MxMIndia

Category: XTREME FOCUS

  • The composure with which MxM has gone about its business in the last one year has only been a reminder that in the ultimate analysis, the aspect that matters most in any race is how it's run!

    Sundeep Nagpal: Striking that delicate balance

    By Sundeep Nagpal

     

    As part of one’s job, one has had a few opportunities to interact with, as well as observe journalists, at their job – if only to understand how they manage their responsibility of informing and yet not commenting, of providing a foundation for reader opinion and yet not moulding it. Needless to say, this task of striking that delicate balance indeed requires a fine understanding of reader psychology as much as a recognition of one’s own boundaries.

     

    And I must say that over the last decade-and-a-half that one has known Pradyuman, I have come to believe that he is certainly part of that rare breed of journalists which is sensitive to this responsibility.

     

    Just before MxM launched a year ago, the road ahead must have seemed like a walk in the woods. But I guess there were at least a few others wanting to take that path, so it wasn’t long before the woods suddenly began resembling a race track.

     

    The composure with which MxM has gone about its business in the last one year has only been a reminder that in the ultimate analysis, the aspect that matters most in any race is how it’s run!

    But the composure with which MxM has gone about its business in the last one year has only been a reminder that in the ultimate analysis, the aspect that matters most in any race is how it’s run! In these days of multi-million dollar ‘mis’-appropriations, it’s easy to compromise and even go scot-free for those little ‘oversights’ in business. For news media, the pressure to compromise, exerted by those at the helm of the main source of business revenue (advertising), can be truly daunting. (Very recently, a journalist in this business narrated an incident about being threatened in her rookie days, with withdrawal of advertising ‘support’ by a senior ‘professional’ from a TV channel, for a story that she had done on that channel).

     

    Another noteworthy aspect of MxM’s business has been their ability to find that new angle for anything that unfolds in the media industry. And this is that makes for a compelling read.

     

    Lastly, based on first-hand recent experiences, I have to commend Pradyuman for his sense of fairness. He has been as forthcoming over business matters, as he has been forthright! And to my mind, that’s just another trait of a fast disappearing breed of real professionals.

     

    So, here’s wishing MxM the very best in the years to come.

     

    Sundeep Nagpal is Founder-Director, Stratagem Media. He is also Contributing Editor, MxMIndia.

     

  • Reviewing The Reviews gave me a chance to examine a cross-section of critical responses to a film and see if there was any consensus.

    Deepa Gahlot: Critiquing the critics

    By Deepa Gahlot

     

    It happened over a casual visit to the MxM office, where the conversation eventually veered to one of my peeves – the stupidity of so many of today’s film reviews. Even at a time of instant tweet reviews by any viewer who had spent money on a film and considered it a birthright to vent online, for many, newspaper reviews were still sacrosanct.

     

    I had grown up reading informed criticism by writers who were not just cine-literate but also incorruptible. They judged the films they saw purely on merit, and did not care about which Bollywood badshah they offended.

     

    Then times changed, commercial cinema entered the media mainstream, major producers and stars started wielding umimaginable power and wanted to control every aspect of their films – including the critical responses. This was complicated, because they held the disdainful view that reviews didn’t matter, only box-office did, yet they craved the approval of the ‘intellectuals’ too.

     

    Reviewing The Reviews gave me a chance to examine a cross-section of critical responses to a film and see if there was any consensus.

    By the time the rise of Bollywood started, most of the old school critics had retired; besides new media took over and in exchange for favours – kind more than cash-the newer critics, who were not all that clued in into cinema history, were pronouncing half-baked verdicts and labelling as masterpieces the most derivative or pedestrian films. It suited everyone to keep the major stars happy- when was the last time an A-list star got panned?

     

    The reader was confused, however, when the same film got 4 stars in one publication and 1 in another. Soon, even lay readers with no inside tracks into the media started saying “All critics are paid”.

     

    It was in this context that the idea for Reviewing The Reviews came about. And it gave me a chance to examine a cross-section of critical responses to a film and see if there was any consensus.

