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  • The soundtrack becomes the first in India to premiere on the mobile platform before the album's physical music release – thus tapping into the fast expanding base of mobile music listeners

    Airtel & Hungama announce mobile music premiere of Gangs of Wasseypur

    By A Correspondent

     

    Music from Anurag Kashyap’s most-awaited movie ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ became the first soundtrack in India to premiere on the mobile platform, prior to the album’s physical music release thanks to a tie-up between Airtel  and Hungama Mobile. The music is now available exclusively for Airtel mobile customers till May 26 via Hello Tunes and Airtel Radio.

     

    Commenting on this, N Rajaram, CMO – Consumer Business, Bharti Airtel said: “The music premier of ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ on the mobile platform speaks volumes of the changing consumption pattern among customers today. Be it music, movies, gaming, social networking or emailing – the discerning Indian customer is increasingly relying on the mobile phone for accessing content. As more and more customers prefer listening to music on their mobile phones, we expect to see mobile music launches as a fast emerging trend towards catering to the preferences of India’s expanding base of mobile music listeners. We are delighted to join hands with Hungama to announce this industry first and exclusive for Airtel mobile customers”.

     

    Albert Almeida, COO, Hungama Mobile, said: “The mobile ecosystem is evolving and with a staggering number of consumers wanting to consume music and movies directly on their phones, we are happy to satiate their appetite. Airtel has been at the forefront of marketing and distributing entertainment and music content via mobile devices and through this initiative together we will make a compelling offer to music lovers yet again.”

     

    What makes this tie-up special is that ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ has been selected for the prestigious “Directors’ Fortnight” at the 65th Festival De Cannes and has already garnered unprecedented buzz from international media and critics.

     

  • Zee has awarded Leo Burnett with the creative mandates for Khana Khazana and an upcoming channel

    Zee denies awarding Khana Khazana mandate to Leo Burnett

    By Shubhangi Mehta [updated]

     

    Earlier today, we had carried a news report saying that following a multi agency pitch, Zee has selected Leo Burnett to handle the creative mandate for its food channel Khana Khazana and an upcoming channel  projectnamed Zee Q. While sources close to the development confirmed the news to MxMIndia, Zee Khana Khazana has categorically denied it saying that neither has the channel called for a pitch and nor has it awarded it to Leo Burnett

     

    Zee Television Network had launched ‘Zee Khana Khazana’, a 24×7 food channel on December 8, 2010. A property of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Khana Khazana has several syndicated shows on international cuisine along with Indian fare.

     

  • Fans can now listen to the live, running commentary of the last three matches including the final IPL matches on AIR

    Times Internet partners AIR for live IPL commentary

    By A Correspondent

     

    Times Internet Limited (TIL) and All India Radio (AIR) have joined hands to broadcast live commentary of IPL 2012 over AIR’s national channel and the FM Gold Network.

     

    The running commentary of the final matches of IPL 2012 will be broadcast alternately in Hindi and English on National Channel and FM Gold Network.

     

    Speaking on the deal, Rishi Khiani, CEO, Times Internet, said: “By partnering with All India Radio, IPL 2012 will be able to reach out to a much larger base of cricket fans, who are spread all over the country ,especially beyond the metros.”

     

    “AIR has had a very long innings in promoting sports including cricket in the country. We are still going strong in that direction. We are now about to carry live commentary of the last three important and crucial matches including the final match of IPL. We hope that this would provide a new experience to our listeners,” said LD Mandloi, Director General, All India Radio.

     

     

  • The global convention by DMAi will be the first ever conclave that will feature global learning in strategic marketing with special focus on direct marketing

    DMAi announces co-chairs for convention

    By A Correspondent

     

    DMAi, the forum for integrated direct marketing in India, has appointed co-chairpersons for its first of its kind global convention in Mumbai in August. Ajay Chandwani along with Winnifred Knight will function as co-chairpersons of the DMAi Convention and work with DMAi to ensure that this maiden event is a grand success. Their role will entail selection of content and speakers, overseeing strategic goals of DMAi, networking with industry thought leaders, as well as promotion for the convention.

