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  • Last month, it was also announced that CEO Mr Maheshwer Peri had turned into a mentor passing on the baton to Mr Indranil Roy

    Vinod Mehta turns mentor @ Outlook group, Krishna Prasad to head newsmag as Ed

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Outlook group’s editor-in-chief Vinod Mehta is moving on from his executive role to that of a mentor. This was confirmed to MxMIndia by a spokesperson of the group who added that Mr Krishna Prasad will be Editor of the flagship Outlook magazine.

     

    When asked specifically if Mr Prasad will also be overseeing editorial affairs for other group publications as suggested by a PTI reported relayed by many publications, MxMIndia was told that he will be Editor, Outlook.

     

    Mr Mehta, who has worked with the Outlook group since 17 years, has been editor of The Pioneer, The Independent, The Indian Post, The Sunday Observer and Debonair. He was unavailable for comment when reached on Wednesday evening.

     

    Last month, it was also announced that CEO Mr Maheshwer Peri had turned into a mentor passing on the baton to Mr Indranil Roy.

     

  • The idea worked earlier, and it works now. The only question is this: Is it completely ethical for the marketer to ride on a player's rather serious illness?

    Debrief: Birla Sun Life: Topicality enhances efficacy

    By Anil Thakraney

     

    Last year, Birla Sun Life ran a TV campaign where some cricketers expressed their career insecurities. I recall reviewing that work, and had quite liked it. Mainly because of the message extension: If loaded cricketers can worry about their future, we middle class wallahs should be alarmed. This was also the first campaign in India where celebs spoke like ordinary citizens. Some people will recall Yuvraj Singh’s famous words: “Jab tak balla chal raha hai, thaath hai. Jab balla nahin chalega toh….”

     

    Well, Birla Sun Life is back with Yuvi. And this time the idea works even better because soon after the World Cup win, our hunky batsman was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour. This meant he was left out of the team. (Though the up-side is that Yuvi must be secretly thankful for not being a part of the team that’s been badly humiliated in recent times.) In the commercial, the cricketer once again expresses apprehensions over an uncertain future and the need for insurance. And he also alludes to his sickness.

     

    [youtube width=”400″ height=”200″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtJ8qM-o3J4[/youtube]

    Well, the idea worked earlier, and it works now. The only question is this: Is it completely ethical for the marketer to ride on a player’s rather serious illness? And, is it correct for the player to play along with this idea? Is it the case of being opportunistic? To be honest, there are no easy answers to this one. I would only say that Birla Sun Life has played a clever card out here. And since Yuvi didn’t mind the marketing ploy, that should be fine, I guess.

     

    Rating: (On a scale of 1 to 5): 3. Clever use of human tragedy.

     

  • TAM Data (GRPs, Channel shares of HGECs)- Wk 4 ’12

    Source: TAM Peoplemeter System
    TG: CS 4+ yrs
    Market: HSM
    Period: Wk 3: Jan 15 to Jan 21, 2012
    Period: Wk 4: Jan 22 to Jan 28, 2012

     

     

    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.

  • TAM data Top 10 programmes on HGEC – Wk 4 ’12

    Source: TAM Peoplemeter System
    TG: CS 4+ yrs
    Market: Hindi Speaking Market
    Period: Wk 4 (Jan 22 to Jan 28) 2012

     

     

    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, Ranjona Banerji reviews the fare on primetime news and in the papers

    Time to rethink on Katju?

    By Ranjona Banerji

     

    So which was bigger – the slap that Bollywood mega star apparently gave small-time director Shirish Kunder or the attack on The Times of India Mumbai offices by supporters of a Shiv Sena politician?

     

    This is from Press Council of India chairman Markandey Katju’s letter to the chief minister of Maharashtra: “Please, therefore, let me know at the earliest what action have you taken against the hooligans who committed this outrage. In particular, please inform me whether the delinquents have been arrested and any criminal proceedings launched against them.

     

    I may mention that this is not the first time that such an incident has happened in Maharashtra. I had written to you earlier also about such assaults and harrassment (sic) of journalists. I, therefore, must tell you now that the Press Council may now have to take a serious view of the matter and take suitable action if such incidents are not curbed in your state.”

     

    It is heartening indeed for the press to get such support and perhaps we need to rethink our views on the honourable judge, his views on journalists notwithstanding? By the way, the misspelling of harassment is not mine; I have cut and pasted the extract from the letter. I make no comment here.