     

    Interestingly, though not surprisingly, the time when all critics agree and go at their work with relish is when a film like Joker comes along … and in their derision they forget all differences of opinion and stand united. But there is also a certain pleasure in discovering films from which not much was expected and help in their success. Paan Singh Tomar and Vicky Donor come to mind. Then a Housefull 3 comes along to make critics feel collectively redundant.

     

    Deepa Gahlot is an award-winning film critic and is one of India’s seniormost journalists tracking the arts – especially theatre and cinema. She writes ‘Reviewing the Reviews’ every week, except when there are no releases or the movies aren’t worthy enough J

     

  • The start-up has revealed the opportunity that lay at the 'x' roads of 'm'edia and 'm'arketing. 'Obvious', did I hear someone say? Great ideas always are, in retrospect.

    Paritosh Joshi: From the far side

    By Paritosh Joshi

     

    Estimadofelizcumpleunaño de edad!

     

    A.k.a. Happy Birthday, dear One Year Old! In Spanish, that is.

     

    Don’t blame me. I’m in a town built around a Mission established by the Blessed Junípero Serra, the Spanish Missionary who brought Christianity to Las Californiasyadayadayada. So, Dateline: San Francisco.

     

    And though I may be on the far side of the planet, this morning my mind is on MxMIndia’s achieving the important landmark; the first birthday.

     

    Pradyuman and everyone else at MxMIndia may have been considered rather brassy for their decision to launch yet another media-focused website when they did it last year. Competitors aplenty had marched in and staked out territory years before so what, precisely, was this arriviste doing?

     

    The start-up has revealed the opportunity that lay at the ‘x’ roads of ‘m’edia and ‘m’arketing. ‘Obvious’, did I hear someone say? Great ideas always are, in retrospect.

    Time those existential questions went away, thank you. The dreaded Year 1 has been navigated without harm to life and limb. The start-up has revealed the opportunity that lay at the ‘x’ roads of ‘m’edia and ‘m’arketing. ‘Obvious’, did I hear someone say? Great ideas always are, in retrospect.

     

    My own column was simultaneously something that took a long while getting to and something that happened nearly overnight. Pradyuman first put the thought of a weekly piece into my head just weeks into launching mxmindia, probably October last year. And then in late April ’12 when I announced my intention to leave the corporate world, he was on to it faster than greased lightning. Even the name (Media Matrix) was figured out in a frenzied late night exchange of emails and phone calls.

     

    And now I’ve been at it for over four months.

     

    What can I say? Keeps me honest and committed to this wonderful thing called writing, I suppose.

     

    Enhorabuena, Senor Pradyuman!*

     

    *Congratulations Mr Pradyuman!

     

    Paritosh Joshi, until earlier this year CEO of Star CJ, is now Strategic Advisor with Ormax Media and is actively associated with both the MRUC and IBF. Mr Joshi writes ‘Media Matrix’ every Thursday.

     

  • There are many things to write about, but with most broadcasters as clients, one needs to strike a fine balance. With time, I may upset a few people. But stating facts the way they are should remain paramount.

    Shailesh Kapoor: An interesting, satisfying challenge

    By Shailesh Kapoor

     

    Writing a weekly column on television should be easy. Now that’s what I thought when I agreed to contribute to MxMIndia recently. Writing is always fun, especially when your thoughts appear on what I find the most stimulating media website in India. Yet, every Wednesday, I stare at the ceiling, wondering what the topic for this week’s column should be. There’s a reason for that. The idea behind ‘TV Trail’ has been to write about ideas and concepts that are usually not the focus of media attention. That poses an interesting challenge. But also satisfying is the feedback that comes in over the next few days.

     

    There are many things to write about, but with most broadcasters as clients, one needs to strike a fine balance. With time, I may upset a few people. But stating facts the way they are should remain paramount.

    TV Trail is only five weeks old, but I enjoyed writing the recent piece on food television the most. There are many things to write about, but with most broadcasters as clients, one needs to strike a fine balance. With time, I may upset a few people. But stating facts the way they are should remain paramount.

     

    MxMIndia deserves to be congratulated whole-heartedly on a landmark first year. Many best wishes for the year ahead. And then many more. I look forward to a long association with the MxMIndia team.

