MxMIndia

Tag: Sakal

  • The SMG and DCF is a platform for development of women, youth and all sections of society, says Delivering Change Foundation founder and chairman Abhijit Pawar

    Sakal says ‘Good Morning’ to change with power-packed forum

    By A Correspondent

     

    What’s a regional newspaper group doing conducting a two-day seminar called ‘Delivering Change Forum’ at Mumbai’s Nehru Centre? A lot of hot air, you think. Especially since it’s got Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in attendance along with the top deck of his administration.

     

    Get ready for the tripe, you tell yourself. And then you see some pictures posted on Facebook by a few A&M land honchos, and you tell yourself that they must’ve been in attendance thanks to the missives from the affable CEO.

     

    So you give Day 1 a miss. The tweets are promising, but then that’s what one expects from the official handle of any event. Hence the first half of Day 2 is also missed, although the session themes are inviting.

     

    You finally do the trek to the venue, with the hope of meeting some old friends and consuming the yum batatavada and samosa at the canteen. Plus some diet cola to free yourself of some guilt. And scan the exhibits at the art gallery or the books published by the Centre which you always look up but never buy.

     

    Enter the large, well-airconed hall of Nehru Centre. The head of one of the country’s biggest design shops does a “hey”. Along with her two others from Pune. And she berates you for having missed the first day and a half. But then she’s a friend and well-wisher of the big boss. You discount some of the praise.

     

    You are then accosted by the marathon banker. You really missed it, he said. We move on. You really liked it, huh, we quizzed him. “Of course”. And he said how he had thought of just dropping by for the inauguration on Day 1 and since then has been riveted. “Couldn’t get up from the seat”. And you meet another adlander-cum-athlete who echoes the same. And yet another.

     

    You finally sit in for the first post-lunch session. Mobile in hand, checked into Whatsappto fighting away possible boredom. Cut to three hours later. Fourteen calls missed. Some more from bank and telco DSAs. Several messages unread. Although one did make a few exits, met the big boss, the namesake, and a few other friends, the sessions were indeed engaging, albeit on softer issues like design.

     

    So here’s a report based on the communique received from the Sakal Media Group on the event:

    “Sakal Media Group organised India’s first “Delivering Change Forum” (DCF) on January 24 and 25 in Mumbai.Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the conference co-organised by Sakal Media Group and DCF (the advisory arm of Sakal Media Group), in cooperation with the Maharashtra government and many institutions from across the globe. “This is the right time to implement new concepts leading to transformation in a country which has the largest youth population in the world. We have to strive hard so that these new emerging concepts reach policy makers and then are implemented,” Fadnavis said.

     

    DCF Founder and Chairman Abhijit Pawar elaborated on the concept of the conference. He said: “Connecting boardroom to grassroots is crucial for bringing about a desired change in society and Delivering Change Forum (DCF) aims at connecting the dots and converging efforts for this transformation”.He further added that ‘Maharashtra which has a large pool of youth and it needs to be channelised to bring about the desired transformation’.  Pawar urged participants to join hands in this work. “The SMG and DCF is a platform for development of women, youth and all sections of society,” he said.

     

    Added Pradeep Dwivedi, CEO, Sakal Media Group: “In today’s context, media has to transcend from being a passive informer and act as vital catalyst for larger change and progress in society. Hence, this conference was designed with enriching content and brought a world class line up of speakers discussing the key trends, innovations and concept proven models, all of which with one objective in mind: To help deliver positive change in society and lead more effectively in the current environment.”

     

    Commented Krishna Menon, CMO, Sakal Media Group: ‘Sakal is fulfilling its social commitment through initiatives such as Tanishka and YIN. As the social change is underway, developments in financial, educational and social sectors should reach all sections of society’.

     

    The event culminated in a dinner over discussions with Ratan Tata, Amitabh Bachchan, Fadnavis (and senior government officials), senior advertising professionals like Sam Balsara, amongst others.”

     

    Notes to oneself: Good Morning! (Sakal is morning in English). Send reminder request to Mr CEO for videos of the two-day proceedings. Pawar-err-Power-packed forum indeed.

     

  • He has confirmed his exit to MxMIndia, though has indicated that he will indicate his next assignment in a week

    Pradeep Dwivedi quits Dainik Bhaskar, may join Sakal

    By A Correspondent

     

    It’s been doing the rounds for a few weeks, but now it’s confirmed. Pradeep Dwivedi, Chief Corporate Sales and Marketing Officer of the Dainik Bhaskar group, is moving on. He has confirmed his exit to MxMIndia, though has indicated that he will indicate his next assignment in a week. According to rumours, he is likely to join the Sakal Media Group as Chief Executive Officer.