     

    Commenting on the selection, Sanjiv Swarup, Founder Director of DMAi said: “We are very proud to have both Ajay and Winnifred as Co-Chairpersons of the convention, and are certain that they will bring a plethora of acclaim and stewardship to this entire event. Both are very well respected in their industries and bring expertise, knowledge and revolutionary thinking to their ideas and execution. We are certain that the convention will reach renewed heights with their guidance and leadership.”

     

    The global convention by Direct Marketing Association: India (DMAi) will be the first ever conclave that will feature global learning in strategic marketing with special focus on direct marketing including traditional, interactive and futuristic channels; with a participation from over 100 global and Indian companies.

     

    On being appointed as Co-Chairman of the Convention, Ajay Chandwani said: “I am honored to be bestowed with this new role and look forward to working with Winnifred, to ensure that this Convention reaches the great heights it truly deserves. As co-chairpersons of the DMAi Convention, our role will be to bring to life the knowledge and experience of top notch Indian and global speakers, who have a huge standing in their markets. These thought leaders will share their valuable insights and experience of brands handled by them. Further, my personal involvement over many years in brands and interaction with leading marketers will enable me to get access to thought leaders in Marketing, Creative and Media and get them motivated to share their knowledge. Our key objective is to make Direct marketing the next big thing that everyone is talking about.”

     

    “My familiarity with the Awards Process will help in working with the maiden DMAi Awards event which will require the support Direct Marketing specialists, Clients who use Direct Marketing, Ad Agencies and Media Companies. The biggest challenge will lie in garnering sponsor and delegate support for the Convention.”

     

    Commenting on her selection as Co-Chairman of the Convention, Ms. Knight said: “As a knowledge junkie and passionate traveler, Incredible India has been on my bucket list for many years, and this opportunity to be in the midst of business and pleasure is a dream come true. Needless to say the DMAi Team has made it easy to like and respect them for their professionalism and warmth. I’m delighted to be part of the program and content planning in advising on relevant topics and tracks, suggestions for international speakers and other specialists, networking opportunities and more. Together with Ajay’s extensive experience we look forward to present an awesome knowledge-sharing and Insightful Convention.”

     

    The convention, to be hosted by DMAi at the Renaissance Convention Center Powai in Mumbai from August 1-4, will be a 2 day event spread over 4 key tracks and several sessions and will include keynote presentations from leading practitioners from India and abroad, panel discussions of eminent professionals, expo centres for actual business, award presentations in the direct marketing industry and an opportunity to network with the crème de la crème of marketing practitioners. There will also be 2 days of Masterclasses in specialist functional areas.

     

     

  • The survey reveals that no international English news channel reaches more Indian viewers than CNN International and that BBC World News is the most watched international news channel for mid-level income earners, women, tech enthusiasts and those under the age of 30

    CNN & BBC top intnl channel viewership

    By A Correspondent

    Findings from both the latest Pan-Asia Pacific Cross-Media survey (PAX) and Europe’s Media and Marketing Survey (EMS) reveal that CNN International reaches more viewers globally than any other international news channel. The PAX survey reveals that no international English news channel reaches more Indian viewers on a monthly basis than CNN International. In India, CNN International is more of a daily habit than BBC World News among business decision makers and top management.

     

    Tony Maddox, Executive Vice President of CNN International, said: “What we are seeing is that there continues to be a strong appetite for global news, and that people throughout the world are turning to CNN for that news – and in great numbers. Add in our commitment to global business news and our excellent sports and cultural programming and there is a clear, compelling proposition for viewers.”

     

    In addition to CNN International’s leading on-air positioning, the PAX survey shows that CNN International’s leadership also extends to its digital platforms.

     

    The PAX survey also shows that in India, BBC World News is the top international English news channel and the news destination of both the young and upwardly mobile mid-level corporate managers. BBC World News was also shown to be the most watched international news channel for mid-level income earners, women, tech enthusiasts and those under the age of 30. The channel is also the most watched news channel amongst key audiences such as potential car buyers, international travellers and consumer durable owners.

