Monday 31 October 2011

Stories on 31st October

Niira Radia shuts Vaishnavi. Tatas switch to Rediff (+Edelman) for PR
Controversial lobbyist resigns plum PR accounts and shuts a successful (albeit controversial) enterprise

Mid Day promoted Ask Me for the third time in one month.

According to the 2011 Forbes India Rich List, the combined wealth of India’s 100 percent richest people is down 20 percent from a year ago to US$ 241 billion.

Every week, Deepa Gahlot casts a critical eye over media reviews of Bollywood releases… in Reviewing the Reviews

Since most events are usually private/low-scale functions, no one discusses the bloopers, and life simply goes on. But we get caught with our pants down when they are held on a mega scale, when the world is watching.

Indian Express had as special guest for its Adda on October 28 Thomas L Friedman, Foreign Affairs Columnist, The New York Times in New Delhi.

BBC Knowledge is set to come out with a special 3D issue for its anniversary in November. The issue will hit the stands on November 1 and will be priced at Rs 100.

High end matrimonial portals emerge to tap growing market of high networth individuals

Direct Marketing Association: India has appointed Mr Vatsal Asher as its Chief Executive Officer.

Delegates from 25 countries can look forward to three days of stimulating give-and-take as the annual advertising festival begins with a gala.

Behind every great commercial is super strategy. Every week, MxMIndia will bring you the brief and the strat as given by the client and whatever else that went into creating a winning ad. AdStrat is compiled by Shubhangi Mehta.

Rahul Kishore, senior vice-president VivaKi Exchange and a sports enthusiast, on why he doesn’t think F1 can kill cricket

Omnicom Group Inc announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a majority stake in the Mudra Group. As part of the agreement, Omnicom will extend its partnership with the Reliance ADA Group.

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Stories on 26th October

The Anchor: 8 pointers on why a brand needs parenting

It’s the time to celebrate and even though the chips may be down, a cross-section of media folk think it’s good to be in the trade.

The Press Council has laid down guidelines and has recommended that the media should be strict when dealing with paid news.

Introducing Naming no Names, an all-new mid-week column by well-known novelist, columnist and counsellor, Gouri Dange.

These last few months of the year are a good time to be in the Out-of-Home industry for reasons other than the ballooning sales and all-time high occupancy of Outdoor sites.

My life has changed totally after I moved from advertising to journalism. For the better, of course.

We just have to reach deeper into the recesses of our memories, look deeper within our souls and remember the fundamentals of how communication works.

From a growth standpoint, this Diwali is looking very, very promising. The fact that there is tremendous traction from the consumer’s end, monetization becomes that much easier.

The next five years are going to be a golden period for the broadcast industry.


The top giver this year has to be Team Anna. Every day, all the members, former and current, work so hard to gift the media something substantial so that juicy stories and screaming debates can be organised.


Marketing is neither for the coldhearted nor is it for the overconfident

Mr Sujay Gupta meets the allegations head-on, saying his newspaper is clean and will remain so.

To resort to a cliche, there's never a dull moment and that suits most journalists very well.

Tuesday 25 October 2011

Stories on 25th October

RED FM to launch Superhits TOP 30
In association with T-Series, RED FM regales its listeners with superhit compilations.

The third edition of the Dainik Bhaskar India Pride Awards in association with DNA was held at Taj Palace, New Delhi.

Online shopping likely to touch over Rs 5,000 cr during Diwali: Asssocham.


From making your communication work better, to building a dedicated core team.

Den Networks Ltd has announced that Mr Shailender Nath Sharma has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company.

Hindustan Times is celebrating ‘100 years of New Delhi’ and has launched several campaigns and initiatives to propel the celebrations.

Colors and CNBCTV18 Prime will also be offered in without any ad breaks in the HD format in first phase of the launch.

Retailers like Future Group, Lifestyle, Godrej, MegaMart, Fabindia are offering 0% EMI to attract customers

When festivity joins hands with creativity, it usually makes for memorable ads. Check out the industry’s picks.

How do I gift stuff to anyone if all my savings have been burnt on getting KLPD*? Still, three ads caught my attention.

Monday 24 October 2011

Stories on 24th October

In Freaking News, Ranjona Banerji reviews the fare on nightly news and in the morning papers

Mindshare promotes R Gowthaman to chief client officer for Asia-Pacific as Ravi Rao will take his position as head of Mindshare South Asia wef Jan 1

I wonder if the carpet bombing of the media that SRK and some other producers do really makes a difference to a movie’s fortunes.

