MxMIndia

Tag: HT Media Ltd

  • Dentsu Aegis Network’s creative agency has worked on the print and digital communication campaign of the relaunch

    Hindustan Times refreshes brand

    By  A Correspondent

     

    HT Media Group re-launched its flagship brand Hindustan Times, in a digital-first avatar. The refreshed HT product portfolio, including HT City and Brunch, have gone in for a new look-and-feel.

     

    HT has also unveiled its new positioning – First Voice, Last Word. Said Editor-in-Chief Sukumar Ranganathan in a statement: “Now more than ever before, there is need for news that is credible and contemporary. This is the driving principle behind our relaunch of the Hindustan Times, which seeks to be the First Voice, yet have the Last Word.”

     

    The paper has been redesigned by newspaper refresh veteran Dr Mario Garcia.

     

    Said Rajan Bhalla, Group CMO, HT Media Ltd: “The media landscape has undergone immense transformation in the past decade and despite the testing times, Hindustan Times continues to make strides as a market leader to give the ‘news consumers’ what they are seeking and how they are seeking it. This refreshed product fits the fast-paced, knowledge seeking needs of the millennials without alienating the older generation who are also fast adapting to the new ways of news consumption. We are extremely excited about this new offering and are certain that this raises the bar for the news industry in our country.”

     

    Dentsu Aegis Network’s creative agency has worked on the print and digital communication campaign of the relaunch.

     

     

  • It may be noted that the data (and its interpretation) has not been independently verified by MxMIndia. But, of course, there is no reason for us to believe that it is incorrect

    MRUC release HT Group data

    By A Correspondent

     

    Two-and-a-half weeks after data for the all-important print measurement currency, the Indian Readership Survey, the data for the Hindustan Times Media group which were curiously held back, have now been released.

     

    According to a communique received from HT Media, Hindustan Times continues to make strides in all the major markets and winning the faith of the readers who have made it the No. 1 daily in Delhi-NCR, the No. 1 daily in Punjab and it continues to dominate the largest English readership markets of Delhi-NCR + Mumbai, combined. It may be noted that the data (and its interpretation) has not been independently verified by MxMIndia. But, of course, there is no reason for us to believe that it is incorrect.

     

    Notes the communique: In Delhi-NCR, Hindustan Times continues to be the undisputed No 1 newspaper for the 16th time and is the most read daily with more than 18 lakh AIR, 37% higher than the closest competitor. HT continues to strengthen its presence in Punjab and has emerged the No 1 newspaper of the region yet again with an AIR of 3.21 lakh In Mumbai, HT has grown its readership significantly to reach AIR of 8.9 lakh. Mint, HT Media’s business daily, consolidated its No. 2 position among the leading business dailies in India with an Average Issue Readership of 3.42 lakh. Hindustan with 5.47 Cr readers is the second largest newspaper in India with dominance across its key markets

     

    Talking about the latest IRS results, Rajan Bhalla, Group CMO, HT Media Ltd., said “We are ecstatic about the trust that our readers continue to show in all our publications. We take the responsibility that comes at the back of this trust earnestly and like always, we will continue to deliver unparalleled value for both, our readers and advertisers”.

     

    Said Rajeev Beotra, CEO, Print, HT Media Ltd: “Print continues to be one of the most trusted media in India and therefore the latest IRS results come as no surprise with growth in both, Hindi and English readership. They are in fact validation to the faith of the readers and the advertisers, who continue to choose print as their go-to medium and we are delighted that this faith comes across even stronger in all the HT Group publications’ key markets.”

  • She will oversee INMA South Asia’s growth strategy and execution

    Madhavi Sekhri appointed head of INMA South Asia Division

    By A Correspondent

     

    The International News Media Association (INMA) has appointed Madhavi Sekhri as Head – South Asia Division. She will oversee INMA South Asia’s growth strategy and execution. Sekhri succeeds Priya Marwah, who headed INMA’s South Asia Division since 2007. Sekhri’s last assignment was with HT Media Ltd. as head of brand and marketing for the business daily Mint. Prior to that she spent nine years with The Indian Express.

