MxMIndia

Tag: Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd

  • Reliance Industries CMD Mukesh Ambani & RK Swamy group CMD Srinivasan Swamy receive top honours at fifth edition

    IAA Leadership Awards presented

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    It was the big night of the International Advertising Association India Chapter. The fifth edition of the IAA Leadership Awards took place in Mumbai with Reliance Industries Chairman and MD Mukesh Ambani and Deputy Minister of the diplomacy, PM’s office, Government of Israel, Dr Michael Oren in attendance

     

    Former IAA India president and Chairman and Managing Director, RK Swamy BBDO Srinivasan Swamy was inducted into the IAA Hall of Fame Award.  The IAA Media Agency Leader and Creative Agency Leader Award went to Vikram Sakhuja, Madison Communications Pvt. Ltd. and Sonal Dabral, DDB Mudra Group, India respectively.  The IAA Media Leader Award went to Rajan Anandan, Google while Mukesh Ambani, Chairman & MD of Reliance Industries, was adjudged as the IAA Business Leader of the Year.

     

    Rahul Joshi of  Network18 News was awarded the IAA Editorial Leader award and Shereen Bhan, CNBC-TV18 received the IAA Leader – TV Anchor of the year.  The Brand Endorsement Leader awards went to Amitabh Bachchan and Alia Bhatt.

     

    On being awarded the Business Leader of the Year award, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman & MD of Reliance Industries said, “On behalf of all of us at Reliance Industries, we would like to thank the jury and IAA for this recognition. I believe leadership is about setting new standards as demonstrated by our team at Jio. India was 155th in mobile broadband rankings in the world when we launched Jio but in a year, it became number 1 in the world. India is becoming a mobile first country and this is the future of our young nation.”

     

    Commenting on the occasion, Ramesh Narayan, newly elected President of IAA said, “We are privileged to have Shri Mukesh Ambani and Dy. Minister of Diplomacy, PM’s Office, Government of Israel Michael Orren with us. IAA Leadership Awards 2017 has been a memorable event thanks to the distinguished guests, esteemed jury and an exhaustive list of quantitative and qualitative parameters that have helped recognise outstanding campaigns and we have cherished our partnership with Colors.”

     

    Speaking of his maiden visit to India, Deputy Minister of the Diplomacy, PM’s office, Government of Israel, Dr. Michael Oren, said “India is revered, respected and loved by the people of Israel.  Both countries are the cradle of great civilisations and religions. I can think of no two countries in the world that have had a greater impact on history and art. I would like to extend an invite to every Indian to visit Israel and experience our love for India and our hospitality.”

     

    Speaking about Colors association with the awards, Raj Nayak, COO, Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd said, “We have been associated with the IAA Leadership Awards since inception and are happy to see it grow in size and stature year after year. As a leader in the media and entertainment space, we feel privileged to partner with The International Advertising Association in recognising and rewarding leaders in our country.”

     

  • The owners of the stores will be summoned to Court to identify the source and locations of the manufacturers of these seized goods

    Viacom18 cracks down on counterfeit merchandise in Mumbai

    By A Correspondent

     

    In its bid to counter the growing menace of counterfeit merchandise, Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd had undertaken an investigation that led to a raid in Mumbai of two stores that were reported to be selling counterfeit Dora the Explorer products.

     

    “We see this as an essential step towards ensuring that our characters are not represented on inferior, unlicensed products – which may pose health and safety risks. We are extremely grateful for the cooperation of the judiciary and the police who have executed the appropriate legal action to protect our intellectual property and to prevent inferior, and potentially dangerous products from being sold to unsuspecting consumers,” said a spokesperson on behalf of Viacom18.

     

  • The business will be powered by Performics.Convonix

    Starcom bags Mahindra Holidays account

    By A Correspondent

     

    Starcom India has won the digital duties of Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Ltd. The business will be powered by Performics.Convonix, digital marketing company, integrated under the Starcom brand in India, which will handle all performance media duties on digital, inclusive of paid media, SEO and analytics.

     

    Said Giridhar Seetharam, Chief Marketing Officer, Mahindra Holidays: “We are very happy to have Performics.Convonix on board for our digital marketing mandate and hope to maximise returns on our digital spends through this partnership. Their experience and expertise across all digital fronts will further enable us to provide better customer experience using digital technologies.”