     

    Colin Lawrence, Commercial Director BBC World News said: “BBC World News and BBC.com are strongly demonstrating impact to Indian audiences-not only top management but also those with their careers on the rise. Our platforms deliver a targeted route to these discerning viewers and it’s more and more clear that our style of impartial international news and business coverage is increasingly relevant to viewers and advertisers across the country.”

     

    The Ipsos PAX study surveys international and local media consumption and product consumption among affluent adults and business professionals in the Indian cities of Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. The latest survey covers Q1 2011 to Q4 2011.

     

    EMS 2012 examines the media and product consumption habits of affluent Europeans. The latest research was carried out across the full year of 2011. 49 million qualifying adults aged 21 and over, across 21 markets, comprise the EMS universe.

     

  • Consider this: If Mukeshbhai gets caught in a scandal, will Rajdeep Sardesai even think of going after the big man? You know the answer

    Anil Thakraney: Bad times looming for editors/content heads

    By Anil Thakraney

     

    What’s the best way for large advertisers to get some ‘good press’ in the media? Use PR agents? Throw lavish parties? Suck up to the editors? Naaah! All that is old fashioned stuff. Nowadays, at least in India, where the media acquisition laws are weak, the industrialists simply go ahead and buy a large stake in a media house. Thus controlling the content, whether the proprietors would like to accept that or not. Recently, Ambani picked up a substantial stake in the Network 18 group. And now the Birlas have bought into the India Today group. Am quite certain more large industrial houses are eyeing similar acquisitions in the media.

     

    This is obviously terrible news for content heads. Because their powers get badly curtailed. Of course, the worst case scenario, which means direct intervention in the content agenda, sucks big time… that’s a nightmarish situation. But even the best case scenario sounds pretty depressing. Because that would mean the media house cannot report/write a single word against the shareholding industrial group. And will often be compelled to project them (and all their partners and subsidiaries) in a favourable light. Consider this: If Mukeshbhai gets caught in a scandal, will Rajdeep Sardesai even think of going after the big man? You know the answer.

     

    I can understand why the corporate world wants to invest in the media. Because it’s a powerful weapon to have in the war chest, and industrialists can leverage business/political deals with its help. The question is: Can we not have tighter laws on media acquisition, like it happens in the western world? Surely the time has come for that.

     

    As a journalist, what worries me most is the yet another body blow to the freedom of expression. Already the industry has suffered because of paid news, sponsored news and other malpractices. Not to speak of the greater powers bestowed to the marketing department of the media company. And now this! Clearly it’s not a good time to be a journalist in this nation.

     

    As for moi, I am seriously thinking of shifting back to advertising. The advertisers are calling all the shots anyway. 🙂

     

    * * *

     

    PS: Haha. The advertising life depicted accurately and hilariously in pictures. If you belong to the ad world, you will identify with every single situation. I am sure you are living them right now!

     

    Link: http://thisadvertisinglife.tumblr.com/

     

     

    Anil Thakraney is a Mumbai-based commentator and editor. He is also Editor-at-large, MxMIndia. The views expressed here are his own

     

     

  • If size would have always been proportional to the potential of things, then microprocessor chips would have never got invented, says Manish Bhatt

    The Anchor: Manish Bhatt on 5 myths people have about an independent agency

    Manish Bhatt

    By Manish Bhatt,Founder Director,Scarecrow Communications Ltd.

     

    Myth 1: Independent agencies are the land of scamsters

    Just like the world thought India is a land of snake charmers and elephants… We think every man in Jaisalmer wears a turban and has royal mustaches and a parting beard… People who haven’t visited the South of France always think that every beach of French Rivierais a nudist beach… People think independent agencies are the breeding grounds and shelters for scamsters. Dear Scamsters, beware… The creative department of Independent agencies are not governed by Global Creative Council in Chicago. Neither by those aspirant NCDs who want to score high in Cannes by indulging in some scams, so that he or she can attend the next global creative council meeting in the exotic destinations like Sao Paulo, Santa Clara or Jamaica.