     

    Regarding her appointment and INMA’s plans for South Asia, INMA CEO Earl Wilkinson said: “Madhavi joins INMA at a time when INMA has great momentum in this region. We aim to increase our footprint at an accelerated pace in South Asia. Having Madhavi on board with her experience in this space will further this.”

     

    Added Rajiv Verma, president of INMA’s South Asia Division and an advisor with HT Media Ltd: “In the very near future, we will see INMA members being more actively engaged within South Asia and better connected globally. Madhavi’s appointment enhances our focus on broadening INMA’s reach in South Asia.”

     

     

  • In designing this campaign, Fever 104 FM and Ogilvy were supported by Tihar Jail and the NGOs, The India Vision Foundation and Siddhartha Vashishta Charitable Trust

    Fever 104 FM unveils #FreedomFromGuilt

    By A Correspondent

     

    As the nation celebrated its freedom on August 15, Fever 104 FM decided to provide a platform for those who are still bound – by guilt. The #FreedomFromGuilt campaign features ex-prisoners of Tihar Jail expressing regret for their crimes and gives them an avenue to express their inner thoughts, their burden of guilt, for the first time, on air. The programme was supported by an extensive social media campaign.

     

    In designing this campaign, Fever 104 FM and Ogilvy were supported by Tihar Jail and the NGOs, The India Vision Foundation and Siddhartha Vashishta Charitable Trust, to approach those who had completed their jail terms and give them this unique radio platform.

     

    Commenting on the initiative, Harshad Jain, CEO Radio and Entertainment, HT Media Ltd. said: “Fever FM has always believed in bringing about demonstrable change in the society. Fever Voice of Change has been one of the biggest CSR initiatives in the history of Radio and within the ambit of the same we have taken up many a cause including rehabilitation of acid attack victims, celebration of the unsung heroes of the Indian Armed Forces and driving people to vote with ‘Each one Kheench One’ to name a few. Fever FM has always been a thought leader in the category and we are very proud to have taken up this initiative. #FreedomFromGuilt is a campaign that celebrates freedom in its truest sense and brings out a side of the society that few have seen. We hope to collaborate on many such initiatives and take up many such causes in future as well that air aimed towards creating a marked difference in the society”

     

    Speaking about the initiative, Ajay Gahlaut, Deputy CCO, Ogilvy India said: “Not all convicts in jail are hard core criminals. A large percentage of them are in fact one-time offenders who have committed a crime in the heat of the moment. On Independence Day, as an expression of Freedom, we felt that these people should be given a chance to express their repentance as a step towards mental peace and a Freedom from Guilt.”

     

  • Our consistent growth and leadership in listenership across Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata is testimony to connect with our listeners, says CEO Harshad Jain

    Fever FM hikes ad rates

    By A Correspondent

     

    Harshad Jain

    HT Media’s Fever FM has increase its advertising rates. Said Harshad Jain, CEO – Radio and Entertainment, HT Media Ltd:  “Fever FM’s key priority is to deliver value to its key stakeholders, listeners and advertisers. Our constant endeavor is to design initiatives that drive high engagement for listeners and response for clients. Our consistent growth and leadership in listenership across Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata is testimony to connect with our listeners. We dominate markets with highest share and TSL. The increase in the price is in backdrop of continued growth in listenership and in line with our constant endeavor of keeping advertising inventory under control. We are ever committed to deliver innovative content and better creative solutions.”

     

  • Fever concluded the first ever acquisition of a radio station in the industry in Chennai, and initiated operations of Fever 91.9 FM in Chennai in October 2015

    Hyderabad wakes up to the tune of Fever

    By A Correspondent

     

    After successful operations in Bengaluru, Fever’s strategy has been to expand in South India. Fever concluded the first ever acquisition of a radio station in the industry in Chennai, and initiated operations of Fever 91.9 FM in Chennai in October 2015.

     

    Now Fever FM has launched Fever 94.3 FM in Hyderabad. Research indicated that the city has a promising base of lovers of Bollywood music and movies. Fever 94.3 FM has launched as the ‘Baap of Bollywood’ in Hyderabad with a vibrant, youthful, creative and interactive programming. Fever has lined up huge excitement for listeners with a new show launch every week for the next six weeks.