     

    Added Pallav Jain, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Performics.Convonix: “We are pleased to be the strategic partner on digital for Mahindra Holidays. A holiday is about beautiful, memorable experiences. The digitally astute traveller goes online to judge for himself. With the rapid growth of the internet, customers face an influx of excessive information. The brand Mahindra Holidays is about unparalleled family vacation experiences and we will help them enhance their digital engagement with their prospects and customers. What we bring is strategic direction and flawless execution to their digital plans.”

     

  • The mandate that encompasses the franchise’s channels Nick, Sonic, Nick Junior and Nick HD+ has been won after a tightly contested multi-agency pitch

    Starcom India wins Nickelodeon India’s media mandate

    By A Correspondent

     

    Starcom India has been entrusted with the media planning and buying mandate of kid’s television franchise Nickelodeon, a part of Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd. The mandate that encompasses the franchise’s channels Nick, Sonic, Nick Junior & Nick HD+ has been won after a tightly contested multi-agency pitch.

     

    Said Mallikarjun Das, Group CEO, Starcom India: “The Indian television broadcast segment is set for exponential growth and entertainment tailored for kids and young adults, is going to be a big beneficiary of that. Nickelodeon is an established, highly reputed entertainment brand and having them on our roster is a matter of great prestige for us. The broadcast firm is innovating its strategy across platforms, so that kids and teenagers get the perfect multi-platform experience. It is important to understand that Nickelodeon’s content is increasingly being watched not just by its core target audience, but also adults and entire families.  We will devise for Nickelodeon a media strategy and plan, designed to help them achieve maximum exposure and eyeballs.This win further adds tempo to a great year where we have won significant businesses and consolidated operations.”

     

  • The campaign has driven 1.5 Mn + interactions in a fortnight of launching this campaign on social media

    MTV partners with Vizeum to drive conversations around #DunkThatJunk

    By A Correspondent

     

    Vizeum in partnership with MTV has launched ‘The Junkyard Project’ with the objective of stirring an important awakening in the minds of citizens across, especially the youth.

     

    Commenting on the project, Sumeli Chatterjee, Head – Marketing, Media & Insights, Youth Entertainment, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. said, “MTV started with a basic question how can we make conversations around do-not-litter cool and interactive. #DunkThatJunk is gamification of the concept that junk should be dunked inside the dustbin. The simplicity of the concept coupled with interactive presentation is the key reason why these videos spread like wild-fire.  And, also drew heavy participation by Bollywood and TV celebrities. It is just a game, but with a serious message in it. We have driven 1.5 Mn + interactions in a fortnight of launching this campaign on social media. And, this is just the beginning.”

     

    Samarjit Rajkumar, Executive VP, Vizeum India, commented: “True to its spirit of being in the forefront of trend-setting, it has been an exciting journey together with MTV in re-defining the Swacch Bharat initiative leveraging MTV’s partner celebs attracting as many as 6000 user-generated videos in the first 2 weeks itself. We are now creating platforms for our audience to live this trend and subsequently, more platforms for them to share with their friends once they choose to be the advocates.”

     

  • The channel incorporates a new look-and-feel with the positioning of 'Your Happy Place'

    Comedy Central goes for a new, happy look

    By A Correspondent

     

    Comedy Central, from the Viacom18 stable, has unveils a new positioning of ‘Your Happy Place’ along with a new look-and-feel. After over three years of asking viewers to look at the lighter side of life with “Laugh it off”, the channel moves beyond laughing out loud towards being the channel-of-choice for feel-good and humorous content, notes a communiqué.

     

    Said Ferzad Palia, Executive Vice President and Business Head, English Entertainment, Viacom 18:  “Since its launch, Comedy Central has been expressive and tongue-in-cheek while being irreverent and conversational. Now is the time to refresh our positioning to accurately reflect our programming and ideology, which is to be televisions premier destination where people find their #HappyPlace.“

     

    The channel offers a new line-up of diverse shows like Younger, Betty White’s Off Their Rockers, Your Family or Mine and The Mindy Project Season 3. A 360-degree marketing campaign has been unveiled to coincide with the refresh.

