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  • The objective was to provoke/motivate him into a juicy answer. Here’s Dr Bhaskar Das in the September 20 edition of Das ka Dum. Read on…

    Das ka Dum with Dr Bhaskar Das | Mid-Day has a new editor. As someone who helped outsmart it with Mumbai Mirror, what can Jagran to herald happier times?

    Bhaskar Das PhotographIf you wish to access the archives, please go to the Das Ka Dum tab on the website’s top navigation bar or click here: https://www.mxmindia.com/category/columns/das-ka-dum/

    Q. Mid-Day has a new editor. As someone who helped outsmart it with the now partly defunct Mumbai Mirror, what can the Jagran group to herald happier times?

    A. Your question is very interesting and it can’t be answered within the framework of answers to questions that you ask here. I shall give it a sub-optimal try as I don’t have any visibility to some core data sets which have to be analysed before jumping onto a solution. After all, strategy formulation isn’t a an armchair prescription. Besides, it’s unfair to compare it with the imperatives of Mumbai Mirror where the contexts were very different and it was a set of actions that were relevant 19 years back. The world has changed dramatically since then and no strategic extrapolation is possible.

    An Editor is a leader who has to implement the vision of the organisation and no amount of strategic homily could help him. One has to address four key sets of questions:

    Where are we?

    Where do we want to go?

    How do we reach there?

    And how to win?

    It’s doable with collective participation of all levels to make it happen.

    I am always available to facilitate that journey—this is just a joke😂

  • To boost its trajectory

    Nazara Technologies raises funds

    Nazara Technologies Limited, the diversified gaming and sports media company, announced its largest fund raise to boost its growth trajectory. The company’s board has approved a preferential equity issue to raise INR 900 crores, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. This capital infusion will, as per a communique, fuel strategic acquisitions, fund business expansion, and enhance the company’s ability to seize new growth opportunities.

    Said Nitish Mittersain, CEO & Jt MD of Nazara Technologies Limited: “Nazara has demonstrated its ability to attract top-tier investors who believe in our long-term vision of establishing India’s first globally respected gaming powerhouse. This INR 900 crores fundraise will be instrumental in accelerating our growth across key segments. Additionally, increasing our stake to 91% in Absolute Sports (Sportskeeda) reinforces our leadership in the sports media landscape. The growth of Absolute Sports, from its early days as a startup to becoming a global media player, underscores our commitment to supporting innovative teams that consistently deliver transformational growth.”

  • Started by Rafi Q Khan and Rohan Srinivasan

    PR captains launch Compass Communications

    Public relations industry seniors Rafi Q Khan and Rohan Srinivasan have joined hands to launch an independent communications consulting firm, Compass Communications.

    Headquartered in Delhi NCR, Compass Communications is a full-service agency and will provide end-to-end services and training to clients seeking senior counsel. Currently, the Compass team has under a dozen consultants and the agency works with affiliates across the country.

    Said Khan announcing the launch: “Our team’s diverse backgrounds and experience of working across leading global MNCs, listed companies and start-ups, means we’re flexible and agile to ensure our operations and team are aligned with our client’s needs from the start. We simply aim to be the ‘Compass’ that guides and delivers on our clients’ communication objectives for optimal business impact.”

    Added Srinivasan: “We’ve already managed to sign up brands across diverse sectors such as Auto, Consumer, HR, Education, Real Estate and Technology. At our core, we will be true to ensuring our clients get the best of both worlds—an agency that implements and understands global best practices and yet appreciates what it takes to deliver results locally.”

  • For its quick commerce revolution

    Criteo powers Swiggy’s offsite retail media

    Criteo, the commerce media company, has partnered with Swiggy to power its offsite retail media campaigns. The collaboration will bring Criteo’s advanced technology to help Swiggy and brands drive full-funnel marketing outcomes outside of the Swiggy website.

    Commenting on the partnership, Amitkumar Banka, Head of Growth Marketing, Swiggy, said: “Quick commerce is growing rapidly in India, with a 77% YoY growth, and is expected to continue growing at a rate of 40-45%[1]. Our partnership with Criteo will allow our partner brands and non-endemic brands to reach and engage with quick commerce shoppers across the open internet.” Kashish Vasandani, Director Growth, Swiggy, adds, “The success stories with Kellogg’s and other CPG brands showcase the effectiveness of Criteo’s retail media capabilities that can unlock value for all players in the advertising ecosystem.”

