MxMIndia

Tag: Rajan Bhalla

  • 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.

     

     

  • Campaign reaches over 12 million people on Social Media

    Hindustan Times salutes India’s bravehearts

    By A Correspondent

     

    Hindustan Times has unveiled a fresh initiative ‘#HTSalutes’ in collaboration with Dentsu Impact amidst the lockdown period. The campaign’s singular objective is to pay tribute to the heroes who are currently in the line of duty during the nationwide lockdown.

     

    This integrated campaign comprises a film, print and digital media.

    Speaking about the campaign, Soumitra Karnik, CCO, Dentsu Impact said: “The idea was to not just recognise the brave efforts of certain professionals, but also to capture the emotional angle of how safe people are feeling at home because of these brave efforts. The film and print ads have been designed to connect with everyone emotionally.”

     

    Added Rajan Bhalla, Group CMO & Chief Business Officer, HT Media: “Hindustan Times always steps forward to serve the nation through credible news via responsible journalism— and this campaign recognises all professionals, groups and communities embodying the same responsible value. HT salutes our real heroes who put the nation first before self and risk their lives in an effort to contain the pandemic. These warriors have taken the lead in boldly stepping forward in the fight for a better tomorrow. We will cover seven core constituents (medics, journalists, police, essential service providers, SMEs providing necessary life-saving equipment, chemists, groceries) under the programme. After all most of us are safe at home because some have chosen to step out.”

     

     

  • Dentsu Impact also handles the creative duties for Hindustan Times and Hindustan Hindi – the two leading dailies from the HT Media group

    Dentsu Impact bags digital mandate for HT’s radio biz

    By A Correspondent

     

    Dentsu Impact, the creative agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, has added the mandate to its recently established Social Media Division, Dentsu Impact Digital.

     

    The agency has been awarded the digital mandate for all three radio businesses of the HT Media Group –  Fever FM, Radio Nasha and Radio One. Dentsu Impact also handles the creative duties for Hindustan Times and Hindustan Hindi – the two leading dailies from the HT Media group.

     

    Rajan Bhalla

    Speaking on the development, Rajan Bhalla, Chief Marketing Officer, HT Media said: “We have been associated with Dentsu Impact for a long time and have immense trust in the capabilities of the team. The agency’s forward-thinking approach in embracing the evolving market today, and the intent of giving us synergised solutions for digital and offline is something that helped us come to this decision. We hope to see some great work being rolled out soon.”

     

    Amit Wadhwa

    Added Amit Wadhwa, President, Dentsu Impact: “At Dentsu Impact, we have a clear vision of becoming a truly digitally enabled agency, and that was the thinking behind setting up our social media division. It is extremely encouraging to see clients embrace our vision and see the kind of value we bring in.  Our relationship with HT Media is an old one and one that we really cherish, and we are thankful to them for placing their trust in us once again.”

     

     

  • The campaign focuses on the importance of an equal status

    Dentsu Impact partners Hindustan to push equality in marriage

    By A Correspondent

     

    Dentsu Impact has released its latest campaign for Hindi daily – Hindustan. Titled ‘Aathwa Phera’, the campaign focuses on the importance of an equal status that both husband and wife should enjoy in a marriage.

     

    Commenting on the campaign, Rajan Bhalla, CMO, HT Media Group, said: “Hindustan is a progressive brand, and believes that new perspectives have the power to bring about positive change in the society. Aathwa Phera is an initiative that will connect deeply and emotionally and it will evangelise the core brand positioning of Tarraki Ka Naya Nazariya. Most importantly it will bring home the message of gender equality in the society.”

     

    Speaking about the concept, Soumitra Karnik, CCO, Dentsu Impact added: “The narrative of gender equality has been there for a while now. However, we still hear stories every day that prove there is still a lot to be done to ensure equal status for women (specially in certain regions). Everyone talks about equality in the workplace, jobs, opportunities etc., but what about our homes? What about the husband treating his wife as an equal? This is where our concept came from. We want each and every man to take a vow that he will support his wife and ensure her equal status in a marriage.”

     

     

  • 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.”

