Real creativity is to crack a problem: Pops
“Creativity in advertising is not writing a story with a twist in the end. Real creativity is to crack a problem and give a solution that builds value for the client. Real creativity is all about generating relevant insights, breaking barriers and changing human behaviour,” says KV (Pops) Sridhar, NCD, Leo Burnett.

Idea walks the talk with a health proposition
Continuing with the ‘socially relevant’ elements in its ads, Idea Cellular’s latest TVC tackles the issue of health and fitness. Brand ambassador Abhishek Bachchan dons the role of a doctor, who advises people to walk as they talk on their cellphones so that they are truly ‘mobile’. However, this advice backfires on him… in a way.

Hill & Knowlton enters India by taking over management responsibility of IPAN
Global communications consultancy Hill & Knowlton has expanded its operations into India by taking over the management responsibility of IPAN from JWT India effective July 1 2009. The new entity, to be re branded IPAN Hill & Knowlton, will become a part of Hill & Knowlton’s Asia Pacific region with IPAN President Radhika Shapoorjee reporting to Hill & Knowlton Asia Pacific President & Chief Operating Officer Vivian Lines.

Brand Yatra: The two-minute revolution in the kitchen
Presenting a quickie solution to hungry kids’ ‘Mummy bhook lagi hai’ demand, Nestle’s Maggi has come a long way since its introduction in Indian kitchens 25 years ago. Along the way, the brand has come up with quite a few variants and has gone from its ‘Bas do minute’ promise to the ‘Taste bhi, health bhi’ peg. exchange4media traces the brand’s journey as it celebrates its Silver Jubilee.

ASCI brings 38 ads under scanner; 2 ads withdrawn, 8 modified
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has released its report for the period January-March 2009 on ads that were either withdrawn or modified. A total of 38 ads had been brought under the scanner, of which two ads have been withdrawn, while eight have been modified.

TTML appoints Square Circle Outdoors as OOH partner for Tata Indicom
Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Ltd has awarded the media duties to Square Circle Outdoors Pvt Ltd for out-of-home solutions for Brand Tata Indicom.

Maxus India adds Red Bull to its kitty; ac size Rs 15-20 cr
Following a multi-agency pitch, Maxus India’s Mumbai office has bagged the media mandate for Red Bull. This win comes close on the heels of the agency bagging Colors and Rediff.com media duties. Industry sources peg the Red Bull media business in the region of Rs 15-20 crore.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency calls for creative pitch; ac size upwards of Rs 100 cr
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is on the lookout for a creative partner has called for a pitch. The account size is pegged upwards of Rs 100 crore. Several leading creative agencies are reportedly taking part in the pitch. The agencies will be selected through a tender.

Maxus India adds Red Bull to its kitty; ac size Rs 15-20 cr
Following a multi-agency pitch, Maxus India’s Mumbai office has bagged the Red Bull’s media mandate. The account comes close on the heels of Colors and Rediff.com’s wins for the agency.

Tata Photon Plus takes forward the ‘speed’ factor
Catering to an impatient generation that doesn’t like to wait, Tata Indicom has introduced Tata Photon Plus, a wireless Internet product that offers speeds of up to 3.1 mbps. The company has come up with a new campaign that breaks on July 1 across GECs to support the product. Contract Advertising is the agency behind the campaign.

TBWA\India strengthens South portfolio with V-Guard win
V-Guard, leaders in stabilisers with a strong presence in wires, water heaters, fans and pumps, have assigned the communication duties of their entire portfolio to TBWA\India. Lowe and a few other local agencies, besides TBWA, had contested this pitch. The account is valued at over Rs 10 crore.

ITC’s corporate division calls for creative pitch; ac size upwards of Rs 150 cr
ITC’s corporate division has called for a creative pitch for the first time. The pitch is taking place in Kolkata. The objective is to highlight ITC as a brand and create brand building awareness. JWT and O&M are two of the agencies in the race for the business. According to sources, the account size is pegged upwards of Rs 150 crore.

I don’t think recession is fun at all, far from it: Sir Martin Sorrell
“I don’t think recession is fun at all… It is a difficult time. The prospects of the industry are strong because of different reasons – globalisation, over-capacity and shortage of human capital, internal communication, CSR, centralization – these are all good long-term stuff. But the short-term is very painful,” says Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO, WPP.

JWT India wins Thomas Cook’s creative biz
Following a multi-agency pitch, JWT India’s Mumbai office has been appointed the creative agency for the closely competed Thomas Cook India Ltd business. There were 10 agencies in the fray for the business. Dentsu Marcom is the incumbent agency. Industry sources estimate the business to be in the vicinity of Rs 12-15 crore.

Pizza Hut brings alive the ‘Twist, Pull, Pop’ fun element in pizzas
Launching new pizza variants in a tough competitive environment is always challenging. Pizza Hut has taken the fun peg for its new pizza ‘Cheesy Bites’. Promoting the new launch is Lara Dutta. The essence of the campaign and the range is captured in the line ‘Twist, Pull, Pop’. The TVC is slated to break on July 1, 2009.

JWT India wins Thomas Cook’s creative biz
Following a multiagency pitch, JWT India’s Mumbai office has been appointed the creative agency for the closely competed Thomas Cook India Ltd business. There were ten agencies in the fray for the business that included names like Leo Burnett, TBWA\India, Everest Brand Solutions, Rediffusion Y&R, Beehive and Dentsu Marcom. Dentsu Marcom was the incumbent agency for business. Industry sources estimate the business to be in the vicinity of Rs 12-15 crore.

HT Media calls for an OOH pitch
One of India’s leading media companies, HT Media has invited proposals for an OOH pitch. The pitch is reportedly to be on the three brands Hindustan Times Hindustan and Fever 104 FM.

New boss for R Balki &Charles Cadell from Sept 2009
Following Steve Gatfield’s decision to exit Lowe Worldwide, the company has finally found a replacement in former Fallon International President Michael Wall. At present, Lowe Lintas India team R Balki and Charles Cadell report to Tony Wright, Chairman, Lowe Worldwide. The duo would report jointly to Wright and Wall from Sept 2009.

TME bags Tata Steel & Lafarge media mandates; acc size Rs 30 crore
Having pocketed the Eveready media mandate a while ago, TME is on a roll in the Kolkata market. The latest addition to their growing list of wins is Tata Steel & Lafarge Cements. According to industry sources, the cumulative size of both the wins is upwards of Rs 30 crore. Mindshare is the incumbent agency on both these businesses.

Corrigendum:
The Weekend newsletter issued by exchange4media.com on June 26, 2009, had incorrectly mentioned that Nitin Kalra has moved from his responsibilities at Star India. Kalra is still employed with Star India Pvt Ltd as Manager – Licensing & Merchandising. The editor regrets the inconvenience caused.

AAAI opens its door to Creative and Media Agencies
Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) at its General Body Meeting held on June 26, 2009 decided unanimously to go ahead with several changes in the decades old Rules and Regulations of the Association. Primarily with a view to make the Association truly representative of the Industry today where Full Service Agencies co-exist with Creative and Media Agencies. Going forward, the AAAI will now be able to admit all three categories of Agencies as full-fledged independent members.

Sonata goes online for first time, spends 10% advertising budget
Sonata, the leading watch brand from the house of Tata, has launched an online campaign for its Super Fibre range of watches. This is the first time Sonata has gone online primarily to create awareness about its Super Fibre collections to the TG in the age bracket group of 16 to 20. The campaign was launched on May 29, 2009 and will be up until this weekend. The creative agency for the Super Fibre campaign is Lowe Lintas, and the media agency is Maxus.

UN, IAA and marketing industry leaders launch global campaign, ‘Hopenhagen’
The United Nations, together with the International Advertising Association, and a coalition of the world’s leading advertising, marketing and media agencies today launched Hopenhagen – a movement that empowers global citizens to engage in the December United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen – at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. Hopenhagen is a global marketing and communications initiative that will inspire and generate mass activation around the world.

IAA's India Chapter launches Young Professional Membership at Cannes
India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) has officially announced the launch of the Young Professional (YP) Membership. The membership came into being as the Mr Raj Nayak, President of the India Chapter of the IAA, made the announcement.

Union Bank of India empanels six creative agencies; acc size Rs 50 crore
One of the front-runners among the public sector banks, Union Bank of India (UBI) has finalised six agencies to handle its creative business. The agencies include Mudra, RK Swamy BBDO, Aakar, Interpub, Crayons and Sobhagya Advertising. The account size is said to the tune of Rs 50 crore and above.

India’s leading IT group HCL calls for a creative pitch
India's leading IT and technology group HCL has purportedly invited proposals for a creative pitch. It is learnt that Mudra, Leo Burnett among others have particiapted in the pitch. According to the sources close to the development, the account size is said to be pegged at Rs 25 crore.

Brand Yatra: From stirring the cute quotient to being grown up and healthy
The popular `I love You’ Rasna commercial of the 80’s still remains fresh in our memory so much so that even though the brand does not use the tagline anymore and probably used it last more than a decade back yet the association is not easy to let go off.

Flashed Yesterday: Britannia moves its media duties to Madison Media Group; ac size upwards of Rs 50 cr
For long, mystery had enveloped around Britannia's media pitch as many sections of media remained divided on the veracity of the existence of the pitch. All the rumours were put to rest, as Britannia, after 5 years awarded Madison Media Group its duties ahead of the incumbent Maxus India. Sources confirm the size of business to be an upwards of Rs 50 crore. Incidentally, exchange4media had earlier reported that Britannia was closely reviewing its creative duties

Triveni Media appoints Live1 as its creative agency
Mumbai-based agency Live1 has grabbed the creative duties for Triveni Media group that runs an array of regional and national news channels. According to Amit Sinha, Director and CEO, Triveni Media Ltd, the account is worth Rs 25 crore. Some of the channels from Triveni Media include Voice of India, VOI Rajasthan and VOI Bangla.

Britannia moves its media duties to Madison Media Group; ac size upwards of Rs 50 cr
It is a known fact that Britannia was reviewing its media duties after five years. It is now confirmed from sources close to the development that Madison Media Group has bagged the business. The size of the business is upwards of Rs 50 crore.

VLCC brings on board Media Contacts & 141 Sercon; ac size Rs 30 cr
Soon after Ogilvy & Mather bagged the creative duties for the personal care brand VLCC for Rs 10 crore, VLCC has now divided its marketing insights and CRM initiatives between Media Contacts and 141 Sercon. The account size has now risen up from Rs 10 crore to Rs 30 crore.

Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting appoints Mudra Connext as its Integrated Media AOR
Mudra Connext has been recently awarded the Integrated Media AOR (Agency of Record) for Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting (WCCLG). Connext will handle Wipro brands in new categories such as Wipro lighting, sugar substitute and liquid detergent. The other part of media business of WCCLG is handled by Lodestar Universal.

Heineken Beer calls for creative pitch, ac size upwards of Rs 15 cr
Negotiating its way in the crowded beer market of India, Dutch brewer Heineken has invited a creative pitch to step up its presence in the country. Sources close to the development confirm the account size to be upwards of Rs 15 crore. Heineken is currently being marketed by Vijay Mallya led United Breweries (UB).

McCann Erickson intelligently balloons Perfetti’s big bubbles
We all have at some stage blown bubbles from a chewing gum and cheerfully enjoyed their bursting on our face. The recent Big Babol TVC by McCann Erickson translates this funny moment into an act of cunning and brilliance.

STAR still enjoys the legacy component, by virtue of their consistency: Rajesh Kamat
Colors CEO Rajesh Kamat follows the simple rule of not commenting on competition. However, when asked whether Colors has reached a point where its revenues can be compared to industry leaders like STAR and Zee, Kamat was candid enough to admit “I would say Zee but not STAR. STAR still enjoys the legacy component, by virtue of their consistency. It is not easy to break those shackles. Our effort has to be consistent or be equal to STAR or higher than that, and then we should get that premium also.”

Hamdard launches three TVCs for Rooh Afza with Juhi Chawla
Hamdard has launched new TVCs for its popular refreshing drink Rooh Afza. Triton, the agency behind the TVCs, has roped in Juhi Chawla, yet again, as the brand endorser for the new campaigns. The campaigns are directed at creating a multi dimensional positioning for the brand beyond its image as a regular summer cooler.

Carat bags Nokia global media AoR; Maxus stays on for India
The global media pitch for Nokia has finally completed, and the mobile device maker has decided to partner with Aegis Media’s Carat as the “single global media partner to handle its media planning and buying”. Nokia had to alter the decision for India though, where the transition period has been extended, and the account continues to be with Maxus. The situation is the same for Middle East/North Africa too, where Mediacom would continue to service the account.

VLCC appoints O&M as its creative agency; ac size Rs 10 cr
O&M will be the new creative partner for the beauty and health care brand VLCC. Till now, the incumbent agency Equus Red Cell was handling the personal and health care product line of VLCC. According to sources close to the development, the combined worth of the account is estimated to be an upwards of Rs 10 crore.

Royal Enfield’s TwinSpark ‘Leaves Home’ on a focussed media plan
The New Thunderbird TwinSpark ‘Leave Home’ campaign is based on the obvious insight of the ‘mommy’s boy’ in Indian society. The campaign hopes to break away from the clutter within the category of the 100cc bike advertising. Interestingly it is both thought-provoking and relevant in today’s social context. While Wieden & Kennedy has penned this TVC, it is produced by Red Ice films, Mumbai. The campaign is on air in theatres across South, and is soon to be aired in the Northern region as well.

Brand Yatra: Doing Well by Doing Good for Lifebuoy
Since its official inception in 1935, Lifebuoy has evolved and re-evolved to reach its current positioning of being a health essential. The brand’s custodians explain that the crusade to save lives has been hardwired into the brand’s DNA, and as a result, all initiatives, importantly the ones involved in Lifebuoy’s branding, go back to this basic premise. The context and tone may change; the intent, never, and perhaps this is one of the reasons that has made Lifebuoy the “largest selling health soap brand in the world”.

Maa Communications to launch rural marketing & PR division in 2009
In its attempt to offer complete marketing and branding solutions under one umbrella, Maa Communications is all geared to launch its rural marketing division by September 2009, and a public relations division by the yearend. Both these divisions would be under Turn On, which is the experiential marketing unit of the company. As is known, in addition to Turn On, Maa also has Sabre Digital and Masala Tea in the digital and branded entertainment domains respectively.

Ogilvy, R K Swamy & Leo Burnett make it to the final round of HNGIL pitch
Hindustan National Glass & Industries Ltd (HNGIL), that had recently invited nine agencies to compete for the creative business of its forthcoming Float Glass project in Gujarat, has finalised three agencies for the final round. These include Ogilvy India, RK Swamy BBDO and Leo Burnett India. The estimated account size of the business is Rs 20 crore.

Ogilvy India bags Mother Diary creative biz; ac size Rs 15 cr
In the wake of a multi agency pitch, Ogilvy India has bagged the creative duties of the milk and dairy products of Mother Dairy. Company sources have confirmed the development to exchange4media. The incumbent on the business is Saatchi & Saatchi. Industry sources peg the business in the vicinity of Rs 15 crore. Madison Media continues to be the media agency for the complete Mother Dairy business.

Max Bupa Health Insurance on the lookout for a creative partner
Max Bupa Health Insurance has called for a creative pitch. The account size is estimated to be in the region of Rs 8-10 crore. It is learnt that leading ad agencies have participated in the pitch. Max Bupa Health Insurance Limited is a joint venture between Max India Limited and UK-based Bupa Group, an international healthcare company.

HNG Float Glass calls for a creative pitch; ac size Rs 20 cr
Hindustan National Glass & Industries Ltd (HNGIL), manufacturer of glass bottles and vials, is shopping for a creative agency. The company has invited nine agencies to pitch for its new project ‘HNG Float Glass Limited’. The estimated account size for the business is Rs 20 crore.

Ogilvy India bags Mother Dairy milk & dairy products' creative biz
In the wake of a multi agency pitch, Ogilvy India has bagged the creative duties of the milk and dairy products of Mother Dairy. Company sources have confirmed the development to exchange4media. The incumbent on the business is Saatchi & Saatchi. Industry sources peg the business in the vicinity of Rs 15 crore. Madison Media continues to be the media agency for the complete Mother Dairy business.