     

    Shailesh Kapoor is Founder and CEO of leading media and film research firm Ormax Media. His column ‘TV Trail’ appears every Thursday

     

  • By Invitation: Peter Mukerjea, Jaisurya Das, Sundeep Nagpal, Deepa Gahlot, Paritosh Joshi, Shailesh Kapoor & Sorbojeet Chatterjee

    Our galaxy of weekly and other regular columnists and contributors to write and/or reminisce:

     

    Peter Mukerjea: Where have the last 12 months gone?

    With MxM, I was happy that it was a real honest-to-God startup. The honesty with which I was approached was quite endearing but it is what I really liked and was moved by.

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=30684

     

    Jaisurya Das: Way to go…

    ‘Dear MxM’ – our little column has connected with students, professionals and media aspirants week after week.

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=30675

     

    Sundeep Nagpal: Striking that delicate balance

    The composure with which MxM has gone about its business in the last one year has only been a reminder that in the ultimate analysis, the aspect that matters most in any race is how it’s run!

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=30693

     

    Deepa Gahlot: Critiquing the critics

    Reviewing The Reviews gave me a chance to examine a cross-section of critical responses to a film and see if there was any consensus.

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=30672

     

    Paritosh Joshi: From the far side

    The start-up has revealed the opportunity that lay at the ‘x’ roads of ‘m’edia and ‘m’arketing. ‘Obvious’, did I hear someone say? Great ideas always are, in retrospect.

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=30677

     

    Shailesh Kapoor: An interesting, satisfying challenge

    There are many things to write about, but with most broadcasters as clients, one needs to strike a fine balance. With time, I may upset a few people. But stating facts the way they are should remain paramount.

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=30688

     

    Sorbojeet Chatterjee: Emerging super successful

    I sincerely hope this weekly quiz is doing its bit of spreading some useful media ‘gyaan’ (and increasing the page views of Google!).

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=30682

     

  • 'Dear MxM' – our little column has connected with students, professionals and media aspirants week after week.

    Jaisurya Das: Way to go…

    By Jaisurya Das

     

    Can’t fathom how a year went by since it was launched. There is so much to say about this journey that one really can’t encapsulate all this and take up the precious space of all our esteemed columnists… ahem ahem! Incidentally there is one such columnist who learnt that it’s probably the best thing that one can do with one’s life, working on a mentor column…

     

    I can’t but thank Pradyuman for giving me a unforgettable one year with ‘Dear MxM’ – our little column that has connected with students, professionals and media aspirants week after week.

     

    A journey of emotion, a journey of bonding and a feeling of living each of those lives that looked to us for a warm shoulder.

     

    From queries on tackling tough bosses to appraisals, to careers and shifts to new cities, we were at the receiving end of mail after mail from every corner of the country… actually, the globe!

     

    ‘Dear MxM’ – our little column has connected with students, professionals and media aspirants week after week.

    As is the MxMIndia belief, I shall not blow our own trumpet but only be a humble part of the team that created the country’s unique, razor-sharp, squeaky clean site for media and marketing.

     

    May Team MxM always be part of the hearts and lives of the media and marketing fraternity. Time for the bubbly now. Cut the crap and uncork, team! Heartiest congratulations, MxM!!!

     

    Jaisurya Das is Contributing Editor, MxMIndia. When we started, he led Xanadu Consulting Group as Chief Mentor and CEO, and later joined the Sakal Media Group as Chief Operating Office. He writes a weekly ‘Dear MxM’ column which is currently on its second seasonal break.

     

  • With MxM, I was happy that it was a real honest-to-God startup. The honesty with which Pradyuman approached me was quite endearing but it is what I really liked and was moved by

    Peter Mukerjea: Where have the last 12 months gone?

    By Peter Mukerjea

     

    When I was asked to write a piece on the occasion of the 1st Anniversary of MxM, my first thought was – Wow! – is a year already since launch? Clearly it must be and I began to wonder how quickly the year has gone by and how I first got roped in to write for MxM.