     

    Dwivedi, an active member of industry associations like Advertising Club and the International Advertising Association (India Chapter), joined Bhaskar a little over four years back from a career outside of the media.  Then, he had had an eight-year run at Tata Teleservices, and left at the position of Regional Chief Operating Officer & SVP- Enterprise Business.  Earlier he has worked with American Express Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, GE Capital and Eicher Motors.

     

    Meanwhile, the Pune-headquartered Sakal group has been without a CEO since a year. Dwivedi is likely to replace the vacancy caused by Jwalant Swaroop’s exit from the top job with effect from November 1, 2015.

     

  • The current war of words started with Lokmat taking over a hundred-odd billboards in Pune proclaiming that it's the #1. And on Thursday, Sakal responded with a front-page lead report pooh-poohing Lokmat's claim

    Sakal & Lokmat lock horns on being #1 in Pune

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Lokmat billboard creative and right (circled): the Page 1 news item in Lokmat

    Leading newspapers Lokmat and Sakal have taken their battle to the streets or homes or wherever their topselling dailies are read.

    Lokmat is the numero uno Marathi daily in Maharashtra and Sakal, the undisputed #1 in the all-important business and education hub of Pune. However, over the years, Sakal has spread its tentacles across Maharashtra and Lokmat has been growing its circulation in Pune.

    In the last decade-odd, the marketplace was impacted by the entry of the Dainik Bhaskar group-owned Divya Marathi, but the competition between the traditional rivals stays.

    The current war of words started with Lokmat taking over a hundred-odd billboards in Pune proclaiming that it’s the #1. And on Thursday, Sakal responded with a front-page lead report pooh-poohing Lokmat’s claim. The headline is aggressive and uses the Lokmat name in it (see image).

     

    Sakal hits back at Lokmat
    The creative of an ad in Friday's Sakal

    So what’s the truth of the matter? While Sakal quotes Audit Bureau of Circulations numbers, there are no recent IRS numbers to support the publication’s numbers. ABC numbers may be quoted by publications, but they aren’t recognised as standard benchmarks (or ‘currency’) by media agencies and advertisers. Meanwhile, Lokmat’s claim is based on research work done by Hansa Research. Now, while this study has been commissioned by the Lokmat group and hence may not be considered credible aver independent industry observers, it may be remembered that Hansa Research bears a stamp of quality and was firm entrusted with the IRS for many years, until the unified readership survey contract was awarded to Nielsen in 2012.

    According to an industry observer, while Sakal has been facing some heat from competition in recent years, it is still recognised as the leader in the Pune market and attracts maximum advertising. “It should’ve just ignored the Lokmat claims rather than giving competition free publicity on the front-page.”  In fact a report on the issue in the Sakal group’s English daily SakalTimes notes: “For Sakal, there is no need to take a note of the efforts made by Lokmat to falsely claim highest circulation.”

    Rugwed Deshpande

    Said Rugwed Deshpande, Director of Setu Advertising, a Pune-based creative and media agency: “When it comes to numbers, Pune thinks emotionally. It’s always Data vs Emotions for decision-making. Sakal enjoys great brand loyalty and affection from readers where as Lokmat has been trying their best to make its own space. Sakal has been far more active with their offline events and people connect initiatives.” And what is the view from advertisers, we asked Deshpande. “As far as local advertisers are concerned, they don’t believe in numbers be it circulation or readership. Most of them rely on their past experiences and the response that these publications have been delivering.” So will the war of words between the Big Two have an impact? “”The current campaign war doesn’t make any difference to the traditional advertisers. Nationally, numbers are more reliable source of information hence the impact of these research numbers would be probably different. Authenticity of official sources will ignite a bigger debate. As a Punekar, we don’t enjoy this war and believe in substance and content. No.1 is someone who understands us and speaks our language.”

    Newspapers, especially in traditional cities like Pune, have an emotional connect with citizens so it’s Advantage Sakal in Pune for now. Lokmat’s  tactic of taking on the leader met with much success in Kolhapur in South West Maharashtra where it took on Pudhari, the leading daily in the city. While Pudhari continues to be #1, it Lokmat has established itself in public as the #2.

    Meanwhile, on Friday (today), Lokmat has frontpaged a short news item on being #1 on the back of the Hansa Research findings.  Sakal too has carried an ad mocking at Lokmat’s claim and declaring that it is the #1 as per ABC data (on Page 5).

  • Amonkar has put in his papers as Chief Operating Officer looking after new businesses after a four-year stint with the Pune-based multiple media group.

    Shailesh Amonkar quits Sakal, to set up new media ventures in India, US

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sakal Media Group Chief Operating Officer Shailesh Amonkar is going places.