The ‘intelligent’ evolution of ‘funny’ in advertising
We have all encountered humour in advertising. Some examples are plain silly; a few in bad taste and some others, God forbid, aren’t even funny. While humour is an old tool in Indian advertising, over the last few years, it has evolved from slapstick to intelligent, and if creative gurus are anything to go by, the trend will reverse again. exchange4media spoke to a few creative heads on the evolution of this double-edged sword in advertising.

Coca-Cola rolls out first international film ‘Library’ from its global campaign in India
Coca-Cola in India has unveiled a new campaign from the series of global campaign ‘Open Happiness’ for brand Coca-Cola. The new communication campaign ‘Library’ is the first international film of the global campaign to be aired in India. The latest communication for ‘Coca-Cola Open Happiness’ has been conceptualised by Wieden + Kennedy, global agency for brand Coca-Cola, and is all set to be rolled out on June 13, 2009.

Following a good beginning, PerceptH gears for the rest of the year
For PerceptH, 2009 is proving to be a good year. The agency began the first five months with key new business acquisitions like Bajaj Allianz, BSNL, Bank of Baroda and the Congress Jai Ho campaign. In a conversation with exchange4media, Prabhakar Mundkur, CEO, Percept H stated that this has fuelled the agency’s growth in the early part of the year.

Century Plyboards teams up with ‘Jai Ho’ for forthcoming campaign
Century Plyboards has teamed up with ‘Jai Ho - You Are My Destiny’ music video for an exclusive 30-second co-branded TVC, which has been ideated and conceptualised by P9 Integrated. The campaign will be aired on various channels from June 7, 2009, and would also be showcased during the T20 World Cup tournament.

WB partners OMD & M&C Saatchi for forthcoming campaign
The recently launched English movie channel, WB, is out with its marketing campaign aimed at building awareness and aspiration around the brand. The campaign creative duties were handled by M&C Saatchi; the campaign media planning and buying was done by OMD for mass media; Ogilvy Activation handled the outdoor and Interactive Avenues handled the digital.

Dentsu India and Serco join hands to launch ClozR Communications
Dentsu India has announced the launch of ‘ClozR Communications’, its new CRM and loyalty practice in joint partnership with Serco BPO, one of the leading domestic BPO companies in India. Focusing on one-to-one brand communication both in the digital and offline space, ClozR Communications will work towards creating and progressing impactful relationships between clients, their customers and consumers.

Conversations are contagious: Richard Pinder, COO, Publicis Worldwide
Richard Pinder, the recently appointed Chief Operating Officer of Publicis Worldwide, is on a visit to India. In a gathering of the Indian media and advertising fraternity on June 10, 2009, Pinder presented a perspective of marketing and communications in the new world. He spoke on the difference that ‘conversations’ can make to the advertising communication of a brand.

Samsonite India’s creative duties up for grabs; ac size Rs 30-35 cr
Samsonite India has put its creative duties up for a review. At present, TBWA India is the incumbent on the business. Sudip Ghose, Director-Marketing, Samsonite South Asia confirmed the development to exchange4media but offered no details on the ad-spends. Industry sources however pegged the business to be in the vicinity of Rs 30-35 crore. It is understood that Lintas Media Group would continue to be the media agency for Samsonite.

Dentsu India and Serco join hands to launch ClozR Communications
Dentsu India has announced the launch of ‘ClozR Communications’, its new CRM and loyalty practice in joint partnership with Serco BPO, one of the largest domestic BPO companies in India. Focusing on one to one brand communication both in the digital and offline space, ClozR Communications will work towards creating and progressing impactful relationships between clients, their customers and consumers.

Argentina wins IAA-Dentsu Global Student Poster Competition
The International Advertising Association (IAA) and Dentsu, with the support of the United Nations, have announced the results of the IAA-Dentsu Global Student Poster Competition with the theme of Climate Change. The World Champion was named as Matias Fernandez Garcia from Universidad Argentina de la Empresa in Buenos Aries; his entry was called ‘Thermometer’.

Salman Khan and Sohail Khan feature in Chlormint’s new TVC
One of Perfetti’s flagship brands, Chlormint, has released with a new ad with Salman Khan and Sohail Khan for added “freshness and star appeal”. This commercial has been created by McCann Erickson, headed by the Creative Director Prasoon Joshi and produced by Black Magic Motion Pictures. This is the first time that Salman and Sohail have come together for a television commercial.

Ashutosh Legend Multimedia bags OneStopShop Retails’ Rs 15 cr ad biz
Ashutosh Legend Multimedia Pvt. Ltd. (ALMPL) has bagged OneStopShop Retails’ (OSS) advertising business. ALMPL will take care of all the creative, media, PR and outdoor activities of OSS for the year 2009 -10. Industry sources peg the business in the vicinity of Rs 15 crore.

Brand Yatra: Amul’s ‘Utterly Butterly Delicious’ road to being an iconic brand
‘Utterly Butterly Delicious!’ hummed a thumb-sized girl, dressed in a polka-dotted frock and just like that, a star was born -- a ‘pun’ loving star, who with her bold tongue-in-cheek topicals, made way directly into the hearts of millions. The history of the Amul girl can be traced back to 1967, when the first hoarding of Amul came up in Mumbai, and became an instant hit.

Maruti Suzuki Ritz presents ‘slices of life’ driven by Dentsu
With so many cars flooding the market, especially in the hatchback segment, it is imperative to create a marked differentiation. Maruti Suzuki Ritz, the latest entrant in the Indian auto market, has come up with a TVC that seeks to bring out the personality of the car and the man owning it. The ad has been conceptualised by Dentsu Creative Impact.

Brand Bajaj Allianz encourages to ‘Jiyo Befikar’
M&C Saatchi has conceptualised the first brand campaign focusing on Brand Bajaj Allianz and not the products that they offer. This is a deliberate shift from a functional communication to a more emotional communication based on real life situations. The TVC breaks on June 6 during the T20 matches on Doordarshan and other GECs.

‘In special interest or niche segment, the demand for print will still exist’
“There is a need for quick information in sectors like business, finance or new products, where people will be relying more on the Internet. But there are magazines such as lifestyle or that have aspirational subjects, where people would want to go through the emotional experience of reading a magazine. In special interest or niche segment, the demand for print will still exist,” says Patrick J McGovern, Chairman of the Board, IDG.

Cannes Lions 2009: ‘Naaka Mukka’ – from Chennai underbelly into mainstream: Senthil Kumar@Cannes Lions
India has won its first ever Gold in Film Lions at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. JWT India is excited with the win, and JWT India’s Senthil Kumar writes more on the winning Film – A Day in the life of Chennai done for The Times of India Chennai launch.

Cannes Lions 2009: India wins its first ever Film Lions Gold, courtesy JWT India
India has quite a few Film Lions to its credit, but this was the first time that India has won Gold Lions in this highly competent category. The awarded agency was JWT India for the work that the agency had done for The Times of India Chennai launch.

Cannes Lions 2009: Another year ends, and the preparation for Cannes 2010 is here
Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival has completed 56 years. As the Festival closes, Festival organisers express content on the year gone, and already look forward to the year ahead.

Cannes Lions 2009: India wins its first ever Film Lions Gold, courtesy JWT India
India has quite a few Film Lions to its credit, but this was the first time that India has won Gold Lions in this highly competent category. The awarded agency was JWT India for the work that the agency had done for The Times of India Chennai launch.

A jury is a community - and you get added as a friend- Meera Sharath Chandra@ Cannes 2009
After having donned the juror’s hat at The One Show and Clio, New York Fest and Art Directors Club that left me with vivid hues of an unforgettable experience, the proposition of representing the jury at the Cannes fascinated me to take another such stock. Much to my delight, I had an extremely competent bunch of jury members around me, each loaded with insights, warmth and fun. The bonhomie was inevitable.

Martin Sorrell, four clients & the Great Cannes Debate
After having engaged the gathering with a powerful debate last year, WPP's CEO Martin Sorrell descended upon the stage at Cannes 2009 to have an impassioned session yet again. He tossed the debate on - how the recession had impacted marketing decisions - to a power-packed panel comprising global marketing heads of four companies- Kraft, J&J, P&G and McDonald's. The session had the panelists shaking their heads in unison on various subjects ranging from digital spends to siginificance of the size of an agency.

Flashed Yesterday: Zero Indian entries in Titanium and Integrated Lions
Even though Indian agencies had entered 11 pieces of work in the Titanium and Integrated category, there is none that has made the cut to get into the shortlist. With this, the only category where India has any chance, of adding to its total metal tally, is Film Lions.

Zero Indian entries in Titanium and Integrated Lions
Even though Indian agencies had entered 11 pieces of work in the Titanium and Integrated category, there is none that has made the cut to get into the shortlist. With this, the only category where India has any chance, of adding to its total metal tally, is Film Lions.

Cannes Diary: The lesson I learnt – digitise or die: Ashwani Singla@Cannes Lions 2009
Advertising is dead. Long live advertising.
The last few days at Cannes Festival has left me wondering whether I was in a tech conference or an advertising one. There was a time when the likes of Esther Dyson, founder, CNet v 1.0 and board member of WPP would be hosting seminars on User Generated Media and the participants and speakers included a range of techies, developers, marketers, etc. etc. You would accidently come across someone from the Advertising world! Those were not the days of ‘digital’ but ‘interactive’.

Flashed Yesterday:Film Lions disappoints India camp; only three entries in shortlist
The India camp at Cannes was significantly disappointed with only three entries in the Film Lions shortlist. Two entries are from JWT India for the work done for BCCL, and one is from TBWA India for the work done for Multiscreen Media.

Where have the Mavericks gone? Vivek Srivastava@Cannes Lions 2009
Well Cannes does celebrate creativity and it also serves as a cauldron where emerging trends and seemingly disparate entities from communication too merge and interact. The exodus of talent and lateral or unencumbered thinkers - is something that has been a cause for concern for all of the believers in the brand communication business.

Obama Campaign Manager David Plouffe speaks on the magic of one-on-one conversations
The Presidential campaign done for Barack Obama, and the journey from being no one to being a household name was arguably the most ground breaking political campaigns seen in the recent US history. The campaign used new media, social media and traditional media with the core focus on creating one-on-one conversations with American people. Campaign Manager David Plouffe speaks on the rationale behind the campaign, and how staying the course, despite adversities, helped.

A brief run into Craig Davis, Steve Gatfield & Donald Gunn
Perhaps the best thing about Cannes Lions is the opportunity to meet some of the biggest names of the global advertising industry, and know a little some of what’s going on. The brief pleasant encounters of day five were with Craig Davis who is now with Publicis Mojo, IPG’s Steve Gatfield and Donald Gunn of The Gunn Report.

The delegates & entries decrease showed agencies discipline in spending: Martin Sorrell
WPP’s CEO Sir Martin Sorrell’s presence at Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival re-emphasised the significance that this festival holds for the global advertising community. In a conversation with exchange4media, among various other subjects, Sorrell discussed Cannes Lions, and the fact that agencies had demonstrated discipline in spending in the current economic situation. He added that at the same time, it was important for the industry to celebrate good work.

India@Cannes: Film shortlist creates a mixture of angst & disappointment
The India camp at Cannes has been excited with the number of metals pocketed so far. With the tally now reaching the same as last year, the absence of a Grand Prix has ceased to pinch. However, the expectations from Film Lions were high, and some of the films not even making to the shortlist has left many dejected.

Films Lions disappoints India camp; only three entries in shortlist
India camp is significantly disappointed with only three entries in the Films Lions shortlist. Two entries are from JWT India for the work done for BCCL, and one is from TBWA India for the work done for Multiscreen Media.

Where have the Mavericks gone? Vivek Srivastava@Cannes Lions 2009
Well Cannes does celebrate creativity and it also serves as a cauldron where emerging trends and seemingly disparate entities from communication too merge and interact. The exodus of talent and lateral or unencumbered thinkers - is something that has been a cause for concern for all of the believers in the brand communication business.

Advertising is storytelling: Contagious & Leo Burnett’s Wildfire advice
The team comprising Contagious magazine and Leo Burnett that holds the Wildfire seminars at Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival every year delved in the art of storytelling this year at Cannes. The team listed town the seven basic plots, and how advertising agencies can work around it for ads that connect with consumers.

Yet again, the blank Cyber Lion year for India
Indian agencies have drawn a blank at the Cyber Lions 2009. There was only one entry from Bates 141 that had made it to the shortlist failed to make to the winning list. Indian juror Meera Sharath Chandra from Syzygy UK said that India is a late bloomer and had got in the digital race later than most countries but that was not an excuse for not winning.

“Decent” haul in Press Lions: Ogilvy gets a Silver & Rediffusion gets a Bronze
India has only two Lions in the Press category. A Silver from Ogilvy and a Bronze from Rediffusion Y&R. The Press Jury President David Lubars made no pretence of the fact that the jury was tough on what was being selected. However, according to India juror Abhijit Avasthi it was a “decent” year.

Design jury applauds India’s performance; 5 Design Lions – JWT India leads
The Design Lions, which is in its second year, turned to be one of the best Lion categories for India this year. India has bagged five Design Lions including a Gold Lion that was awarded to JWT India. There are two Silvers in the category awarded to Publicis Red Lion and Leo Burnett India. There are also two Bronze Lions awarded one each to Ogilvy India and JWT India. The Design jury stated unanimously that India’s work stood out in the overall body.

I don’t think we are in a recession; we have reset: Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft
When Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer is speaking, the audience would naturally comprise names like Sir Martin Sorrell. Sorrell even had a question for Ballmer in an audience interaction that followed the session. While Ballmer spoke on a host of subjects, the one topic that was discussed repeatedly was search. Ballmer candidly admitted that that was an area where he was envious of competition, and where Microsoft would work hard to “restore the balance”.

Dark Cannes Lions year turns bright: India’s Lion tally reaches 23 already
The winners for Films, Integrated & Titanium Lions are yet to be announced, but India has already scored 23 Lions, which is the same as last year. Ogilvy is leading the metal count but missing a Gold. Publicis follows. JWT in the race too with one Gold and one Bronze.The expectations from Films are high. Any increase in metal from here would make this the highest Lions year for India.

India’s Jai Ho Moment: Indian Juror Lynn de Souza@Cannes Lions 2009
According to Lynn de Souza, “It was truly a Jai Ho moment for India, marred only by the absence of any Indian to pick up the single Gold Media Lion, which also won a Silver.” de Souza was the Indian juror on Media Lions, and writes on her experience on judging this category, where India has so far performed the best at Cannes Lions 2009.

And India bounces back - Metal tally hit 16 Lions; Ogilvy & Publicis lead count
The slow start to India’s metal count at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival 2009 gained pace on Day Three of the event. From one bronze on Day Two to 16 metals on Day three brought India back on track, and the 23-metal benchmark that was set last year, looks possible now.

Don’t treat the consumer like your pet: Nick Moore
It is no easy feat for any brand to build and maintain a relationship with its consumers. Wunderman’s Chief Creative Officer Nick Moore explained this in a session at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival on ‘Relationship Counselling’. One striking advice that came from his address was ‘Consumers cannot be treated like pets in order to get them to be loyal’.

Be digitally creative to create effects: Herman Vaske
One of the most interesting seminars of the day saw Herman Vaske, Director – Herman Vaske, speak on the need to be creative in order to be efficient. Vaske observed that innovation and efficiency were the main drivers of this year’s developments.

Flashed Yesterday: 11 Indian entries shortlisted in Design Lions; 1 in Cyber
There are 11 entries from India in the Design shortlist. These included two each from Ogilvy India and JWT India; and one entry each from Red Lion Publicis, Publicis Ambience, Cheil Worldwide India, Bates 141, Karigari Design, Leo Burnett India and Contract Advertising. There is only one India shortlist in Cyber Lions, which is from Bates 141.

Rediffusion Y&R brings India its only Radio Bronze
Of the four Indian entries that were competing in the Radio Lions, only one has managed to win a Lion. Rediffusion Y&R has been awarded a Bronze Lion for the work done for American India Foundation. Indian jury member Ashish Khazanchi, NCD, Publicis Ambience informed that DDB Mudra’s Bush fell marginally short to make it through the winning list.