     

    At any rate, with the famous Khan-Kunder slap, Katju’s deepest fears about the media were fully realised. This made headline and front page news. But I think there is room for debate here. After all, Shah Rukh Khan is one of India’s biggest stars. If he gets caught in a late night fisticuffs at a fancy night club, then it is certainly news. The problem for me is that enough juice about this fight was not provided. I must confess I had no idea who this Kunder chap was when I first read about the fight on Twitter. It was later I realised that he is husband of Farah Khan, choreographer-turned-director. Most of the stories which appeared were written by insiders for insiders so outsiders like me, who had no idea of the stories within the stories, were left confused. I would say that this is a problem which journalists have to address – make everything clear to your readers. Do not assume that they know as much as you do about a particular subject which you have specialised in.

     

    As far as the attack on The Times of India is concerned, this is one more in a long list of intimidation tactics used on the media by political parties. And as long as nothing is done to those who instigate or participate in such attacks, they will continue. Hooliganism has almost become an accepted way of life and neither our government nor the police seem to be bothered.

     

    * * *

     

    What does one make of the excitement over baby Falak, the infant abandoned at AIIMS, Delhi on Republic Day? Instead of minute by minute updates on the condition of this unfortunate child, one would have expected newspapers at least to delve further into the status of abandoned and abused children in India. We expended much outrage over the actions of the Norwegian child services over the Bhattacharyas’ children but perhaps we need to examine whether we need such agencies ourselves. Right now what is happening with this baby is not concern; it is outright sensationalism.

     

  • Ecselis will complement Havas Media's existing brands MPG, Media Contacts, Mobext and HS&E by providing specialised services

    Havas expands Ecselis in APAC with Rajeev Bala at helm

    By A Correspondent

     

    Havas Media announces the expansion of its specialist Performance and Quantitative marketing arm, Ecselis to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Sydney.

     

    Launched in India in 2009, Ecselis currently has a team of 55 performance experts based in the country with clients across SEA, India, Europe and Australia. Ecselis will complement Havas Media’s existing brands MPG, Media Contacts, Mobext and HS&E by providing specialised services including Conversion Rate Optimisation, Attribution Modelling, Quality Score Management in addition to data, search and analytics.

     

    To be headquartered in Singapore, Ecselis will be led by Rajeev Bala, who takes charge as Managing Director for Asia Pacific, reporting in to Vishnu Mohan, CEO of Havas Media Asia Pacific. Rajeev joined Media Contacts in 2008 to lead the Singapore operations and was subsequently promoted to the role of Regional Director of Media Contacts for Southeast Asia. In the last four years, Rajeev has been credited with infusing exceptional talent at the agency along with building an impressive client roster.

     

    Commenting on the expansion, Vishnu Mohan, said: “The need for advanced quantitative and performance orientated skill sets is growing rapidly. Rajeev has done a great job of building Media Contacts in the region, and has the deep domain and consultative expertise to grow Ecselis, as we expand our digital footprint across the region.”

     

    On his new role, Rajeev Bala, Regional Director of Media Contacts said “Ecselis is already an established organisation with very niche skills. I am excited by the opportunities and see Ecselis evolving into a deeply specialized company. We have aggressive plans for growing this across APAC over the next four quarters.”

     

    The agency is in the process of hiring senior executives for Kuala Lumpur and Sydney offices. The offices are likely to be fully functional by the end of second quarter.

     

  • His key responsibility will be to strengthen and grow existing client businesses and look to grow Orchard Bangalore in the South market says Kaushik Mitra, Sr Vice President, Orchard India

    Orchard ropes in Anish Daryani as VP

    By A Correspondent

     

    Anish Daryani, who was General Manager at Ogilvy Africa, has joined Orchard Advertising as Vice President and Branch Head at the agency’s headquarters in Bangalore.

     

    Commenting on his appointment, Mr Daryani said: “I have always admired the Leo Burnett Group, since I started my advertising career, for the thinking agency they’ve been. So when I got an opportunity to join Orchard, one of the three agency brands from Leo Burnett’s stable, taking it came very naturally to me.”

     

    “I see myself as someone who brings fresh thinking within the agency, and on our brands. Moreover, we look forward to extend our services to many other brands in diverse categories in Bengaluru, and the rest of southern India,” he added.