    Added Medhavi Singh, Country Head, India at Criteo: “Criteo has a leading market footprint in retail media, including 65% of the top 30 retailers in the Americas and 50% of the top 30 in EMEA, and we are broadening our retail media presence in India and APAC. We are proud to partner with Swiggy, one of the leaders in the quick commerce space, to power their offsite retail media campaigns to further scale in the industry. As the needs for retail media in India grow rapidly, Criteo’s retail media solutions powered by its advanced AI and commerce data enable businesses to make informed decisions and optimise media planning for better results in one unified platform.”

  • Into Dharana, a luxury retreat

    Landor creates new identity for Hilton Shillim resort

    Landor, the brand specialist, has re-imagined a new brand identity for Dharana, a luxury retreat nestled in the serene surroundings of Shillim. Formerly known as Hilton Shillim Resort & Spa, Dharana is a premium resort not very far from Pune.

    Commending Landor for crafting the new brand identity for Dharana, Gavin de Souza, Managing Director, Writer Realty said: “We are incredibly proud of the exceptional work done by the team at Landor in shaping the new brand identity for Dharana. The design perfectly encapsulates our vision for Dharana as facilitating holistic well-being, where guests can immerse themselves in nature and experience personal growth and rejuvenation. The intricate details in the design reflect our commitment to providing a tailored wellness experience for each guest, nurturing a deep connection with the ecosystem and the true essence of nature. We believe this new brand identity truly reflects Dharana’s prestige as a luxury wellness brand, offering our guests a perfect blend of peace, tranquillity, and interconnectedness.”

    Speaking further on Dharana’s new brand identity, Ronita Mukerjee, Executive Director – Client Services, Landor India said: “Our objective with the new brand identity for Dharana was to explore the concept of well-being through a vibrant, engaging, and unique visual representation that embodies a transformative journey, harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit. The narrative of the brand centres on the theme of ‘The Journey to Conscious Being,’ which highlights wellness as a continuous evolution, offering various pathways at Dharana.”

  • To amplify its digital footprint and enhance its e-commerce initiatives

    Spicetree Design Agency wins mandate for Jass Perfumes

    Spicetree Design Agency (SDA) has been appointed as the digital and e-commerce partner for Jass Perfumes. In this alliance, SDA will amplify Jass Perfumes’ digital footprint and enhance its e-commerce initiatives through a comprehensive suite of services.

    Said Shiraz Khan, Founder of Spicetree Design Agency, on the partnership: “Jass Perfumes resonates with a contemporary audience that values social connections and believes in positively impacting the world. We are excited to collaborate with Jass Perfumes to create a digital experience that captures the essence of their brand and connects with their target audience.”

  • The problem may be because there are too many media salespeople in a media company and hardly any marketing people to position their platform or make it attractive enough for the advertiser, writes Aniruddh Naik

    Aniruddh Naik: Why your Platform isn’t Enough: A Marketer’s Perspective

    Aniruddh Naik
    Aniruddh Naik

    In my day job, we had a campaign go live on different media platforms (digital and television).

    We took a certain Platform A over another (let’s call it B) on digital.

    In fact the other platform wasn’t even in consideration.

    The salesperson from another platform B called me up. I was in a meeting. He called my colleague. Then he called the PoC from the media agency almost 10 times in two hours.

    Sent me a long WhatsApp message to complain how the media agency didn’t consider them. He went on to rant about why his Platform B was best because it had 400 million users whereas Platform A had only 40 million users.

    Finally, we spoke. And immediately after the hi-hellos, an audio version of his WhatsApp text barged in. For the next five minutes, I wasn’t even allowed to sigh.

    At once he finished and I replied, “your first line- that your platform is 400 million and the one we have taken is 40 million- is the reason why your platform has not been considered”

    Not allowing time for himself to understand, he repeated why it’s ridiculous to not consider them.

    Finally, I had to say it- look buddy, we don’t need the mass, we need the class. And your competition seems have one. Look at the ads they do on their platform (context) and why my brand being placed there is equally important than being placed on a platform that reportedly has 400 million.

