MxMIndia

Tag: AAAI

  • Goafest will be held on May 5-7, 2022

    Times Network back as Presenting Sponsor of Goafest 2022

    By Our Staff

     

    The Goafest Organising Committee has announced that Times Network has come on board as Presenting Sponsor of Goafest 2022. Goafest will be held on May 5-7, 2022.

     

    Speaking about partnering with Goafest 2022, M K Anand, MD & CEO, Times Network said “We are truly excited that after a gap of a couple of years Goafest is coming back. And I’m sure it will be the biggest yet, considering the fact that most of us have been restrained by the pandemic all this while and are literally straining at the leash to be let out. I am particularly looking forward to the event as Times Network is once again returning as presenting sponsor of this most awaited advertising festival in South Asia.”

     

    Added Prasanth Kumar, Vice President, AAAI and CEO South Asia, Group M Media Pvt Ltd: “It is wonderful to have Times Network as presenting sponsor yet again. Goafest is a platform where great work is reflected and thought leadership is demonstrated. Having such an opportunity to be inspired and learn is incredibly valuable to all of us. We look forward to having yet another wonderful Goafest.”

     

    Said Jaideep Gandhi, Chairman, Goafest 2022 Organising Committee: “Times Network has been associated with almost every edition of Goafest from its inception, in some way or the other. It is our pleasure to welcome back Times Network as presenting sponsor in the 15th Year of the festival.”

     

     

  • This is the highest honour to be given to an individual in India for his/her outstanding contribution to the Advertising Industry

    Arvind Sharma to be conferred with AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award 2021

    By Our Staff

     

    The Advertising Agencies Association of India today announced that AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award for 2021 will be conferred on advertising veteran Arvind Sharma.

     

    Sharma, an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad (1975-77), led Leo Burnett for 21 years in a three decades-long association with the agency. He has led most A&M industry organisations and is now a serial investor and mentors to many entrepreneurs.

     

    Making the announcement, Anupriya Acharya, President, AAAI, said: “Mr Arvind Sharma has been a true pioneer. Apart from singlehandedly making Leo Burnett a top agency and a force to reckon with he has also groomed some of the finest talents in our industry. But more than that he has made a tremendous contribution to our industry across both the art and science of advertising. He is truly deserving of this honour.”

     

    Added Ashish Bhasin, Chairman of the AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award Selection Committee: “Arvind is a deserving winner of this prestigious honour. Not only has he been a successful advertising professional, he has also contributed significantly to the industry in various capacities, including as President of AAAI and a key driver in launching Goafest. I am pleased to say that the entire committee was unanimous in conferring this award upon Arvind.”

     

    Some of the past winners of this award include Subhas Ghosal, Alyque Padamsee, Mike Khanna, R K Swamy, Piyush Pandey, Sam Balsara, Prem Mehta, Roda Mehta, Ram Sehgal, Madhukar Kamath and others.

     

    Although AAAI hasn’t announced the date, according to information received, the award event is likely to be held in Mumbai on December 16, 2021.

     

  • STACA is the apex body whose operating arm is the Advertising Council of India (ACI)

    Srinivasan Swamy inducted in STACA Trust

    By Our Staff

     

    Srinivasan K Swamy, Chairman of the R K Swamy Hansa Group, was inducted as a trustee in the STACA Trust.

     

    STACA is the apex body whose operating arm is the Advertising Council of India (ACI). ACI is well known in the advertising world as the organisation which had organised AdAsia in Jaipur 2003 and in New Delhi in 2011. It also sponsors young industry professionals for self-development in the widely acclaimed “Fast-track” program of the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

     

    Said STACA Trust Chairman Ramesh Narayan: “Srinivasan Swamy is a well-known  advertising leader who had been associated with various prestigious industry Associations globally viz. World President of the New York based International Advertising Association (the first Indian to hold this position), President of Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI), President of the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA), Chairman of Advertising Standards Council of India,  Vice Chairman of Asian Federation of Advertising Agencies, to mention a few. Mr Swamy’s grasp of industry matters and his enthusiasm for exploring new frontiers will go a long way in promoting the cause of the marcom space through STACA Trust and ACI. His presence will no doubt infuse a sense of renewed vigour and enthusiasm.”