     

    Pradyuman called me and asked me. Simple. I was a little unsure because I had already turned down a few other media website owners, who happen to be friends, but with MxM, I was happy that it was a real honest-to-God startup. The honesty with which Pradyuman approached me was quite endearing but it is what I really liked and was moved by.

     

    He said, “Peter, I’d like you write for us, but to be perfectly honest, I can’t pay you anything as we are short of funds right now as we’re a start up but once we stabilise and I get some investors on board, I will. I can’t say when that will be, but, hopefully that will be soon.”

     

    I found that really rather touching and have enjoyed writing my columns very much, every time.  I’ve enjoyed reading everyone else’s too and particularly enjoy Anil Thakraney’s candidness ( Ialways have ) and also Ranjona’s column. Seeing my friend and ex-colleague Paritosh Joshi’s regular columns too have been a source of inspiration as I’ve always believed that he’s one of the sharper knives in the drawer, when it comes to media matters in India and it’s good to see him writing for MxM.

     

    It’s been wonderful to see industry leaders like Shashi Sinha, Vikram Sakhuja and so on writing for MxM as that is real inspiration for many young people in the industry. To the young, when they read what these ‘big guys’ have to say they take cognisance of their words of wisdom and point of view as many of them will aspire to be like them.

     

    With MxM, I was happy that it was a real honest-to-God startup. The honesty with which I was approached was quite endearing but it is what I really liked and was moved by.

    Further, I’m always reminded of Pradyuman’s initial approach to me and each time I read the latest upload from MxM, I feel happy that I decided to write and continue to do so, because it’s good to see new entrepreneurs get up and get going and I will always try and help in whatever way I can to get them on the road to success. It’s a different kind of success when you’re doing well in a large company, or if you’ve inherited something, but quite a different matter when you’re on your own and I can tell you from experience – I know that feeling well.

     

    Needless to say, I send my column to all my friends and ask them for their comments. I take this opportunity to thank all those who have taken the time and made the effort to make their comments.

     

    Good, Bad or Ugly – they all count and through that I hope that it helps to make, not only my column, but the entire website more engaging for those that reader it.

     

    Several friends have said to me that maybe I should find a platform that has a larger reach and perhaps more profiled, so as to get my views out there to a wider audience. I did give thought to that but have decided against that as I hope that MxM does make the cut and comes through as being a credible source of independent thinking and comment on media related matters. Also, that one day, Pradyuman realises his dream and finds investors for his website, so he can then, one day, send me a cheque. But, actually, it’s rather nice not to get paid – I have the freedom to say what I feel like. Maybe that will change if I start getting paid for what I write.

     

    So to MxM – good luck for the future and I wish you every possible success. And for the readers – keep coming back for more and please send your comments if you think something’s not right or could be made better.

     

    So, now to the next 12 months !

     

    Peter Mukerjea, former CEO of Star India, writes ‘Media Mullings’ from England where he is now anchored.

     

  • I have not been a part of this journey for long, but it looks promising. It has been a good month chasing crazy stories, always-tied-up in-meeting people, and just-do-or-die deadlines.

    Ananya Saha: Short but sweet

    By Ananya Saha

     

    As MxMIndia celebrates its first anniversary, I complete one month in this organisation (how I wish I was the youngest too!). And it has been a good month chasing crazy stories, always-tied-up in-meeting people, and just-do-or-die-deadlines.

     

     

    It has been a good month chasing crazy stories, always-tied-up in-meeting people, and just-do-or-die-deadlines.

    I have not been a part of this journey for long, but it looks promising. And when you have a sane team to work with, it can only get better!

     

    Happy 1st to MXM!

     

  • MxMIndia has always been about pushing boundaries, it’s about giving an edge to our coverage, knowing that when people will read the same stories on different media the next day, they will realize that we have gone that extra mile to give our readers something more meaningful.

    Tuhina Anand: Giving something more… &more!

    By Tuhina Anand

     

    Put on your party togs and don your dancing shoes, we’re celebrating the first birthday of our baby MxMIndia. What a journey it’s been for all of you who have been involved with this venture! Looking back, I can confidently say that I am proud to be a part of the team who has been endlessly pushing boundaries to give the best and wholesome information on issues and news related to media, marketing and advertising fraternity.