     

  • The Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada and Oriya of the Viacom18 stable will drop the ETV and rebranded with the Colors prefix

    Viacom18 adds Colors to Regionals

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    A day before the auspicious festival of Holi set in, Viacom18 made announcement that reflects the plans the entertainment network has for its regionals: it has announced the rebranding of five ETV-prefixed regional general entertainment channels in Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Bengali and Oriya. These will now be prefixed with Colors which has been until now the preserve of the Hindi GEC alone.

     

    The ETC GECs are owned by Prism TV Private Limited and are a part of the Viacom18 networks which has operations in the Hindi entertainment, youth, children, English entertainment and regional clusters.

     

    Sudhanshu Vats

    On making the regional foray, Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. said, “59 per cent of the country converses in regional languages as their primary language of choice. Today regional TV channels command the second largest viewership in India. The expansion fuels our growth strategy in building the Colors franchise, a brand that has become the cultural touchstone for millions of Indians across the world. The move will help us foray into key regional markets as we nurture and monetise the bouquet across platforms.”

     

    All of it is subject to regulatory approvals. Viacom Inc. through its subsidiary Nick Asia will acquire a 50 per cent interest in the five regional general entertainment channels, while TV18 will continue to own the remaining 50 per cent.

     

    On the communication approach to socialise the rebranding, he indicated that the “revelation of the new brand identity of each of the five regional channels has been staggered across a period of two months starting March 3, 2015. It is scheduled to coincide with regional festivals that mark new beginnings. 360-degree marketing and communication campaigns encompassing TV, cinema, cable, on-ground, radio, outdoor as well as digital platforms, customised to individual regional markets, will amplify the change.” Colors Marathi, for instance, will take on the rebranded avatar from March 22 given that it coincides with Gudi Padwa.

     

    Campaigns for each regional brand will leverage the distinct fervour of the corresponding state or region through region specific events and / or on-ground activations involving popular local influencers. Each high-decibel campaign will run for approximately four to five weeks. According to the grapevine, an approximate amount of Rs 50-60 crore will be sent on the marketing and activation offensive to unveil the rebranding. An additional expense will also be incurred on programming initiatives that will coincide with the blitz.

     

    Meanwhile, Mr Vats told MxMIndia that the network is keen to grow each of the clusters, though he did not reveal when more channels would be launched in each of the five clusters.

     

    A senior media planner MxMIndia spoke with told us on conditions of anonymity, that the Colors branding was a logical way to go for the regional channels. It’s a win-win for all, because Colors is already an established franchise and will have a positive rub-off given the Hindi GEC enjoys leadership status and is ranked second in the entertainment space.

     

  • Viacom18 team to visit 13 campuses across Indore, Kolkata, Mangalore, Pune, Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore

    Viacom18 returns with 3rd edition of Future Leadership Program

    By A Correspondent

     

    One of India’s fastest growing media and entertainment networks, Viacom18 returns to campuses across the country with the third edition of its Future Leadership Program. The rigorous one-year programs for Graduate Trainees (UnLife) and Creative Trainees (What’s Your Story) are aimed at bringing in fresh thought into Viacom18 and nurturing leaders of the future.

     

    The program targets fresh graduate and post graduate top talent from premier institutions across India. The development journey spans 11 months with multiple interventions – including campus-to-corporate connect programs, highly sought-after courses offered by premier academic institutions, relevant functional and behavioral skill building workshops, work place projects high on innovation, etc., comprising on-the-job learning, and supported by coaching, and classroom training.

     

    Speaking about the Future Leadership Program, Head – Human Resources & Executive Vice President, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd., Abhinav Chopra, said, “In my experience here at Viacom18, infusing fresh energy and thought brought in by young talent yields innovation. Through our Future Leadership Program, every individual stands to gain an edge in their careers while contributing to organizational growth as they prepare to develop into future leaders of Viacom18.”

     

    Beginning January 12th 2015, the team began a seven-city tour and will visit prominent graduate educational institutions such as St. Stephens, St. Xavier’s, Christ College and post graduate creative educational institutions such as MCRC Jamia, Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Jadavpur University in search of the nation’s brightest minds to train future leaders in creative and functional roles in the media and entertainment sector. Starting with Indore, the team will also tour Kolkata, Mangalore, Pune, Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore. Candidates will undergo a rigorous 8-stage selection process that includes aptitude tests, group discussions, value and competency based assessments, and personal interviews, to realize an exciting and enriching career at Viacom18.