     

    Said Swamy: “It’s an honour for me to be inducted as STACA trustee.  I will do my best to this position and match the stature of some of earlier trustees viz. Pradeep Guha, Gautam Rakshit, Dr Ram Tarneja etc and guide to upgrade the skills of advertising professionals so that our young people match the best in the world and bring laurels to our industry as well as country. My main emphasis will be on public service communication, which is the need of the hour and I look forward to support from media houses for these societal issues. It is important to activate ACI as the platform for all major industry bodies, which it is.”

     

  • Features some of the ad industry’s biggest stalwarts who have worked at Rediffusion

    Rediffusion toasts ex-employees in campaign to celebrates 50 Years

    By Our Staff

     

    Surprise! Surprise! An ad released by Rediffusion last week features Mullen Lowe Lintas India’s Group CEO, Virat Tandon. In fact Tandon is the hero of the ad. Why?

     

    Because Rediffusion is starting its ‘50 Years’ celebration, 24 months in advance. And every month over the next 24 months, Rediffusion will release an ad celebrating a former employee who has gone on to achieve success and fame in advertising, and beyond. Virat Tandon, who joined Rediffusion in 1993 as an Account Executive in their Delhi office and worked on Caltex, AT&T, Sony, Shell and Atlas Cycles, has the honour of being the first to be featured in his alma mater’s celebratory campaign.

     

    Explains Diwan Arun Nanda, Chairman & Founder of Rediffusion:  “Rediffusion has a proud history not just of the clients and brands it has handled over the past 48 years, but also the talented professionals who worked at Rediffusion over the years and left their indelible stamp on the agency. This campaign celebrates our stars who spent some part of their professional innings at Rediffusion, and then moved on to attain stature and esteem in the ad industry, media, movies, academia, and more. This campaign toasts their success, and thanks them for having been part of Rediffusion’s incredible journey of nearly five decades,”

     

    The second ad in the series features Kamlesh Pandey, who has recently come back to the agency as Legend In Residence. Pandey joined Rediffusion in the mid-70s and was the most awarded Copywriter of that era – with iconic lines like “Whenever you see colour, think of us” for Jenson & Nicholson, “Hum Red & White peene walon ki baat hi kuchh aur hai” for Red & White cigarettes, “The Zing Thing” for Gold Spot that made him famous. Pandey went on to head programming at Zee and is well known as a Bollywood script writer, including penning films like Rang de Basanti.

     

    Some of the ad industry’s biggest stalwarts have worked at Rediffusion. From Harsha Bhogle who joined the agency in client servicing straight from IIM Ahmedabad, and went on to become a famous cricket commentator, to India’s current cricket team coach Ravi Shastri who headed Showdiff, Refiffusion has many famous alumni. The current President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI), Anupriya Acharya worked at Rediffusion over a decade ago. India’s No. 1 media man, Prashanth Kumar, the CEO of Group M started as a rookie in media at Rediffusion nearly 25 years ago. Actor Rahul Bose headed creative at Rediffusion Mumbai in the mid-90s while celebrated Creative Director Bobby Pawar too spent some of his younger days at Rediffusion’s Readymoney office writing copy. Havas’ Country Head Rana Barua and Times of India’s President Partha Sinha are both Rediffusionists.”

     

    Added Dr. Sandeep Goyal, Managing Director of Rediffusion: “So sparkling is our galaxy of superstars that choosing just 24 to feature in the campaign is going to be a tough task. I worked with Virat Tandon when I was Branch Head of Rediffusion Delhi. It is so satisfying to see Rediffusion youngsters like Virat bloom into leaders of the industry. Rediffusion has been a veritable University of Indian Advertising and we are proud to be celebrating our contribution through this communication.”

     

    The campaign has been ideated and written by Pramod Sharma, Executive Creative Director, Rediffusion Mumbai.

     

  • Colors and Havas Group to partner discussion

    IAA to host discussion on gender sensitisation in media

    By Our Staff

     

    The India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) will be hosting a high-powered virtual panel discussion with leaders of the marcom industry on July 27. The subject is Gender in media and the impact on children and their future.

     

    Said Megha Tata, MD- South Asia, Discovery Communications India and President, IAA: “A few weeks ago, we released the toplines of the results of a unique market research conducted on 1000 Indian advertisements by UNICEF and the Geena Davis Foundation. The IAA had facilitated this important research on gender representation in Indian advertising on July 27. UNICEF will present the results in depth, and then there will be a discussion on the implication of these findings on gender in media and the impact on children and their future. This will truly represent industry as the Voice of Change”.