India scores big with 6 Lions in Outdoor; Ogilvy & Publicis score
Outdoor Lions have seen the next best performance from India on Day Three of the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. India has won six Outdoor Lions in all. These include one Silver each to Ogilvy India, Publicis Communications and DDB Mudra. Ogilvy and Publicis Communication, along with Leo Burnett, have been awarded a Bronze Lion each too.

Media Lions re-energises India at Cannes with 8 metals: MediaCom leads, Maxus follows
As Media Lions’ Indian Juror Lynn de Souza (Chairman & CEO, Lintas Media Group) put it, it was ‘Jai Ho’ for India in the Media Lions’ category. Indian agencies have eight Media Lions, which is the highest ever that India has been awarded in one category. Also, Media Lions has the only Gold awarded to India so far. With media agencies winning, the task to bring media services focus in the Media Lions that was set for the jury this year, was achieved.

11 Indian entries shortlisted in Design Lions; 1 in Cyber
There are 11 entries from India in the Design shortlist including two each from Ogilvy India and JWT India. And one entry each from Red Lion Publicis, Publicis Ambience, Cheil Worldwide India, Bates 141, Karigari Design, Leo Burnett India and Contract Advertising. There is only one India shortlist in Cyber Lions, which is from Bates 141.

Universal McCann, Microsoft & Facebook delve on the power of ‘gravitational media’
At a time when fragmentation is seen as a growing challenge facing advertisers across markets, Universal McCann, Microsoft and Facebook officials spoke to the audience at Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival on the Gravitational Mass Media that can replace the need to purchase distribution from standalone media companies.

Even Teach India didn't manage to get India a Direct Lion
Another big disappointment on the second day dampened India's hopes at Cannes Lions as JWT India’s Teach India failed to make it to the winning list of the Direct Lions category. Since 2006, India has been consistently winning in this category; last year India had won a Grand Prix. The score of zero this year has added to the slow start for India at Cannes Lions 2009.

Leo Burnett’s Promo Bronze Lion, is the first & only Cannes Lion for India so far
Leo Burnett India is the only agency that has won a Cannes Lion for India so far. In the Promo category, the agency has been awarded a Bronze Lion for the entry ‘Stainbroidery’ for Procter & Gamble’s detergent brand Tide.

Advertising’s Biggest Pitch: Indian Juror Agnello Dias@Cannes Lions 2009
Agnello Dias, Chief Creative Officer, TapRoot India, is one of the Indian jury members at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. Aggi, as he is better known, has the distinct credit of bringing India the only Grand Prix that the country has won at Cannes Lions. In this blog, Dias writes on his experience of being a jury member at the festival.

Prema Sagar's 5-point mantra for Indian PR industry on global awards prep
India’s performance at the inaugural PR Lions was disheartening. Genesis Burson-Marsteller’s Principal and Founder Prema Sagar, who was also an Indian juror on PR Lions this year, speaks on what went wrong. In a conversation with exchange4media, she chalked out a 5-point mantra that PR agencies must follow while entering for global awards.

We hope to earn revenues from this year, says Twitter co-founder Biz Stone
The world’s biggest modern-day mystery is about to get solved. Doomsayers wondering how microblogging service Twitter is ever going to earn revenues have reason to be relieved. For, Biz Stone, a Silicon Valley serial entrepreneur who co-founded Twitter in 2006, and was speaking at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, thinks he has found the magic potion.

India@Cannes: Leo Burnett brings first metal, Teach India disappoints
It has been one of the slowest starts for India at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. Courtesy Leo Burnett, India has one Bronze Promo Lion – the only metal won so far. JWT India’s ‘Teach India’ disappointed all, by not making it to the winner’s list. The 60-odd Indian delegates were seen in small groups at the famous Gutter Bar reiterating the lower number of Indian delegates this year, and the lacklustre performance so far.

THE CANNES DIARY- Ashwani Singla
For me, a first time participant to the festival it was both about learning and taking in the environment at the same time. So whilst I absorbed the sessions, I also took time to experience the Cannes Riviera a bit by finding some nice cafes for lunch and dinner.

39 Indian works in Outdoor Lions; 4 in Radio Lions shortlisted
Apart from the Press Lions and Media Lions, the Radio Lions and Outdoor Lions were also announced at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival 2009. There are a whopping 39 creatives shortlisted in Outdoor Lions including works in campaign entries and individual entries. There are only four Indian entries in the Radio Lions shortlist.

11 Indian entries shortlisted in Media Lions & 10 works in Press Lions
The shortlists for the Media Lions and Press Lions were announced on June 22, 2009 at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival 2009. India has managed 11 entries in Media Lions shortlists, and there are 10 works (three campaigns and one standalone) in the Press Lions category.

@Cannes09: Is Indian PR not up to the mark?
Bambaiyya Hindi, one would’ve said Izzat ka ho gaya royal falooda. But for our big and prosperous PR industry, or at least for observers like yours truly, it’s kind-of the same as India not reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.

From merely transacting to creating an experience: Coca Cola & Sapient show how
The Coca-Cola Company has been taking various steps, on the global level to “enhance consumer experience” even if that meant changing it on the on-ground level in form of Coca-Cola vending machines. This appeared to be the simple philosophy that the interactive team of the company followed, and they chose an Indian example to demonstrate it.

Publicis Ambience, Publicis India & 2 from Leo Burnett shortlisted in Promo Lions
Promo Lions have four Indian works that have made the cut. These include one each from Publicis Ambience and Publicis India, and two from Leo Burnett India. In all, India had entered 47 entries in this category, an increase of 17 entries as compared to last year.

Ogilvy, JWT, Leo Burnett, Rediffusion, Contract, McCann & BBC World Service shortlisted in Direct
There are only seven entries that have made it to the Direct Lions shortlist. These include one each from Ogilvy India, JWT India, Leo Burnett India, Rediffusion Y&R, Contract Advertising, McCann Erickson India & BBC World Service Trust. The winners will be announced on June 22, 2009.

India draws a blank in PR Lions
A disappointing start greets Indian delegates at Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival 2009 with India scoring zilch in the inaugural PR Lions category.
@Cannes09: Is Indian PR not up to the mark?

India@Cannes: Delegates down by 50 pc; entries down by 11 pc
Number of representatives from India at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival looked dwindling, as only 70 delegates registered this year, in comparison to the 140 last year. And unlike the 1109 entries that were sent in 2008, there were only 982 entries from India this year. Nonetheless, one can already begin seeing the Indian delegates and jury members busily moving around at the Palais de Festival.

Delegates & Entries down, but the Lions’ spirit is not
The Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival 2009 kicked off in its full glory on June 21, 2009. Much as it has been for every industry, the Cannes Lions too has seen its share of the impact of the global meltdown. However, that did not deter the organisers from ensuring the scale and the galore that the festival is known for.

Zenga Entertainment taps into the ad potential of mobile on the back of IPL
Zenga Entertainment has signed on as the exclusive mobile partner for DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 for five years, starting 2009. Zenga is using the IPL platform to open up the mobile users to the full potential and new opportunities that the medium presents for advertisers. Zenga has partnered with Matrix for monetising this initiative.

IPL franchises gear up as countdown for Season 2 begins
With barely five days to go for the IPL 2, the various League franchises have ramped up their activities that range from unveiling merchandising to innovations in brand building exercise. exchange4media speaks to a couple of IPL franchises to find out how they are going about their preparations.

IPL 2 may see average 7 pc drop in TV ratings: MEC estimates
Mediaedge:cia (MEC) on April 8, 2009 organised its first ‘Food for Thought’ session aimed at sharing the insights on consumer expectations from IP2 and their estimates of television ratings for IPL 2. As per MEC’s estimates, IPL2 might see an average drop of 7 per cent in its TV ratings. This drop is due to a combination of the forthcoming general elections and the change in venue as well.

Havas Sports ropes in Cloud9 as principal sponsor for IPL’s Chennai Super Kings
The IPL Season 2 might have shifted to South Africa, but the various franchises are going ahead with their marketing activities and strategic tie-ups. The latest is Havas Sports, which has roped in energy drink Cloud 9 as principle sponsor for the Chennai Super Kings for a substantial amount. Havas Sports will be taking a 360-degree approach and the campaign is set to launch in April.

IPL 2 teams gear up for some intense Net practice too
With IPL 2 finally on its way to South Africa, the Indian fans will have to contend with watching the matches on TV and following it up on the Internet. MSM has retained the telecast rights for the tournament, which is expected to commence from April 17. With less than a month left, the IPL teams are intensifying their activities on the Internet via their websites to garner all the support they can.

It’s confirmed: IPL 2 stays with MSM
After nearly a week of to and fro on the paperwork, the deal between World Sports Group (WSG) and Multi Screen Media (MSM) has been clinched. The telecast rights of the IPL 2 remains with MSM.

With IPL 2 moving to South Africa, will radio ad revenues take a hit?
After much drama over the last few weeks, it is now decided. The second season if Indian Premier League will now be held in South Africa. So what happens to the various media partners of the eight IPL franchise? exchange4media asks a few FM radio players, who are partnering the IPL teams, on what would be the impact of IPL shifting out of India.
IPL 2: MSM still the frontrunner in telecast partner

IPL 2: MSM still the frontrunner in telecast partner
There is clarity on at least one aspect of the Indian Premier League’s second edition. The game is headed to South Africa and six destinations have been earmarked for the series – Durban, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. However, the aspect that still remains to be clinched is the telecast rights partner.

IPL still to clinch telecast partner
The Bombay High Court’s long awaited decision on the BCCI-MSM case came in yesterday, where the BCCI has now been allowed to “officially” discuss IPL telecast rights with any telecast partner. However, the BCCI has left that part of the negotiation completely with Wold Sports Group. Many close to the situation expect the rights to stay with MSM.

More drama in IPL Season 2, now tournament to be held outside India
The IPL Season 2 has been seeing more twists and turns than a Balaji serial. With the BCCI now deciding to hold the tournament outside India, South Africa, England and New Zealand are emerging as the likely destinations. While fans in India are unhappy about this move, the IPL franchises are still planning their next moves following this latest development.

MSM & BCCI spat over IPL erupts again over ‘non-terminable’ clause
The Multi Screen Media and BCCI row that had appeared to be a settled matter on March 19, 2009 is under threat of erupting once again. IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi has been quoted in sections of the media as saying that MSM’s clause of binding into a non-terminable contract was “unacceptable” to the BCCI.

Major brands join hands with Delhi Daredevils team
With strong existing partners like Hero Honda, adidas, Royal Challenge and Kingfisher to support the team, the GMR-owned Delhi Daredevils team has announced its association with some of the biggest brands and top players in the corporate sector ahead of the 2009 Indian Premier League (IPL) season two.

To give or not to give: The MSM-IPL saga
The spat between Multi Screen Media and the BCCI seems to be resolved. After a high action drama on March 18, 2009, that even saw IPL Commissioner send communication to clients to not send ROs to MSM, and the IPL logo been taken off the MSM channels, MSM fought its way back to oust NDTV and retain the IPL telecast rights.

After an out of court settlement of Rs 1.6 bn, MSM gets IPL back
The various controversies over the second edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) seem to have settled down. After getting a clearance on the dates that the Centre and most of the State Governments have finally accepted, the spat between Multi Screen Media and the BCCI also seems to be resolved. MSM has retained the telecast rights for the IPL ousting close contender NDTV.

Earlier report: IPL rights kept oscillating between NDTV & Sony on March 18
The BCCI spat with Multi Screen Media (MSM) was at its peak on March 18, 2009 when both the MSM and NDTV were fighting tooth and nail for the IPL telecast rights. On March 18 it appeared that MSM had lost the IPL telecast rights completely. However, the battle was not over till then.

HC verdict on IPL telecast rights likely today; Delhi, Jaipur off venue list
The Bombay High Court is expected to give its verdict on whether Sony would retain its telecast rights for the Indian Premier League (IPL) on March 18, 2009, according to an industry source. Meanwhile, as per the revised schedule, Delhi, Jaipur and Visakhapatnam have been dropped as IPL venues for Season 2.

The IPL-MSM spat continues; NDTV in race for the League too
Just 20 days before the Series, the BCCI has displayed its discontent with Multi Screen Media over the Indian Premier League. The BCCI has terminated its IPL telecast rights deal with MSM. And the latter promptly took the matter to court. The hearing of the case would continue on March 17, 2009. In the meanwhile, sources close to the situation state that there is a good chance that MSM might lose the telecast rights, and that at least one strong contender waiting to take on the League was NDTV.

Polls, telecast rights spat spell double trouble for IPL Season 2
As if the clash of IPL matches with poll dates was not enough, now, according to industry sources, Sony has got an injunction to stop the League from discussing telecast rights with other channels. However, in a conversation with exchange4media on Saturday, Rohit Gupta had stressed that the relationship between Sony and BCCI was positive.

IPL 2 to go ahead as scheduled; franchisees give a sigh of relief
Will it, won’t it be held? Will it be moved outside India? After days of intense speculations, all uncertainties regarding the Indian Premier League Season 2 were finally removed on Friday, March 6, 2009. The IPL will go ahead as scheduled – from April 10 to May 24, with a few matches being rescheduled. All’s well that ends well.

MSM busy with IPL, regional expansion & slew of new programming on Sony
It has been two weeks now since Man Jit Singh, who has been the Chairman of the Multi Screen Media (MSM) Board since 2007, took complete charge of MSM as its interim CEO. Singh informs that MSM is busier than usual with its regional expansion plans taking off, beginning with the Eastern India market; IPL being in the process of closing the deals with its sponsors; and Sony, Max, Sab and Pix gearing for a “good year”.

Chennai Super Kings to focus more on merchandising and sponsorships
Chennai Super Kings in IPL Season 2 plans to focus more on their on-ground activities. Though the team is yet to decide on its radio partner, Chennai Super Kings has retained its earlier partners like Aircel, which is its title sponsor, and Salt Creatives, which is its creative agency. exchange4media finds out more about its marketing activities.

Delhi Daredevils set to dare once again
Gearing up for IPL Season 2, Delhi Daredevils is launching its on-ground, online and ATL campaigns, which are scheduled to be launched in the first week of March. The 360-degree campaign has been in-house creativity, while Hero Honda has been roped in a principle sponsor.

NDTV Imagine to scout for cheerleaders for IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders
NDTV Imagine on February 20 announced the launch of a reality show, ‘Knights and Angels’, which aims to search for the final six cheerleaders for the Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Riders. The six-episode series will commence from February 28 and will be aired on Saturdays.

Sprite to bat with IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders team
Gearing up for the second season of the Twenty-20 cricket extravaganza, the Indian Premier League (IPL), Coca-Cola India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have announced their partnership, where Coca-Cola India will join forces with Kolkata Knight Riders as an associate sponsor and ‘official pouring partner’ of KKR. The company will get branding rights for Sprite on players’ apparel (leading arm) as well as on the helmet.

Situation grim between IPL & Max: BCCI seeks compensation from MSM (Sony)
The Indian Premier League (IPL) was the single biggest television property last year, and in the initial process of the second season this year, many had said that IPL almost appeared slowdown-proof. Multi Screen Media’s CEO Kunal Dasgupta, however, says that not only is IPL facing a situation where sponsors are not “interested” in the property, but there is uncertainty on whether or not the IPL would be on a Multi Screen Media channel at all, following the latest compensation issue between BCCI and MSM.

Buoyant Rajasthan Royals all set to ‘Halla Bol Phir Se’ in IPL Season 2
Rajasthan Royals plans to take a 360 degree campaign for IPL season II, the franchisee is banking by and large on the on- ground activities. It’s creative agency is Ogilvy which was also part of the team even last year.

Great expectations: Slowdown might garner good viewership for IPL
In the follow-up to the report on the Indian Premier League (IPL) dropping the exclusivity tag, exchange4media spoke to media planners on their expectations from Season 2 of IPL. Most are positive about the tournament garnering good viewership numbers, thanks to the slowdown.

IPL beats slowdown trends; removes exclusivity tag to bring in more brands
Looking at the exorbitant price tags of the players for the Season 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL), slowdown seems to be nowhere in the picture. There have been comparisons with the Super Bowl in the recession-hit US, which saw yet another successful season and big spendings. IPL is also taking steps to make the tournament slowdown-proof. exchange4media finds out more.

