Stories on 29th February

Being the best is our trademark: John Ziegler of DDB Mudra
The Chairman and CEO of DDB Mudra talks about India’s role in the APAC market and how rival agencies like WPP are taking a cue or two from them
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/being-the-best-is-our-trademark-john-ziegler-of-ddb-mudra/


Realigned DDB Mudra ups ante for APAC push
While the realignment of top-level at the group was made known to one and all earlier, the event also witnessed a couple of other key announcements from the group
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/realigned-ddb-mudra-ups-ante-for-apac-push/


Aegon Religare hijacks 'i' from TOI
Aegon Religare 'hijacked' the letter 'i' from the national daily, The Times of India, yesterday. The innovation was done to introduce the new and improved iTerm Insurance plan for Aegon Religare
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/aegon-religare-hijacks-i-from-toi/


Quadrant creates Tiger Balm's new TVC
The new TVC for Tiger Balm shows how the product is a household name worldwide
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/quadrant-creates-tiger-balms-new-tvc/


Swad of Success: Regional FMCG firms like Panjon, Bisk Farm, Mapro, raising funds to expand operations
Almost half a dozen smaller regional firms are entering newer states, some advertising for the first time, while others planning to raise funds to survive a fresh salvo by large consumer goods companies
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/swad-of-success-regional-fmcg-firms-like-panjon-bisk-farm-mapro-raising-funds-to-expand-operations/


(MJR) Quality of journalism has gone up: Mohan Sivanand
Despite of all the negativity, like 'paid news' or advertising interfering in editorial content, there is a lot of good stuff too and, in fact, the vast majority today are proper journalists, says Mohan Sivanand, India Editor, Reader's Digest
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/mjr-quality-of-journalism-has-gone-up-mohan-sivanand/


(MJR) Gouri Dange: Why this silence over the noise?
It looks like the media (who thrive on noise of their own kind) has accepted that every Indian, famous and otherwise, has an inalienable, constitutional right to make as much noise whenever and wherever he/she pleases, notes Gouri Dange
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/mjr-gouri-dange-why-this-silence-over-the-noise/


Radio City Connect's awareness campaign for Pune Strykers
'Radio City Connect', Radio City 91.1 FM's full spectrum activations cell provides end-to-end 360 degree brand marketing solutions to all their clients
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/radio-city-connects-awareness-campaign-for-pune-strykers/


HBO documentary 'Saving Face' wins an Academy Award
Saving Face chronicles the arduous attempts of acid-attack survivors Zakia and Rukhsana to bring their assailants to justice
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/hbo-documentary-saving-face-wins-an-academy-award/


DraftFCB Ulka's Cogito Consulting & Asterii Analytics Release India 2061 Report
The supplement highlights some important scenarios that will help build brands for not just the next few years, but well into the next 50 years
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/draftfcb-ulkas-cogito-consulting-asterii-analytics-release-india-2061-report/


ArtistAloud.com is back in a new avatar
To commemorate the second anniversary and the launch of the re-vamped website, ArtistAloud.com will be celebrating the Seagram's Fuel Music Day on March 2
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/artistaloud-com-is-back-in-a-new-avatar/


With Moradabad launch, Hindustan now pan UP and Uttarakhand
It is now printed from 18 centres across the states of UP, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand and Delhi
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/with-moradabad-launch-hindustan-now-pan-up-and-uttarakhand/


5 things that agencies must do to attract top talent
If organisations proactively think about how they should keep their employees engaged over a period of time, attraction rates go up and attrition rates fall, says Rohit Ohri
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/5-things-that-agencies-must-do-to-attract-top-talent/


Anil Thakraney: The Oscar Bore-fest
Some of the presenters seem to have been inspired by our own award shows
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/anil-thakraney-the-oscar-bore-fest/

Stories on 22nd February

So will media spends grow at 12 or 8%?
It's the season for predicting spends, and even as there are varying numbers from Mindshare, Madison & MPA, the industry appears  cautious yet optimistic
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/so-will-media-spends-grow-at-12-or-8/

Coke & Pepsi to sizzle summer with more drinks
Both are responding to the changes in consumption patterns in India's Rs13,000-crore soft drinks market, according to experts
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/coke-pepsi-to-sizzle-summer-with-more-drinks/