     

    Speaking about the initiative, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head – Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network, Viacom18 and Co-Chair – Women Empowerment Committee, IAA said: “Conversations and actions go hand in hand when tackling an issue as important and nuanced as gender representation in media and its impact. We are thus bringing together leaders across the ecosystem who can not only identify the change in discourse needed but also have the power to actually bring about that change.”

     

    The panelists include Rana Barua (Hon’ Treasurer, AAAI & Group CEO, Havas Group, India), Subhash Kamath (Chairman, ASCI & CEO, BBH & Publicis Worldwide, India), Atit Mehta (Head of Marketing, BYJU’s), Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari (Artist, Filmmaker and Writer), Kainaz Karmakar (Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India), Dr A L Sharada (Director, Population First), Nina Elavia Jaipuria, (Head – Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network, Viacom18) & Shreyasi Jha (Senior Advisor – Gender Equality, UNICEF, New York)

     

    Added Shreyasi Jha, Senior Advisor – Gender Equality, UNICEF, New York: “Gender related stereotypes are formed at very young age and prevent adolescents and young people from reaching their full potential. Advertising and media, more broadly, plays a key role in forming and perpetuating stereotypes. UNICEF is delighted to be the knowledge partner with IAA and its members for this important event that is the beginning of a very important journey to promote positive gender roles and practices through advertising so every young person can live a life free from stereotypes and achieve their full potential.”

     

    The discussion has UNICEF as its knowledge partner, Colors as the industry partner, Havas Group as an associate partner and Clutter Cutters as the on-ground knowledge partner.

     

  • Initiative to challenge traditional gender stereotyping in advertising and media

    UN Women launches Unstereotype Alliance’s India Chapter

    By Our Staff

    The Unstereotype Alliance has aunched the India national chapter with a coalition formed to tackle harmful stereotypes advertising with support from EU funded WeEmpowerAsia Programme. The Alliance will centre its work in India on broadening the representation of women and girls in non-traditional roles in advertising with a focus on women returning to the workforce.

    Convened by UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, the Unstereotype Alliance is a thought and action platform that seeks to eradicate harmful stereotypes from advertising and media. India is the ninth national chapter to launch worldwide, and the second in Asia.

    The Unstereotype Alliance’s India National Chapter Founding Members include: Hindustan Unilever (Champion), Diageo, WPP, Publicis Groupe, Havas Group, Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI), The Advertising Club and Samhita Social Ventures.

    Said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women: “The launch of the India national chapter is a significant milestone for the Unstereotype Alliance. It shows that the India advertising and media industry is coming together in all its strength and diversity to tackle the harmful stereotypes that hinder progress towards gender equality. This is critical to addressing the drivers of inequality such as violence against women and girls, intergenerational poverty and the lack of women in leadership and decision-making roles. We hope that you will join us in making unstereotyped advertising and content the norm rather than the exception.

    Stereotypes in advertising perpetuate negative social norms and hinder progress of gender equality. Harmful social norms contribute to increased acceptance of gender-based violence, lack of economic decision-making for women and constricted opportunities in the job market. The chapter has defined strategic priorities to address gender stereotypes with a focus on harmful patriarchal traditions and norms to broaden the representation of empowered and autonomous women in private and public life, including in business leadership; and to ensure progressive representation in media and advertising.

    Unstereotype Alliance research into gender equality attitudes shows that there is a clear role not only to remove stereotypes in advertising and media, but to challenge widely-held beliefs and norms in society. Data from the Gender Equality Attitudes study, conducted across 10 countries including India, shows that whilst many Indians recognize the importance of women’s rights, outdated beliefs persist. Specifically:

     

    Here’s what a host of spokespersons have said:

    Susan Ferguson, Country Representative, UN Women India: “UN Women India is excited to launch the India chapter of the Unstereotype Alliance. I am confident with the support of such committed partners, we will generate a positive and enduring impact in the advertising and media industry and contribute to shaping a gender-equal world.”