    He was unrelenting and pushed targeting on his platform. Eventually, my silence made him realise that his efforts were of little use.

    Something similar happened for a digital programmatic company who wanted to know why we didn’t go for their amazing programmatic platform that would open the doors of open internet.

    Open internet is a black box. I have written a detailed article that showcases how basic demographic demarking for an individual on internet is flawed. You might appear in a male cohort or female cohort; you might be 18, 39 or 54. You might be tagged as government employee, car-owner or daily wage-earner.

    There’s no way to know who is who or even if they are what we are expecting in the open internet.

    That’s why it is always better to use platforms where people consume content in a controlled environment- i.e. Facebook or YouTube or a direct publisher.

    Anyway, that’s not the point. The point here is digital media has marketing problems-positioning and knowing the brand.

    Positioning is for themselves- they are everything to everyone. The moment it happens, you allow the advertiser to compare you to YouTube and Meta- where you have no stand of your own.  And so, the conversation, sadly, comes down to saying ‘humko bhi kuch dedo’. It clearly says you can offer no value when compared against.

    The problem may also be because too many media salespeople in a media company and hardly any marketing people to position their platform or make it attractive enough for the advertiser.

    The second is understanding the brand you are pitching to. What’s the brand about? What’s the campaign about? Who is the target?

    Interestingly, no matter how many brief documents you share it- the solution is almost the same.

    In our case, the particular platform we selected was because of the premium value brought both by users on the platform and the advertiser.

    Finally, on another weird note. I receive a call from a media sales guy. I said someone else reached out couple of weeks ago. Talk to him.

    He replies the guy is no longer in the system.
    That was a quick move, I add.
    Maybe he had to move because you are the reason he had to move on (because I didn’t advertise on his platform, the first time he called)!

  • We thought we could provoke our Wizard to taken on the gods of marketing. Here’s Dr Bhaskar Das in the September 19 edition of Das ka Dum. Read on…

    Das ka Dum with Dr Bhaskar Das | Many large and respected FMCG companies have been found to be deceiving customer with incorrect labelling? Your view?

    Bhaskar Das PhotographIf you wish to access the archives, please go to the Das Ka Dum tab on the website’s top navigation bar or click here: https://www.mxmindia.com/category/columns/das-ka-dum/

    Q. Many large and respected FMCG companies have been found to be deceiving customer with incorrect labelling? Your view?

    A. I feel it’s more about inappropriate claims of such brands in their over-zealous attitude to differentiate with competitive brands and position the respective brands in the mind of the consumer. This ultimately results in consumers getting deceived in believing the claims as ‘true’. In the name of creativity, such claims are touted as creative freedom where the interests of the consumer are sacrificed at the altar of increasing sales. In the age of instant gratification, brand-building is more about speed-dating, as some creative guru has opined, and in the responsibility for brand-building, including positioning claims, ethical caution must not be thrown to the winds.

    The regulatory bodies need to proactively intervene to ensure that end-consumers don’t get shortchanged in the corporate hurry to win at any cost.

  • 100 columns later: The evolving landscape of disability and media 

    100 columns later: The evolving landscape of disability and media 

    Shruti PushkarnaAs I pen my 100th column in this series on ‘Media and Disability’, I find myself at a crossroads of pensive reflection and curious anticipation. What began as a fortnightly series has blossomed into a transformative journey spanning four years, challenging perceptions, and advocating for India’s largest invisible minority. From those nascent thoughts on the International Day of Persons with Disability back in December 2019 to this centennial piece, I’ve traversed a landscape of change, confronting stereotypes, celebrating progress, and tirelessly pushing for a ‘person first’ narrative in mainstream media.

    I never imagined to have run a score of hundred. In fact, often I found myself wondering if I’ll be able to dish out fresh content on the same subject. And yet every time I sat down to write, I was faced with persistent issues and stories which required relentless campaigning for visibility, dignity and equal representation. Have my efforts been rewarded? Has disability found a better spot in the media? Do you hear or read more about this marginalised community now? Or does everything remain frustratingly the same?

    Not quite. Even if it’s at a snail’s pace, change is happening. The ability to influence even a single journalist accounts for success. That I can happily acknowledge. Stories of persons with disabilities mentioned in my column have also made entry into family dinner settings. Another reason to celebrate. Friends at my co-working space are inquisitive about the work I do for disability inclusion. But we have miles to go.