Suite of crazieRBrands online and mobile games lets players win a global adventure.


Behind every great commercial is super strategy. Every week, MxMIndia will bring you the brief and the strat as given by the client and whatever else that went into creating a winning ad. AdStrat is compiled by Shubhangi Mehta.


Dainik Jagran is on the lookout for a creative partner, sources close to the development said while confirming the news to MxM India.

One more reality show on TV featuring a superstar. And this time, it’s Star that’s joined hands with Aamir Khan.

The mood seems a bit muted this year what with inflation and a general economic uncertainty. It’s not that purchases are not being made but the general consensus on the mood is that people are cautious before spending.

Watch a movie? Maybe. Or read, shop, check out sports. Or watch a movie.

Joy Chakraborty to join TV Today as CEO on Dec 1

Saturday 22 October 2011

Friday 21 October 2011

Stories on 21st October

Modi and Gujarati media: Two swords in one sheath
Starting with the government’s failure to protect cows, the print media has been vociferous in its criticism of Modi

In Freaking News, Ranjona Banerji reviews the fare on nightly news and in the morning papers

How do you keep viewers coming back to you in an arena that’s packed with channels and content?

Dainik Bhaskar and Reasonable Communications launch a mega cricketing talent hunt - the T-10 Gully Cricket initiative that reaches 250 districts across 16 states.

History channel has made its mark in the very first week itself, with 19.8 million viewers across India tuning in.

Radio Mirchi and IBN7 offer an off-beat look at current events, politics, people and happenings in a satirical tone, in the new show 2G.

Incredible first year for Conde Nast Traveller: Editor Divia Thani Daswani

Growth in India is predicted to be more than double in the next five years, says Zippo’s global marketing head, David Warfel.

Business monthly celebrates first anniversary with double issue

Broadly speaking, the Indian media is run by proprietors and not by editors. So however honest and diligent the editor might be, the control room is really run by the owner of the publication or the TV channel.

Not in willow-mad India, say industry pundits, when asked if Formula One can be an alternative to cricket.

However much you dislike them, hate their guts, have evidence of their alleged wrongs or have taped conversations of political coziness, you would rather shut up and lead your life.

NDTV promotes Barkha Dutt and Sonia Singh. Dutt is Group Editor across NDTV and President of the Editorial Board and Singh NDTV's Editorial Director and President of NDTV's Ethics Committee.

Thursday 20 October 2011

Stories on 20th October

First on MxMIndia: NDTV elevates Barkha Dutt and Sonia Singh
Barkha Dutt is elevated to Group Editor and President of the Editorial Board. Sonia Singh is Editorial Director and President of Ethics Committee

In Freaking News, Ranjona Banerji reviews the fare on nightly news and in the morning papers

In no particular order - from the dancing girl on the cricket field to Sehwag’s Ma - there’s something about Indian ads and sports that hits the spot.

The application provides 2,50,000 minutes of free of cost content in 12 Indian languages

The line-up has a collection of enthralling, nerve wrecking and entertaining movies this October

Indian matrimonial industry pioneer Shaadi.com turns 15, celebrates World Matrimonial Week.

A week of surprises and a Diwali extravaganza airs from October 17 to October 21 at 6:30pm on Star Plus

Viewers will see Hollywood’s best in four special themes from October 3 to October 27 at 9pm

For a new online shopping portal, it’s critical to come up with a clutter-breaker, which Yebhi has done.

Entrepreneur Mag flags off second season of Guru Mantra with Phaneesh Murthy.

Extensive marketing plans for BBC Good Food as it launches on Oct 21

MTR, which is known for its South Indian instant food mixes and spices, is entering the South Indian snacks category, one that is growing at a rate of more than 40 percent a year.

Corporate image advertising up 40%; Maruti, Adidas, M&M among the top advertisers

Mahindra First Choice awards its creative duties to Leo Burnett India.

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Stories on 19th October

NCT Data Wk 41 '11



Ranjona Banerji reviews nightly news and the morning papers in Freaking News

There are hundreds of brands on Facebook at any given moment vying for your target group’s attention, even as Mark Zuckerberg introduces changes every few weeks.

Every corporate has the right to decide where it parks its monies. But in Sahara’s case, the F1 investment seems a bit out of character. Almost like a ‘wannabe’ decision, so to speak.

Prannoy Roy and team ably led by Barkha Dutt were in their element and handled proceedings with aplomb.

The new year will see a merger of Outlook Profit with Outlook Business to become one magazine.