    Priya Nair, Executive Director,-Beauty & Personal Care, Hindustan Unilever: “Across the globe, consumers are increasingly expecting brands to take a stand on the issues they care most about – gender stereotype has been one such issue. At HUL, we are committed to driving gender equity, including stepping up of brand programmes, advocacy to challenge the status quo and #unstereotyping advertising. With one billion people using our products every day and even more seeing our advertising, we know we have the power to make a real difference. Various organisations need to come together to bring about this systematic change and set new standards of empowerment and equality. As a founding member of the Unstereotype Alliance, we look forward to supporting UN Women, to drive social change, encourage action, and put an end to gender stereotypes and discrimination”

    CVL Srinivas, Country Head, WPP, India: “WPP is delighted to be a founding member of the Unstereotype Alliance – India Chapter. We look forward to working with the Alliance to bring about positive change to the issue of Gender Equality through the creative use of our skills and the passion of our people in this area.”

    Deepika Warrier, CMO, Diageo India: “Diageo India is proud to be associated with The Unstereotype Alliance – India Chapter, which will work to  accelerate progressive gender portrayal in advertising. Together, we will lead the creation of a framework that encourages increasingly progressive codes with themes ranging from empowerment to celebrating the power and imperfections of womanhood to challenging stereotypes to ultimately moving beyond gender codes. We hope our efforts would contribute to empowering women regardless of their race, class, age, ability, religion, sexuality, language, education etc.”

    Anupriya Acharya, CEO, Publicis Groupe South Asia:  “Publicis Groupe through Viva la difference is a company that celebrates talent, inclusivity and diversity. Our core values and people-first culture synergise seamlessly with the Unstereotype Alliance’s larger mission and objectives and we are pleased to be a part of its India Chapter. Publicis Groupe India looks forward to collaborating with other future-facing companies in building narratives that are progressive, purposeful, gender-equal, human and authentic.”

    Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India: “We are delighted to be coming on board at a crucial time as a member of the UN Women Unstereotype Alliance as they begin their chapter in India. At Havas Group, we are clear on driving gender diversity and want to bring about a cultural transformation and mindset shift that will encourage many more women leaders in the group. Our alliance with UN Women Unstereotype Alliance will surely help us in this journey.”

    Manish Kapoor, Secretary General, Advertising Standard Council of India: “Positive gender portrayals and depictions in advertising are high on ASCI’s agenda, and we aim to shape this narrative in the coming months through different initiatives. Partnering with the Unstereotype alliance is an important step in this journey. Working together helps synchronise voices of different stakeholders and we are very pleased to be a part of the alliance.”

    Sudhesh Kapoor, Secretary General, AAAI: “We are sure that this Alliance will go a long way in taking down some popularly held myths about genders which are consciously or sub-consciously propagated by popular media and advertising.”

    Namrata Tata, The Advertising Club: “While many organizations are taking initiatives to drive gender diversity & equality, collaboration at an industry level is needed to see the needle movement. As an integral part of the advertising industry ,The Advertising Club believes in driving real change when it comes to the portrayal of gender norms. We are delighted to join The Unstereotype alliance convened by UN women , which aims at removing negative gender stereotypes in Advertising and Media”

    Priya Naik, Founder and CEO, Samhita Social Ventures: “Companies, media and content companies, advertisers, and creative agencies have a social and ethical responsibility to break gender stereotype, as well as the capability to do so on a large scale. I am proud to be a part of the Unstereotype Alliance movement to dismantle traditional gender roles and their related”

     

     

  • Brands and agencies innovated to to create relevant, original & impactful work. Should these industry warriors go unrecognised, asks Sanjeev Kotnala

    Goafest: No News is Not Good News

     

    By Sanjeev Kotnala

    Sanjeev KotnalaIt is that time of the year. Goafest time. For the last 15 years, until 2020, Goa was my annual advertising, marketing, networking pilgrimage. I have attended every edition of Goafest.

    I have associated with Goafest in multiple capacities. I have been a delegate, a sponsor, an awardwinner and a jury member. Oh, I have rebelled by attempting to hijacking one evening with a successful standalone show. Few unfinished stories started at the Goafest and never reached a conclusion. I led cross-functional teams to publish the daily newsletter, including the first 3D issue at Goafest. Once, I objected to some Swami’s presence as a speaker. Pushed for more respect and participation to Publishers’ Abby.

