family to develop the new comedic mystery series, Anisha Accidental Detective.

    Based on the successful book series of the same name, written by Serena Patel and illustrated by Emma McCann, the 10-part live-action series follows strong-willed ten-year-old, Anisha Mistry, whose life is upended when her auntie’s fiancé disappears a few days before their big Bollywood-style wedding.

    Said Stanley Fernandes, BBC Studios Vice President, Distribution South Asia: “This announcement is really exciting news for our audiences in India who can already catch a fantastic variety of our BBC Kids and Family content on BBC Kids and BBC Player on Amazon Prime Video Channel. We’re really looking forward to seeing more detail on this show as it develops.”

    Added Serena Patel, author of the Anisha Accidental Detective books: “I was thrilled when I heard that Archie Panjabi was coming on board as Executive Producer for the series. I have huge admiration for her career as an actor and for her to be involved in bringing my books to the screen feels like a dream come true.”