     

    Kaushik Mitra, Sr Vice President, Orchard India, said: “Anish is very driven, hungry and passionate about the business. His key responsibility will be to strengthen and grow existing client businesses, cement relationships and look to grow Orchard Bangalore in the South market. Having diverse experience in categories such as FMCG, telecom, durables, Automotive, healthcare, rural, will strengthen Orchard’s position in the market.”

     

    Mr Daryani has a decade’s experience in advertising and has done two stints each with Ogilvy and the Rediffusion-Y&R Group. His work spans diverse categories ranging from automobiles, aviation, telecom, fashion and lifestyle, beverages and media. Some of the brands he’s worked on include TATA Motors, TATA Nano, TATA Steel, Hutch (now Vodafone), Airtel, Kingfisher Airlines, Danone, Brooke Bond Red Label, The Economic Times, The Times of India, Colors, Linc Pens and The Statesman, among others.

     

  • 100 days of MxMIndia in the words of National Sales Head Alok Kapuria

    Alok Kapuria: Thank you, dear advertiser

    By Alok Kapuria

     

    It’s been an exhilarating journey so far. When I first heard about the proposition of MxMIndia, it was just a concept. Even the name wasn’t finalised. So, as I look back at the baby steps we took to get this far, there is a great sense of accomplishment.

     

    Almost everything in a start-up can be a challenge. From something as critical as the broadband connectivity snapping to working without any office help for over two months. And then, of course, revenue targets which look very easy-to-achieve when you see them on a spreadsheet.

     

    While I was confident of the product, I was not sure how the industry would take it. Ethics and such sound very good, but the reality at the ground level is different. Or so I thought. But with a strict code of ethics leaving one with no opportunity to compromise on editorial values, I think my job has been made simpler. It is vital for trade publications to engage people in the industry, but not at the cost of selling one’s soul.

     

    As someone who moved to Mumbai, starry eyed and with a desire to make it big, I know how significant a milestone a hundred days is. I am happy that I am part of this one.

     

    I thank our advertisers for trusting us from Day 1 and giving us their business support. Many friends in the industry share that our content offers them a different experience and helps them be better informed. It will be our endeavour to bring innovative properties in which our advertisers see ROI and our readers sees value. I would say the journey has just begun.

     

  • 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.

     

  • Since we launched on Sept 9, much may have changed. But not our resolve to adhere to our Code of Ethics. First person accounts by Team MxM members

    100 Days of MxMIndia…

     

    Pradyuman Maheshwari: 100 days of being different. And how!
    http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/
    02/100-days-of-mxmindia/

     

     

     

    Anil Thakraney: The hundred that beat Sachin

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=11230

     

     

    Ranjona Banerji: After 100 days, I have fun dissecting what I see on TV

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=11241

     

     

    Jaisurya Das: A stupendous start

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=11237

     

     

    Alok Kapuria: Thank you, dear advertiser

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=11336

     

     

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

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=11254

     

     

    Vidya Heble: A hundred bashes at the keyboard

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=11256

     

     

    Johnson Napier: Century @ MxM – Chalta hi jaaye…

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=11239

     

     

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

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=11249

     

     

    Rishi Vora: You are given the license to ask tough questions when necessary

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=11244

     

     

    Archita Wagle: A force to reckon with

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=11232

     

     

    Robin Thomas: Still so much to learn about this fascinating medium called Radio

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=11248

     

     

    Akash Raha: From Coming Soon to making it big

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=11229

     

     

    Shubhangi Mehta: Where ‘highs’ & ‘lows’ are treated like a comma, never a full stop

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=11252

     

     

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

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=11234

     

     

    Rafiq Barak: What keeps me going is the challenge of the creativity

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=11242

     

     

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

    http://www.mxmindia.com/?p=11335

     

  • This deal will make available select blockbuster UTV titles to BigFlix plus subscribers to help them further expand their personal movie collection

    BigFlix inks deal with UTV Motion Pictures for popular titles

    By A Correspondent

     

    BigFlix, a part of Reliance Group’s digital entertainment business, on Tuesday announced a license deal between India’s first online movie-on-demand service – BigFlix plus and Studio UTV Motion Pictures to bring the best of UTV’s titles to movie buffs across India.