     

    Myth 2: Independent agencies are cheap

    The Network Agency with presence in 24 countries and 100 offices across the world can charge premium. But thinking that Indian independent agencies with presence in 2 cities are cheap to hire – if this is true, then buying clothes from Big Bazaar (with around 1,000 stores across cities) should be more expensive than clothes sold at Versace or Armani with 2 city presence.

     

    Myth 3: Independent agencies are small creative hot shops

    If size would have always been proportional to the potential of things, then microprocessor chips would have never got invented. In 2 years’ time, Scarecrow has 2 offices, 50 people, a separate Design division, an Art Gallery, more than 25 brands across 4 cities, will you call us a creative boutique or a full service agency?

     

    Myth 4: Independent agencies can never attract MNC brands

    When an Indian can buyout global brands such as Jaguar and Land Rover, why can’t an Indian independent agency attract global brands? Look at Pepsi working with Taproot, Audi with Creativeland Asia and we at Scarecrow working with MNC Brands like Nestle, Eristoff (Bacardi), Viacom, Danone, Anchor Panasonic and Barclays.

     

    Myth 5: Independent agencies can never attract great talent

    People with good taste always prefer to stay in an isolated cottage, a countryside vs  a multi-storied apartment in the hustle bustle of the city. That’s why we have one of the best design minds of the country like Kapil Tammal in our Mumbai office and Andy at Delhi office – the man behind ‘Mein aur meri Maggi’ campaign.

     

    Manish Bhatt is Founder Director, Scarecrow Communications Ltd.

     

  • The elected members are Sharif D Rangnekar, CEO & Director, Integral PR, for the post of President; Nikhil Dey, President, Public Relations, Genesis Burson Marsteller, as Vice President and Shivraj Parshad, Principal, The PRactice, as Secretary

    PRCAI elects new mancom

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI), the apex body of communications and public relations consultancies, at its Annual General Meeting, elected a new management committee and support chapter heads.

     

    The elected members are Sharif D Rangnekar, CEO & Director, Integral PR, for the post of President; Nikhil Dey, President, Public Relations, Genesis Burson Marsteller, as Vice President and Shivraj Parshad, Principal, The PRactice, as Secretary.

     

    As part of its National outreach, the regional chapter heads elected are Ajay Lamba, COO, Integral PR as Chairperson, North; Shane Jacob, The PRactice as Chairperson, South; Madhuri Sen, MD, Waggener Edstrom as Chairperson, West and Basav Bhattacharya, Strategic Consultant, Integral PR as Chairperson, East.

     

    Mr Rangnekar, the newly elected President said: “PRCAI is committed to its mission: to build and enhance benchmarks relevant to our business including the areas of Knowledge, Ethics and Expertise.” Setting the tone for the two years ahead of the new Management Committee, the President said that PRCAI intends to focus on talent at one level as well as create platforms that recognize quality of work done by the industry so as to showcase the best work done by our industry.”

     

    PRCAI has been representing the industry for over 11 years. During the many years it has organized different forums, taken up a variety of issues and engaged with multiple stakeholders for distinct purposes. In the past year, PRCAI aligned with EPACA to set norms for government engagement aimed at a higher level of transparency.

     

    Public Relations Consultants Association of India is a trade association set up in October 2001 that represents India’s public relations consultancy sector while providing a forum for Government, public bodies, industry associations, trade and others to confer with public relations consultants as a body.

     

  • Customers can now learn to speak fluent English within the comfort of their homes

    Airtel DTH launches iEnglish

    By A Correspondent

     

    Airtel Digital TV, the DTH service by Bharti Airtel announced the launch of its new interactive service, iEnglish to help customer hone their English speaking skills within the comfort of their homes.  These English language tutorials are based on an audio-visual format with animated characters and quizzes for easy comprehension.

     

    Priced at Rs30/month Airtel Digital TV subscribers can now avail the benefits of this offering by simply pressing the iTV button on their remote control.

     

    Commenting on the launch,  Shashi Arora, CEO- DTH/ Media, Bharti Airtel, said: “Interactive services on  digital TV platforms are not merely value added services but ‘infotainment plus’. Our new interactive service, iEnglish will enable customers become skilled at day-to-day spoken English by enhancing their learning through entertaining, yet educational activities.”