  • The edition will carry in-depth coverage of local content including city affairs, corporate news, lifestyle and entertainment specials

    HT relaunches Gurugram edition

    By A Correspondent

     

    Hindustan Times has launched a brand new edition of HT Gurugram. The edition will carry in-depth coverage of local content including city affairs, corporate news, lifestyle and entertainment specials. The weekend read will feature HT Brunch.Hindustan Times was the first national dailyIn English to have launched in Gurgaon in July 2010.

     

    Said Sukumar Ranganathan, Editor-in-Chief, Hindustan Times in a statement:“Gurugram is a city of over two million residents, a buzzing business hub that serves not only its population but also that of neighbouring Delhi. And it has gotten where it has gotten in just around two decades. We bring with us commitment and passion to bring to you the best newspaper that the city has ever seen. Our Gurugram edition will strive to be this city’s paper, its heart, and its voice.”

     

    Added Rajan Bhalla, Group CMO, HT Media:“Our objective is simple – to offer our readers in Gurugram a newspaper that reflects their true voice and pushes the envelope in journalism on a daily basis. The new edition of HT Gurugram captures the DNA of the city with special focus on the key concerns of Gurugram.”

     

     

  • Dentsu was already handling Hindustan, Mint and Shine.com

    HT Media hands over complete portfolio mandate to Dentsu Impact

    By A Correspondent

     

    Dentsu Impact has won the creative duties for all brands from HT Media – including Hindustan Times, Hindustan (Hindi), Mint, Shine.com, HT Campus, Career Plus, Study Mate, English Mate and Bridge School of Management. With this move, Dentsu Impact becomes the prime strategic and communication partner for HT Media handling communication for all brands from the group, barring its radio brands Fever FM &Nasha FM, which are handled by Ogilvy & Mather.

     

    The HT Group, which has so far worked with multiple agencies for different brands, initiated a process of consolidating all the brands with one single agency sometime in November 2016. Post an exhaustive pitch process, in which some of the country’s top agencies participated, HT finally decided to award the duties to Dentsu Impact.

     

    Commenting on the association, RajanBhalla, Group Chief Marketing Officer, HT Media, said: “We wanted to move to a single partner for our diverse brand portfolio. Dentsu was already handling Hindustan, Mint and Shine.com and their team has done excellent work for the last few years, hence the decision to go with them.”

     

    Amit Wadhwa, President, Dentsu Impact, said, “This is a big win for us and an important one. When a group like Hindustan Times decides to award its entire portfolio of brands to one agency, it shows the level of trust as well as spirit of partnership from both ends. We are extremely excited and are rearing to create some interesting work.”

     

    Added Soumitra Karnik, National Creative Director, Dentsu Impact: “It’s a fabulous start to this year for us. Winning all the brands of HT group is something any creative agency would kill for. Along with this great news also comes great responsibility. We are quite committed to doing some great work on each brand.”

     

  • The change of format of course means a slight increased in editorial content as also a friendlier size for advertisers

    Mint moves from Berliner to broadsheet, launches new campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    Leading business daily Mint has undertaken a significant makeover. As has been rumoured for a while, the paper has moved on from the innovative Berliner to the standard broadsheet. The fonts have been changed. The masthead is the same – lowercased, but heavier. The political coverage increases at the back of the paper, with the last page being positioned as the second front-page.

     

    The change of format of course means a slight increased in editorial content as also a friendlier size for advertisers.

     

    Commenting on the launch, Rajan Bhalla, Group CMO HT Media Limited said the “new Mint is going to be the most awesome read with high quality, superior and credible journalism on one side and great packaging and design on the other”. “In the new avatar it’s going to be wider, broader and deeper with an innovative backless design comprising two front pages. Our refreshed positioning on the back of the promise of ‘Mint being the most awesome daily’, will be ‘Mint or Nothing’,” he said.

     

    Mint, a part of HT Media or the Hindustan Times group, was launched with much fanfare on February 1, 2007. It is published Monday through Saturday, with the Saturday edition being essentially an easy-reading ‘Lounge’ section. The cover price of the paper is Rs 6 (as against Rs 4 charged on a weekday last week).

     

  • 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.”