     

    MxMIndia has emerged as a name to reckon with in the industry in a short span of a period and I do not hesitate to say that the content we provide especially our special coverage has been superior to many of those who have been in this field for longer than us. For me, MxMIndia has always been about pushing boundaries, it’s about giving an edge to our coverage, knowing that when people will read the same stories on different media the next day, they will realize that we have gone that extra mile to give our readers something more meaningful. And in this last one year, I have heard from different people how they have recognized our effort and see MxMIndia as a refreshing change.

     

    In this last one year, I have heard from different people how they have recognized our effort and see MxMIndia as a refreshing change.

    In the last one year, I have done innumerable stories and today as I look back I feel happy that I got an opportunity to be part of an ably guided team helping me to do some good work. Just recently, I worked on a story on the missing account planners in advertising agencies and believe me as I started digging further the story only got more fascinating. I started with a simple assumption that the ad agencies today would rather spend on a creative person than an account planner but as I started speaking to various people, new facets to the issue started opening up. It was learning for me too.  In fact, the good part of being at MxMIndia is that we take up industry issues seriously and while interacting with various people on the issue what often comes up is a new aspect of that issue altogether which one perhaps didn’t know or never really thought of seriously. So it has been a learning process, and it continues.

     

    Another story I worked on was the whole issue of agencies staying solo or being part of a biggie (http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/07/stay-solo-or-scale-up-with-a-biggie/). The story now becomes more relevant when we see star indie agency Taproot selling stake to Dentsu Inc. Mind you, we did this story months ahead of the current development and it is now being taken up by other media. Then there was a story on e-commerce (http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/07/is-there-money-to-be-made-in-e-commerce/) which again was an eye-opener for me as talking with the players gave me a peek into the way the business functions especially considering that e-comm is the in thing today.

     

    The list of stories continues and of course there is the long list that can be especially dedicated to my effort of getting the anchor organized for the website.

    The crux, however, remains that MxMIndia is a genuine effort to give something more to our industry and I hope we have succeeded some bit in our endeavor.

     

  • I sincerely hope this weekly quiz is doing its bit of spreading some useful media 'gyaan' (and increasing the page views of Google!).

    Sorbojeet Chatterjee: Emerging super successful

    By Sorbojeet Chatterjee

     

    The first anniversary is possibly the most important milestone for any start-up… Kudos to Pradyuman and the fantastic MxM team for having created a strong destination. In my mind the two factors that are most critical for any new entrant are innovation and engagement. In quick time, MxM has emerged super successful on both fronts.

     

     

     

    I sincerely hope this weekly quiz is doing its bit of spreading some useful media ‘gyaan’ (and increasing the page views of Google!).

    It has been just 8 weeks since I have started compiling MxM Buzzer (and I am already running out of topics!). The objective was to steer clear from the geeky boring quizzes and look at topics that are relevant and topical, with questions that are fun and interesting. With ‘gyaan’ being the current marketing flavour of the season and India’s favourite brand ambassador Mr Bachchan highlighting the noble virtues of knowledge, I sincerely hope this weekly quiz is doing its bit of spreading some useful media ‘gyaan’ (and increasing the page views of Google!).

     

    PS: Leaving the strategic spiel aside, I do possess a fair amount of Bong DNA … forever ready to question, but simply hate being questioned – so, turning quiz master was a fitting choice!

     

    Thank you, MxM.

     

    After a long innings at TV Today as head of marketing, Sorbojeet Chatterjee moved back to Mumbai as Vice President-Marketing, Neo Sports. Clearly quizzing is in his DNA

     

  • Despite the tough competition in the market, brand MxM has already created positive vibes, not just among the media industry but also with advertisers and agencies.

    Robin Thomas: The journey has just begun

    By Robin Thomas

     

    It’s been close to a year since I joined MxMIndia and the journey, I feel, has just begun. Despite the tough competition in the market, brand MxM has already created positive vibes, not just among the media industry but also with advertisers and agencies. Some of my favourite stories include my interview with the ‘Angry Birds’ creator -Henry Holm, SVP, Rovio Asia. MxMIndia has given me opportunities to interview Terry Peigh, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, IPG among the many others, not restricted to my beats alone. I think of all my responsibilities at MxMIndia, as a Senior Correspondent, I have enjoyed interviewing industry veterans the most.