Sony bullish on being numero uno Hindi GEC
Sony Entertainment channel, which is sitting pretty at No 2 position in the line-up of general entertainment channels, is quite positive on the chances of becoming the genre leader - something the channel has long awaited in the many years it has been in the business.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/sony-bullish-on-no-1-spot/

ad:tech 2012 set to kick off today
The three-day Delhi event will see participation from over 70 digital marketing companies, more than 2500 delegates and experts from the digital marketing fraternity.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/adtech-2012-set-to-kick-off-today/

Retailers Mahindra group, Godrej Interio, Reliance Retail hire specialists to up sales
Retailers see such specialised shop floor employees as critical to success in the current economic scenario, when consumer sentiments are down
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/retailers-mahindra-group-godrej-interio-reliance-retail-hire-specialists-to-up-sales/

Bridgestone is title sponsor of World Series Hockey
The Bridgestone World Series Hockey will be held from February 29 to April 2, and will involve 200 leading players - Indian and international
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/bridgestone-is-title-sponsor-of-world-series-hockey/

Pavan Varshnei quits ABP, hands over to Kaushik Banerjee
Pavan Varshnei, President, English language publications at Ananda Bazar Patrika (ABP), has decided to move on
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/pavan-varshnei-quits-abp-kaushik-banerjee-to-head-eng-mags/

Gouri Dange: The cut-rate client & the new age freelancer
'It's for a good cause and think of the exposure,' they say, but exposure and goodwill don't pay the freelancer's bills, observes Gouri Dange.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/gouri-dange-the-cut-rate-client-the-new-age-freelancer/

Axis, banking on life's growth story
Axis bank launches its new campaign created by Lowe Lintas, 'Badhti ka naam Zindagi'
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/axis-banking-on-lifes-growth-story/

Radio reality show Big Memsaab to cover more states in season 5
Big Memsaab, the radio reality show focusing on ordinary women with extraordinary talent, is expanding to cover more states.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/radio-reality-show-big-memsaab-to-cover-more-states-in-season-5/

Real Steel boxes its way into Top 10 iTunes Chart
The mobile game app is among the top 10 paid apps on iOS
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/real-steel-boxes-its-way-into-top-10-itunes-chart/

Vizeum wins media duties of Ricoh India
Ricoh has aggressive growth plans with clear focus in the areas of multi-functional products, laser printers and managed document services
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/vizeum-wins-media-duties-of-ricohindia/

The Anchor: Anil Thakraney on 9 reasons why KFA must shut shop
It would hurt Dr Vijay Mallya's pride if his pet project got killed. But there's no place for ego and emotion in business
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/anil-thakraney-on-9-reasons-why-kfa-must-shut-shop/

The King in troubled waters
In Freaking News, Ranjona Banerji reviews the fare on primetime news and in the papers
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/the-king-in-troubled-waters/

Stories on 8th February

Betting big on shopper insights
After wowing the world, TBWA brings Integer to India with its Shopper Marketing solutions
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/after-wowing-the-world-integer-eyes-india-with-its-shopper-marketing-solutions/

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf looking to brew more
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf aims at capturing those seeking a better coffee experience.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/coffee-bean-tea-leaf-looking-to-brew-more/

Gadgetsguru.com launches branding campaign
Gadgetsguru.com, affiliating with Brand Capital, has come up with print ads, TVCs and is soon coming out with online and radio ads.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/gadgetsguru-com-launches-branding-campaign/

Cricket gets even more interesting with Zapak's Cricville
Zapak gives you a chance to own a customized cricket team on Facebook through Cricville, a social cricket game based on the IPL pattern by Zapak
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/cricket-just-got-even-more-interesting-with-zapaks-cricville/

LinkedIn announces localized solutions 4 Indian recruiters
The solutions, a global first, will give more recruiters in India access to high potential candidates and drive the growth of the local talent economy.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/linkedin-introduces-localized-solutions-for-indian-recruiters/

Vandana Das to join DDB Mudra, Delhi as President
She will be responsible for building both the DDB Mudra and Mudra brands in Delhi.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/vandana-das-to-join-ddb-mudra-delhi-as-president/

Gouri Dange: Those deliciously bizarre Google ads
The ads that come alongside your emails are an exercise in refracted reality, remarks Gouri Dange.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/gouri-dange-those-deliciously-bizarre-google-ads/

The Anchor: Rajiv Rao on the 5 Mumbai watering holes he misses most
For most advertising professionals, office becomes home and the nearby bar is the second home. It’s where we head after a long day for a well deserved drink, be it raising a toast or drowning sorrows.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/the-anchor-rajiv-rao-reminisces-about-5-watering-holes-he-misses/