     

  • Mint announced the kick-off of this initiative by opening grounds for the Innovators under 35 -India competition

    Mint, MIT announce launch of EmTech

    By A Correspondent

     

    Mint in collaboration with Massachusetts (MIT) Technology Review has announced the India chapter of EmTech – an iconic global platform that has been inspiring innovation in the field of technology through the years.

     

    Mint announced the kick-off of this initiative by opening grounds for the Innovators under 35 -India competition – a search for the top 10 from India who exemplify the spirit of innovation in business and technology.

     

    Organized by MIT Technology Review since 1999, the prestigious Innovators Under 35 Global competition has honoured some of the world’s most brilliant minds like Mark Zuckerberg, JB Straubel, Larry Page and Sergey Brin.

     

    The India chapter of this international platform will recognize innovators from India who carry the highest potential to lead the future of technology. The nomination window for Innovators under 35 -India competition is open from October 29ththrough Dec 31st 2015.Anyone who is under the age of 35 as on 1st October 2016 and has a brilliant idea on technological innovation and applied research can be nominated. Categories span across biomedicine, computing, communications, health, education, digital, energy, materials, cyber security, fintech, wearables, robotics, web and Internet, transportation, and more. The jury for this competition includes acclaimed names like Amit Phadnis, Brian Bergstein, R Sukumar, RaghavNarsalay, Rajesh Janey,Prof. Amitabha Chattopadhyay, Ravi Narayan and Deepti Doshi. The winners of this competition will also qualify as finalists for the Global Innovators Under 35.

     

    Unveiling the launch of the Innovators Under 35 nominations, Rajan Bhalla, CMO, HT Media Group , said, “In keeping with Mint’s philosophy of providing cutting edge insights to its readers and being at the forefront of introducing the best of global practices to India, we are excited about leading this iconic technology platform in partnership with MIT Technology Review. Through EmTech India, we will unravel path-breaking technologies that are changing the face of business in India. The nominations are now open for the 1st leg of this initiative – Innovators under 35, and we are confident that this platform will showcase the most promising innovators who will lead this technological disruption in the country. It is our vision to evolve this into a one-of-a-kind marquee platform that will integrate the best of minds and companies to write the next chapter of technology transformation. The event is planned for early next year, and we are committed to making the India chapter a huge success.”

     

    The mission of MIT Technology Review is to equip audiences with the intelligence to understand a world shaped by technology,” states editor in chief and publisher, Jason Pontin. “Our goal is to extend this mission around the world, explaining the technologies that matter–those that will have lasting impact on our lives. We’re proud to work with Mint to identify young innovators and showcase their talents at EmTech India.”

     

    The final 10 winners will present at EmTech India– a platform where the world’s most influential leaders and innovators will come together to unravel cutting-edge technologies and take a glimpse at the future. This high profile event will be held on 18th and 19th March 2016 in New Delhi, bringing together a convergence of technology, business and culture. The event will be graced by the presence of business leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and change makers who are passionate about addressing major international issues by turning ideas into solutions. The India chapter promises to continue the legacy of this globally acclaimed platform, presenting a remarkable opportunity to get inspired from those who are driving the next generation of technological breakthroughs.

     

  • 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

     

  • HT Media unveils new multiple media campaign to promote Mint

    Mint celebrates 7th anniv with new campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

     

    HT Media has unveiled a new advertising campaign to capture the story of its business daily Mint as it celebrates its seventh anniversary this month. Notes a communiqué: “Since inception, at the core of Mint, lies ‘innovation’. From the Berliner size format to the design of the paper; from the content and presentation style to the name ‘Mint’ – everything was new, energized and refreshing!

     

     

    Rajan Bhalla

    Said Rajan Bhalla, CMO, HT Media on the Mint story said, “Before the inception of Mint all our efforts were in the direction of putting together a differentiated business daily which was fresh, clear-minded and straightforward while being extremely credible and well-rounded in its analysis of the business world. That’s how the product was born, exemplifying the concept of ‘innovation’.  It is this line of thinking that provoked the name of the paper as well – ‘Mint’. Our readership numbers, and the loyalty of our readers over these past 7 years, validates that we have been successful in providing ‘Refreshing Clarity in Business’, which is what we aim to continue doing.”

     

    The campaign will run in print, digital and radio.