English is the flavour of IPL Season II; Dhoni beaten by Pietersen & Flintoff
The inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008 created as much news for its international player cast as it did for the exorbitant bidding amounts for these players. Season 2 of IPL is no different. With the auctioning process of players over, English players like Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff have emerged as the most expensive.

Now Shilpa Shetty joins IPL bandwagon; buys 12 pc stake in Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals on February 3 announced that Raj Kundra, CEO, Essential General Trading LLC, and actress Shilpa Shetty, who is also CEO of S2 Global Productions Pvt Ltd, have bought a 12 per cent stake in the Indian Premier League (IPL) team and the champions of the inaugural IPL tournament in 2008.

Vijay TV to capitalise on IPL season with a host of new shows
STAR’s Tamil channel Vijay TV is all geared to usher in the IPL Season 2 fever with some new shows. What’s more, the channel is planning to rope in none other than India’s cricket captain MS Dhoni for the shows’ promos. Two of these shows are ‘Chennai Super Kings Juniors’ and ‘Chennai Super Kings Cheerleaders’.

Kings XI Punjab kicks off IPL fever with Kings XI Punjab Cup
Kings XI Punjab on January 27, 2009, officially inaugurated its Season II of Indian Premier League (IPL) with the launch of the Kings XI Punjab Cup, a T-20 format game to be played between five teams from the Kings XI Punjab’s catchment area of Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. The tournament will be conducted in Chandigarh and Mohali over a period of six days starting January 28 with the finals scheduled for February 2 at the PCA Stadium.

‘Expect IPL Season 2 to be bigger and better’
The unprecedented success of IPL Season 1 has made everyone – from industrialists to the viewers – expecting more from IPL Season 2. In an exclusive conversation with exchange4media, Sneha Rajani, EVP & Business Head, MAX, asserts that the Season 2 of IPL would be bigger and better.

Asianet Plus channel goes for total revamp
Malayalam music channel Asianet Plus, part of Star Jupiter Entertainment Television Ltd, has decided to go in for a complete revamp of its programming content. The channel has introduced four new shows from the first week of July and is planning to position itself as a general entertainment channel.

Zee South channels undergo managerial revamp; Sanjay Reddy made COO, Zee South
Zee South channels have effected some managerial restructuring. In order to bring greater focus and growth in the South channels, Sanjay Reddy has been elevated as Chief Operation Officer for the Zee South channels – Zee Telugu, Zee Tamil, Zee Kannada and Zee 24 Gantalu. Prior to this elevation, Reddy has been CEO, Zee Telugu.

Zee South channels undergo managerial revamp; Sanjay Reddy made COO, Zee South
Zee South channels have effected some managerial restructuring. In order to bring greater focus and growth in the South channels, Sanjay Reddy has been elevated as Chief Operation Officer for the Zee South channels – Zee Telugu, Zee Tamil, Zee Kannada and Zee 24 Gantalu. Prior to this elevation, Reddy has been CEO, Zee Telugu.

Guest Column Newsmanic: There’s a big hole in the TV-helped-the-terrorists theory
One story that news channels should have grabbed and played up was the investigative report of BBC’s Richard Watson on the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, says BV Rao. India’s news channels have unfairly been carrying the stigma of helping the terrorists in their mission. Watson pointed out that there was something elementarily wrong about the Government’s accusation.

DNA embarks on month-long celebrations on completion of 4 years
English daily DNA is completing four years this month, and the publication has decided to celebrate the milestone in style. DNA has embarked on month-long celebrations, beginning July 1, 2009. The publication has planned various activities for the rest of the month to engage its readers, clients and media agencies.

Genre Check: And it’s Zee TV’s turn to beat Colors & Star Plus now
The year has seen many important weeks in the Hindi general entertainment channels (GEC) genre, and week 26 proved to be one more. Zee TV has beaten Colors to take the No. 1 position even if by 0.8 rating points. This is the first time ever that Zee TV is on the No. 1 slot. Star Plus is the No. 3 player this week.

Genre Check: Zee overtakes Star Plus and Colors to claim top spot in Week 26
The see-saw battle for the numero uno position among the top three Hindi GECs continues. As per the latest TAM data, Week 26 sees Zee TV surge ahead to claim the No. 1 spot with an all day GRP of 243.1. Colors is at No. 2 with 242.8 GRPs, while Star Plus slips to the third position this week with a GRP of 218.5.

Guest Column Retrofit: ET Now, putting the business back in news
In an extremely smart and savvy positioning play, ET Now is redefining the tenets of business television in India. Using the jagged edge of reportage, a la BBC, ET Now is going after CNBC-TV18. This week, veteran journalist Sandeep Bamzai takes an indepth look at business channel ET Now and how it is set to give other business channels a run for their money.

‘There was a need to prune and downsize at NewsX’
As NewsX grapples with downsizing and salary cuts, the media entity has started taking various measures to streamline and strengthen its operations. All previous plans to launch multiple channels have been put on hold, however, the company plans to continue to hire talent in specific positions and strengthen its operations, distribution and branding.

Ice Cream category drops by 37 pc in Print during Jan-May 2009: AdEx Analysis
Ice Cream category has seen de-growth of 37 per cent in its print ad volumes during Jan-May ’09 compared to same period in 2008. GCMMF and Vadilal Enterprises Ltd are the top two advertisers who together accounted for 61 per cent share for Ice Cream category’s Print ad pie during Jan-May 2009. A high share of Ice Creams advertising was seen in non metro newspapers during Jan-May’09. Also, 34 per cent of Ice Creams ads in Print were for Sale Promotion during Jan-May ’09.

NewsX downsizes its staff, several senior editors get pink slips
First it was salary pruning, and now staff reduction with as many as over 70 employees being handed out the pink slips at NewsX on Saturday. Fraught with occurrences of leadership changes since its inception, the going has been tough for NewsX TV. After the original owners Peter and Indrani Mukerjea sold the channel to Indi Media, a venture led by Jehangir Pocha and Vijay Chajlani, the new owners have been planning several overhauls.

Mid Day completes 30 years; celebrates with a power packed issue
Mid Day will celebrate its 30th anniversary on June 27, releasing a power packed issue across Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Pune. The publication that started as an afternoon daily in Mumbai grew into a large media group introducing editions from several other places.

I&B Ministry grants permission to 22 new TV channels
It will soon be raining as many as 22 new TV channels across the country. With Ministry of Information and Broadcasting giving its nod to the pending proposals, Indian viewers will be spoilt for more choice . The decision to approve the proposals comes a month after the incumbent Information & Broadcasting minister Ambika Soni assumed charge.

NDTV Profit & Outlook group join hands for the union budget.
As a part of an exercise to strengthen their content during the coverage of Union Budget 2009, NDTV Profit and the Outlook group have agreed to leverage their combined editorial expertise. The understanding between the two media groups is directed at providing a complete budget package across print, internet and television.

Business channels up the ante in the run up to Union Budget
As the biggest democracy in the world, grappling with the global meltdown, awaits its budget this summer, news channels across the country are already on their way to bombard viewers with comprehensive packages. exchange4media has some leading business news channels pouring in their views on Union Budget 2009 coverage.

Guest Article Retrofit: The curious case of Mail Today
On Tuesday morning I saw the most incongruous story plastered on page 1 of the tabloid Mail Today. And what a news call it was. On a day when the entire country and media was seized by the failing monsoon and its import on India's struggling economy, Mail Today went with World Bank says global economy will shrink but not China and India's - India to grow faster than China by 2010.

Travel & Tourism decreases by 38 pc in Jan-May 2009: AdEx Analysis
The Print advertising of Travel & Tourism sector has decreased by 38 per cent during Jan-May ’09 compared to same period in 2008. It was also seen that there was a high share of advertising by the ‘Private/International’ advertisers of Travel & Tourism sector in Print during Jan-May '09. ‘Cox & Kings India Ltd’ was the top advertiser of Travel & Tourism sector in Print during Jan-May ’09. ‘International Yoga Festival 09’, the brand of ‘Uttarakhand Tourism’ topped the list of new brands of Travel & Tourism sector advertised in Print during Jan-May ’09. Also, metro newspapers contributed for 54 per cent share of overall Travel & Tourism sector advertising in Newspapers.

STAR Jupiter Entertainment Television gets active; Suvarna launches new reality show
Star Jupiter Entertainment Television, the joint venture formed late last year between STAR and Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s Jupiter Entertainment Ventures, is beginning to scale up its activities. Its Kannada GEC Suvarna has launched a big-ticket reality show ‘Katheyalla… Jeevana’.

Mixed Media: ET gets a Code of Conduct. Hip, hip, hurray!
Ahead of the launch of its television avatar, the Economic Times launched a Code of Conduct last week. This, writes Pradyuman Maheshwari, augurs well for Indian journalism and is possibly an indicator that the times are surely a-changin’ at the Times.

Cartoon Network brings three Snaptoons minisodes
Summer break from schools is drawing towards a close. With searing days lying ahead, kids are going to get a fresh dose of cartoons from Cartoon Network.

Ahead of Budget ‘09, Businessworld releases a book on SME
Just weeks ahead of the budget 2009-10, Businessworld timely launches a book aimed at discussing the ebb and flow of SMEs in Indian economy.

Lifeline to launch its India edition
Lifeline, the only magazine dedicated to the voice of charity in United States, will be launching its India edition sometime towards the end of this year. Robin Raina Foundation (RRF) is the promoter of this coffee table publication.

Facsimile editions welcome, but not seen making any dent to business genre
Courtesy some of the recent government norms, the facsimile editions of at least two renowned business publications - Wall Street Journal and Financial Times – would be available for Indian readers. Media observers state that though these publications would manage to attract the upper SEC business reader’ attention, they won’t make an impact on the business genre per se.

It’s a soft launch route for ET Now
TGBCL’s business news channel ET Now was launched on June 17, 2009, and perhaps the only “announcement” for the launch was the change of creatives of the channel in The Economic Times’ masthead. The channel, which is available on the cable platform, has begun with a full-fledged content line-up. ET’s intent to utilise the convergence model, and use the Economic Times platform to make all kinds of noise around ET Now, is evident from day one.

The ‘Rule of three’ sets in Hindi GEC; what next for tier-two channels?
This is the first time in over two decades when three players - Colors, Star Plus and Zee TV -are ruling the Hindi general entertainment genre at such close distance. Each of these has a loyal audience base keeping them within arm’s length of each other. And the next tier is a significant gap away. Media observers state that while it is difficult for the number four player to break into the top three, the clear ‘floating audience’ is an opportunity for the tier-two players.

Cartoon Network Ent chalks out plans for home videos, publishing & gaming for ‘09
Cartoon Network is all set to venture into the home video market within two-three months. The company is exploring various revenue opportunities in India. Its consumer products division, Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), will be entering into publishing and console gaming. As part of its 2009 plan, CNE will also establish Gwen, the female character from Ben10, to build its merchandise portfolio. CNE is expecting a 25-35 per cent growth in its revenues from licensing and merchandising this year.

Ayur Group to launch bilingual information & awareness channel ‘Ayur Living India’
New Delhi-based herbal cosmetics company, Ayur Group, is all set to launch a 24-hour, free-to-air, bilingual information and awareness channel, Ayur Living India. The channel would be launched through Ayur Group’s broadcast arm, Vintage Studio Private Limited. According to channel officials, the cost outlay of the channel is in the vicinity of Rs 25 crore, and it would become operational by the June-end or early July, 2009.

Sadhna News geared to launch three regional news channels
In a bid to emerge as a key player in the regional news domain, Sadhna News, part of Sadhna Media, is planning to launch three regional news channels this year. Company officials informed exchange4media that this includes UP-Uttrakhand, Punjab, Haryana & Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. The expansion plans also include a national news channel by 2010.

Summer Cool de-grow in print by 19 pc during Jan-Apr ’09: AdEX Analysis
The Summer Cool categories have de-grown by 19 per cent in print during the Jan-Apr '09 period when compared to the same period in Jan-Apr '08. There was a higher share of advertising under ‘Air Conditioners’ categories in print during Jan-Apr '09. ‘LG Electronics India Ltd’ topped the list of advertiser of Summer Cool categories and ‘Hitachi Ace Follow Me’ was the most advertised new brand under Summer Cool categories in Print during Jan-Apr ’09.

Disney-ABC International Television announces integrated TV distribution structure for APAC
Disney-ABC International Television (DAIT), Asia Pacific, has announced an integrated distribution structure for the Asia Pacific region aimed at accelerating international growth. Under this structure, the portfolios of Disney Channel and Disney-ABC International Television will be brought together in a single multi-platform distribution business.

Guest Column: Newsmanic: TV has put newspapers in liquid oxygen!
Media veteran B V Rao writes on the variety of exclusives that the English dailies had to offer to readers in the week gone. “It was a pleasant read through the week, as the three dailies continued to hawk their virgin stories rather than treat us to their normal routine of yesterday’s repackaged TV… But good things don’t last forever,” says Rao.

Post Elections, T20 and Union Budget high on Hindi news channels’ agenda
The Election coverage, and to some extent even the Indian Premier League (IPL) season two, that gave the Hindi news channels enough to feed the 24-hour content demands of the genre, are over. Next on the chasing list of news channels are the T20 World Cup and the Union Budget. Most editors have also stated that audience can expect more hard news on the channels in days to come.

Yannick Colaco elevated to COO Nimbus Sport
Nimbus Communications announced on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 the elevation of Yannick Colaco to COO, Nimbus Sport. Prior to this, Colaco was the Executive Vice President, Nimbus Sport.

Demystifying Genre: Number of shows more important than channel GRPs for Hindi GECs
Week-on-week, most Hindi general entertainment channels get excited around their overall channel GRPs. A quick check with advertisers, media planners and buyers indicates that the money spenders seldom look at the channel GRPs while selecting the channels they want in their media plans. For them, channel GRPs, at best is a quick ranking tool for channels only.

Times Private Treaties sole Indian finalist at INMA’s Innovative Business Models Contest
PubliGroupe and International Newsmedia Marketing Association (INMA) have voted Times Private Treaties as one of the seven most innovative business models at the second edition of ‘Innovative Business Models Contest’. The other finalists were from USA, Canada, Norway and Poland.

Times Private Treaties sole Indian finalist at INMA’s Innovative Business Models Contest
PubliGroupe and International Newsmedia Marketing Association (INMA) have voted Times Private Treaties as one of the seven most innovative business models at the second edition of ‘Innovative Business Models Contest’. The other finalists were from USA, Canada, Norway and Poland.

‘What’s on India’ plans to go mobile; attempts to break-even soon
‘What’s On India’, formerly known as ‘Media E2E’ has undergone a fundamental change in the company’s focus by diverting all attention to TV guidance with EPG as the central piece. Atul Phadnis, CEO What’s On India stated that this route made apt sense for the company in the current scenario.

Amit Sinha takes 50 per cent stake in Triveni Media; comes in as Director & CEO
Triveni Media Ltd, that has channels like Voice of India, has undergone a management change. Amit Sinha has confirmed to exchange4media that he has taken a 50 per cent stake in Triveni Media, and would now be working with the company as Director and CEO. Sinha refused to divulge any information on the details of the deal.

Confectionaries sector advertising in print jumps 107 pc in Jan-Apr 09: AdEx Analysis
Confectionaries sector advertising in print saw a growth of 107 per cent during January-April 2009 as compared to same period in 2008. ‘Chocolates’ category led in print advertising during this period, with Cadburys India Ltd accounting for 49 per cent of confectionaries sector print ad pie.

Multiplex and Producers call off two-month long strike
Bollywood producers and multiplex owners have agreed to end the two-month long standoff over revenue sharing with Indian multiplexes that had prevented new films from being shown in Indian multiplexes since April 4, 2009.

Dainik Jagran set to launch its ‘national edition’ on June 7
Dainik Jagran is all set to launch its ‘National Edition’ from June 7, 2009. The 16-paged edition will be priced at Rs 4. The Hindi daily is already published from 10 states and already has 28 editions spread all over the country.

Guest Column Newsmanic: News channels and the doctor who could cure pneumonia!
The attacks on Indian students in Australia and the disappearance of Air France flight 447 took up TV time last week. The coverage of these two incidents showcased at once the power of TV as a medium and how the channels insist on undermining that power by constantly digging the ground under their feet, says BV Rao.