     

    Fever FM is also all set to launch in UP. Lucknow, Kanpur and Agra stations are already live while Aligarh, Allahabad, Bareilly and Gorakhpur will start soon.

     

    Harshad Jain

    Commenting on the launch, Harshad Jain, CEO- Radio and Entertainment, HT Media Ltd. Said: “With the launch of Fever FM in Hyderabad and UP we are now present in all key markets of the country: with Hyderabad we establish a strong south footprint and UP enables us to serve the large Hindi heartland. Fever FM is a Bollywood radio station and these markets boast of huge Bollywood lovers. We are sure that with our innovative, entertaining and differentiated content we will win hearts of listeners in quick time. Our celebrity led shows are an industry first and will enthral and entertain Hyderabad and UP.”

     

  • A 2-day festival for creativity & innovation in marketing and communications

    Kyoorius announces ZEE MELT 2016

    By A Correspondent

     

    Kyoorius announces ZEE MELT 2016, a unique festival that brings together advertising, digital, marketing, emerging technologies and the media & PR industry. MELT is a 2-day festival conceptualized in partnership with Zee Entertainment, Hindustan Times, GroupM, and D&AD.

     

    The festival is scheduled to be held on 11 and 12 March at Hotel Pullman Suites and Novotel, in Aerocity, New Delhi. Over the two days of MELT, Aerocity will transform into a buzzing zone of activity where 2000 people connecting creativity with marketing shall convene to discuss, inspire and learn through sharing and interaction.

     

    MELT 2016 will consist of a range of conferences, seminars, exhibitions, showcases, workshops and networking sessions for delegates from advertising, digital, media & PR, marketing and emerging technologies by industry experts, catering to all experience levels. To name a few, Ted Mellström (Art Director at Forsman&Bodenfors, Sweden); Mark van Iterson (Director Global at Heineken, Amsterdam); Mark Curtis (Founder & Chief Client Officer at Fjord Net, London); Tom Betts (Chief Data Officer at Financial Times, London); Gaurav Mishra (Digital Director at Conde Nast, Mumbai) for Media and PR and Darren David (CEO at Stimulant, San Francisco).

     

    The content for MELT 2016is divided across 4 key pillars:

    :: Learning – These events are based on imparting knowledge and provide inspiration in the form of vocational or skill workshops

     

    :: Showcase and Gallery – To excite visitors with newer experiences, with curated content from partners

     

    :: Networking – Encouraging new, meaningful and relevant interactions with people from the industry

     

    :: Celebration – No festival is complete without opportunities to have a good time with peers and friends

     

    Each of these pillars are being driven by content partners and participating brands at MELT 2016. Each of these will give delegates an opportunity to gain real insights into the creative communications industry from industry specialists.

     

    Punit Goenka

    Punit Goenka, MD & CEO of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) said: “As we pursue our vision 2020 of being ranked amongst the leading global media companies, there has been a conscious effort invested in creating and partnering brand IP’s. ZEE MELT will enable stakeholders from Media, Marketing and Communications to meet at a common platform and exchange experiences, knowledge and insights. This is the second edition of MELT and I firmly believe that it grow and be accepted as a premier Industry event in the years to come.”

     

    Rajan Bhalla

    Rajan Bhalla, Chief Marketing Officer, HT Media Ltd said: “HT is delighted to associate with MELT, which bring together doyens from the world of branding, advertising & media, creating an excellent opportunity to interact and engage with them through intellectually stimulating sessions. I am especially excited about ‘HT Osmosis’ at MELT, which will provide creativity new wings.”

     

     

    CVL Srinivas

    Renewing their association with MELT 2016, CVL Srinivas, CEO, GroupM South Asia said: “We are delighted to continue our association with MELT. It is a platform where leaders from technology, content, data and digital interact with young talent to help shape the future of our industry. Like last year, GroupM agencies and specialist units will help curate content for the event in addition to holding workshops.”

     

     

    Rajesh Kejriwal

    Rajesh Kejriwal, CEO and founder of Kyoorius said: “We are delighted to announce the second edition of Zee MELT. This two day gathering of the best speakers and presenters from the industry with the addition of experience zones and workshops is definitely going to set us apart. It is heartening that our founder partners, Zee, Hindustan Times and GroupM, have increased their involvement, bringing more compelling content for delegates to enrich themselves.”