    I have been an observer who regularly provided unsolicited inputs and suggestions. Some of them found the right ears and minds to impress and were implemented with no credit. But that’s par for the industry, or I think some else too had similar brilliant thoughts at the same time.

    So, it is natural that towards the end of March and the first/second weekend of April, I am full of nostalgia. My mind longs to be at Goa and enjoy the festival of advertising excellence. Thankfully, there are no withdrawal symptoms.

     

    GOAFEST 2020

    Goafest 2020 was rightfully postponed as the entire country was reeling under the spectre of the Covid-19. Later, Abbys were also deferred. The Red-Abby, which was to have its maiden appearance, remained silent. Later the whole show was cancelled.

     

    GOAFEST 2021

    One expected 2021 to be better. But, the Covid pandemic is back with a vengeance. The organising bodies AAAI and Advertising Club are silent. There is no announcement I know of.

    Don’t think there is any time left. In all probability, Goafest 2021 is dead.

    The question that stares you on the face is not so simple. Will Goafest ever be revived? There is no reason to believe it is dead! But most people do not see many reasons for it to be restored.

     

    FESTIVALS ADAPTING TO CHANGE

    I do not understand. When most of the awards have adapted to the new realities and have gone online or found other ways to celebrate, what stops from Goafest from doing the same?

    Is Goa the problem? Goa and virtual fun – does not sound right. What about the drinks? The tamasha? The knowledge sessions? The manpower poaching and interviews? Maybe, this is the right moment to get Goa out of Goafest. Maybe, it is time to get back to celebrating the excellence in Advertising and Marketing and be location-agnostic.

     

    ABBY COULD HAVE CONTINUED

    The Advertising Club says on its site: ‘ Recognition of efforts is what motivates an individual. And for an industry that thrives on motivation, the Ad Club has initiated various awards to ensure that Indian ad professionals receive the recognition they deserve. The ABBY AWARD are the Oscars of Indian ad awards to honour creative excellence in advertising.”

    So, when  Cannes changed its format and dates, it allowed a rich interaction with archives and sessions.  Adfest Pattaya went online and announced the winners of the last two years. Near home, award functions continued. Virtual webinars and exhibitions thrived. Knowledge seminars buzzed with suitable content and names… so what about Goafest? Kyoorius Award have started the entry process and were successfully conducted last year – what stops Goafest? Meanwhile, I read about the Filmfare Awards 2021, when the industry was almost shut for the last year. As I write this, I wait to watch the Mirchi Music Awards.

     

    EXPECTATION AND EXPERIENCE

    Goafest has evolved with time. Setting up new expectations and creating experiences to bridge the gap. So, what stops it from taking that leap of faith and get to a 2021 Goafest version going.

    Don’t the organisers have the responsibility and direct accountability to the community of agencies, clients, researchers, PR and marketers. Should the elected body at Ad Club and AAAI not go the extra mile to see it happens.

    2020 is understandable. But what about 2021.

    Why is no one asking and raising the voice?

    Or maybe Goafest does not call for such concern!

    Maybe, it is just me who is paranoid about the changes and what it could spell for Goa in Goafest.

    The industry has worked within imposing constraints. Brands and agencies innovated to find new ways to create fabulous relevant-original and impactful work.

    Should these industry warriors go unrecognised?

    Or do we plan to have a three-year award show in 2022 – subject to fair weather conditions.

     

     

    THE INDUSTRY NEEDS POSITIVITY  

    The economy, business and the advertising-marketing fraternity can definitely do with some positivity and celebration. Offline or online. WFH or lazing around in Goa. Remember, consistency is always a winner. Voids and absence give rise to many uncomfortable thoughts. Frankly, I can’t think how we will bridge the gap if Goafest is not held this year.

    Sanjeev Kotnala is a senior marketing and business strategist and educator. He writes on MxMIndia every Wednesday. His views here are personal

     

     

  • He will continue to report to Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India

    Mohit Joshi is now CEO, Havas Media Group

    By A Correspondent

     

    Mohit Joshi

    We thought he was CEO of Havas Media already, but now it’s formal and official. Havas Group India has announced the elevation of Mohit Joshi to Chief Executive Officer of Havas Media Group with immediate effect. Prior to this, Joshi was Managing Director of Havas Media Group. He will continue to report to Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India.

