MxMIndia

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  • Find out what GaneshaSpeaks.com forecasts for your sun sign.

    2012 for Capricorn

    Energetic and enthusiastic, you begin the year on a positive note. Although your health may still continue to be your biggest concern, expect your energy and determination levels to go up. You have always enjoyed your work, and shall do so even more in 2012. And, this gets better by mid-October! You will excel in your work, and will reap rich rewards. Switching jobs for better prospects, relocation and buying a new home is on the cards, too. You may spend a fortune doing up your new home and buying the latest gadgets. But be careful about your finances, as your income is likely to fluctuate. On the relationship front, couples will enjoy marital bliss, while singles have romantic dates and dinners lined-up. All in all a rewarding year for goats is in store, assures Ganesha. Yet, if you are still feeling empty and confused, remember that emotional disharmony is the main reason why prayers are not answered. If you don’t seem to be deriving any benefit from your spiritual practices, the fault is not with the Divine, but maybe is within you, points Ganesha. So, get up and get hold of your life!

     

    Home and Domestic Life

    For the next six years your 4th House will be a House of power, and may cause you much confusion and distress, so Ganesha advises you to brace for the challenge. And, also start ‘relaxing’ as and when possible. You may not have ‘real problems’, but given the sheer momentum of movement and chaos of the things around you, you may start imagining them, points Ganesha. And, since yours is a stable, earth sign, you would obviously not like so much change and movement. Uranus in the 4th House also suggests a variety of things, most important of them being nagged by a constant desire to shift homes, places, jobs, cities even. This year, quite contrary to your usual nature, you may throw all the rule books out of the window, when it comes to your personal and domestic life.

     

    Love Life

    This year, Ganesha gives you a stable love relationship, and that is not a small thing. So, enjoy! There may not be much change in your marital or single status in 2012, as your 7th House of love and marriage is not a house of power. All in all the status quo will be maintained – marriages will run smoothly, while singles, most likely, shall remain single. The largely unoccupied 7th House in your chart shall give you a lot of leeway in this area, though. That is, a lot depends on what you want, and how you want the things to go. So, if your desire to marry is strong enough, you may probably end up marrying your chosen one. However, as a general rule such a strong desire is unlikely during the current planetary aspects. Though marriage is not on the cards for you, singles will enjoy dating and romantic encounters.

     

    Health Graph

    There are three long-term planets in a stressful aspect with your sign in 2012. This is an improvement from last year when there were four, though this is little consolation. Health will continue to be a cause for concern for you. But, as the year progresses these concerns will reduce, especially when Saturn drifts away on October 5 from its stressful aspect with your sign. From April 3 onwards itself, though, your 6th House, the House of health, is getting strong. It means that you are likely to be paying more attention to your health. You will also need to conserve your energy and vitality during the year. If there is work that you can delegate, by all means, do it.  However, last year was tougher for you on account of health, so if you made it through 2011 without any major glitch, you will probably coast through 2012 with considerable ease. But that should not give you any reason to loosen up in this department. Pluto is in your own sign which indicates that a detox program will benefit you.

     

    Career and Finance

    This is a volatile year as far as your finances are concerned. Uranus is your financial planet, and it spends the whole year in a square aspect with Pluto. Ganesha says you can expect major changes this year. There is a divine cleansing going on in your financial life, as in, many erroneous decisions that you made in the past – like wrong planning and bad execution – are now being uncovered so that you can set them right. Avoid lending money to friends and relatives. You may also spend considerably in home improvement projects, and a definite emphasis is on increasing your standard of living. Besides, you will also come across opportunities to work from home and earn money, or you could profit from family connections. Despite such myriad interests, your actual earnings may fluctuate wildly this year. They may either be too much or too little, making a rather inconsistent pattern. This is a very new thing for you steady goats, but take it easy, as this too shall pass, says Ganesha. The good thing is that, this year, at least, you are more at ease, in tune, with your job or business, unlike last year, when you were very uncomfortable about it.

     

    GaneshaSpeaks.com is #1 in India and #3 in horoscope portals on a global level. It offers accurate, reliable and trustworthy services online and on 55181(at premium rates) on all major telecom providers in India. Content syndication for print, TV, online, telecom and apps is one of the major verticals in GaneshaSpeaks.com. For more details dial +91-79-61604100 or send an email to contact@ganeshaspeaks.com.

     

  • Find out what GaneshaSpeaks.com forecasts for your sun sign.