Genre Check: Top order changeth – Star Plus pushed to No. 3 for first time; Zee’s at No. 2
There is change in the top order of the Hindi general entertainment genre. Star Plus has been pushed to the No. 3 position for the first time ever in week 22. Colors returns to the No. 1 spot, while Zee TV has climbed to the No. 2 position. Despite the change in order, the ‘Big Boys League’ of Colors, Star Plus and Zee TV has been steadily maintaining GRPs in the 200-260 range.

DLA Group’s Vikassheel Bharat eyes burgeoning up-country markets of Hindi heartland
Vikassheel Bharat, the third publication from DLA Group of Agra, is set for launch on June 16, 2009. DLA had acquired this 25-year old newspaper brand from its erstwhile owners, and after restructuring the product and the genre, is launching the paper with objective to tap the semi-urban and rural Hindi readers spread over the Hindi heartland.

FM stations to Mumbaikars’ rescue yet again during monsoon
Though Mumbai is yet to see the heavy downpour of previous years, FM stations in the metro are prepared this time and are leaving no stone unturned in coming to the aid of their listeners with several ‘monsoon care’ initiatives.

Radio One relaunches in Mumbai promising ‘maximum music fataafat’
Radio One has re-launched itself in Mumbai with the product promise of ‘maximum music fataafat’ and a tangible promise of minimum 13 songs every hour. The focus of the re-launch is to give the FM station a new vibrant musical face in Mumbai, especially the SEC AB 18-34 segment.

FM stations broadcast tributes to R.D Burman and Michael Jackson
It was a day of tributes as FM stations across metros and small places paid homage to King of Pop Michael Jackson, and also commemorated the 69th birth anniversary of the late music maestro RD Burman . The sudden death of Jackson had sent shock waves across the world. exchange4media found out how June 26, 2009 was different for FM stations.

Big FM to spend 45% marketing budget on street level marketing
Big FM has allocated approximately 45 per cent of its marketing budget to street level marketing as compared to 30-odd per cent its early stages. In a conversation with exchange4media, Anand Chakravarthy, National Head Marketing, Big FM shared more on the channel's marketing initiatives and its priorities for 2009.

RAM Rambling: Mirchi remains Kolkata leader, Aamar FM rises to third spot
Week after week, Radio Mirchi continues to remain the indisputable leader in Kolkata leaving behind its nearest rival a distant far in the race. The ratings inferred from the recent RAM data also reveal a surprise as Aamar FM catapults to the third spot.

RAM Rambling: Unique week for Radio Mirchi: number one in all four RAM markets
It is one of those rare weeks for the radio measurement, where RAM data shows one player, Radio Mirchi, emerge top seed across all four available RAM markets - Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata.

Mumbai is (not) too cosmopolitan for Marathi: FM players
Mumbai moves to Bollywood beats primarily, unlike cities like Bangalore, Chennai and even Ahmadabad, wherein FM channels don’t hesitate to air regional and local music. Attempting to satisfy audience and market curiosity, exchange4media speaks to the key FM players and media planners, to illuminate the possibility of popular Marathi programming.

RAM Rambling: Big FM maintains Bangalore lead; Fever FM grows in the year
RAM data trends for the year 2009 show that Big FM is the leading FM station in Bangalore, followed by Radio Mirchi. Both of these stations have dominated the market for long. The year so far has also seen an interesting growth in Fever FM, and the narrowing of distance between the top players.

Ashit Kukian becomes President – Sales at Radio City
Radio City announced on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 the elevation of Ashit Kukian to President-Sales. Prior to this, Kukian was the Executive Vice President and National Head – Sales, Radio City.

RAM Rambling: Radio Mirchi continues Kolkata lead; Friends FM gets competition
The latest data from RAM shows that Radio Mirchi continues to lead in Kolkata followed by Big FM. Kolkata based FM stations Friends FM and Aamar FM fight for the next slots. Kolkata is one of the few markets where the competitive dynamics between the FM players have not changed much in the course of the year.

Radio Operators contemplate no bidding in Phase 3 unless MIB addresses core issues
The radio FM industry is busy setting down the agenda for the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. The AROI has been tabling various issues with the MIB that the radio operators believe had caused hurdles in the growth of industry. Now the radio operators have stated that unless these issues are addressed, they would not be keen to bid in Phase 3.

Govt allows community radio in Mananthvady-Kerala; to launch in three months
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, has signed a Grant of Permission Agreement for establishing, maintaining and operating a Community Radio Station at Wayanad Social Service Society, Mananthvady in Kerala. The community radio station is scheduled to operate in three months time.

RAM Rambling: Mirchi maintains lead in Delhi; Fever FM intensifies fight for second slot
Radio Mirchi has maintained its lead, with a significant margin, in Delhi, as per the latest RAM data. Fever FM also has some cheering from the recent numbers, as the channel competes closely with AIR FM2 Gold for the number two spot in the city.

RAM Rambling: No clear winner in Mumbai; single station dominance ends
According to RAM data for all people 12 plus, all place of listening, from week 1 to 21, the Mumbai FM market has thrown up quite a few surprises. The fluctuations in the market have left no clear winner, thus signifying that perhaps the days of a single market leader are over. Nevertheless Red FM, the once dominant FM station in Mumbai, still leads the pack.

Guest Column Retrofit: Irreverence unlimited on airwaves
FM radio has to establish connect with the mind space of the listener. It has to have spark, for it has go beyond the apparent playing of music on the station. There has to be an identity, an individualistic identity that sets you apart from the rest of the clutter, observes veteran journalist Sandeep Bamzai.

Big FM Allahabad spruces up breakfast show with new RJ
Big FM Allahabad has got on board RJ Arun to host its breakfast show, ‘Big Chai’, every morning between 7 am and 11am, Monday to Saturday. ‘Big Chai’ features various sections focusing on the vibe of the city and involving listeners in various day to day topics that could help them.

Radio City celebrates 8th anniversary across India
It’s celebration time at Radio City as the FM station completes eight years in India. The station has carried forward its pledge to offer a melodious journey for listeners over the last eight years. Radio City stations across 20 markets will commemorate this occasion in great style along with listeners through a diverse array of interactive activities.

BBC World News celebrates 40th anniversary of moon landings
BBC World News is coming up with a special season of programming in July to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the extraordinary 1969 moon landings. The programmes will explore the history and geology of the moon, how those initial steps have impacted on our lives today, and the future of space tourism.

Radio City Connect partners with Force India for sports event
Radio City Connect, the activation arm of Radio City, has partnered with Force India F1 team for Corporate Go Karting Championship across Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Corporates from these five cities will get an opportunity to participate in the Maruti Suzuki Ritz presents Force India & Radio City Connect corporate Go Karting Championship.

Citibank takes the viral route for its service ‘Citi Online Remit’
Citibank has launched a viral marketing campaign to promote its new online money transfer service to India ‘Citi Online Remit’, on June 16, 2009. The campaign marquee is a viral video designed by viral experts, Webchutney. This creative work is titled ‘Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye.’

Movado has signed on Harbhajan Singh as new brand ambassador

Movado has announced cricketer Harbhajan Singh as the newest Movado brand ambassador. The contract is annual, and will be renewed every year. It’s joining its elite league of ambassadors - world-renowned artists and athletes like tennis player Pete Sampras, jazz master Wynton Marsalis, actors Amanda Seyfried and Kerry Washington and dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. In India, Twinkle Khanna has been brand ambassador for eight years.

Avant-garde hair magazine 'Estetica' is set to launch in India
MaXposure Media Group is launching the Indian edition of the leading Italian hair fashion magazine, Estetica, in October 2009. Estetica India is the 25th international edition of this 60-year-old magazine, the global leader in hair fashion publications. A quarterly publication, the magazine will have an initial print run of 15,000 copies and is targeted at the hair and beauty industry, stylists, salons and anyone passionate about hair fashion. The magazine will hit the market in October with a price tag of Rs 150.

Rediffusion – Y&R appoints Saumya Chattopadhyay as Planning Head – Mumbai
Rediffusion – Y&R has appointed Saumya Chattopadhyay as Planning Head - Mumbai. He will report into Arvind Mohan, Group Chief Strategy Officer as well as Nisha Singhania, Executive Vice President, Rediffusion – Y&R, Mumbai. Saumya moves in from Milk +Co. DDB International Kuala Lumpur Malaysia where he was Head of Planning, overseeing the Planning Department.

burrp.com introduces Small Business Solutions
burrp.com, India’s premier online lifestyle guide, today announced the launch of its Small Business Solutions (SBS) tool for business owners. It is a two way communication model between business owners and users. burrp.com is a pioneer in user generated content with over 15000 user reviews of lifestyle businesses across India. Until now, there was no way for business owners to respond to these user reviews on burrp! The SBS tool will now enable business owners to respond to users reviews, thereby completing the communication loop.

The Hindu MetroPlus Lifestyle Show 2009 ends on June 8
The sixth Hindu MetroPlus Lifestyle Show 2009 is South India’s largest consumer fair with a range of products from electronic goods to apparels. The LifeStyle show is on till June 8, and is open from 10 am to 8.30 pm. Entry fee is Rs. 50 per person.

Vivek Mhaskar appointed Finance-Controller OMD
OMD has appointed Vivek Mhaskar as its Finance-Controller. Prior to this appointment, Mhaskar was with Madison Group until May 31, 2009 where he was the Commercial Director operating for Madison Media. At OMD he will be reporting to Choodamani Parameshwar, CFO OMD.

Reader's Digest: ‘Trusted Brand Awards 2009’
At a vibrant function held in New Delhi on May 28, Dr Kiran Bedi, IPS and Magsaysay Awardee and other dignitaries presented the 2009 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Platinum and Gold Awards. These awards were in more than 30 product categories ranging from airlines, cars to mobile phones, packaged drinks and printers. The Chief Guest for the evening was Dr Kiran Bedi. The Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands event was presented by State Bank of India in association with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Ceat and Godrej.

Discovery Travel & Living styles up food programming with celebrated chefs
This summer, Discovery Travel & Living will explore the finer nuances of culinary skills by introducing three enticing food series presented by celebrated chefs Kylie Kwong, Nigella Lawson and her new baking expert Rachel Allen.

Big FM Allahabad spruces up breakfast show with new RJ
Big FM Allahabad has got on board RJ Arun to host its breakfast show, ‘Big Chai’, every morning between 7 am and 11am, Monday to Saturday. ‘Big Chai’ features various sections focusing on the vibe of the city and involving listeners in various day to day topics that could help them.

Radio City celebrates 8th anniversary across India
It’s celebration time at Radio City as the FM station completes eight years in India. The station has carried forward its pledge to offer a melodious journey for listeners over the last eight years. Radio City stations across 20 markets will commemorate this occasion in great style along with listeners through a diverse array of interactive activities.

BBC World News celebrates 40th anniversary of moon landings
BBC World News is coming up with a special season of programming in July to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the extraordinary 1969 moon landings. The programmes will explore the history and geology of the moon, how those initial steps have impacted on our lives today, and the future of space tourism.

Camlin OOH campaign takes the ‘permanency’ peg
A mark etched permanently, that’s the idea behind Camlin’s latest OOH campaign for its permanent marker. The clutter breaking OOH campaign, which broke on June 28, 2009, can be seen across metros like Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi and Pune.

Camlin OOH campaign takes the ‘permanency’ peg
A mark etched permanently, that’s the idea behind Camlin’s latest OOH campaign for its permanent marker. The clutter breaking OOH campaign, which broke on June 28, 2009, can be seen across metros like Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi and Pune.

Troy Lobo
Turner International India Pvt Ltd has promoted Troy Lobo to Director of Wireless, Interactive Content Development and Distribution for the South Asia region. Based in Mumbai, Lobo directly reports to Siddharth Jain, Vice-President and Deputy General Manager – Distribution & Business Operations, South Asia, Turner International India, and is responsible for driving mobile and interactive platforms for the portfolio of Turner’s news (CNN) and entertainment brands (Cartoon Network, POGO and WB). Lobo had joined Turner International in 2005 as Associate Director and was promoted to Head of Wireless and Interactive in 2008. In his new role, Lobo will manage and oversee operations of the in-country mobile sites, games development and publishing for mobile and TV, Video-on-Demand services and On-line platform content distribution. He will also assist the regional team in developing new games, applications, services across various Digital and Interactive platforms.

OOH players look to tapping the Bandra Worli Sea Link innovatively
The long-waited Bandra Worli Sea Link opened to traffic on July 1, 2009 and has been creating much news. For OOH players, the eight-laned Sea Link offers an uncluttered skyline. However, it needs to be kept in mind that since traffic will be zipping through at a fast pace, any OOH display needs to be innovative enough to catch the eye. exchange4media spoke to some OOH players on the outdoor opportunities offered by the bridge over Mumbai’s waters.

Anifest India 2009 to be held from August 13-16
The fifth edition of Anifest India, an annual international animation festival organised and promoted by The Animation Society of India (TASI), is slated to be held from August 13-16, 2009. Anifest India brings together some of the world’s best animation directors, technicians and several international animation stalwarts under one roof.

Flashed Yesterday: Hill & Knowlton enters India by taking over management responsibility of IPAN
Global communications consultancy Hill & Knowlton has expanded its operations into India by taking over the management responsibility of IPAN from JWT India effective July 1 2009. The new entity, to be re-branded IPAN Hill & Knowlton, will become a part of Hill & Knowlton’s Asia Pacific region with IPAN President Radhika Shapoorjee reporting to Hill & Knowlton Asia Pacific President & COO Vivian Lines.

Micheal Birkin bids adieu to Omnicom; Tim Love made APIMA CEO
Omnicom Group has announced the appointment of Tim Love as its new CEO, in charge of its Asia Pacific India Middle East Africa (APIMA) operations, effective July 1, 2009. Love succeeds Michael Birkin, who has quit Omnicom Group as Vice Chairman and Asia Pacific Chairman and CEO. Birkin has taken up a majority interest in RPMC, a US-based event company with offices in London and Los Angeles.

Network18 reports net loss of Rs 181 cr in FY09
Network18 Media and Investments Ltd has reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 181.87 crore for the year ended March 31, 2009. Consolidated revenues, on the other hand, have gone up to Rs 765 crore, a growth of 18 per cent YoY.

Ajit Thakur joins MSM as Business Head - Sony
Multi Screen Media has roped in Ajit Thakur as Business Head of its flagship Hindi general entertainment channel Sony Entertainment Television. Thakur joins the company from today. He moves from Balaji Motion Pictures, where he was working as CEO.

ASEB’s Sanjay Raina joins MBNS as VP - Marketing
Sanjay Raina, Head of Brand Strategy and Consumer Insights at AESB, is joining MEASAT Broadcast Network System (MBNS) as Vice President - Marketing. He takes charge from July 1, 2009. In his new role, he will be reporting to Henry Tan, COO - Content Management and Communications.

Saleem Mobhani puts in his papers as COO of Hungama Mobile
Hungama Mobile, part of Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt Ltd, on June 29 announced that Saleem Mobhani had put in his papers as COO of the company. Mobhani, who is currently serving his notice period, declined to comment on his further plans.

GenNext Media Magnate: Sapna Sharma – ‘Zyaada Ka Iraada’
In a short span of time, Sapna Sharma, Account Director, Madison Media Plus, has created a name for herself, winning accolades for her work on Max New York Life Insurance and Coca-Cola India. True to the tagline ‘Karo Zyaada Ka Iraada’, Sharma believes in packing in more. The GenNext Media Magnate is chosen by a committee comprising the exchange4media editorial team in consultation with Raj Nayak.

Budget 2009 wishlist: Media industry for reduction in service tax, FBT
With just a few days left for the Union Budget 2009-10, there are various expectations from different sectors and industries. Like the corporates and common man alike, the media industry, too, is hoping for a few rebates and reforms. Topping the Budget wishlist of the media industry is exemption or reduction in service tax and fringe benefit tax.

Marico India takes on the challenging times head-on
Everyone would like to have the perfect mantra for thriving in challenging times, and different companies have been devising various ways to cope with the slowdown. However, the challenge remains in keeping short term growth in line with long term growth. In conversation with exchange4media, Sameer Satpathy, Head of Marketing, Marico Ltd, explains how.