  • Viacom18 Consumer Products signs another exciting promotional licensing deal this year after SpongeBob SquarePants with Domino's

    Nickelodeon takes the licensing route for Motu Patlu

    By A Correspondent

     

    Viacom18 Consumer Products has signed up with Prataap Snacks Pvt. Ltd., makers of Yellow Diamond Rings to launch three new flavors of corn rings – Masala, Chilli Cheese and Tomato with exclusive Motu Patlu toys such as spinners, charms, sling-shooters, snakes and ladders and much more. Strategically choosing to take up the promotional licensing route for growth, Viacom18’s Consumer Products Business is leveraging the popular Nick toons by taking them beyond television and bringing them closer to their target audience.

     

    Speaking about this association with the snacks brand, Saugato Bhowmik, Head – Consumer Products, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd., said, “Nickelodeon’s rich and diverse portfolio of characters provides us with great opportunities to connect with the consumer in new and exciting ways. Motu Patlu have topped the charts and also conquered the hearts of children across the nation with their fun antics and make for the perfect character for this kind of promotional licensing. We are happy to partner with Prataap Snacks to help our young audiences to play with their favourite characters while enjoying their snack time- the perfect combination.”

     

    Expressing delight at the association, Anoop Kumar Shreevaastava, Vice President Branding of Prataap Snacks Pvt. Ltd. said, “Yellow Diamond has continuously brought innovative and high quality products to the kids segment and we are excited to partner with Nickelodeon – a powerhouse of innovation in kids media. Motu Patlu are great characters that complement Yellow Diamond Rings perfectly and add an element of joyful surprise for our young consumers fond of our corn rings.”

     

    Nickelodeon’s association with Yellow Diamond Rings will be promoted extensively through television, digital, print and in-store branding.

     

  • Shamik Talukder appointed as Vice President and Head of Revenue Management & Business Development

    INS appoints Shamik Talukder as Head of Revenue Management

    By a correspondent

     

    Integrated Network Solutions (INS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. has announced the appointment of Shamik Talukder as Vice President and Head of Revenue Management & Business Development.

     

    With over 16 years of experience in Revenue assurance, Brand Development & Marketing in the M&E industry, Talukder’s new role will include Business Development & Revenue Management of LIVE Viacom18 (large format Live event Impact properties), BE Viacom18 (On ground activations in film advertising and promotions) and SPOTLIGHT (creation, management and operation of digital media interfaces for individual celebrities across genres).

     

    Speaking on the announcement, Jaideep Singh, Sr. Vice President and Business Head – INS, Viacom18 Pvt. Ltd. said, “Our debut year has been a successful journey where we created multiple IPs. As we consolidate our offerings and build capacity across network we are happy to announce Shamik entry into the Viacom 18 family. Shamik’s keen understanding of the business and his contribution to the division will be vital to our growth story as we move into the next phase.”

     

    Shamik Talukder, Head of Revenue Management & Business Development, INS, Viacom18 Pvt. Ltd. said, “INS has done some great work in the past year, and I am eager to be a part of it. With my new role at INS, I look forward to leveraging the popularity and strength of the existing IPs, creating engaging solutions for brands on the digital platform through Spotlight, build customized solutions for brands in the film advertising and promotion space. It is an exciting space to be in and combining the properties to create new business opportunities will be my focus.”

     

    Shamik is an expert in spearheading new businesses and setting them up for growth. He has a proven record that includes successful stints in Star TV, Radio Mirchi, Sony Entertainment Television managing the revenues of Radio Mirchi in the launch phase, managing revenues of Indian Idol, Bigg Boss during their debut in India and leading the team in Times OOH in bidding & winning the advertising contract of Mumbai and Delhi Airport and changing the dynamics of Airport advertising in India.

     

  • Sandeep Dahiya, Sr. Vice President – Consumer Products & Communications, Viacom18 Media, on merchandising helps bring alive popular characters for a kiddie channel like Nickelodeon

    Jaldi 5 with Sandeep Dahiya: Kids’ merchandise market still at start line

    It’s been a few weeks since kid brand Nickelodeon India, that has a diverse portfolio in the kid’s consumer market with its popular toons, introduced its own sub-brands in the Indian market under Nick Explore, Nick Sports and Nick Action. The first edition from this kitty was ‘Nick Explore’ that has been initiated in an association with Mexus Education.