    2012 for Libra

    You will practically heave a sigh of relief as the year 2011 wraps up, says Ganesha. The year 2012 will be all about changes – for good! Your personal, social, financial and spiritual life is likely to undergo a transition. The storms of the past may not be over, but they definitely will abate. It’s time for re-evaluations and second chances, and that includes a relationship that you may have thought as irreparable. Ups and downs in your personal and professional realms are possible, but aren’t they for everyone, exclaims Ganesha! Health will be fine, but there will be burdens, many of which would be self-invited. Stress and tension may be the rightful results of all the over-work! Look to de-stress using relaxation therapies. You may also plan to refurbish your home, which will help you take your mind off for some time. Unexpected expenses are likely to mount. And your love life may not improve dramatically, but it will, in its due course. For now, just hang on, and turn to divine help and spirituality, for a better tomorrow, says Ganesha!

     

    Home and Family Life

    Your home and domestic life is getting influenced by a variety of factors. In 2008, Pluto moved into your 4th House of family and home, and it’s going to be anchored there for many more years. It is, therefore, likely to impact your domestic life greatly, indicates Ganesha. Your relationships, emotions, and domestic life in general are going through a lot of changes. This year too, there are likely to be minor and major changes on your home front. Many negative aspects and shortcomings will be made manifest, but take it as a clue to become aware of these and take appropriate steps to purge yourself of their deleterious effects. It will not be easy, but the detoxification process is going to take place whether you like it or not. And, thus there is no point in resisting it; just let it happen, because it’s going to bring positive changes in its wake. Saturn, your family planet, is going to be in your own sign for the better part of 2012, making you devote more time to your domestic life.

     

    Love and Social Life

    Uranus moved into your 7th House in the year 2011, and shall stay put there for six more years. This indicates a lot of changes as far as your current relationships are concerned. Expect these changes to be a mixed bag – some good, some bad. The strength of your love and friendships both may be tested. If these relationships are deep-rooted, they will survive the storms, assures Ganesha. But superficial ones may not stand up to the test. By the time Uranus moves out of your 7th House, you will have realised who your good friends are, and who are/were merely fair-weather buddies. This aspect applies to not only your personal relationships but also to business partnerships. Ganesha will help you through all this, hence have faith and carry on, without being bitter or vindictive. However, marriage is not on the cards this year. In fact, you need to eschew it.

     

    Health

    The year 2012 looks definitely better on this front, affirms Ganesha. Your health is going to get better with each day, rather. But you may still not be able to breathe easy. Though things are getting better, you still need to be very careful about you health, and keep a safe distance from hazardous situations. Your 6th House of health, which was vacant last year, becomes strong after February 3rd, which indicates that you will take your health seriously, says Ganesha.

     

    Career and Finance

    Brace yourself for a rough ride in the year ahead, as far as your finances are concerned. This is because Uranus is aligned squarely with your financial planet, with which Saturn also is making an unfavourable aspect. However, Saturn’s aspect is not as powerful as last year, so you may get a few moments of respite. These two aspects indicate that you will have to work much harder than usual to achieve your financial targets, says Ganesha. There may also be many upheavals in your financial situation this year. Some of them could be bolts from the blue! And some, minor whiffs in comparison to others. By the end of the year, your whole outlook on finances will have undergone a change, not just how you earn and spend your money but even your financial strategies. But, then a lot also depends on financial conditions in the world around you. A word of consolation from Ganesha here: Be patient, and you may see sunshine financially, once the dust settles. Some disturbing financial dealings may set you back for some time, but eventually you will be able to see the real good come out of it.

     

    GaneshaSpeaks.com is #1 in India and #3 in horoscope portals on a global level. It offers accurate, reliable and trustworthy services online and on 55181(at premium rates) on all major telecom providers in India. Content syndication for print, TV, online, telecom and apps is one of the major verticals in GaneshaSpeaks.com. For more details dial +91-79-61604100 or send an email to contact@ganeshaspeaks.com.

     

     

  • Find out what GaneshaSpeaks.com forecasts for your sun sign.