     

    Powered by Hungama, South Asia’s leading digital entertainment company, and Aptech, a pioneer in providing education and training, iEnglish would help consumers understand specific scenarios and commonly used English expressions for daily communication. Apart from teaching correct pronunciations of words, it would also help customers learn new words and phrases, proper grammar usage and an opportunity to gauge their competencies.

     

    Ninad Karpe, MD & CEO, Aptech Ltd said: “With India poised to emerge as one of the successful player in the field of mEducation, we are excited to launch our first mEducation offerings on Airtel Digital TV”.

     

    Neeraj Roy, MD & CEO, Hungama added: “The DTH platform is emerging as a new tool for more interactive forms of entertainment and learning. We will continue to innovate and create products with ease of access for our consumers.”

     

    Besides iEnglish, Airtel Digital TV currently offers several interactive services such as iExam, iKidsworld, iDarshan, iRadio and iFasal.

     

    Airtel digital TV – the DTH service from Bharti Airtel – has over 7.2 million customers and is one of the leading national level DTH service in the country. Airtel has also HD services to its portfolio.

     

  • TAM NCT Data Wk 19 ’12

     

    Source: News Content Track – A service of TAM Media Research Pvt. Ltd
    Channels: Aaj Tak, CNN IBN, Headlines Today, IBN 7, India TV, NDTV 24/7, NDTV India, Star News, Times Now, News 24 & Zee News
    Period : Week 19 – May 6 to May 12, 2012
    Note : Analysis is based on the Telecast duration

     

     

    About TAM Media Research

    TAM is a joint venture between Nielsen Company & Kantar Media Research. Besides measuring TV Viewership, TAM also monitors Advertising Expenditure of Television, Print & Radio through its division AdEx India. Since 2004, it extended its presence in the PR Measurement & Analysis space for Corporate/Marketing Clients by setting up a separate division Eikona PR Measurement.

     

    In 2007, the joint venture introduced RAM (Radio Audio Measurement) service to track Radio Listenership for the Indian Radio Broadcast Industry. In year 2009, TAM launched a division, called TAM Sports that specializes in monitoring Sports Sponsorship ROI.

     

    TAM Media Research’s objective is to fuel media insights that will drive the growth of the Indian Media Industry.

     

  • In Freaking News, which appears every Tuesday and Friday, Ranjona Banerji reviews the fare in the morning papers and the nightly news. And sometimes the afternooners, the newsmags and all that's on the Web

    [MJR] Media has to protect freedom of expression and thought

    Ranjona Banerji

    By Ranjona Banerji

     

    The knee-jerk government response to the Ambedkar cartoon controversy – banning cartoons from text books – got a very strong response from Sunday’s newspapers. The need to protect freedom of speech, why cartoons frighten those in power, the personal attacks faced by cartoonists were covered by The Times of India, Indian Express and Hindustan Times in special features and detailed stories.

     

    Many also carried cartoons which have caused trouble in the past and tried to examine just why cartoons are seen as dangerous.

     

    Indian Express had a comprehensive interview with historian Mushir-ul-Hasan who has just written a book on Parsee Punch, a cartoon magazine brought out by Parsis in colonial India. The British in India at the time either had a good sense of humour or the good sense to realise that going after cartoons was hardly likely to end subversive thinking.

     

    The media has to come out and protect freedom of expression and thought – because in any battle against it, it will be the first casualty. The threat does not come just from those in power but also from pressure groups in civil society. Unfortunately in India, the first response by the government is to cave in to the demands of those whose “sentiments are hurt” rather than stand up for the Constitution.

     

    * * *

     

    After running through the IPL as the scourge of human civilisation, TV channels found something else to amuse themselves. Not, of course, the Indian economy, which seems perilously close to bad times ahead – there is after all little scope for a melodramatic studio-based jatra based on a falling rupee and rising inflation. Much better instead to concentrate on parties (not political ones, but the others where people gather to eat, drink and make merry and thus promote unconscionable evils), why the BCCI has insulted Kapil Dev by not giving him lots of money (and then providing the answer – because Dev hooked off to the rebel league ICL) and for all I know whether the sun will rise tomorrow or not.