The show’s about to begin: EEMAX Awards & Convention 2009 from July 9 to July 12
In order to express recognition to works by budding professionals from the event management industry, the first ever EEMAX awards will be given at the annual convention EEMAGINE from July9-12 in Agra.

Cannes Lions 2009: ‘Naaka Mukka’ – from Chennai underbelly into mainstream: Senthil Kumar@Cannes Lions
India has won its first ever Gold in Film Lions at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. JWT India is excited with the win, and JWT India’s Senthil Kumar writes more on the winning Film – A Day in the life of Chennai done for The Times of India Chennai launch.

Cannes Lions 2009: India wins its first ever Film Lions Gold, courtesy JWT India
India has quite a few Film Lions to its credit, but this was the first time that India has won Gold Lions in this highly competent category. The awarded agency was JWT India for the work that the agency had done for The Times of India Chennai launch.

Mixed Media: Social media rules, and how!
Don’t embrace the social media and you will stay disconnected with your consumers! That was the take-out from the just-concluded Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, writes Pradyuman Maheshwari.

Navia gets the OOH mandate for TTML GSM launch in Mumbai; ac size Rs 15 cr
Navia Asia, the OOH specialist unit affiliated to the Publicis Group, has bagged the entire mandate to handle the Out of Home duties for the GSM launch by Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) in Mumbai.

Cannes Lions 2009: Another year ends, and the preparation for Cannes 2010 is here
Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival has completed 56 years. As the Festival closes, Festival organisers express content on the year gone, and already look forward to the year ahead.

Cannes Lions 2009: India wins its first ever Film Lions Gold, courtesy JWT India
India has quite a few Film Lions to its credit, but this was the first time that India has won Gold Lions in this highly competent category. The awarded agency was JWT India for the work that the agency had done for The Times of India Chennai launch.

Parle Agro makes entry into snack food, new brand called Hippo
Already as huge as Rs 6500 crores snack market in India gets another fillip as Indian beverage major Parle Agro introduces its new snack Hippo. The media for the snack will include a mix of Above-the- Line (ATL) and Below-the-Line (BTL) activities.

A jury is a community - and you get added as a friend- Meera Sharath Chandra@ Cannes 2009
After having donned the juror’s hat at The One Show and Clio, New York Fest and Art Directors Club that left me with vivid hues of an unforgettable experience, the proposition of representing the jury at the Cannes fascinated me to take another such stock. Much to my delight, I had an extremely competent bunch of jury members around me, each loaded with insights, warmth and fun. The bonhomie was inevitable.

Martin Sorrell, four clients & the Great Cannes Debate
After having engaged the gathering with a powerful debate last year, WPP's CEO Martin Sorrell descended upon the stage at Cannes 2009 to have an impassioned session yet again. He tossed the debate on - how the recession had impacted marketing decisions - to a power-packed panel comprising global marketing heads of four companies- Kraft, J&J, P&G and McDonald's. The session had the panelists shaking their heads in unison on various subjects ranging from digital spends to siginificance of the size of an agency.

Navia Asia appoints Gaurav Tandon as National Director for business development
Navia Asia, the OOH specialist unit affiliated to the Publicis Group has appointed Gaurav Tandon as its National Director for business development. Tandon was working in the capacity of Head of the asset and agency business for the US based Clear Channel.

Durga Raghunath leaves Livemint to join WSJ India
Wall Street Journal India has roped in the Managing Editor, Livemint.com Durga Raghunath as Editor, mobile services and digital product development, India. This move comes close on the heels of Wall Street Journal launching their facsimile edition in India in May.

Flashed Yesterday: Zero Indian entries in Titanium and Integrated Lions
Even though Indian agencies had entered 11 pieces of work in the Titanium and Integrated category, there is none that has made the cut to get into the shortlist. With this, the only category where India has any chance, of adding to its total metal tally, is Film Lions.

Nitin Kalra
Nitin Kalra, Manager – Licensing & Merchandising, Star India Private Limited has decided to move out of Star India. With 13 years of experience in the content space, Kalra is looking at exploring something at the international level, whereby he plans to expand his horizons by working with international clients, servicing international companies. Kalra had joined Star in April 2007 where his role primarily involved conceptualisation of new business ideas, sourcing the right partners, striking business relationships including financial and legal structure of relationships, planning the execution of the deals, launching the same and training the teams to handle them independently. Prior to Star India, Kalra has been associated with Jump Games Pvt. Ltd and Rajshri Media (P) Limited.

Ajay Gupta
Ajay Gupta has joined Quasar Media a WPP company, a digital media service provider in the country, as Regional Head South. He moves fromWunderman Advertising (WPP Group) in Muscat, Oman where he was an Associate Account Director and was into developing 360 degree communication strategies for Muscat based companies. Gupta started his career with the Bennett Coleman and Company Ltd eight years ago working for special features vertical. Moving on to exchange4media where he headed the branch for Bangalore. His next move in career was joining Tyroo Media, the only start-up in India currently funded by Yahoo into internet advertising as the Regional Head South.

Sunil Manocha
Sunil Manocha who was Senior VP, Live Media, has recently put in his papers to set up his own venture called ‘Krimson Media’. Krimson Media will provide sales and marketing solutions in the entertainment and sports space. Manocha has 20 years of experience in the media, marketing and advertising industry. A large part of his time was spent with the Nimbus Group where he started his career in 1989 operating in various capacities ranging from advertising sales to acquisitions, business development to TV programming. Later, he went to Sri Lanka to set up Mindshare Sri Lanka. After a year long stint as MD, Mindshare, Sri Lanka, he returned to Nimbus in 2006. In December 2008, he joined Live Media as Senior VP.

Zero Indian entries in Titanium and Integrated Lions
Even though Indian agencies had entered 11 pieces of work in the Titanium and Integrated category, there is none that has made the cut to get into the shortlist. With this, the only category where India has any chance, of adding to its total metal tally, is Film Lions.

Cannes Diary: The lesson I learnt – digitise or die: Ashwani Singla@Cannes Lions 2009
Advertising is dead. Long live advertising.
The last few days at Cannes Festival has left me wondering whether I was in a tech conference or an advertising one. There was a time when the likes of Esther Dyson, founder, CNet v 1.0 and board member of WPP would be hosting seminars on User Generated Media and the participants and speakers included a range of techies, developers, marketers, etc. etc. You would accidently come across someone from the Advertising world! Those were not the days of ‘digital’ but ‘interactive’.

Flashed Yesterday:Film Lions disappoints India camp; only three entries in shortlist
The India camp at Cannes was significantly disappointed with only three entries in the Film Lions shortlist. Two entries are from JWT India for the work done for BCCL, and one is from TBWA India for the work done for Multiscreen Media.

Where have the Mavericks gone? Vivek Srivastava@Cannes Lions 2009
Well Cannes does celebrate creativity and it also serves as a cauldron where emerging trends and seemingly disparate entities from communication too merge and interact. The exodus of talent and lateral or unencumbered thinkers - is something that has been a cause for concern for all of the believers in the brand communication business.

Obama Campaign Manager David Plouffe speaks on the magic of one-on-one conversations
The Presidential campaign done for Barack Obama, and the journey from being no one to being a household name was arguably the most ground breaking political campaigns seen in the recent US history. The campaign used new media, social media and traditional media with the core focus on creating one-on-one conversations with American people. Campaign Manager David Plouffe speaks on the rationale behind the campaign, and how staying the course, despite adversities, helped.

Guest Column Newsmanic: Top 10 dumb lines on the idiot box
I always thought that the immortal Amitabh line in Sholay, “Tera naam kya hain, Basanti” (what’s your name, Basanti?) was unbeatable for its eloquent, if deliberate, stupidity. But try this for competition: NDTV’s Nagma was in Surat, outside a shop that caters to Andhra migrants. Nagma, to the shopkeeper: Aap ka naam bataiye, Telugu mein bataiye (tell us your name, tell us your name in Telugu)! He said his name was ‘Anil’. Wonder what his name would be Hindi!

A brief run into Craig Davis, Steve Gatfield & Donald Gunn
Perhaps the best thing about Cannes Lions is the opportunity to meet some of the biggest names of the global advertising industry, and know a little some of what’s going on. The brief pleasant encounters of day five were with Craig Davis who is now with Publicis Mojo, IPG’s Steve Gatfield and Donald Gunn of The Gunn Report.

GroupM’s Kinetic expected to land significant chunk of HUL’s OOH biz
It appears that Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has decided on its OOH partners even as there was no confirmation coming from the agencies or the advertiser. HUL has been scouting for an agency to handle the out of home duties for all the brands under its portfolio. It is believed that the business is split between two agencies. GroupM’s Kinetic is said to be handling 85 pc of the business. The agency for the rest 15 pc couldn’t be verified at this stage.

The delegates & entries decrease showed agencies discipline in spending: Martin Sorrell
WPP’s CEO Sir Martin Sorrell’s presence at Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival re-emphasised the significance that this festival holds for the global advertising community. In a conversation with exchange4media, among various other subjects, Sorrell discussed Cannes Lions, and the fact that agencies had demonstrated discipline in spending in the current economic situation. He added that at the same time, it was important for the industry to celebrate good work.

India@Cannes: Film shortlist creates a mixture of angst & disappointment
The India camp at Cannes has been excited with the number of metals pocketed so far. With the tally now reaching the same as last year, the absence of a Grand Prix has ceased to pinch. However, the expectations from Film Lions were high, and some of the films not even making to the shortlist has left many dejected.

Films Lions disappoints India camp; only three entries in shortlist
India camp is significantly disappointed with only three entries in the Films Lions shortlist. Two entries are from JWT India for the work done for BCCL, and one is from TBWA India for the work done for Multiscreen Media.

Where have the Mavericks gone? Vivek Srivastava@Cannes Lions 2009
Well Cannes does celebrate creativity and it also serves as a cauldron where emerging trends and seemingly disparate entities from communication too merge and interact. The exodus of talent and lateral or unencumbered thinkers - is something that has been a cause for concern for all of the believers in the brand communication business.

Evangelize mobile marketing, say new MMA ILC co-chairs
With an aim to encourage the growth of mobile marketing and advertising, Mobile Marketing Association has elected co-chairs for the newly constituted India Local Council. The newly elected honchos of the council duly priortised the evangelizing of mobile marketing in their first meet.

Advertising is storytelling: Contagious & Leo Burnett’s Wildfire advice
The team comprising Contagious magazine and Leo Burnett that holds the Wildfire seminars at Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival every year delved in the art of storytelling this year at Cannes. The team listed town the seven basic plots, and how advertising agencies can work around it for ads that connect with consumers.

Yet again, the blank Cyber Lion year for India
Indian agencies have drawn a blank at the Cyber Lions 2009. There was only one entry from Bates 141 that had made it to the shortlist failed to make to the winning list. Indian juror Meera Sharath Chandra from Syzygy UK said that India is a late bloomer and had got in the digital race later than most countries but that was not an excuse for not winning.

“Decent” haul in Press Lions: Ogilvy gets a Silver & Rediffusion gets a Bronze
India has only two Lions in the Press category. A Silver from Ogilvy and a Bronze from Rediffusion Y&R. The Press Jury President David Lubars made no pretence of the fact that the jury was tough on what was being selected. However, according to India juror Abhijit Avasthi it was a “decent” year.

Design jury applauds India’s performance; 5 Design Lions – JWT India leads
The Design Lions, which is in its second year, turned to be one of the best Lion categories for India this year. India has bagged five Design Lions including a Gold Lion that was awarded to JWT India. There are two Silvers in the category awarded to Publicis Red Lion and Leo Burnett India. There are also two Bronze Lions awarded one each to Ogilvy India and JWT India. The Design jury stated unanimously that India’s work stood out in the overall body.

I don’t think we are in a recession; we have reset: Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft
When Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer is speaking, the audience would naturally comprise names like Sir Martin Sorrell. Sorrell even had a question for Ballmer in an audience interaction that followed the session. While Ballmer spoke on a host of subjects, the one topic that was discussed repeatedly was search. Ballmer candidly admitted that that was an area where he was envious of competition, and where Microsoft would work hard to “restore the balance”.

Dark Cannes Lions year turns bright: India’s Lion tally reaches 23 already
The winners for Films, Integrated & Titanium Lions are yet to be announced, but India has already scored 23 Lions, which is the same as last year. Ogilvy is leading the metal count but missing a Gold. Publicis follows. JWT in the race too with one Gold and one Bronze.The expectations from Films are high. Any increase in metal from here would make this the highest Lions year for India.

India’s Jai Ho Moment: Indian Juror Lynn de Souza@Cannes Lions 2009
According to Lynn de Souza, “It was truly a Jai Ho moment for India, marred only by the absence of any Indian to pick up the single Gold Media Lion, which also won a Silver.” de Souza was the Indian juror on Media Lions, and writes on her experience on judging this category, where India has so far performed the best at Cannes Lions 2009.

And India bounces back - Metal tally hit 16 Lions; Ogilvy & Publicis lead count
The slow start to India’s metal count at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival 2009 gained pace on Day Three of the event. From one bronze on Day Two to 16 metals on Day three brought India back on track, and the 23-metal benchmark that was set last year, looks possible now.

Don’t treat the consumer like your pet: Nick Moore
It is no easy feat for any brand to build and maintain a relationship with its consumers. Wunderman’s Chief Creative Officer Nick Moore explained this in a session at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival on ‘Relationship Counselling’. One striking advice that came from his address was ‘Consumers cannot be treated like pets in order to get them to be loyal’.

Be digitally creative to create effects: Herman Vaske
One of the most interesting seminars of the day saw Herman Vaske, Director – Herman Vaske, speak on the need to be creative in order to be efficient. Vaske observed that innovation and efficiency were the main drivers of this year’s developments.

Flashed Yesterday: 11 Indian entries shortlisted in Design Lions; 1 in Cyber
There are 11 entries from India in the Design shortlist. These included two each from Ogilvy India and JWT India; and one entry each from Red Lion Publicis, Publicis Ambience, Cheil Worldwide India, Bates 141, Karigari Design, Leo Burnett India and Contract Advertising. There is only one India shortlist in Cyber Lions, which is from Bates 141.

Rediffusion Y&R brings India its only Radio Bronze
Of the four Indian entries that were competing in the Radio Lions, only one has managed to win a Lion. Rediffusion Y&R has been awarded a Bronze Lion for the work done for American India Foundation. Indian jury member Ashish Khazanchi, NCD, Publicis Ambience informed that DDB Mudra’s Bush fell marginally short to make it through the winning list.

India scores big with 6 Lions in Outdoor; Ogilvy & Publicis score
Outdoor Lions have seen the next best performance from India on Day Three of the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. India has won six Outdoor Lions in all. These include one Silver each to Ogilvy India, Publicis Communications and DDB Mudra. Ogilvy and Publicis Communication, along with Leo Burnett, have been awarded a Bronze Lion each too.

Media Lions re-energises India at Cannes with 8 metals: MediaCom leads, Maxus follows
As Media Lions’ Indian Juror Lynn de Souza (Chairman & CEO, Lintas Media Group) put it, it was ‘Jai Ho’ for India in the Media Lions’ category. Indian agencies have eight Media Lions, which is the highest ever that India has been awarded in one category. Also, Media Lions has the only Gold awarded to India so far. With media agencies winning, the task to bring media services focus in the Media Lions that was set for the jury this year, was achieved.

11 Indian entries shortlisted in Design Lions; 1 in Cyber
There are 11 entries from India in the Design shortlist including two each from Ogilvy India and JWT India. And one entry each from Red Lion Publicis, Publicis Ambience, Cheil Worldwide India, Bates 141, Karigari Design, Leo Burnett India and Contract Advertising. There is only one India shortlist in Cyber Lions, which is from Bates 141.

Spirited Candid Marketing campaigns for AXN Action Awards
Candid Marketing has sprung into action rendering its on-ground services to AXN. The massive campaign by Candid Marketing directed at promoting soon-to-be-announced fourth AXN Action awards was organised in six metropolises across India, in tune with the spirit and buyoance of the channel.

GenNext Media Magnate: Vikrant Mudaliar – A great believer of consumer insights
Vikrant Mudaliar currently heads Brand Marketing at Tata Sky Ltd and is based in Mumbai, India. He joined Tata Sky in 2005 and was part of the startup team that launched Tata Sky’s satellite TV service in India in August 2006. A great believer in the importance of consumer insights, He says, “The marketers need to see beyond the obvious to discover real consumer insights. It very often is a case of sifting through ‘what is said’ to find the insight behind ‘what is unsaid’.”