    2012 for Sagittarius

    Most of the long-term planets, with respect to the sign of Sagittarius, will remain scattered for a greater part of the year 2012. This indicates that, akin to the planets, your interests too will be scattered, even confused, indicates Ganesha. Remaining centred and concentrating on your main goals could be a task! The good thing is that your energy levels will be at an all-time high and barring a few seasonal illnesses, you will enjoy good health throughout the year. Your mind and heart may gravitate towards spiritualism like never before, more so since your family life may have been disturbed or vacuous. This shift, thanks to Neptune, may alter many of your previously held beliefs and attitudes. It may make you more sensitive and compassionate towards your family. Single archers may be soon changing their relationship status to ‘committed’. On the work front, you’ll excel, and may see a surge in your creativity. Job opportunities may arise from nowhere, hints Ganesha. Although financially, you are safe, you’ll need to manage your expenditure.

     

    Home and Family

    Your domestic life has been through plenty of upheavals due to Uranus’ presence in your 4th House. However, Uranus has moved out of the House and the circumstances have become less demanding. When Neptune enters your 4th House on February 3rd 2012 to stay anchored for the next 14 years, expect your attitudes and outlook to change greatly, foretells Ganesha. It’s not only you but also your family members who will visibly be calmer, and will feel inclined towards spiritualism. Neptune will also uncover all sorts of secrets, which may sometimes shock you, and may sometimes pleasantly surprise you. However, you will feel lighter and calmer at the end of it.

     

    Love and Social Life

    Venus’ unusually long transit indicates you will get into a serious, committed relationship. Moreover, when Jupiter will enter your 7th House on June 11th 2012, the romantic possibilities will be more potent. Your romantic endeavours are likely to be successful this year, predicts Ganesha. If you are unmarried, this year could bring you into contact with your life partner. This transit also indicates that you will function like a go-getter, take charge of your life and won’t wait for things to happen. You are determined to get what you want. Go, chase your dreams! Ganesha’s blessings are with you.

     

    Health

    Your health will not cause any concerns with Jupiter, your ruling planet, placed in your health House till June 11. As a result of this aspect, you will enjoy good health, and will most probably be focused on maintaining good health and fitness. However, don’t take your health for granted, especially from June 11 to July  2012. Your relationships and health are correlated as Venus is your health planet. So if you encounter any problems on the health front, Ganesha advises you to review your relationships first, so that you can identify the root causes and restore harmony.

     

    Career and Finance

    It is the right time to get rid of excess baggage, eliminate wasteful expenditure, throw out all the things that you don’t need any more, maybe invest surplus funds more profitably, or even realign your financial goals, says Ganesha. Pluto in your finance House indicates that there may be an inheritance coming your way. You may be all set to get an increase of revenue from your insurance and royalties. Ganesha throws in a word of caution here and says that you should manage your debts very carefully and wisely. Take loans only for constructive purposes, because borrowings which won’t generate revenue will surely become burdensome for you.

     

    GaneshaSpeaks.com is #1 in India and #3 in horoscope portals on a global level. It offers accurate, reliable and trustworthy services online and on 55181(at premium rates) on all major telecom providers in India. Content syndication for print, TV, online, telecom and apps is one of the major verticals in GaneshaSpeaks.com. For more details dial +91-79-61604100 or send an email to contact@ganeshaspeaks.com.

     

  • Pradyuman Maheshwari continues the second part of his 12 media biggies he's going to be tracking this year.

    Mediaah!: 12 media cos to watch out for in 2012 (Cont’d)

    By Pradyuman Maheshwari

     

    We looked at the first six in my list of media conglomerates to watch out for in 2012. Here’s the rest Here goes ((note all names in alphabetical order).:

     

    7. Network  18

    Network18 was an obvious choice given the amount of news it’s been making. As you read this, the deal with Eenadu would’ve possibly been announced. The Raghav Bahl-promoted media empire has taken rapid strides and established itself as the company with an eye on the big picture. Literally.

     

    8. Reliance ADAG

    The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani group has several interests in media and entertainment. From telecom to television channels, DTH, radio and gaming, it’s got interests in all sectors. A couple of channels are scheduled to be launched in the next month.

     

    9. Reliance Industries

    Elsewhere on the site, we’ve carried the news of Mukesh Ambani investing in Network 18. But RIL’s interest in the media is not what makes it to this list. It’s the 4G broadband connectivity that the group is set to unveil this year that could transform the way we access video content

     

    10. Star India

    The manner in which Star India has consolidated its position has made it near-invincible. Credit for most of this goes to CEO Uday Shankar and some of his predecessors. Pity that regulatory restrictions prevent the network to do much with news.