     

    Conducting video interviews I think has been another fascinating aspect of my job and now I am most eager to learn how to edit these videos and upload them on our site. This is also the first time I attended and covered Goafest and also the first time I ever visited Goa. I think covering the biggest advertising festival – Goafest 2012 will be one of my most memorable moments at MxMIndia not only because of the round the clock coverage, interactions with ad veterans but, also because of some wonderful presentations and creatives that came to light, leaving many awestruck.

     

    The last few months saw plenty of action in the digital space, and although India drew nil at Cannes, industry veterans observe the recent spurt in mergers and acquisitions as a sign of good things to come. Radio too saw some action with inter ministerial committees being formed and the government inviting pre-bidding qualifications for FM Phase III. Internet radio stations in India is slowly beginning to gain recognition, Venturenet Partners launched an internet radio station this year, WorldSpace Satellite is also planning to explore internet radio soon, FM stations like PlanetRadiocity has been constantly adding new web radio stations so on and so forth.

     

    Covering Goafest 2012 will be one of my most memorable moments at MxMIndia not only because of the round the clock coverage, interactions with ad veterans, but also because of some wonderful presentations and creatives.

    Speaking of stories, I must confess I am beginning to enjoy writing stories on digital more often, probably because there is so much I can write about this medium and so much still to learn and write about. As far as radio is concerned, I recently wrote a story on Community Radio Stations in India, it was a pleasure interacting with various players in this space. I look forward to write more stories on community radio stations, some of their works and campaigns if any.

     

    Lastly, it has been great to receive feedback from industry players and readers, which helps me dish up a better read every day. Keep it coming, please!

     

     

  • We are small team; some work from home; but somehow, the office never feels empty. We discuss work, industry trends and ideas. And of course, have our share of fun too. Who doesn't love a little office gossip?.

    Meghna Sharma: Happy to be here

    By Meghna Sharma

     

    I had known about PM since my days at DNA, and though I was interviewed by him for my previous job, he had left that organisation by the time I joined it. Yet, many still continued to talk about him and his style of working. He gave reporters a lot of freedom and never breathed down their throats. Also well known was his passion for food. I had to quit that job for personal reasons but when I got back to the city, I didn’t hesitate to give him a call.

     

    I had heard about his new venture – MxMIndia. Many would have thought twice before joining a start-up. I didn’t. What matters to me are the people I work with. So, May 1 (ironically, on Labour Day) was my first day in MxMIndia. And it wouldn’t be wrong to say that my journey in MxMIndia started on an ‘honest’ note. My first assignment was to cover Satyamev Jayate, on May 6 – a Sunday, so I worked on a holiday in my first week itself. Thankfully, it was a much anticipated show and everyone was ready to give their two bits on it – good, bad or ugly.

     

    The broadcast industry is always buzzing – shows being launched, movements, mergers, a few shutdowns as well… I had to build contacts, learn about each network and everything in between.

    I was given the broadcast beat, something I hadn’t covered thoroughly in the past. But I took it up as a challenge. The broadcast industry is always buzzing – shows being launched, movements, mergers, a few shutdowns as well… I had to build contacts, learn about each network and everything in between. And thanks to my editor and my colleagues, I think I have done fairly good job (still time for the appraisals!). However, it still remains a challenge to get broadcasters to talk as they are always busy in their numerous and never-ending meetings! But then again, what’s the fun in having everything on your fingertips. Media planners, I like. They are willing to give their insights on various issues/topics related to the industry. The past few months have been exciting – from writing big stories to getting people to contribute for our various sections – Relative Values, My First, Life’s Lessons and How I Unwind.

     

    Apart from work, I’m glad to have a wonderful team to work with. We are a small team; some work from home; but somehow, the office never feels empty. We discuss work, industry trends and ideas. And of course, have our share of fun too. Who doesn’t love a little office gossip?

     

    The last three months have been exciting and enriching for me and I hope it continues to be so.