     

    This deal will make available select blockbuster UTV titles to BigFlix plus subscribers to help them further expand their personal movie collection whilst simultaneously adding popular titles to their personal blockbuster theatre.

     

    Jodhaa Akbar, Wake up Sid, Raajneeti, I Hate Luv Storys, No One Killed Jessica, Dev D, Udaan, Fashion, Race, and Kaminey amongst several others will now be available on BigFlix.

     

    BigFlix plus subscribers can now enjoy these, and many more, movies from the UTV banner via a high quality movie viewing experience at their preferred time, sans advertisements, across all internet connected devices such as desktop, tablets, smartphones and connected TVs.

     

    This deal gives audience access to their favourite films at their convenience and provides them with an ever-increasing bouquet of High Definition (HD) blockbuster movies.

     

    “Pay per View (PPV) and Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) options on internet platforms like BigFlix is a great way for audience to watch movies at their convenience. This is the one of our first internet deals inIndia. BigFlix is one of the first players in this space inIndiaand we are happy to have our movies available for their vast subscriber base,” said Amrita Pandey – Senior Vice President, International Distribution and Syndication, UTV Motion Pictures.

     

    Commenting on the deal, Mr Pankaj Chandra, Chief Operating Officer(COO) – BigFlixs Pvt Ltd, said: “BigFlix plus is India’s first movie-on-demand subscription service, which offers an exhaustive choice of HD quality movies to the net savvy movie buffs in India, at their convenience, across all internet connected devices. It is our constant endeavour to equip consumers with latest blockbuster movies and our partnership with UTV is a step closer to enhance, strengthen and expand the VOD (Video on Demand) service inIndia. We are confident this partnership with UTV Motion pictures will add significantly to our movie offering.”

     

     

  • 92.7 BIG FM, known for its fresh program initiatives, innovatively engineered the launch of 'The Perfect World'.

    Sonu Nigam launches Priya Kumar’s “The Perfect World” on 92.7 BIG FM

    By A Correspondent

     

    92.7 BIG FM,India’s number one FM Network and the Radio Broadcaster of the Year at the Golden Mikes, on Tuesday launched renowned motivational speaker Priya Kumar’s latest inspirational book ‘The Perfect World – A Journey to Infinite Possibilities’ by singer and musician Sonu Nigam.

     

    Sonu Nigam launched the first copy of the book at an event held at the 92.7 BIG FM studios, also present were model Shamita Singha, Moni Kangana Dutta and Teesha Nigam (Sonu Nigam’s sister). The event was hosted by RJ Ankit, the breakfast jockey at 92.7 BIG FM’s Mumbai station.

     

    92.7 BIG FM, known for its fresh program initiatives, innovatively engineered the launch of ‘The Perfect World’. The book launch is being promoted across the 92.7 BIG FM network through interesting on-air integrations.

     

    The book takes you through the journey of Niki Sanders, who is living an ordinary life burdened with fear, loaded with dreams, a very demanding relationship, a dissatisfying job, a bitter attitude and ever-eluding aspirations. In a desperate attempt to seek clarity, courage and confidence, she unwittingly leads herself into meeting with two evolved souls from across the universe. These superior souls belong to The Perfect World and with them Niki Sanders embarks on the most thrilling adventure of her life; an adventure into infinite possibilities and self discovery.

     

    Sonu Nigam, an avid book lover, said: “Reading Priya is an ongoing healing effect.”

    Talking about the book, Priya Kumar said: “My books fall in the genre of ‘inspirational thrillers’. I tell stories that inspire people. Stories loaded with spiritual wisdom, which will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. The Perfect World is an extraordinary story of the truth about your own eternity that will find a place in your daily consciousness.”

     

    The company spokesperson for 92.7 BIG FM said: “Our endeavour is to give innovative content and bring something unique to our listeners every day. This time around too we used the 92.7 BIG FM network to launch a book by Priya Kumar, known for her works like ‘I am another You’ and ‘License to Live’.”

     

    The Perfect World published by Embassy Books is available at bookstores across India and is priced at Rs. 275/-only.

    Renowned motivational speaker and bestselling author, Priya Kumar is the CEO of Priya Kumar’s Training Systems. She has worked with the best names in the corporate world. Her interactive and at times unconventional methods of training continue to deliver much sought after tangible results. Apart from being a columnist for leading newspapers, Priya does several radio and television shows on Motivation and Peak Performance.