     

    11. Sun Network

    Any other media group would’ve been in a mess given all the controversies and pressures its promoters work with. But Kalanithi Maran’s Sun is above all it appears with the network being such a dominant player. And a profitable one too.

     

    12. Zee

    Last, but right in the forefront. It was an instant hit when it took off in 1992 and is one of the most influential players in Indian media even though its flagship GEC isn’t numero uno. Expect much action from the group as it celebrates its 20th year.

     

    Tailpiece:

    The Prime Minister released a stamp in honour of Dainik Jagran founder Puran Chandra Gupta. In the light of all that Press Council Chief Markandey Katju has said. But more on that tomorrow. Meanwhile, check the video at: http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/national/general/Stamp-issued-Purnachandra-Gupt_5_1_8711717.html?video=1

     

    Buzz me if you have a story to tell and gossip to share. Confidentiality assured. Andar ki baat will stay under. There are various ways you can reach me: pradyumanm[at]mxmindia.com, BBM @ 23050B5D, Whatsapp/Gtalk pradyumanm[at]gmail.com, @pmahesh, 98338 76278.

     

    Disclaimer: Although Pradyuman Maheshwari is CEO of MxMIndia other than being editor-in-chief, he chucks those hats while writing Mediaah! So, the views expressed here are entirely his own and not those of the website and the team that runs it (especially the National Sales Head!).

     

  • Veteran media planner and LMG COO and Karishma Initiative CEO N P Sathyamurthy is reportedly moving on to take up a wide canvas assignment @ Mudra

    Rumour Central: N P Sathyamurthy (Sathya) to head media across Mudra

    By A Correspondent

     

    Veteran media analyst and planner N P Sathyamurthy is reportedly moving on from Lintas Media Group (LMG). Sathya, as he’s popularly known in the trade, has been COO with LMG and CEO with Karishma Initiative and has worked with the media agency since October 2007.

     

    Although an official spokesperson at LMG vehemently denied the development, MxMIndia learns that Mr Sathyamurthy may have in fact accepted an offer from the Mudra group. The role at Mudra, it is believed, is a more challenging one and will require work across media and the diverse interests of Mudra.

     

    Prior to his current assignment, Mr Sathyamurthy was exec director at carat and director-general with MRUC from March 2003 to September 2005. He has also worked with Euro RSCG-MPG, O&M, Mudra, Cadilla Labs and a four-year stint at Heinz.

     

    While he is known to be a master at dissecting numbers, Sathya (Sathyamurthy Parthasaradhy Namakkal being his full name) is educated to be a zoologist. An MSc from Annamalai Univ, he has done his bachelor’s at the University of Madras having studied at the Presidency College in Chennai.

     

    Although his last day at LMG is not known, sources inform that he is likely to join by Mudra next month or latest by February 2012.

  • Simply uncorking your memories does not mean that you're a story-teller, admonishes Gouri Dange in 'Naming no Names'

    Gouri Dange: Writing a novel? Who isn’t?

    By Gouri Dange

     

    We are in the midst of an epidemic – an overabundance of unimaginative, thinly-veiled autobiographical pretend-fiction: how I loved and lost in IIT; how I lost and loved in JNU; how I was Cinderella in med college; how I was Cinderella’s ugly sis in IIM, and on and on and on.

     

    My uncle, his neighbour and his neighbour’s sister and her brother-in-law and their cocker spaniel – they’re all writing a novel, it looks like. Ever since Arundhati wrote about ordinary things happening in ordinary places and their far-reaching impact, all of us Indians have come uncorked with our stories.

     

    Now don’t get me wrong, I’m no snob who believes that English fiction writing is the exclusive turf of the chi-chi haw-haw strata. Or that fiction has to come from the deep tortured insides of a writer. I don’t care about the distinction between high brow and low brow and middle brow and no brow. Everything is narration.

     

    What I find (as a reader and as a book editor who reads the works of hundreds of hopefuls) is that too many aspiring Indian writers in English are totally mired in autobiographical material. Again, nothing terribly wrong with that, all writers ‘mine’ their minds and lives. Why, however, a lot of it is unreadable is that many writers are simply unable to take what happened to them and universalize it in any way. The autobiographical never makes the jump to the kind of writing/narration to which other people can relate and in which they can hear echoes.

     

    If the memories and incidents from the past came with any kind of emotional/social/intellectual insights, these stories might have held some interest and become publishable. This is not the case. There is nothing touching or instructive or engrossing or revealing in any of the strings of episodes that a lot of people choose to simply prattle on about.