     

  • Since entering the market nine years ago, Fever FM has established itself as a leader in its four markets

    Fever FM hikes ad rates

    By A Correspondent

     

    Fever FM has announced a hike in its ad rates by 20 per cent across all stations with immediate effect.

     

    Since entering the market nine years ago, Fever FM has established itself as a leader in its four markets. Across the four metros,Feverenjoys 17.5 million listenersand leads 6 of the 8 drive times.Fever also leads across day parts in Delhi and Bangalore (in the nonKannada category). Source – RAM data, week 39.

     

    Harshad Jain

    Talking about Fever FM’s decision to increase the advertising rates,Harshad Jain, CEO – Radio and Entertainment, HT Media Ltd.said, “Fever has the highest Time Share Listening (TSL) in all its markets, the highest market share in Delhi and Bangalore, and is among the best performing and fastest growing radio stations in Mumbai and Kolkata.What’s more, in the core TG of 20-34 yrs SEC AB,Fever has the leadership market share across metros.Therefore, the increase in price is related to Fever’s consistent and rapid growth in listenership. We look forward to partnering our clients and offering them great value, and the unique Fever advantage.”

     

     

  • The event, dubbed the biggest "edu-tainment" event in South East Asia started in Malaysia in 2002

    HT brings Smart Kids Asia to India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Hindustan Times is collaborating with Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and mycity4kids.com to bring Asia’s Largest Educational Kids’ Fair to the country. This property, called Smart Kids Asia, is a fun-filled family event where parents and children can discover and experience educational stimulation. It also brings unparalleled opportunity Asia wide to exhibitors and sponsors through a unique platform that targets young parents and their children. Combining critical pillars of Education, Health and Family Bonding activities, Smart Kids Asia offers unparalleled opportunities to explore the potential of children through must-see demonstrations, family centric exhibits and product booths.

     

    The event, dubbed the biggest “edu-tainment” event in South East Asia started in Malaysia in 2002. Over the past few years, they have had successful editions across Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore.

     

    Talking about Smart Kids Asia and the tie-up, Rajan Bhalla, Group CMO, HT Media Ltd. said, “This is HT Media’s endeavour to form meaningful partnerships with experts and leaders in their fields to develop powerful initiatives that resonate with our audiences in India.  We have tied-up with SPH who conceptualised and have been running successful editions of Smartkids across Asia, and also with mycity4kids.com, which is the biggest online aggregator for kids’ activities, to make the India edition a roaring success. The event is planned for later this year.” And talking about the fair, Ashu Phakey, Business Head Delhi, HT Media Ltd. said, “In line with Hindustan Times continuous endeavor to create platforms that help improve our society through information, education and entertainment, Hindustan Times is excited to partner with SPH to launch Smart Kids Asia – India Edition. This is one such initiative that promises to be the ultimate edu-tainment platform for children offering innovative and relevant content for bringing up ‘Smart Kids’ in the city.”

     

    “We are proud to partner HT Media Ltd, which has a huge prominent presence in the international media space, to launch the inaugural edition of Smart Kids Asia in India, New Delhi. With the large media backing of HT Media Ltd, the industry’s trade and corporate stakeholders will be sure to benefit greatly from being a part of the Asia’s Largest Kids Edutainment Exhibition. It is our vision to continue evolving and expanding Smart Kids Asia, India Edition as the industry’s marquee event that integrates all the necessary elements to nurture a child’s potential to the fullest,” Chua Wee Phong, Chairman, Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd (a fully-owned subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings).

     

    “We at mycity4kids.com are really excited to partner with HT Media and SPH, the foremost and leading media houses from India & Singapore to bring forth a platform focused on the integral pillars of education, health and family. We through our content expertise will curate the best edutainment led activities for kids from across the country to make it  a great learning and engaging experience for children,” Prashant Sinha, co-founder, mycity4kids.com

     

  • Harshad brings with him over 20 years of cross-sectorial experience in the FMCG and media & entertainment spaces

    Harshad Jain made CEO at Fever FM

    By A Correspondent

     

    Harshad Jain

    HT Media Ltd. has elevated Harshad Jain to CEO of Fever. Prior to this promotion he was Business Head, Radio and Entertainment, HT Media Ltd. He has been working with HT Media for the last four years and will lead the business which now moves into an expansion stage with M&A and Phase 3 licensing round the corner and will involve building partnerships and expanding Fever brand into new geographies and beyond FM into entertainment and digital space.