Anil Thakraney: A Sahara lesson for BCCI
The cricket body has conveniently cloaked its workings in dark secrecy, and this has led to many dubious deeds.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/anil-thakraney-a-sahara-lesson-for-bcci/

Cbazaar.in drapes a new avatar
While styling the world, Cbazaar.in gets styled with a fresh logo and website
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/cbazaar-in-drapes-a-new-avatar/

Inorbit Malls’ interactive feedback mechanism on Twitter & SMS
Inorbit Malls have created an online forum on Twitter and launched a dedicated 24 hour customer SMS service
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/inorbit-malls%E2%80%99-interactive-feedback-mechanism-on-twitter-sms/

Reliance Entertainment's BigFlixs unveils its latest ad campaign
The campaign talks about activating "your personal blockbuster theatre" featuring BigFlixs+, equipping subscribers to download blockbuster titles in addition to merely streaming
http://www.mxmindia.com/2012/02/reliance-entertainment%E2%80%99s-big-flicks-unveils-its-latest-ad-campaign/

Stories on 28th December

As 2012 beckons: Return of hope, yet again
In Part 1 of our yearenders: the slowdown may be a dampner, but there's some reason for cheer as 2011 comes to an end
http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/12/as-2012-beckons-return-of-hope-yet-again/


LOOKBACK 2011

Top TV & Print Spenders
Interestingly, while there would have been a dip in advertising spends in terms of value, advertising volume has in fact increased - and volume growth has been higher for print media.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/12/lookback-2011-top-tv-print-spenders/

The Year for GECs
The tough fight between the channels has definitely benefited the viewer, who gets to see differentiated content now. It is appointment viewing all the way - with viewers happily surfing.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/12/lookback-2011-the-year-for-gecs/

The Year for News TV
Cricket was upstaged by Team Anna when it came to news channels.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/12/lookback-2011-the-year-for-news-tv/

What creative & media agencies won
Media agencies did well either globally or nationally but in the case of creative agencies, most national award winners have done well internationally too.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/12/lookback-2011-what-creative-media-agencies-won/

Filmwallahs dominate endorsements
76 percent endorsements are still done by film stars despite a 10 percent dip over the previous year.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/12/lookback-2011-filmwallahs-dominate-endorsements/

Skoda on lookout for creative partner
Six months after finalising a creative agency, Skoda has again called for a creative pitch, with the account size estimated to be Rs 10 crore.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/12/skoda-on-lookout-for-creative-partner/

Gouri Dange: Where's the Indian guy?
Indians are rarely seen as part of the script in most sitcoms, romcoms, detective serials, and courtroom or medical dramas, grumbles Gouri Dange.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/12/naming-no-names-wheres-the-indian-guy/

Micromax strengthens its core team in India
Deepak Mehrotra joins as the new CEO; Khaja Muzaffarullah joins as the Feature phone division head;. Ajay Sharma to lead the smartphone division.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/12/micromax-strengthens-its-core-team-in-india/

Homeshop18.com and Microsoft join hands
HomeShop18.com users can now browse the website faster through a one-click access system, using Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 9.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/12/homeshop18-com-and-microsoft-join-hands/

MAX introduces new film slot for movie buffs!
MAX FILM CLUB starts from December 31, every Saturday night after the 8pm movie
http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/12/max-introduces-new-film-slot-for-movie-buffs/

5 reasons why Indian ad talent is doing so well in Asia
Why is desi advertising talent so popular? The argumentativeness of the Indian tops Prashant Kumar’s list.
http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/12/the-anchor-5-reasons-why-indian-advertising-talent-is-doing-well-in-asia/

Anil Thakraney: Rap on the knuckles that leaves no mark
Is pulling off misleading ads enough?
http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/12/anil-thakraney-rap-on-the-knuckles-that-leaves-no-mark/

Stories on 23rd November

JWT restructures to bring in 3 NCDs

There's plenty happening at the JWT office as the agency restructures to bring in three NCDs. Also, a quick interview with Bobby Pawar

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/jwt-restructures-to-bring-in-3-ncds/

Subhash Chandra gets Emmy Directorate Award

Subhash Chandra, founder of Zee Group, has received the 2011 International Emmy Directorate Award. Mr Chandra made history by becoming the first ever Directorate Award recipient from India.