     

    So much unpublished guy writing (called lad-lit, like chick-lit) is about life in school or engineering college hostel, and monotonously tells you about the adolescent crush on another boy, or the English teacher, the smoking/drinking experiment, or goes into excruciating and baffling detail about the physics lecture. It often boils down to nothing more than those ‘hey remember when we were in college…” kind of reminiscences that are ok when you’re sitting around with four friends, but does not make the cross-over to being readable literature, frankly.

     

    It’s the same with a lot of young (and old) women writers, who are putting in a lot of hard work, no doubt, in telling stories that no one wants to hear. That’s because, again, the stories simply don’t ‘travel’ from the writer’s life, to touch the life of the reader.

     

    The minute you say this kind of thing (as kindly as possible) to a person who wants to be published, sadly, the response is something like: “Oh everyone can’t be a Rushdie.” But I’m not talking Rushdie here at all. I’m not talking about ‘classes’ versus ‘masses’ kind of distinctions. I’m all for more easily accessible writing, but if you’re writing fiction (and not just your autobiography), it has to grow horns, a tail or two, some sharp nails, some moments and nuances in the content as well as in the way you tell it. Or else it’s just canteen (or kitty-party or chai tapri or board-room) chit-chat trying to pass off as fiction.

     

    Sometimes, people write down stories or incidents/anecdotes from their life to better understand the past and its impact on the present. It is therapeutic, perhaps, this exercise. And I’m all for it. However, this does not necessarily automatically transform it into a piece of writing that is accessible and/or of interest to anyone else. For this kind of self-examination to turn into fiction of any kind of wider appeal, much more would need to go into it.

     

    The art and craft of writing is definitely more demanding business than simply uncorking your memories and theories, is what I’m trying to say here to all of you (us) working so hard and hoping so fervently to be published. Self-absorption and contemplating your navel are rarely the right tools to become a good writer, frankly.

     

    There are so many avenues for people wanting to talk about their pasts or their presents, without having to do the complicated hard work of fictionalizing and universalizing the story. There are blogs, and chats or diaries or amateur, informal writers’ forums.

     

    There is a Marathi sentence that I always find very touching when people use it: “Mala kahi sangaychay” – ‘I have something to tell’. This is a universal impulse – but that doesn’t necessarily make it literature. Hemingway put it wonderfully: “All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they really happened and after you are finished reading one you will feel that it all happened to you and afterwards it all belongs to you: the good and the bad, the ecstasy, the remorse and sorrow, the people and the places and how the weather was.”

     

    If you can do that, you are a writer.

     

    Naming no Names is the mid-week column where novelist, columnist and counsellor Gouri Dange presents her tongue-in-cheek view of our world.

     

  • The offices of MxMIndia are shut tomorrow, Thursday, January 26, on account of Republic Day.

    Happy Republic Day. No Edition Today

    We wish you a very happy Republic Day.

    The offices of MxMIndia are shut today (Thursday, January 26,) on account of Republic Day. There will hence be no routine updates or daily digest (editorial newsletters). However, part of our editorial team will be putting together the content for Friday. Also, if there’s anything major we will swing back into live mode. Have a happy Republic Day, and see you tomorrow.

     

    PS: Our list of ‘no edition days’ for the year 2012 is @ http://www.mxmindia.com/2012-no-edition-days/ for you to plan ahead

     

  • 100 days of MxMIndia in the words of Chief Sub-Editor Archita Wagle.

    Archita Wagle: A force to reckon with

    By Archita Wagle

     

    Before I joined MxM, I worked with a newspaper as a senior sub-editor for more than four years. I wanted a change, I wanted to write. MxM offered me a chance. Yes, it was a newly launched company, but when I was invited to be a part of the “founding team”, I decided to take a chance.

     

    For someone who has spent four years editing ‘journalistic’ copies ( that’s my term) and living with the journalistic timings (we ‘subs’ work in the evening and sleep in the morning) to adapt to the style and timings here (I report to work at 7.30 am most mornings) was intimidating. But I was always encouraged to learn and adapt, I was never yelled at for my mistakes, instead they were explained to me. And alongside my editing duties, I was given stories. My first story went as a BIG story. That was the day I was convinced that maybe I will not fail in this, after all.