Universal McCann, Microsoft & Facebook delve on the power of ‘gravitational media’
At a time when fragmentation is seen as a growing challenge facing advertisers across markets, Universal McCann, Microsoft and Facebook officials spoke to the audience at Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival on the Gravitational Mass Media that can replace the need to purchase distribution from standalone media companies.

Even Teach India didn't manage to get India a Direct Lion
Another big disappointment on the second day dampened India's hopes at Cannes Lions as JWT India’s Teach India failed to make it to the winning list of the Direct Lions category. Since 2006, India has been consistently winning in this category; last year India had won a Grand Prix. The score of zero this year has added to the slow start for India at Cannes Lions 2009.

Leo Burnett’s Promo Bronze Lion, is the first & only Cannes Lion for India so far
Leo Burnett India is the only agency that has won a Cannes Lion for India so far. In the Promo category, the agency has been awarded a Bronze Lion for the entry ‘Stainbroidery’ for Procter & Gamble’s detergent brand Tide.

Advertising’s Biggest Pitch: Indian Juror Agnello Dias@Cannes Lions 2009
Agnello Dias, Chief Creative Officer, TapRoot India, is one of the Indian jury members at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. Aggi, as he is better known, has the distinct credit of bringing India the only Grand Prix that the country has won at Cannes Lions. In this blog, Dias writes on his experience of being a jury member at the festival.

Prema Sagar's 5-point mantra for Indian PR industry on global awards prep
India’s performance at the inaugural PR Lions was disheartening. Genesis Burson-Marsteller’s Principal and Founder Prema Sagar, who was also an Indian juror on PR Lions this year, speaks on what went wrong. In a conversation with exchange4media, she chalked out a 5-point mantra that PR agencies must follow while entering for global awards.

We hope to earn revenues from this year, says Twitter co-founder Biz Stone
The world’s biggest modern-day mystery is about to get solved. Doomsayers wondering how microblogging service Twitter is ever going to earn revenues have reason to be relieved. For, Biz Stone, a Silicon Valley serial entrepreneur who co-founded Twitter in 2006, and was speaking at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, thinks he has found the magic potion.

India@Cannes: Leo Burnett brings first metal, Teach India disappoints
It has been one of the slowest starts for India at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. Courtesy Leo Burnett, India has one Bronze Promo Lion – the only metal won so far. JWT India’s ‘Teach India’ disappointed all, by not making it to the winner’s list. The 60-odd Indian delegates were seen in small groups at the famous Gutter Bar reiterating the lower number of Indian delegates this year, and the lacklustre performance so far.

THE CANNES DIARY- Ashwani Singla
For me, a first time participant to the festival it was both about learning and taking in the environment at the same time. So whilst I absorbed the sessions, I also took time to experience the Cannes Riviera a bit by finding some nice cafes for lunch and dinner.

39 Indian works in Outdoor Lions; 4 in Radio Lions shortlisted
Apart from the Press Lions and Media Lions, the Radio Lions and Outdoor Lions were also announced at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival 2009. There are a whopping 39 creatives shortlisted in Outdoor Lions including works in campaign entries and individual entries. There are only four Indian entries in the Radio Lions shortlist.

11 Indian entries shortlisted in Media Lions & 10 works in Press Lions
The shortlists for the Media Lions and Press Lions were announced on June 22, 2009 at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival 2009. India has managed 11 entries in Media Lions shortlists, and there are 10 works (three campaigns and one standalone) in the Press Lions category.

@Cannes09: Is Indian PR not up to the mark?
Bambaiyya Hindi, one would’ve said Izzat ka ho gaya royal falooda. But for our big and prosperous PR industry, or at least for observers like yours truly, it’s kind-of the same as India not reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.

From merely transacting to creating an experience: Coca Cola & Sapient show how
The Coca-Cola Company has been taking various steps, on the global level to “enhance consumer experience” even if that meant changing it on the on-ground level in form of Coca-Cola vending machines. This appeared to be the simple philosophy that the interactive team of the company followed, and they chose an Indian example to demonstrate it.

Publicis Ambience, Publicis India & 2 from Leo Burnett shortlisted in Promo Lions
Promo Lions have four Indian works that have made the cut. These include one each from Publicis Ambience and Publicis India, and two from Leo Burnett India. In all, India had entered 47 entries in this category, an increase of 17 entries as compared to last year.

Ogilvy, JWT, Leo Burnett, Rediffusion, Contract, McCann & BBC World Service shortlisted in Direct
There are only seven entries that have made it to the Direct Lions shortlist. These include one each from Ogilvy India, JWT India, Leo Burnett India, Rediffusion Y&R, Contract Advertising, McCann Erickson India & BBC World Service Trust. The winners will be announced on June 22, 2009.

India draws a blank in PR Lions
A disappointing start greets Indian delegates at Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival 2009 with India scoring zilch in the inaugural PR Lions category.
@Cannes09: Is Indian PR not up to the mark?

India@Cannes: Delegates down by 50 pc; entries down by 11 pc
Number of representatives from India at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival looked dwindling, as only 70 delegates registered this year, in comparison to the 140 last year. And unlike the 1109 entries that were sent in 2008, there were only 982 entries from India this year. Nonetheless, one can already begin seeing the Indian delegates and jury members busily moving around at the Palais de Festival.

Delegates & Entries down, but the Lions’ spirit is not
The Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival 2009 kicked off in its full glory on June 21, 2009. Much as it has been for every industry, the Cannes Lions too has seen its share of the impact of the global meltdown. However, that did not deter the organisers from ensuring the scale and the galore that the festival is known for.

D. Sundaram
D. Sundaram:TVS Capital Funds Limited has appointed Mr.D.Sundaram, as the Vice Chairman and Managing Director, effective from 10th July, 2009. Sundaram has more than 34 years of experience with Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and is a two-time winner of the prestigious “CFO of the Year for FMCG Sector” award by CNBC TV18 (2006 and 2009). Sundaram joined HUL in 1975 as Management Trainee and worked in various capacities over the three decades, and has been elevated as Vice Chairman of HUL in April 2008. Sundaram’s experience spans corporate finance, business performance, operations, governance, mergers & acquisitions, talent/people management and strategy.

Meera Sharath Chandra
Meera Sharath Chandra: Meera Sharath Chandra relocates in London and has joined WPP owned digital agency, Syzygy’s London office as Managing Director. Prior to this appointment, Chandra was the President & NCD, RMG connect India. RMG Connect is JWT’s direct marketing, customer relationship management and digital solutions company. Chandra had joined RMG from Mudra Marketing Services after a two-year tenure there as national creative director across the non-traditional media business units of Tribal DDB India (interactive and new media) and Rapp Collins India (direct response and CRM). Prior to Mudra, Chandra was associated with Contract.

Radio City Connect partners with Force India for sports event
Radio City Connect, the activation arm of Radio City, has partnered with Force India F1 team for Corporate Go Karting Championship across Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Corporates from these five cities will get an opportunity to participate in the Maruti Suzuki Ritz presents Force India & Radio City Connect corporate Go Karting Championship.

Need for self regulation in OOH re-iterated
The Out Of Home (OOH) industry has for long been kept aside with step motherly treatment by advertisers. Years after its acceptance, it only happens to be the fourth most popular medium for advertisers. To top it all it has been one of the worst hit industries during the economic slowdown. Media observers, and out-of -home players, share their views on ways in which this industry can move forward.

Lokesh Tiwary quits Rediffusion Group; company looks inwards for replacements
Lokesh Tiwary, who was the Group President of Rediffusion PR and CEO, Showdiff Worldwide, has decided to move on from the Group. His role is now divided – while Divya Radhakrishnan, President, TME has been given the addition mandate of Rediffusion PR, Conrad Saldanha will once again take on the responsibility of Showdiff.

Guest Column Newsmanic: If Dhoni has killed our World Cup chances, we are all co-accused in the murder
Our channels take any defeat badly, but cricket defeats are especially personal. Not only are the endless hours of hype wasted, the channels are short-changed on easy content by a few days. Criminal dereliction of national duty on the cricketers’ part... The problem is, cricket is moving in a new direction and all our arguments and debates are getting outdated fast. The question is not anymore about how much cricket to play, whether to play for money or honour, etc etc... writes veteran journalist B V Rao.

Not a bad season after all: MEC’s Post IPL study
Mediaedge: CIA had predicted some trends for the Indian Premier League season 2, and as the season completed, the agency undertook a post IPL study as well. The findings here show that consumers feel that they have watched more IPL in season 2, and would continue watching. Elections did not affect 70 per cent of people’s IPL viewing. The ratings have dipped but it is due to more people watching for lesser time. The complete findings are on exchange4media’s Industry Omnibus.

Graphisads bags OOH rights for Srinagar Airport
Graphisads that specialises in outdoor advertising, has got the exclusive marketing rights for a bouquet of outdoor options including unipoles, standys, wall-mounted signages, conveyor-belt, four-side pillars and so on, at Srinagar airport.

Mudra amid launches: announces second OOH agency StreetSmart
The slowdown surely has made no dent on the launch announcements coming from the Mudra Group. Close on the heels of the agency’s partnership with Portland UK, Mudra has now launched second out-of-home agency StreetSmart that became operational from June 18, 2009.

Yash Khanna joins CMCG India as President
Yash Khanna, former Executive Vice President with STAR Network, has joined public relations consultancy CMCG India, as President.

Industry welcomes Indian Outdoor Survey, but waits to see if it becomes a currency
The Media Research Users' Council (MRUC) and Hansa Research launched the Indian Outdoor Survey (IOS) 2009 for Mumbai on June 15, 2009. exchange4media spoke to OOH players and domain experts to gauge whether IOS fills the gap of a credible measurement system for the OOH industry. The players have welcomed IOS but are waiting to see the study would grow enough to become a currency for the OOH medium.

Guest Article Retrofit: RAW, Indian media & a lengthy, strange story...
“Call it propaganda or plain wishful thinking. Or maybe it is a pie in the sky. Purportedly an investigation. The other day I stumbled upon a very lengthy, but strange story in Pakistan’s Daily Mail that highlighted the role of India’s external intel agency RAW in propping up Indian media...” writes veteran journalist Sandeep Bamzai as he questions an international report that, amongst other allegations, called Zee TV a RAW-funded operation.

Citibank takes the viral route for its service ‘Citi Online Remit’
Citibank has launched a viral marketing campaign to promote its new online money transfer service to India ‘Citi Online Remit’, on June 16, 2009. The campaign marquee is a viral video designed by viral experts, Webchutney. This creative work is titled ‘Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye.’

Movado has signed on Harbhajan Singh as new brand ambassador

Movado has announced cricketer Harbhajan Singh as the newest Movado brand ambassador. The contract is annual, and will be renewed every year. It’s joining its elite league of ambassadors - world-renowned artists and athletes like tennis player Pete Sampras, jazz master Wynton Marsalis, actors Amanda Seyfried and Kerry Washington and dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. In India, Twinkle Khanna has been brand ambassador for eight years.

GenNext Media Magnate: Tarannum Alam - to die for work & brand
Tarannum Alam started her professional journey in 1999 with Universal McCann. She is currently working with India Media Exchange (IMX) as the buying head for electronics media for all Starcom aligned businesses. According to her, this has been one of the most challenging assignments in her career. For her, the past 10 years in this industry have been extremely fulfilling and exciting. “And I can see that there are many more challenges, that I am willing to take on” asserts Alam.

It’s official: Sun TV appoints Ajay Vidyasagar as COO
Putting a rest to all guesswork, Sun TV has finally informed Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) that it has roped in former STAR India President Ajay Vidyasagar as the Chief Operating Officer with effect from June 15, 2009. exchange4media readers would recall that the speculations have been rife for over two months now that Vidyasagar was likely to head Sun TV.

IOS 2009: Outdoor fourth highest reached medium in Mumbai; Pune next for IOS
Media Research Users’ Council (MRUC) and Hansa Research launched the Indian Outdoor Survey (IOS) 2009, for Mumbai, on June 15, 2009. Following the Mumbai launch, MRUC and Hansa Research plan the Pune launch in a month’s time, if “monsoon doesn’t play spoil sport”. IOS for Delhi in the meanwhile, would take another year.

BSNL empanels Crayons, Planet, Prabhatam & Concept for Rs 100 cr outdoor ad biz
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has empanelled four advertising companies - Crayons Advertising, Planet Advertising, Prabhatam Advertising and Concept Advertising - to carry out its proposed Rs 100 crore outdoor campaign for the year 2009-10. It is learnt that BSNL had received tenders for the business from 13 agencies.

Industry disappointed but prepared on India’s elimination from ICC T20 World Cup
Being the ICC T20 World Cup Champions, the advertiser expectation from Team India was high for this year’s tournament as well. Team India’s elimination from the games has spelt disappointment for advertisers but they state that the situation was “planned for”.

It’s official: Sun TV appoints Ajay Vidyasagar as COO
Putting a rest to all guesswork, Sun TV has finally informed Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) that it has roped in former STAR India President Ajay Vidyasagar as the Chief Operating Officer with effect from June 15, 2009. exchange4media readers would recall that the speculations have been rife for over two months now that Vidyasagar was likely to head Sun TV.

R Sridhar throws a ‘Googly’ at his book launch
R Sridhar, CEO and Founder of brand-comm, decided to launch his second book ‘Googly- Branding on Indian Turf’ with a bit of a difference. In keeping with the title of the book, he threw a few googlies at the launch by posing brand related questions to the Chief Guests of the ceremony including Bhaskar Bhat, MD, Titan Industries and Anand Sudarshan, MD and CEO of Manipal Education.

MRUC & Hansa set to release Indian Outdoor Survey 2009 for Mumbai on Jun 15
Following an effort that has spanned five years, Media Research Users’ Council (MRUC) and Hansa Research are all set to release the Indian Outdoor Survey 2009 for Mumbai on June 15, 2009. The Patron Sponsors, who provided the initial funding for the project, include Laqshya, Outdoor Advertising Professionals, Ogilvy and Reliance ADAG.

Guest Article: Creativity and Innovation is the key to OOH
What you see is what you get. A poor creative means poorly performing campaign, and a wasted opportunity to get the most out of the medium. Innovation in OOH media is nothing new. Every agency specialist offers innovation as part of his media package. Every client wants innovation in his campaign. So all is hunky dory, everything is understood, right? Asks Nabendu Bhattacharyya, President, Ogilvy Action.

Mixed Media: Media-friendly Budget is a must for a stronger India
The Union Budget on July 3 should abolish all duties on computers, telephony, cables etc in order to build a strong and affordable information infrastructure. Online and social media are as vital as print and electronic, writes Pradyuman Maheshwari

Vikram Channa
Vikram Channa, Vice President, Content, has now got on a new role as Vice President, programming, India, and head of production, Asia-Pacific, Discovery. Channa will be based out of DNAP’s New Delhi office, and will assume his new role from July 1. He will report directly to DNAP’s Executive Vice President and Managing Director Tom Keaveny on all Asia-Pacific production matters, and to Senior Vice President and General Manager, India, Rahul Johri, on all issues related to programming for India. Channa first joined Discovery in 1995. During his years with Discovery, Channa has taken on various roles within the company from on-air promotions to programming and production. Together with his team, he executive produced over 500 documentaries, several of which garnered accolades at events such as the Asia Television Awards, New York Festival, Omni Intermedia, and the Academy Awards. Channa began his working career in India as an independent producer of short films.

Devraj Sanyal
Desi Hits has roped in Devraj Sanyal as its CEO. Sanyal’s mandate in his new role will be to help Desi Hits in exploring new avenues for growth and create long term growth partnerships. Prior to joining Desi Hits, he was the CEO of Percept D’Mark (PDM). He had been with PDM for close to five years, and in 2007 he was promoted to CEO. Since then he was handling all PDM India businesses with a special focus on integrating the various group businesses such as mainstream advertising, content, talent, PR and OOH. Before PDM, Sanyal has worked at The Times of India, Baccarose and Elle magazine.