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/subhash-chandra-gets-emmy-directorate-award/

Viacom18 leads in accolades at PromaxBDA Asia

Viacom18 entries led the tally at the PromaxBDA Asia held on Tuesday, followed by Star, MSM, Zee, UTV, Turner, MCCS and the BBC.

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/viacom18-leads-in-accolades-at-promaxbda-asia/

Industry veterans to train @ Stratagem Media's Media Rhythm 4

MXM India is the web partner for Stratagem’s fourth Media RHYTHM training event, to be held on December 2 and 3 in Mumbai.

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/stratagem-media-to-host-media-rhythm-4/

The Anchor: 8 key aspects of Phase III that radio companies need to address

Licenses, bidding, alliances… the world of radio is complex – and remember, there is going to be a phase 4 one day. E&Y Associate Director Ashish Pherwani on Phase III must-dos

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/the-anchor-8-key-aspects-of-phase-iii-that-radio-companies-need-to-address/

Gouri Dange: The Media Menu Card

Naming no Names, the mid-week column where novelist, columnist and counsellor Gouri Dange presents her tongue-in-cheek view of our world.

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/naming-no-names-the-media-menu-card/

Hard Knocks: Heavy price for a goof-up

While the good thing that could come out of this incident is that the media will hopefully be more careful in the future, there is no denying that the rather harsh punitive action against Times Now has alarmed all of us in the media.

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/hard-knocks-heavy-price-for-a-goof-up/

Sabeer 'Hotmail' Bhatia's launches JaxtrSMS. Offers free SMS, NEware

Hotmail’s original founder Sabeer Bhatia and Yogesh Patel have announced the launch of JaxtrSMS, a cross-platform, open texting application that would enable users to send SMS to anyone in the world for free.

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/jaxtrsms-offers-free-sms-nywhere/

Stories on 2nd November

AdAsia: Change, the only constant

The theme of AdAsia – Uncertainty – underlines the need to keep up with change if one is not to be left behind. Industry attendees weigh in.

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/adasia-change-the-only-constant/

6 reasons why you can do without attending AdAsia 2011

Amidst all the gush about AdAsia 2011, a senior mediaperson dwells on why it's OK if you've given it a miss.

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/6-reasons-why-you-can-do-without-attending-adasia2011/

AdAsia: Learning the rules of the game from Harish Manwani

With 54 percent of their business comes from the developing market, the HUL chief terms it the ‘emerging market company’ as the economic centres shift to emerging markets.

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/ad-asia-learning-the-rules-of-the-game-from-harish-manwani/

AdAsia Exec Summary: Lively sessions mark Day One

From insights into a changing world, to marketing solutions for an increasingly younger audience, and more... AdAsia got off to a stimulating start.

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/ad-asia-lively-sessions-mark-day-one/

AdAsia: From chat rooms to Twitter

AdAsia tackles the question of how marketers can make good use of the digital revolution.

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/adasia-from-chat-rooms-to-twitter/

Gouri Dange's Naming No Names: Cheeni kum!

Naming no Names is the mid-week column by well-known novelist, columnist and counsellor, Gouri Dange.

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/naming-no-names-cheeni-kum/

Hard Knocks: Radia was not the one to blame

Truth be told, Radia only did her job. She may have been involved in murky negotiations, but all she did was ride an already corrupt and rotting political system.

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/hard-knocks-radia-was-not-the-one-to-blame/

What’s-On-India reaches its 40 million target

What’s-On-India’s distribution reaches 40 million, with 15 million homes added in October.

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/what%E2%80%99s-on-india-reaches-its-40-million-target/

NDTV shows growth in quarter results

NDTV released their quarter results which ended on September 30, 2011. NDTV consolidated income rose to Rs 114 crore from Rs 86 crore in the same quarter last year, an increase of 32 percent.

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/ndtv-shows-growth-in-quarter-results/

Delhi Metro Line II is BIG Street’s till 2016

Reliance Broadcast Network’s BIG Street retains OOH mandate for the premium Line II of Delhi Metro till 2016.

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/delhi-metro-line-ii-is-big-street%E2%80%99s-till-2016/

TME to have a strategic alliance with MPG

Rediffusion Y&R's media arm TME has entered into a strategic alliance with the Havas group's MPG

http://www.mxmindia.com/2011/11/tme-to-have-a-strategic-alliance-with-mpg/