     

    Ask any sub, we are the most under-appreciated lot. The people who read the newspaper always read the stories under the reporters’ byline. They never know the hard work that is put in by a sub to clean up a reporter’s copy, to make it an interesting read which will hold the reader’s attention – right from the headline to the last word in the copy.

     

    Therefore if I was asked to name one instance in these 100 days (I have been a part of MxM for less than 60 days till now) that I cherish the most, it would be the day I saw my name up on the website: Archita Wagle – Chief sub editor, acknowledging my contribution to the website.

     

    We are still growing… a lot of people aren’t aware of who or what we are. As we complete 100 days, I wish that soon we become a force to reckon with.

     

  • 100 days of MxMIndia in the words of Executive, Special Projects and Marcom, Insiyah Rangwala.

    Insiyah Rangwala: MxMIndia is here to stay and only to grow

    By Insiyah Rangwala

     

    I had always known that when I do start working I would like it to be for a start-up. Something new and exciting that is still figuring itself and its identity out. Being a part of that process was something I was sure I wanted to look for in my first job. After having graduated and looking forward to getting starting in the real world is when I heard about MxM India. It catered to a niche audience that interested me but I had barely any knowledge about.

     

    Finally after waiting for a while I had my first meeting with Mr. Pradyuman Maheshwari. I was nervous and excited to finally get started. It was a great conversation and I was immediately asked to start 3 days from then. When I got started at the office we were only 3 people. My first morning on my way to work I wasn’t sure what the atmosphere would be like as everyone was much older and experienced than me. I had questions running through my head such as what does one wear, what is okay to say what is not and how I should go about conducting myself.

     

    I was very pleasantly surprised by how relaxed everything was and how helpful Mr. Pradyuman and Mr. Alok were. They were extremely willing to share their knowledge and experiences which I believe was the best way for me to have gotten started. Not knowing anything about how this industry works they were kind enough to sit me down break all the information down and explain to me how things would progress. That is when I realized just how important the clients we service are. Our readers as well as our advertisers. I spent a large amount of time on creating a database with all our prospective readers and getting in touch with people that would be interested in the content we wanted to provide.

     

    Starting from there my job role expanded. We launched and it was a great experience being right at the heart of something that I believe is going to see a lot of success purely because of the innovation within the organization. Now we have expanded to a completely occupied office from where we were only 3 people on my first day. I can now say this with complete confidence that MxMIndia is here to stay and only to grow.

     

  • 100 days of MxMIndia in the words of Office Operations and Support Kishor Kate

    Kishor Kate: The atmostphere of a start-up is fun

    By Kishor Kate

     

    When I came for the job interview at MxM near October end for the position of Office Operations and Support, I was clearly told that there’s a clear growth path ahead of me… and it’s in my hands how I define the way my job here shapes up. I generally run around for odd jobs in the office and supporting everyone in their work. But it has never been a bad experience. The people are friendly and always nice.  I have been encouraged to learn. The boss encouraged me to type and work on the computer. I am enjoying my work here. Yes, there are days when the work hours are long and I have to wait in the office till very late. But MxM is a startup, and it is a small and cozy setting. The experience of working in a office like MxM is definitely different than working in a regular office. The atmostphere here is fun.

     

  • 100 days of MxM in the words of Deputy Editor Tuhina Anand.

    Tuhina Anand: It was no mean task to have engaged the industry even before our launch

    By Tuhina Anand

     

    We started MxMIndia with a vision to provide our readers something more than the usual reporting that is done in this sector. The last 100 days have been a learning experience, with our quest to provide refreshing content to our readers thus pushing ourselves a little bit more to give that extra bit. It would have been no fun if we had churned out run-of-the-mill stuff day in and day out. As challenging as this might be, it has been no less than a roller-coaster ride.

     

    The biggest challenge was when we were working on our launch edition – September 7, 2011. The site was not launched and we had to approach the industry for news, views, interviews and case studies so that we could have all our sections going on the day of the launch. It was no mean task to have engaged the industry even before our launch and we were appreciated by many for our endeavour.

     

    But we managed to do this, all thanks to the experienced team that we have at MxMIndiawho do not shy away from pushing the boundaries.

     

    There was anticipation and palpable excitement on the day we launched. I remember comparing notes on the response we got from the industry. Since that first day, we have done many remarkable stories that have made the industry recognize us even in such a short period of time.