     

    * * *

     

    It is always interesting to see journalists take the moral high ground when it comes to other people eating and drinking. Everyone knows that there are journalists who will do anything for a free meal and many attend press conferences only for the free drinks at the end. Even those who are not quite so greedy enjoy a drink or two at the end (or the middle) of a long and stressful working day. So why this moralistic posturing when it comes to others? Just to appeal to a puritanical audience or has alcohol dimmed their memories of their own excesses?

     

    In fine contrast, of course, the glamour sections of newspapers and glamour segments on news channels only serve to glorify the “having fun” lifestyle and employ almost no critical faculties at all.

     

    Just because the general public doesn’t know what you get up to in your spare time does not mean that you have to give in quite so much to hypocrisy.

     

    * * *

     

    Now that the Lokpal Bill has been put off till the next session, one can predict an all out publicity campaign by the Anna Hazare brigade – that’s easy. However, it is also possible to predict that while the movement may not fizzle out, the media coverage will.

  • Over Rs8.89 crore funds were raised as part of the Green Campaign

    NDTV celebrated May 20 as ‘India’s Recycling Day’

    By A Correspondent

     

    NDTV, the country’s most reputed news network, brought together concerned citizens for the fourth edition of the NDTV-Toyota Greenathon on May 20, in a 12 hour long gala finale at the Yash Raj Studio in Mumbai.  This year, the focus has been recycling waste, especially plastic, along with encouraging everyone to keep their immediate environment clean. Joining the grand celebrations of Greenathon 4 were a galaxy of film personalities, celebrity chefs, composers and singers, chief ministers, Members of Parliament, school children and citizens from around the country.

     

    In keeping with the green theme, the NDTV-Toyota Greenathon 4 set was made of recyclable products. The unique Green Set, created by well known designer Omang Kumar, also had a Green Kitchen area where celebrity chefs including Aditya Bal, Ritu Dalmia, Bikramjit Singh and Vicky Ratnani cooked some eco-friendly, delicious recipes for guests and hosts.

     

    Supporting this Green Initiative and raising awareness about the environment, actor Milind Soman started his 1,500 km Green Run on April 20, running from the Qutub Minar in New Delhi, across 5 states and ending his Green Run at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai. His 1,500km run in 30 days had been recognised as a World Record by the Limca Book of Records.

     

    In an attempt to mobilise a mass movement, plastic/recyclable waste collection centres were set up across New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Phagwara (Punjab), Dharamshala and Nainital. People were invited to come out and participate in the recycling drive by depositing their recyclable waste, from plastic (bags and bottles), metal, paper, Tetrapak cartons and e-waste.

     

    Some of the generous supporters of the campaign were brand ambassador Priyanka Chopra, Cyrus Broacha, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Sridevi, Farhan Akhtar, Imran Khan, Deepika Padukone, Rahul Bose, Kunal Kohli, Parineeti Chopra, Arjun Kapoor, Bappi Lahiri and Vasundhara Das.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Dr Prannoy Roy, Chairman NDTV Group, said: “NDTV-Toyota Greenathon 4 has been the best we have seen so far. I would like to thank TERI for being there and making this whole experience a success. Not having light is like losing your eyesight.”

     

    NDTV-Toyota Greenathon 4 saw Rs8.89 crore being raised to benefit 508 villages. IndusTower came forward to donate Rs5 crore and the Power Finance Corporation donated Rs3 crore. Other key donors included Shah Rukh Khan who adopted 12 villages and Aamir Khan who adopted 5 villages. Shahid Kapoor adopted 3 villages, Priyanka Chopra adopted 2 villages.

     

    Since its launch in 2008 The Greenathon Campaign has already funded solar lanterns for over 600 villages benefitting thousands of households. The NDTV-Toyota Green Campaign was the first ever-nationwide campaign to save the environment. The Campaign is aimed at creating awareness about the environment, by involving the people of our country to make a difference, and is supported by Dr RK Pachauri and TERI.