Pioneer Publicity has won the BEST tender for advertising rights on single and double-decker buses, account size: Rs 85cr


Life's not a box of chocolates: Cadbury is out to prove that Celebrations need not always be festive

Tuesday 18 October 2011

Stories on 18th October

Media under scanner for Telangana coverage
The coverage of the Telangana unrest in Andhra Pradesh by the media has come under criticism for a variety of reasons

Ranjona Banerji reviews nightly news and the morning papers in Freaking News

Anil Thakraney finds the launch TVC for the zippy, stylish Hyundai Eon a "total wash out"

Tasksheet for new Info and Broadcasting Secretary, Uday Kumar Varma

Travel Channel announces a new travel talk show, ‘Livewire With Ash’.

Publicis Groupe is among the leaders in third-quarter mergers and acquisitions rankings, with agencies from the group’s public relations network advised on approximately US$155 billion value of deals worldwide.

Star Plus named ‘Best Entertainment Channel’ at CNBC Story Board Awaaz Awards 2011.

The Times of India and The Cardiological Society of India are organizing an India Heart Conclave to engage relevant stakeholders from the healthcare fraternity in a discussion on necessary actions for managing cardiological disorders.

HT Media’s Shine.com has partnered with The Indian Air force (IAF) to help their retired and retiring personnel find a second career in the corporate world.

Plan T for Twitter put Hippo at the head of the pack when it came to distribution, restocking, and a creative marketing win.


Formula 1 offers an excellent networking opportunity for corporate as large corporate cough up upto Rs 1 crore for special boxes

Lavie releases its first ever TV campaign, capturing the essence of the brand, ‘Handbags for the Many Moods of Women’.

French design and visual communication school ecole intuit.lab ties up with veteran adman Ravi Deshpande to set up design school in Mumbai

India is still booming and still ‘incredible’, and what people call a crisis is just a cycle which will turn around, says Chris Llewellyn.

Monday 17 October 2011

Stories on 17th October

First on MxMIndia: Uday Varma is new I&B Secretary
Uday Kumar Varma is new Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Popular radio jockey is rated as the most popular by an Ormax study

Suresh Selvaraj resigns as President, Outlook group; to take a sabbatical

New categories of generic top level domains are to be introduced for brands, communities and cities

Trade sentiment upbeat as over 15k professionals attend Scat 2011, the annual 3-day satellite and cable TV trade show

Don’t fix what’s not broken, define the brand essence well – and research, research, research.

Kishore Biyani is determined to turn debt-free even if it means selling a chunk of his prized businesses

Domestic companies are spending over Rs 1,200 crore on social media campaigns: Assocham

Creativeland Asia has won the creative mandate for two verticals of Godrej - Godrej hair colour and a new product line to be launched soon.

NDTV to honour excellence in the sixth edition of the Indian of the Year Awards 2011, which salute Icons of Change, on October 18 in New Delhi.

Listeners of Sunset Samosa on Radio Mirchi Delhi get to play Musical Tambola with Radio Mirchi RJ Naved, and stand to win cash prizes up to Rs 15,000.

Even though creative content is at the heart of all communication, magazines which are proactive and transparent in sharing information with clients are the ones which will survive, feels Mr Tomas Ernberg of Volvo Auto.

I really have a bad feeling about the so-called India’s most expensive film Ra One, and its debacle will hurt the SRK brand considerably.

Every week, Deepa Gahlot casts a critical eye over media reviews of Bollywood releases… in Reviewing the Reviews

WWM CEO and incoming AIM President Tarun Rai on the launch of Good Food, the Engagement Study and the future of magazines

Every week, MxMIndia will bring you the brief and the strat as given by the client and whatever else that went into creating a winning ad.

Friday 14 October 2011

Stories on 14th October

The Empire seems to be wobbling other stuff standard
Ranjona Banerji reviews nightly news and the morning papers in Freaking News

The report that Amitabh’s still-to-be-born grandchild is likely to be a boy was setting the country back to the dark ages

There are times when you are saddled with clients who aren’t worth your aching back. People so daft, you’d rather terminate them than self-destruct yourselves.

A deal between NDTV Hindu and Kasturi and Sons will make Metronation Chennai a 100 percent subsidiary of Educational Trustee Company Pvt Ltd, promoters of Daily Dina Thanthi.

Ranbir Kapoor and Nissan to feature in the world’s first Bollywood movie auditioned on Facebook.

World press trends: Newspapers still reach more than internet

The Colors programming head moves on to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in film production.