     

    Joshi has spent over 13 years at Havas Media and has 20+ experience in the media. He is also in the mancom of AAAI and IAMAI and is actively involved in other industry bodies as well.

     

    Vishnu Mohan

    Added Vishnu Mohan, Chairman and CEO, Havas Group, India and Southeast Asia: “I have had the privilege of welcoming Mohit to Havas almost 14 years ago. A true dynamic leader with an in-depth understanding of consumers, brands, and the changing media landscape. Mohit’s experience and long association with Havas makes him an ideal choice for the leadership role, as we look to significantly scale our presence in the media space.”

     

     

    Rana Barua

    Said Barua: “Over the last few years, Mohit has not just driven existing clients and business but has also played a lead role in driving the growth for the agency. He is a passionate and a visionary business leader, who brings invaluable expertise. His long-term vision coupled with his acumen will help us make a more meaningful difference to brands and consumers. I am happy that its Mohit who will lead Havas Media Group into the next phase of growth.”

     

    Added Joshi: “In today’s dynamic and evolving business environment, Havas overall is undergoing a massive change to stay differentiated, relevant and meaningful. I’m excited to take on this huge responsibility and new responsibilities and combating the challenges during this crucial time and I look forward to the next chapter working closely with Rana, the senior management of Havas Group India, my wonderful colleagues and clients and the entire team across the region and all our global offices.”

     

     

  • Prasanth Kumar, CEO – South Asia, GroupM was unanimously elected Vice-President of the Association

    Anupriya Acharya takes charge as AAAI President

    By A Correspondent

     

    Anupriya Acharya, CEO – South Asia, Publicis Groupe was elected President of Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) for the year 2020-21 at its Annual General Body Meeting held in Mumbai on Monday. Ashish Bhasin, President of Advertising Agencies Association of India( AAAI), handed over charge to Acharya. Prasanth Kumar, CEO – South Asia, GroupM was unanimously elected Vice-President of the Association.

     

    Other elected members of the Executive Committee in alphabetical order are:

     

    Anand Bhadkamkar, Dentsu Aegis Network Marketing Solutions Pvt Ltd

    Kunal Lalani, Crayons Advertising Pvt Ltd

    Mohit Joshi, Havas Media India Pvt Ltd

    Pranav Premnarayen, Prem Associates Advertising & Marketing

    Rana Barua, Havas Worldwide India Pvt Ltd

    Vivek Srivastava, Innocean Worldwide Communications Pvt Ltd

    Ashish Bhasin will be the ex-officio member of the AAAI Executive Committee for 2020-21 as its immediate past President.

     

    Said Acharya: “It’s a tremendous honour and also an enormous responsibility to be elected as the President of such a prestigious organisation. I am acutely aware that our industry, like the rest of the world, has just witnessed the most unprecedented times and it’s a difficult time for most. The pandemic has only underscored the relevance of the collective thinking and the heightened role that AAAI can play. I will strive to do my best to further the interests of the advertising industry and take AAAI to greater heights as we emerge into the new normal. Many top advertising professionals have contributed very selflessly and relentlessly to the AAAI, both with and without executive positions. And that is what inspires me immensely as I take on this position. Many thanks to Ashish Bhasin for his leadership in the last two years as President – he has made great progress in making the association more inclusive, diverse and future-ready. Also, thanks to all the Executive committee members and the secretariat for all the learning they have given me in the past many years”.

     

    Added Bhasin: “I have had the privilege to lead AAAI for two years as its president, I wish to thank all my fellow executive committee members for their wholehearted cooperation and valuable support. I would also like to congratulate Anupriya Acharya on her election as President. Anupriya has been a key member of the Indian media and advertising industry for a long time. I’m sure she will play a stellar role in taking forward the Association and its work. I wish her the very best for this role.”

     

  • This is the highest honour to be given to an individual in India for his/her outstanding contribution to the Advertising Industry

    Krishan Premnarayen to be conferred with AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award 2020

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Advertising Agencies Association of India today announced that this year’s AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award will be conferred upon Krishan Premnarayen, Senior Partner, Prem Associates Advertising and Marketing. This is the highest honour to be given to an individual in India for his/her outstanding contribution to the Advertising Industry.

     

    Premnarayen was the youngest President of AAAI when he took charge as President in 1988 at the age of 36 years.