    Persons with disabilities are still seen through an ableist lens, portrayed as either heroic or helpless. Thankfully the recent coverage around Paris Paralympics wasn’t entirely inspiration porn. The reportage wasn’t confined to mere feel-good accounts. Some dailies and television channels tracked down back stories which shaped the winning champions.

    The pandemic has also played a part in altering perspectives. Universal experience of isolation and restricted mobility following the Covid-19 outbreak helped people get a glimpse of what’s life like for someone with a disability or a chronic illness. And of course, there’s been an increase in awareness around mental health issues, and newfound respect for caregivers.

    There are still some incessant challenges including stereotyping and bucketing disability into an exclusive group, disability first narrative, and the endless rant around limitations. Normalising disability and conversations around disabled folk is something that hasn’t captured the media’s imagination.

    Before I carve out a plan for all that remains to be accomplished, I want to revisit and relish some of my memorable pieces. Not only because I enjoyed writing them, but some for the stir they created, some for the unease they caused, some for how well they were received and some simply because no one else would have voiced them so.

    CODA winning the Best Picture at the 94th Academy Awards represented a significant step forward in disability inclusion with deaf actors casted to portray deaf characters, a rarity in Hollywood and Bollywood. The story follows Ruby Rossi, the only hearing member of a deaf family, as she struggles between pursuing her passion for singing and supporting her family’s fishing business. (https://www.mxmindia.com/news/representation-matters-inclusion-matters-disabled-lives-matter/)

    Closer home, cinema inspired many when the story of Srikanth Bolla, a visually impaired entrepreneur hit the big screen starring Rajkumar Rao. It also struck an inclusive chord when the Delhi High Court ordered movie producers to make accessible cinema, for all. (https://www.mxmindia.com/columns/shruti-pushkarna/are-we-set-to-redefine-access-and-inclusion-for-cinema-lovers/)

    The challenges and opportunities for Modi 3.0 in advancing inclusion and implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. The government’s commitment stands to be tested in its ability to deliver promises of accessible infrastructure, inclusive healthcare, disaster management, digital accessibility, and social security for PwDs. (https://www.mxmindia.com/columns/shruti-pushkarna/does-modi-ki-guarantee-extend-to-persons-with-disabilities/)

    Not a very sporty person, yet I wrote a fair bit on sporting events. While I urged media for better coverage around Paralympics 2024, many readers (with disabilities) shared how they missed out on the sporting action especially around Cricket World Cup because of inaccessibility. Television commentary and news/sports websites overlook the needs of persons with vision impairment or hearing impairment, depriving them of all the fun. But earlier this year, Disney+ Hotstar made the Indian Premier League (IPL) more accessible for fans with disabilities through initiatives like audio descriptive commentary and sign language interpretation. (https://www.mxmindia.com/columns/will-persons-with-disabilities-enjoy-the-icc-world-cup-coverage/)

    I also got a chance to celebrate 25 years of First World Cup Cricket for the Blind along with the players and organizing committee. The stories were priceless, enthusiasm unmatched. (https://www.mxmindia.com/columns/shruti-pushkarna-changing-mindsets-rebuilding-lives-celebrating-25-years-of-first-world-cup-cricket-for-the-blind/)

    There were also some riveting conversations with Merry Barua, Peter Gibson, Neha Arora and more! Honestly, when I think of it, it’s difficult to handpick a few select specials.

    Looking back inspires me to move ahead with a determination to not only challenge but educate, so that fifteen percent of the global population feels included.

    To my readers – whether you’re a journalist, a media executive, a disability rights activist, or a concerned citizen, I implore you to question stereotypes, demand inclusive storytelling, and support platforms that give voice to the disabled community. For progress isn’t just about changing what we see in the media, but about changing how we see each other.

    The story of disability in the Indian media is far from over. In fact, we’re just beginning to write its most important chapters. Here’s to the next hundred columns, to the voices yet unheard, and to a future where inclusion is not an exception, but the norm.’’