The countdown to the Indian Grand Prix has begun, with premiums on tickets and hotel room rates indicating the good response to the race.

The government has announced the sunset date for cable TV to get digitised

Acid test from Pfizer as ideas@work win creative mandates for Gelusil Xtra Cool.

Spatial Access turned eight yesterday. Meenakshi Madhvani, Founder & Chairperson of Spatial Access, is ecstatic and philosophical at the same time.

Tarun Rai speaks to MxM India about raising the profile of the magazine industry, and other plans for AIM

Thursday 13 October 2011

Stories on 13th October

WMC finale discusses what advertisers want, how magazines can evolve, and whether print will survive.

GRP & Channel shares of HGECs- Wk 41 2011


Ranjona Banerji reviews nightly news and the morning papers in Freaking News

Hansa Research innovates method to arrive at Real Household Income (eMHI)

Interview - Daniela Krautsack: Developing a Strategic Ambient Platform

Honda Brio: Not a Love Story (with apologies to Ram Gopal Varma!)

SBI Funds Management Pvt Ltd calls for invite agencies to handle their creative mandates, requests for proposals for advertising agency on record.

Star Plus has announced the launch of its app for the iPhone and iPad, becoming India’s first GEC to make an entry into the iPad/ iPhone app store.

BIG CBS Networks unveils fresh programming and future plans for the network

David Hill becomes the new chairman of FIPP; next congress in Rome, Italy

Lowe Lintas drives new business at a scorching pace

With a booming retail market and over 100 million internet users in the country, e-commerce is likely to enter a high growth phase in coming years.

How you want to grow is up to you. What kind of partnerships you want to make happen is up to you. The philosophy of the place and people is up to you choose.

Wednesday 12 October 2011

Stories on 12th October

Despite pessimism, magazines maintain their lead by anticipating changes, say industry honchos

All's well as I&B promises to route content complaints via self-regulators
The I&B Ministry has clarified that there is no doubt about the broadcast bodies’ self-regulatory capabilities.

141 revamps itself; will henceforth be called Bates.

Entrepreneur Guru Mantra lecture series’ second edition in Mumbai with Phaneesh Murthy.

The Indian mediascape is lined with ads that make false/exaggerated promises. The dubious list is long.

Sony Entertainment Television launches music video of ‘Kuch Toh Log Kahenge’

Star Movies fans can get a chance to watch Hollywood titles a day before the official release.

Devesh Rai G quits Mail Today as its head - distribution and marketing.

Skoda Rapid makes its global debut on NDTV’s award-winning The Car & Bike Show

Though magazines worldwide have been going through a rough patch, this IRS shows an increase in magazine readership, both Hindi and English, over the last quarter.

We have to be innovators as much as publishers, said outgoing FIPP Chairman and India Today group CMD, Aroon Purie

Sanjay Tripathy, Executive Vice President and Head, Marketing and Direct Channels at HDFC Life, on what you should look for while selecting an ad agency.

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Stories on 11th October

The government is not empowered to decide what's public interest, say broadcast editors, who will meet the minister today along with other trade reps

First on MxMIndia: Tarun Rai is new AIM President, Mitrajit Bhattacharya is VP

Innovation, expansion and adaptation is the way forward, says I&B minister Soni


Ranjona Banerji reviews nightly news and the morning papers in Freaking News

On his birthday today, 8 reasons why Amitabh Bachchan will always get good TRPs for a channel

With just three weeks left for AdAsia, the total delegate count for the main event has touched almost 800. The theme is ‘Uncertainty is the new certainty’, and industry expectations from the event are high.

India’s biggest Business Reality Show The Pitch is back, as BloombergUTV invites entrepreneurs to enter Season 2, with the potential to get funding up to Rs 5 crore.

R K Swamy BBDO wins mandate from Manipal Hospitals

Digital News Show (DNS) will take place in December and will exhibit digital products by media groups, as well as technology solutions within the digital journalism realm.

UTV Stars and People present ‘The Mercedes Benz Best Dressed Show 2011’.

History Channel plans to take factual entertainment mainstream with popular appeal and marketing strategies that grab the imagination.

The chocolates aren’t rammed down our throats, the brand comes across as this nice, gentle soul who reminds you of your responsibilities. This endears us to Cadbury.

Mumbai tabloid Mid-Day has taken up cudgels on behalf of autorickshaw passengers again, with a renewal of its Meter Down campaign.

Banerjee joins Rediffusion Y&R, Mumbai as Planning Head

Tata associates with Wills India Fashion Week, partners with fashion designer Rajesh Pratap Singh for styling the Tata Manza.