     

    Making the announcement, Ashish Bhasin, President, AAAI, said: “Krishan Premnarayen, besides being the youngest ever President, made very significant contributions to the industry. It was during his tenure that the foundation was laid to make AAAI the legitimately recognized body for our industry across constituencies. He must also be given due credit for vastly strengthening AAAI’s relationships with the media industry – including while he was at the helm of ABC and NRSC. He is truly deserving of this honour”

     

    Added Nakul Chopra, Chairman of the AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award Selection Committee: “It gives me immense pleasure that this year’s Committee unanimously decided to confer this richly deserved honour on Krishan. His manifold contributions to the industry have played an important role in helping strengthen both our industry and our Association over many years. Even after he was no longer directly active with AAAI he continued to go out of his way to help, whenever called upon for an industry cause. It is somewhat fitting that he is being conferred an award, the inception of which, dates back to his own tenure as President AAAI. He richly deserves this award, my heartiest congratulations to him.”

     

     

  • STACA is the apex body whose operations arm is the Advertising Council of India (ACI)

    Jaideep Gandhi joins STACA Board

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Standing Committee on Advertising (STACA), at a meeting of their Board of Trustees inducted senior adperson Jaideep Gandhi, Founder of Another Idea, onto their Board of Trustees. STACA is the apex body whose operations arm is the Advertising Council of India (ACI).

     

    Jaideep Gandhi

    Said Pradeep Guha, Chairman of STACA: “Jaideep Gandhi has been a veteran advertising person associated with prestigious industry Associations such as the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) for many years. His understanding of industry matters will be an asset to STACA and ACI, under whose aegis the AdAsia has been held in India. ACI also sponsors six young professionals every year to the prestigious FastTrack program in Malaysia.”

     

    STACA was set up in 1981 as a Public Charitable Trust. Its main object is to impart education in advertising, marketing and allied subjects. Besides, the Trust organises various activities to promote growth & development of advertising and marketing and to promote better understanding amongst all the constituents in the field of advertising.

     

     

  • Apex body of advertisers says that the suggestions made do not make the government lose any revenue…

    AAAI reaches out to government for business continuity

    By A Correspondent

     

    Everyone has been witnessing with growing alarm the spread of the coronavirus across the globe and in India. Our Country has been on a lockdown for a few weeks now and Governments, both Central and the States, have taken many effective steps to reduce the impact of this pandemic.

     

    But all this is coming at a huge economic cost. The Advertising Agency business, like many other businesses have been seriously affected. The bulk of the agency’s costs are fixed in nature, be it Salaries, Rent, Electricity, Communication, Upkeep, Media Audience measurement reports, etc. The income and cash flow has been in serious stress in the last month and unless there is some intervention, many businesses will either file for bankruptcy or will have to undersize considerably.

     

    Ashish Bhasin

    While the Indian Newspapers Society and Indian Broadcasting Federation, the media associations representing the interest of print and television edia respectively, have permitted AAAI members to pay monies they have collected from their clients and not insist on what is due to them on the due dates, the continuity of the agency business cannot be for long without the help of the Government of India, note a commuique from the Advertising Agencies Association of India. In this regard, Ashish Bhasin, President of AAAI, has sent a detailed set of recommendations on behalf of the members of AAAI to the Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar. In this he has stressed the importance of advertising industry for the accelerated revival of the economy.

     

    “What we have asked the Government is very reasonable. We want principally money that is owed to us by way of IT & GST refunds, and dues from Government and PSUs for our advertising bills to be settled immediately. We have also said that any payment made to us should not suffer any TDS deduction going forward, since there is unlikely to be any significant profit for the year. Further we have sought a direction to banks and our debtors that they provide the much needed cashflow to pay salaries and meet other essential expenses, etc,” said Bhasin, adding: “These do not lead to any revenue loss to the Government. They just need to show a kind heart. The timely help they will provide actually is the help they are providing to the people of India, since advertising is a critical input that can provide a ripple effect in reviving many sectors of the economy.”

     

    One other recommendation made is to treat advertising expenses as an investment and have this cost amortised over the next three years. AAAI believes this will encourage larger advertising outlay which will help revive the economy faster. In the same vein, AAAI also suggested that advertising expenses could be given weighted deduction while computing taxes. The suggestion was that every Rs 100 spent on advertising, should be treated as Rs 200, while computing the taxable income.