     

    I also remember once, for our daily segment that we call Anchor, we were looking for a marketer who could write for us. Ajay Kakar, CMO – Financial Services at Aditya Birla Group wrote a piece for us on ‘8 indications when you know it’s time to bid goodbye to your agency’. Kakar ensured that he sent his piece, even though it was late in the night.

     

    The journey has just begun. There would be many more 100s where we, as a team, will do our best to give the best in terms of reports and views to the industry.

     

  • 100 days of MxMIndia in the words of Executive Producer, MxM TV Shruti Pushkarna.

    Shruti Pushkarna: Of high-definition cameras and exclusive video chats

    By Shruti Pushkarna

     

    MxM India completes its 100 days today, on February 1. It feels like yesterday when I was out in the market, on the internet, making endless phone calls to zero in on the best buy for our video coverage. This would include a high definition camera, a tripod, a microphone and other accessories. After much running around (including the swarmed streets of Chandni Chowk), we finally bought a Kodak zi8 (http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/Zi8_Pocket_Video_Camera/productID.156585800).

     

    Much to my surprise at every event I covered with this camera, or any interview I recorded on it, my audience was awestruck with the compact equipment MxM team moved around with. Many mistook it for a phone, and in every break, be it over a cup of coffee or over lunch, I would be greeted with inquisitive fellas wanting to know more about the camera. And yes I would reiterate to each one of them that we shoot ‘on-air’ quality, full HD!

     

    I must confess, one idea that I borrowed from my past experience as a TV producer, was the decision to buy a gun mic. When you are at an event which is crowded with Television crews with their ‘heavy-duty’ equipment, the one thing that’s common between us and them is the good old gun mic. Believe you me, it puts you in line with the TV wallahs. Of course it’s handy at the same time. You just have to be clever enough to push your mic and slick camera through the aggressive TV crews and get your ‘bites’ for the day. One of my recent experiences being getting sound bites from the DoT Secretary, R Chandrashekar, at thE 6th India Digital Summit, when all TV journos and cameramen ‘gheraoed’ him.

     

    Enough tech talk, let’s move on to content. Among the events I covered in the last 100 days, the two big ones that stood out most in terms of video coverage were, the 38th FIPP World Magazine Congress (WMC) and AdAsia 2011. At WMC, we were lucky enough to get some great exclusive video chats with the FIPP President & CEO, Chris Llewellyn, AIM President and Worldwide Media CEO, Tarun Rai, Cybermedia Chairman, Pradeep Gupta, Kallie Purie, COO, India Today Digital and also members of the Organizing Committee, India Today Group CEO, Ashish Bagga being one of them. And before the conference commenced, on the launch of the event, I was lucky to be close enough to capture the King Khan doing his ‘chhammak challo’! That was my first to have got over a 2000 views within no time at all!

     

    At AdAsia again, we were fortunate to get all the ‘gurus’ of the ad world interact one-on-one with us. Piyush Pandey of Ogilvy & Mather, Prasoon Joshi of McCann, Michael Roth, CEO, Interpublic, Tom Doctoroff of JWT China, Ravi Deshpande of Contract India, CEO of BBDO in Asia, Middle East & Africa, Chris Thomas, and many more engaged with us in candid video interviews. Here again, we stood in line with the usual suspects of the TV world.

     

    Apart from events’ coverage, we had an early exclusive with Reckitt Benckiser’s Chander Mohan Sethi. Here too I struggled to make space with pushy TV crews but finally managed to get the desired answers.

     

    But what remains my personal favourite, was my interaction with whom I call the epitome of broadcast journalism, Mark Tully. He was candid, honest, precise. His love and belief in broadcast journalism did not deter him from highlighting the follies of the trade. He didn’t seem angry at what TV journalism looks like in the country today, he only seemed concerned. As a man who likes to call himself ‘a British who is much influenced by India’, his worry for issues, social and political, came through in almost all his responses pertaining to India’s developmental story. As a TV producer myself, I exchanged many stories with him off the camera, and some of them seemed similar to the ones he narrated to me from his times. For me it turned out to be quite a unique and enlightening discussion on ‘media’.

     

    There is so much more that I have experienced in these 100 days as part of team MxM, be it interviewing the likes of Vinod Mehta and Mark Tully or witnessing a new avatar of Arnab Goswami giggling like a school boy to Vinod Mehta’s jokes at the launch of the latter’s memoirs.

     

    But as the rhyme goes, ‘100 days, 100 days, so clap and sway and say hurray’!