The Voice, an American reality talent show based on the reality singing competition The Voice of Holland, is the big-ticket show for Imagine TV.

BBC TopGear celebrates its sixth year in India with a mega 214-page October issue.

Rahul Thappa on ‘How to Boil a Frog’, ‘Madhyam Marg’ and the ‘Elasticity of Doom’.

The FIPP World Magazine Congress began on October 10 in New Delhi with over 600 delegates from 50 countries in attendance

Monday 10 October 2011

Stories on 10th October

The Capital gets set to host 2 mega-media events - the World Magazine Congress from this evening and AdAsia as the month ends

RAM releases the first 9 cities sweeps
RAM has released its first set of findings basis sweeps in nine cities. The findings have been arrived at, based on Universe Establishment Study and Panel based Respondent data collected during May-August 2011.

Indian FMCG companies tie up with American film studios to co-brand products

The Association of Indian Magazines’ study that is to be unveiled at the World Magazine Congress is set to revive flagging hopes for the industry.

“When international magazines make a beeline to enter into India, how many Indian magazines venture into the neighboring countries, at least?”

Paperbacks and magazines are thriving, newspaper circulation is rising, and the chances of print fading as an advertising medium are dim indeed.

Every week, Deepa Gahlot casts a critical eye over media reviews of Bollywood releases… in Reviewing the Reviews

Luxury market grew 20% last year despite signs of global slowdown, says CII-AT Kearney report

Behind every great commercial is super strategy. Every week, MxMIndia will bring you the brief and the strat as given by the client and whatever else that went into creating a winning ad. AdStrat is compiled by Shubhangi Mehta

PR agents are often abrupt and rude. Indisciplined too, perhaps influenced by their bosses. And their egos massively inflated because they believe they ‘own’ the stars.

Ranjona Banerji reviews nightly news and the morning papers in Freaking News

Friday 7 October 2011

Stories on 7th October

Three days to the FIPP’s World Magazine Congress in India, being held here for the first time

I Will Miss You Dad: An iPhone pays tribute to its Legendary Father, Steven P Jobs
Krish Dhingra finds his iPhone paying tribute to its famed father, Steve Jobs

Ranjona Banerji reviews nightly news and the morning papers in Freaking News

Games 24x7 have awarded their creative mandates to Leo Burnett India. The win is an outcome of a multi-agency pitch.

StreetSmart helps create buzz for Disney original movie ‘Phineas & Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension’

Airtel’s idea has caught on with the so-called Gen Next, and the internet is buzzing with it. A total winner, to put it simply.

Market research and television ratings pioneer Arthur C. Nielsen, Jr. passed away on Wednesday

Obituary: Steve Jobs (1955-2011) showed what it takes to turn the smallest of ideas into life-changing products

The world remembers Steve Jobs as a visionary, innovator and ace businessman. Facebook status links

Select Apple advertisements released from 1984 till date. For more links, we suggest searching for more ads at YouTube.com

There are many reasons behind the cult of Jobs. Here’s my little list on what made the man so special. And my reasons actually lie within Apple’s own legendary ‘Think Different’ advert.

Wednesday 5 October 2011

Stories on 5th October

Chander Mohan Sethi of Reckitt Benckiser (India) in a one-on-one interview with MXMIndia

FirstRand Bank calls for creative, media and PR pitch
FirstRand Bank (FRB), South Africa has called for a creative, media and PR pitch. Industry sources close to the development have confirmed the news to MxM India.

You can’t argue with business and TRPs beyond a point. The hard truth is there’s a big market out there for this sort of crap, writes Anil Thakraney

A quick observation of the combined readership of eight metros and the remaining states

Santosh Menezes has joined Images Group as Associate Vice President Publications – West, at the Mumbai Regional office.

Mohit Sainani, who was head of marketing at Mid-Day, has called it a day. He has now joined Star India.

For good to triumph over evil, what better place to start than one’s own backyard?

The foreign investment limit for FM radio has been enhanced to 26% from the earlier 20%. This change ensures conformity of the foreign investment limit in this sector with other similar activities in the Information & Broadcasting sector. Are the players satisfied with the increase?

Intel Capital invests in Atul Phadnis’s What’s-On-India, along with Sequoia Capital and Nexus VP




Media Rights for UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League 2012-15 announced in Asia; Astro, Ten Sports and S Media awarded exclusive rights

Rohit Gandhi, Rahul Khanna are the Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale designers for WIFW SS’12