     

    Wondering why MxMIndia publishes a disability advocacy column? Well, we strongly feel that the media can dramatically transform the world for persons with disabilities. This series attempts to help bring forth issues that the media must champion to create a truly inclusive and accessible India. Writing  this column is Shruti Pushkarna, a former journalist and now a disability inclusion advocate based in New Delhi. Her views here are personal. To access the archives of her 100 columns, please visit: https://www.mxmindia.com/category/ columns/shruti-pushkarna/

    If you have a view on the issues raise or would like to align with MxMIndia on this cause, write to us at editor [at] mxmindia.com.

  • This is in honour of the late Anant Rangaswami, the advertising/media professional and journalist who passed away in May 2022

    Miami Ad School announces The Anant Rangaswami Scholarship

    The Miami Ad School has announces the Anant Rangaswami Scholarship, a two-year programme worth Rs 50 lakh. This is in honour of the late Anant Rangaswami, the advertising/media professional and journalist who passed away in May 2022.

    This prestigious scholarship offers an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring creative talents to join Miami Ad School’s portfolio course in copywriting and art direction, starting 15 October 2024.

    The programme includes a one-year international internship with over 100 global companies and agencies, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with organiations such as Google, Meta, Apple, Coca-Cola, Spotify, Disney, and Netflix. Additionally, agencies like Leo Burnett, Ogilvy, Saatchi & Saatchi, Gut, Wieden+Kennedy, McCann, and BBDO, will also be participating in this initiative.

    Miami Ad School, known for being the world’s most awarded school according to the Gunn Report, is celebrated for excellence in advertising across disciplines such as design, writing, brand strategy, and digital innovation. In 2022, the school also claimed the Future Lions School of the Year title at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

    Speaking about the scholarship, Prabhakar Mundkur, Advisory Director, Miami Ad School, said: “Anant Rangaswami, veteran journalist and darling of the advertising industry has left an indelible mark on all of us.  His career was a blazing trail of meeting all the advertising giants. He could place a call as easily to Sir Martin Sorrell as he could to Piyush Pandey and he was equally comfortable with both of them. In his memory, The Miami Ad School is offering a INR 50 lakh scholarship for their next portfolio course in copywriting and art direction starting October 15, 2024. Only incidentally Anant was also on the Advisory Board of Miami Ad School and therefore it is appropriate that the school acknowledges his contribution. The Miami Ad School is at the heart of advertising and marketing in 15 countries around the world.”

    Applications for the scholarship will close on September 30, 2024.

  • To elevate brand presence

    House of Communication awarded PR Mandate for Surya Roshni

    House of Communication, an integrated marketing communications firm, has been appointed as the public relations partner for Surya Roshni Ltd, brands in lighting, fans, home appliances, steel pipes, and PVC pipes.

    Said Jitendra Agrawal, CEO – Lighting and Consumer Durables at Surya Roshni Ltd: “We look forward to working with House of Communication to amplify our brand message and reach our audience more effectively. Their expertise will be instrumental in amplifying our vision and achievements across key media channels.”

    Added Shivam Trivedi, Director, House of Communication: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with Surya Roshni. Our focus will be on crafting and executing PR strategies that resonate with their brand ethos and support their business objectives. We look forward to crafting impactful communication strategies that will showcase Surya Roshni’s leadership in the market.”

  • To strengthen its presence across South India

    Way2News raises funds led by WestBridge Capital

    Way2News, a hyperlocal news platform, has raised $14 million in a Series B funding round led by WestBridge Capital, with participation from venture capitalist Sashi Reddi.

    Said Raju Vanapala, Founder and CEO of Way2News: “Way2News is dedicated to delivering news that truly matters to language communities. We are thrilled to have a partner like WestBridge Capital, whose continued belief in our vision has been instrumental in supporting our growth. This investment is a step towards expanding our footprint into every household in South India, ensuring that all citizens can access timely and relevant news in their language. We focus on building an inclusive, dynamic, and engaging news experience for every Indian. With this funding, we aim to scale our platform further, bringing more communities into the fold.”

    Added Rishit Desai, Partner at WestBrigde: “Over the last few years, Way2News has made remarkable strides in democratising access to local news across South India, effectively addressing a crucial gap in the market. Their rapid growth in the Telugu and Tamil markets is a testament to their vision and the strength of their model. We are excited to support their expansion across South India. We look forward to continuing our support for their vision to become the go-to platform for news, and we believe their unique approach will enable them to make significant inroads down south.”