     

    Talking about his new role, Harshad Jain, CEO – Fever, said “I’m humbled by this new role. Fever is a vibrant and dynamic organization, which has witnessed tremendous growth over the past few years. My focus will be to lead fever to the next level of growth and innovation and tap newer opportunities in the digital and entertainment space and phase 3 of FM radio.”

     

    Harshad brings with him over 20 years of cross-sectorial experience in the FMCG and media and entertainment spaces. On completion of his business studies in Sales and Marketing he joined PepsiCo and was with them for 14 years in roles across sales, marketing and business at regional and corporate level.

     

  • Mediahack.in will identify and support entrepreneurs who want to build leading-edge, original content and advertising-related technology businesses in India

    HT Media and North Base Media launch Mediahack.in

    By A Correspondent

     

    HT Media Ltd. and North Base Media, an international investment firm, announced the creation of Mediahack.in, an innovative accelerator program aimed at fostering a new generation of digital media companies.

     

    Mediahack.in will identify and support entrepreneurs who want to build leading-edge, original content and advertising-related technology businesses in India. Both HT and NBM’s leaders have decades of global and Indian media experience that they will bring, along with extensive connections to pioneering technology and media companies around the world.

     

    Mediahack.in will invite entrepreneurs to apply to participate in the accelerator starting this summer. Successful applicants will spend several months on the program, interacting with each other and leading media and technology thinkers from around the world. They also will receive an initial investment of up to US$ 100,000 to convert their great ideas into fast growing and world changing businesses.

     

    Talking about the potential of the Indian media market, Marcus Brauchli, co-founder and managing partner North Base media and former editor of The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, said: “Mobile and social platforms are transforming the way billions of people consume news around the world. Nowhere is that more evident than in India, where more than 500 million people will have access to the Internet, many for the first time, in the next few years. We want to help the next generation of entrepreneurs create the platforms, products and technologies that will bring news and information to those new audiences. We are fortunate to have as a partner HT Media, with its deep commitment to news and innovation and its leadership’s strong interest in innovation. We hope to provide Media Entrepreneurs in India our expertise so that they can scale up to be global businesses.”

     

    Speaking about the launch of mediahack.in, Rajiv Verma, CEO, HT Media Ltd., said, “Media is one of the most exciting sectors in India today. I am therefore delighted that we at HT in partnership with NBM; are going to provide a platform which will encourage media entrepreneurship in India.  NBM with its global expertise will add immensely to this endeavor and provide great learning opportunities for upcoming media entrepreneurs.”

     

  • OneIndia, available by invitation to select display advertisers only, offers the unique benefit of a single-platform reach comparable and incremental to television

    HT, Hindu & ABP groups get together to offer single-platform reach to advertisers

    By A Correspondent

     

    Six leading publications of the country – Hindustan Times, Hindustan, The Hindu, The Hindu Tamil, The Telegraph and Ananda Bazar Patrika have come together and formed the OneIndia group as a platform to facilitate reach to the largest print audience with a single advertisement.

     

    OneIndia, available by invitation to select display advertisers only, offers the unique benefit of a single-platform reach comparable and incremental to television, along with the many clear benefits of print, such as immediacy, impact, comprehension, credibility, and a clutter-free environment, to name a few.

     

    Talking about the key idea behind this alliance, Benoy Roychowdhury, Executive Director, HT Media Ltd., said, “The idea behind OneIndia is to provide an unduplicated reach like never before, along with a single-window service, in order to invite non-print and infrequent print advertisers to experience and profit from the significant benefits of print advertising.”

     

    Apart from the fact that print media readership is significantly more upmarket than television, several research studies globally have also demonstrated that print plus TV has driven more than 20 per cent incremental push-through in brand equity compared to TV alone. Further, some recent media multiplier research studies by leading international research agencies have demonstrated that print advertising in Asia-Pacific indexes three times more than TV on RoI, and five times more on brand impact.