     

    MxM India quizzed Sandeep Dahiya, Sr. Vice President – Consumer Products & Communications, Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd on this ambitious new licensing venture and what consumers can look forward to in the future.

     

    01. What does the current kids toys and merchandising market look like in India? Is there scope for broadcast players to make it big in this space?

    The landscape is large and the opportunity to expand is immense. However, we’re all still at the ‘start’ line. Compared to the developed markets where over 90% of the retail is organized, in India, it’s the other way round – with just about 7-8% being organized. However, the good news is that the rate of growth of the organized part is outgrowing the unorganized part…and that is a great indicator for everyone.

     

    Broadcast players have been able to build platforms that bring alive these characters and create a fantasyland around them. Kids love fantasies and the licensed products, help them live their fantasies – be it school bags, shoes, books, bicycles, playsets, dolls and accessories, amongst other things.

     

    02. How is the ‘Nick Explore’ venture doing for Nickelodeon?

    Nickelodeon has always tried to engage kids of all age groups with merchandise that is unique, interactive and entertaining. This collaboration also marks our entry into a new domain – both from a brand as well as a category perspective. The ‘Nick Explore’ range of kits, developed by Mexus Education, will help unlock the creative potential in older kids, while exposing them to basics of science in a manner that’s fun and interactive.

     

    03. Mexus Education is the partner that you have tied up with for Explore. Who are the other players that you have approached with your concepts?

    Let me put it like this: Mexus Education was the perfect partner, given their expertise at product development and distribution strength. We are in talks with other players for similar concepts, but it’s too early to talk about it.

     

    04. Apart from edutainment, which are the other categories that kids have a liking towards and something which you are contemplating venturing into?

    Expansion into newer categories and concepts is an on-going process and there are quite a few of them that we’re pursuing.

     

    So what can one expect from Nick Sports and Action next?

    An exciting range of toys and play-sets that would keep the kids engaged, active and outdoors.

     

    05. What are your promotional plans so as to enable this venture gain a pan-India appeal?

    It is being supported by both above- as well as below-the-line initiatives. We have been supported by all large formats in giving us significant retail presence. The new product range will be promoted through online initiatives.

     

  • The channel realigns its programming team with Weekday and Weekend Heads

    Manisha Sharma to head wknd content @ Colors

    By A Correspondent

     

    Media conglomerate, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. on Monday announced a key appointment of Manisha Sharma as the Weekend Programming Head at Colors, the Hindi General Entertainment Channel. Starting May 1 2012, Ms Sharma will work along with the Weekday Programming Head, Prashaant Bhatt to manage the entire portfolio of fiction and nonfiction content on Colors.

     

    As part of this new role, Ms Sharma will be solely responsible for the shows that air on weekends. Both Mr Bhatt and Ms Sharma will report to Raj Nayak, CEO – Colors.

     

    The realignment and the structural changes have been set up keeping in mind the need to strengthen the entire week, bringing in concentrated effort towards developing content. This move will bring about more attention on building the channel ahead.

     

    Announcing this appointment, Raj Nayak, CEO, Colors commented, “We are delighted to have Manisha on board with us. Given her vast experience and thorough knowledge of the industry, I am sure she will bring in the edge and experience in taking Weekend Programming to a new level.” He added: “With this dynamic combination of Prashant managing the Weekday Programming and Manisha taking charge of Weekends, we are hoping to make sure that Colors is a strong player throughout the week and, through this realignment equal focus will be laid on both – weekday and weekend.”

     

    Ms Sharma, on joining Colors as Weekend Head said: ” I have tremendous appreciation for Colors’ constant attempts towards providing new and innovative content to the viewers through their shows. I am looking forward to working with this incredibly talented group of people and contribute to the weekend programming.”

     

    Prior to joining Colors, Ms Sharma was a Senior Vice President with Sony Entertainment Television. She comes with an experience of over 8 years with Sony and has been responsible for developing shows like Comedy Circus, CID, Crime Patrol and Kaun Banega Crorepati and events.

     

    Colors is Viacom18’s flagship brand in the entertainment space inIndia. A combination of ’emotions’ and ‘variety’, Colors, launched on July 21, 2008, offers an entire spectrum of emotions to its viewers. Colors is a pay channel and is available as a part of SUN18 Media Services in India.