     

    His decision to leave the organisation has been rumoured for a few weeks but it’s now official. Amonkar has put in his papers as Chief Operating Officer looking after new businesses after a four-year stint with the Pune-based multiple media group. Prior to his role as COO, Amonkar was Chief Marketing Officer, spearheading sales and marketing efforts for the media initiatives. This is Amonkar’s second tenure with the organisation after around two decades with The Times of India group.

     

    Amonkar is set to turn entrepreneur, and is planning to set up office in Silicon Valley, in the United States. Confirming this, Amonkar said: “I move on after a successful tenure with Sakal and look forward to taking the luxury of a short sabbatical.” He will continue to be working with Sakal till March 31.

     

    Amonkar is embarking on an a few domestic and international new media initiatives. Other than US operations, he will continue to be based in India across multiple offices in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Goa and Bengaluru.

     

  • Shailesh Amonkar elevated as Chief Operating Officer at Sakal Media Group

    Shailesh Amonkar is now COO at Sakal

    By A Correspondent

     

    Shailesh Amonkar

    Shailesh Amonkar, Chief Marketing Officer, Sakal Media Group has been elevated to the role of Chief Operating Officer – New Businesses.

     

    He will report to Abhijit Pawar, Managing Director of the group. This is effective April 1, 2015. For the present, Mr Amonkar will help in the transition to Jwalant Swaroop who took charge as Chief Executive Officer of the media business on January 1. As CEO, Mr Swaroop is overseeing four functions in the company – editorial, sales, marketing and circulation. As was reported, Mr Swaroop will report to Mr Pawar and work closely with Bobby Nimbalkar, Head Strategic Council of Sakal Media.

     

  • The former Lokmat group COO takes complete charge of the group’s print and digital media businesses

    Jwalant Swaroop joins Sakal as CEO

    By A Correspondent

     

    Veteran industryperson Jwalant Swaroop has joined the Sakal Media Group as CEO. He will take complete charge of the group’s print and digital media businesses.

     

    The Pune-based Sakal Media Group has a presence over nine ‘units’ across Maharashtra along with a Marathi and English daily in Goa. Other than the eponymous flagship Marathi daily, the group also publishes a slew of Marathi magazines, English daily Sakal Times and a daily Marathi tabloid-sized newspaper exclusively on agriculture called Agrowon. While all its publications have digital editions, the Marathi esakal.com is said to be the largest Marathi news website. Sakal is the #2 Marathi daily as per the Indian Readership Survey.

     

    Mr Swaroop is seasoned in the media domain having spent two decades in Lokmat (which is the #1 Marathi daily). He was COO at Lokmat from June 2011 to July 2012 and had joined the Marathi news group in August 1992 after stints in an ad agency and a publication (1995-92).

     

    Since leaving Lokmat, Mr Swaroop set up Oshoyana Consultants in August 2012 and Happiness Unlimited as recently as October 2014.

     

    Speaking to MxMIndia, Mr Swaroop said he was looking forward to leading the Sakal Media Group to greater heights. Interestingly, while at Lokmat, he would fight the Pune-based group fiercely. On Oshoyana and Happiness Unlimited, Mr Swaroop said both operations are being run by professionals now.

     

    While the print and digital business will be looked at by Mr Swaroop, he clarified that he will not oversee the television operations of the group. The social development activities run under the aegis of the Delivering Change Foundation that the group has promoted will be run independently of the Sakal Media Group, it is learnt.

     

  • The Sakal Media Group chairman is among the 127 Padma Awardees for 2014

    Padma Shri for Sakal chairman Pratap Pawar

    By A Correspondent

    Pratap Pawar

     

    There weren’t any names specifically marked ‘media’ or ‘journalism’  in the list of ‘Padma’ awardees released on Saturday. Even Pratap Pawar, Chairman of the Sakal Media Group, has been listed under ‘Trade and Industry’.

    Mr Pawar, a veteran mediaperson, becomes the fourth Padma awardee fromthe Sakal group, as per a report in the group’s Sakaal Times newspaper. Other than Sakal founder-editor Nanasaheb Parulekar being awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1969, Dr Banu Coyaji, a well-known doctor, social worker and director, was a Padma Bhushan recipient in 1989. Scientist Dr Raghunath Mashelkar who has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan this year (and earlier the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Shri), is also a director with Sakal.

    “Thousands of workers are working in organisations which I am associated with. I have been honoured due to their efforts,” Mr Pawar was quoted in the paper. “If the potential of the country is properly utilised, this country will progress. If every citizen does his duty, there is a bright future for the country,” he said.

    Though this year’s list did not have any names directly associated with the media, there were several names from films and a few who have written in publications (like Ruskin Bond who started out as a journalist) or a few others like Prof Ashok Chakradhar who have been regulars on television.

    Padma Awards, the country’s highest civilian awards, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities – art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year and conferred by the President of India at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhawan sometime around March/ April.

     

    Picture: Sakal group corporate website