Christopher Graves to succeed Marcia Silverman as CEO of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
Christopher Graves, President and Regional CEO of Ogilvy Public Relations Asia Pacific, has been appointed global CEO of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, a global, multi-disciplinary communications leader, succeeding Marcia Silverman who has led the company for seven years. Marcia will become Chair of Ogilvy PR. Both appointments become effective January 1, 2010.

We have cut down our ad budget from Rs 100 cr to Rs 50 cr: Alok Bharadwaj, Canon India
Advertising was hit by recession badly. We have cut down our advertising budget from Rs 100 crore last year to Rs 50 crore. We are not compromising on our below-the-line (BTL) activities, it remains the same as last year but our above-the-line (ATL) activities have been impacted. We have spent almost Rs 1 crore in the online medium; print and outdoor there is some activity but we have completely cut down television.

V Natrajan joins New Indian Express Group as VP – Marketing, All India
The New Indian Express Group has roped in V Natrajan as VP – Marketing with all India responsibility, for advertisement revenue and brand operations, for all the group publications. He would be reporting to the Chairman and Managing Director of the group Manoj Kumar Sonthalia.

Leji Koshy quits Big Cinemas, to join Sadhna News
Leji Koshy, the National Sales Head of Big Cinemas has left the organisation. He will be joining Sadhna News as its National Sales Head.

Series of public multimedia projects next on C3CUBE’s agenda
C3CUBE plans to launch a series of public multimedia projects in the Indian market. The Dilli Dil Se kiosk network was conceived and developed by multimedia producer Raja Choudhury and his digital agency, C3CUBE Multimedia for Coca-Cola India as part of its integrated marketing program to leverage its sponsorship of the Delhi Daredevils during the DLF IPL 2009. This program also included a website, www.DilliDilSe.com, designed by C3CUBE.

Elucido Media Networks eyes the Mumbai OOH space; to enter the city by year-end
Digital media solutions provider Elucido Media Networks is on an expansion spree. The company plans to grow both in terms of geography, and in its people force. In the next six months, Elucido, which has its World Headquarter in Bangalore, plans to enter Mumbai. It also plans to hire people from outside India to double its people force from 45 to 90.

Ashit Kukian becomes President – Sales at Radio City
Radio City, one of India’s leading FM radio brand on Wednesday, June 9, 2009 elevated Ashit Kukian to President- Sales. Prior to this, he was the Executive Vice President and National Head – Sales, Radio City.

Guest Column Retrofit: The integrator function of trade in a globalised environment, and its impact on Ministries
A change in assigning Ministry portfolios can change the course not just for the nation, but for the world. Veteran journalist Sandeep Bamzai takes a closer look at what could happen at world trade talks, as Kamal Nath, whom he describes as PM Manmohan Singh’s go-to man, was replaced as India’s Commerce and Industry Minister in the recently completed Cabinet reshuffle.

GenNext Media Magnate: Imran Karim – in love with the pace
Imran Karim has been an advertising person throughout. Having started his career in the finance department of Prachar Communication, he moved on to media at the “earliest opportunity”. Another four years with Enterprise, and then it was TME for Karim, where at present he is working as the National Buying Head. Though he is focussed on his current responsibility for now, five years hence, this GenNext Media Magnate would “love to head an agency”.

Flash Yesterday: Aegis Media launches second media brand Vizeum in India; S Yesudas is MD
Aegis Media has launched its second media brand Vizeum in India. The organisation has roped in S Yesudas as the Managing Director, India sub-continent. Ashish Bhasin, Chairman – India and CEO – South East Asia, Aegis Media, confirmed the development to exchange4media.

Avant-garde hair magazine 'Estetica' is set to launch in India
MaXposure Media Group is launching the Indian edition of the leading Italian hair fashion magazine, Estetica, in October 2009. Estetica India is the 25th international edition of this 60-year-old magazine, the global leader in hair fashion publications. A quarterly publication, the magazine will have an initial print run of 15,000 copies and is targeted at the hair and beauty industry, stylists, salons and anyone passionate about hair fashion. The magazine will hit the market in October with a price tag of Rs 150.

Rediffusion – Y&R appoints Saumya Chattopadhyay as Planning Head – Mumbai
Rediffusion – Y&R has appointed Saumya Chattopadhyay as Planning Head - Mumbai. He will report into Arvind Mohan, Group Chief Strategy Officer as well as Nisha Singhania, Executive Vice President, Rediffusion – Y&R, Mumbai. Saumya moves in from Milk +Co. DDB International Kuala Lumpur Malaysia where he was Head of Planning, overseeing the Planning Department.

burrp.com introduces Small Business Solutions
burrp.com, India’s premier online lifestyle guide, today announced the launch of its Small Business Solutions (SBS) tool for business owners. It is a two way communication model between business owners and users. burrp.com is a pioneer in user generated content with over 15000 user reviews of lifestyle businesses across India. Until now, there was no way for business owners to respond to these user reviews on burrp! The SBS tool will now enable business owners to respond to users reviews, thereby completing the communication loop.

Aegis Media launches second media brand Vizeum in India; S Yesudas is CEO
Aegis Media is continuing with the launches of its various international brands in India. The latest to come in is the second media brand Vizeum. Aegis Media has brought in S Yesudas as the CEO. Prior to this, he was with R K Swamy BDDO’s Media Group. Ashish Bhasin, Chairman – India and CEO, South East Asia, Aegis Media, confirmed the development to exchange4media. He informed that Vizeum was launched today.

The Media vs Message debate continues.
The message and the media could not be understood in isolation as they both co-existed. This was the conclusion of the distinguished panel that deliberated on ‘What comes first: Media or the Message?’ at the exchange4media Conclave 2009 in Delhi on June 5. The day-long Conclave was presented by Star News and powered by Hindustan Times. Yuva was the associate sponsor for the event.

Mixed Media: Should ads on Page 1 of a newspaper be a no-no?
Did newspapers sell their souls by allowing a Reliance GSM ad to occupy more than half of their front page? Perhaps not, as innovations don’t really devalue editorial space, writes Pradyuman Maheshwari.

“We should be willing to get down, and get our hands dirty”: Ashok Venkatramani
Ashok Venkatramani, CEO, MCCS, enthralled the distinguished gathering at the exchange4media Conclave 2009 that was held in Delhi on June 5 with his keen insight on what are the lessons one should learn from recession. Sounding optimistic he said, “One has to attack unwanted costs and look at alternative revenue streams.”

Media planners’ herd mentality; advertisers’ inability to gauge rural media & more from Suhel Seth
One of the most interesting sessions of the exchange4media Conclave 2009 in Delhi was a Special Address by Suhel Seth CEO, Counselage on ‘Changing Rules of Media Accountability’. Seth spoke at length on the various facets of the subject, and left no stone unturned in lashing out at the media and advertisers in India. The event was sponsored by Star News and powered by Hindustan Times. The Associate Sponsor was Yuva.

“We have bastardised the industry; we cannot blame anyone else”: CEOs
Is it really time for the Indian media and advertising industry to grow up? What are the various ways to get the business model right, to get the content right and give the customer what he wants to see and hear? These were just some of the larger points that were discussed at the Chief Exec Roundtable at the exchange4media Conclave that took place in New Delhi on June 5. The Conclave was presented by STAR News and powered by Hindustan Times. The Associate Sponsor was Yuva.

“Clients are comfortable with traditional media, but demanding with new media”
The first session of the exchange4media Conclave, ‘From Available to Accountable: Ad spends movement in Slowdown’, focussed on the burning issues of accountability of different media vehicles. The exchange4media Conclave was presented by Star News and was powered by Hindustan Times. The associate sponsor for the event was Yuva.

Experts caution the industry: “Shed short-term benefits, & adorn a long-term vision”
‘How should media respond to clients’ needs in the current environment’ was the second topic of the day at the exchange4media Conclave on June 5, 2009 in New Delhi. The event was presented by STAR News and powered by Hindustan Times. Yuva was the associate sponsor for the event.

The Hindu MetroPlus Lifestyle Show 2009 ends on June 8
The sixth Hindu MetroPlus Lifestyle Show 2009 is South India’s largest consumer fair with a range of products from electronic goods to apparels. The LifeStyle show is on till June 8, and is open from 10 am to 8.30 pm. Entry fee is Rs. 50 per person.

Vivek Mhaskar appointed Finance-Controller OMD
OMD has appointed Vivek Mhaskar as its Finance-Controller. Prior to this appointment, Mhaskar was with Madison Group until May 31, 2009 where he was the Commercial Director operating for Madison Media. At OMD he will be reporting to Choodamani Parameshwar, CFO OMD.

Emnet Samsara Media launches in-bus screens, Best TV, in Mumbai
Emnet Samsara Media Pvt Ltd (ESMPL) has launched its newly branded in-bus screens on June 5, 2009. The company has branded these in-bus screens as ‘Best TV. It may be recalled that ESMPL had bagged the BEST contract to install screens and CCTVs in these buses for 20 years. The contract can be renewed after 10 years.

e4m Conclave 2009: What comes first: Media or the Message?
The message and the media could not be understood in isolation as they both co-existed. This was the conclusion of the distinguished panel that deliberated on ‘What comes first: Media or the Message?’ at the exchange4media Conclave 2009 in Delhi on June 5. The day-long Conclave was presented by Star News and powered by Hindustan Times. Yuva was the associate sponsor for the event.

Preeti Binoy
Yash Birla Group has appointed Preeti Binoy as the General Manager, Corporate Communication where she will be reporting to Yash Birla, Chairman Yash Birla Group. Prior to joining Yash Birla Group, Binoy was the Manager- Corporate Communications with Nimbus Communications. This is her second stint in corporate communications and she has an overall nine years of experience with various PR agencies.

A Mathew George
Big FM on June 4, 2009 announced the appointment of A Mathew George as its Sales Head in Delhi. George has over 16 years of experience in the media domain and will be spearheading the Delhi Ad Sales. Prior to this role, George was the Regional Retail Sales Head – North, Big FM. An Eco (H) degree holder from Delhi University, Mathew has worked in Bennnett Coleman & Co, & Radio City prior to joining Big FM in 2007.

e4m Conclave begins in Delhi with session on ad spends during slowdown
After a very enthusiastic industry response in Mumbai on June, the exchange4media Conclave 2009 kicked off in Delhi on June 5 to a packed house. The first session of the day on ‘From Available to Accountable: Ad Spends Movement between Mediums in Slowdown’ saw a distinguished panel comprising Abraham Thomas, Rajat Sethi, Rohit Sharma, Sandeep Lakhina and Sudha Natrajan. The session was moderated by Praveen Tripathi.

e4m Conclave 2009: No time for remodeling yet; a tripartite partnership the way to go ahead
The session on ‘Media Services Agencies: Is it time to rework the media agency model?’ at the exchange4media Conclave 2009, held in Mumbai on June 3, drew top-notch agency heads to discuss and debate the road traveled by media agencies thus far and whether there was need to bring in some element of change in their functioning. The day-long Conclave was presented by Star News and powered by Hindustan Times. Yuva was the associate sponsor for the event.

e4m Conclave 2009: After Mumbai, it’s Delhi’s turn to ‘thrive in challenging times’
After a well-attended and enthusiastically received round in Mumbai on June 3, the exchange4media Conclave 2009 is set to commence in Delhi shortly today at Hotel Taj Palace. The theme of the Conclave this year is very topical – ‘Thriving in Challenging Times’. The day-long Conclave is presented by Star News and powered by Hindustan Times. Yuva is the associate sponsor for the event.

Prasana Krishnan elevated to COO of Neo Sports
Neo Sports Broadcast Pvt Ltd has promoted Prasana Krishnan to Chief Operating Officer with immediate effect. Prior to the elevation, Krishnan was involved in various functions, including strategy and business development, corporate and acquisitions amongst others.

Shubha George made COO of MEC South Asia
Mediaedge:cia India has strengthened its regional structure with the elevation of Shubha George as Chief Operating Officer of MEC South Asia. The promotion is effective immediately. T Gangadhar, who had joined the company as Managing Director, MEC India, in 2008, will continue to report to George.

e4m Conclave 2009: Brands need to have a purpose as consumers now co-own a brand: Asit Mehra
Enthralling the gathering at the exchange4media Conclave 2009 in Mumbai on June 3 with his witty take on life for brands and advertising in general, Asit Mehra, EVP, Omnicom Group, presented some hard-hitting facts and findings and came up with formulas that brands and companies could adopt to steer ahead in a frail economy.

Reader's Digest: ‘Trusted Brand Awards 2009’
At a vibrant function held in New Delhi on May 28, Dr Kiran Bedi, IPS and Magsaysay Awardee and other dignitaries presented the 2009 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Platinum and Gold Awards. These awards were in more than 30 product categories ranging from airlines, cars to mobile phones, packaged drinks and printers. The Chief Guest for the evening was Dr Kiran Bedi. The Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands event was presented by State Bank of India in association with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Ceat and Godrej.

Prasana Krishnan elevated to COO of Neo Sports
Neo Sports Broadcast Pvt Ltd has promoted Prasana Krishnan to Chief Operating Officer with immediate effect. Prior to the elevation, Krishnan was involved in various functions, including strategy and business development, corporate and acquisitions amongst others.

Discovery Travel & Living styles up food programming with celebrated chefs
This summer, Discovery Travel & Living will explore the finer nuances of culinary skills by introducing three enticing food series presented by celebrated chefs Kylie Kwong, Nigella Lawson and her new baking expert Rachel Allen.

e4m Conclave 2009: Rajat Sharma signs off on an upbeat note
The exchange4media Conclave 2009 drew to a close on an even more enthusiastic note than it had begun. The afternoon sessions saw discussions on media accountability, a power-packed CEO Roundtable and India TV’s Rajat Sharma delivering the valedictory address. The day-long Conclave was presented by Star News and powered by Hindustan Times. Yuva was the associate sponsor for the event.

e4m Conclave 2009: Industry honchos give two thumbs up
The exchange4media Conclave 2009 has met with an enthusiastic response from industry honchos. The feedback received will go a long way in making the event even more relevant to the advertising and media industry. The day-long Conclave was presented by Star News and powered by Hindustan Times. Yuva was the associate sponsor for the event.

e4m Conclave 2009: The right and wrong ways of coping with slowdown
The exchange4media Conclave 2009 wrapped up with a power-packed CEO Forum that included Apurva Purohit, Colvyn Harris, Harindra Singh, Lynn de Souza and Mark Patterson. The panel discussed the right and the wrong ways of coping with the slowdown. Rajat Sharma delivered the valedictory address and gave some very interesting points on what media should do to fight this slowdown.

e4m Conclave 2009: ‘In trying times, it is wise to re-look at the business models’
Opportunities exist, even in times of slowdown. This is what the distinguished panel at the fourth exchange4media Conclave, held in Mumbai on June 3, emphasised. The panel comprised Vikram Sakhuja, Sam Balsara, Ambika Srivastava, Rajesh Kamat, Chinatamani Rao, Aashish Bagga, and Neeraj Chandra. The day-long Conclave was presented by Star News and powered by Hindustan Times. Yuva was the associate sponsor for the event.

e4m Conclave 2009: ‘Accountability can’t be equal to penalty during recession’
Media accountability also came under the scanner at the fourth exchange4media Conclave, held in Mumbai on June 4, 2009. The eminent panel comprising Ajit Varghese, LV Krishnan, Nandini Dias, Ronita Mitra, Sanjay Tripathy and Shantonu Aditya, debated the growing trend of marketers rushing to accountable media platforms like online and radio, especially during times of slowdown. The session was chaired by PV Narayanamoorthy.

e4m Conclave 2009: Modern economy is driven by knowledge - Andrew Rashbass
Speaking at the exchange4media Conclave 2009 in Mumbai on June 3, Andrew Rashbass, CEO, The Economist Group, defined ‘Mass Intelligence’ as a key demographic that The Economist targeted. According to him, ‘Mass Intelligence’ as an audience was growing in India, which had led to the magazine’s growth in India.

e4m Conclave 2009: Ingenuity, flexibility critical to India’s success - Mark Patterson
Mark Patterson, CEO, GroupM APAC, enthralled the distinguished gathering at the exchange4media Conclave 2009 that was held in Mumbai on June 3 with his keen observations of the Indian market. The day-long Conclave was presented by Star News and powered by Hindustan Times. Yuva was the associate sponsor for the event.