Sunder Hemrajani, Managing Director, Times Innovative Media Ltd

The industry is evolving fast and so are the OOH media options and technologies. Internationally, one can witness extensive use of large format LED screens, networked screens with remote content scheduling and management, use of LEDs as light source, interactive screens and use of ‘cold cathode’ in place of neon signs. Technological advancements have also been used for measuring the media effectiveness and consumer-centric innovations, which let the consumer experience the advertiser’s product in many different ways. The key challenge for any technological advancement is its adaptability and adoptability, apart from the cost implications.

e4m by e4m Desk
Published: Dec 1, 2009 12:00 AM  | 6 min read
Sunder Hemrajani, Managing Director, Times Innovative Media Ltd

The industry is evolving fast and so are the OOH media options and technologies. Internationally, one can witness extensive use of large format LED screens, networked screens with remote content scheduling and management, use of LEDs as light source, interactive screens and use of ‘cold cathode’ in place of neon signs. Technological advancements have also been used for measuring the media effectiveness and consumer-centric innovations, which let the consumer experience the advertiser’s product in many different ways. The key challenge for any technological advancement is its adaptability and adoptability, apart from the cost implications.

Sunder Hemrajani is an industry veteran with over 25 years’ experience in sales, marketing and general management functions in leading consumer goods companies such as PepsiCo, Whirlpool, Hindustan Unilever, etc. He had a 14-year stint with HLL, where he had handled senior assignments in the Home & Personal Care and Foods businesses. He was a part of the team which conceptualized and implemented ‘Operation Harvest’, HLL’s foray into the rural hinterland in the nineties.

Hemrajani moves to Whirlpool in 1995 as Vice-President, Sales, where he was involved in successful integration of the refrigerator and water businesses and the launch of Whirlpool brand in India. In 1999, he joined PepsiCo to lead the company-owned bottling operation in North and East and subsequently moved to corporate office, where he was Executive Director – Sales for the South Asia Business unit. His last assignment was at Reliance Capital, where he was President, Distribution.

He is also a member of the guest faculty at FMS for the Retail Marketing and Distribution Management subjects for the MBA programme.

In conversation with exchange4media’s Pallavi Goorha Kashyup, Hemrajani speaks at length about the latest technological advancements made in the OOH sphere and where the industry is headed.

Q. The outdoor media has seen the entry of some big players in recent times. How do you plan to beat the competition? The growing OOH market has definitely attracted some of the bigger and organised players to enter the OOH industry. With the entry of big and organised players, it has essentially become a value game. The value in terms of types of media, customer profile and engagement, innovation, technology, service, etc., would act as the differentiator.

Q. Who are your major clients in India? We have clients from all segments. Our clients range from small retail segment to large global players. BFSI, real estate, education, telecom, auto, FMCG, consumer durables, and IT are the top advertising categories for Times OOH. We have provided services to almost all big players in these and other segments.

Q. When and what made Times OOH enter the Indian outdoor scene? Times Group entered the OOH business with the acquisition of bus shelters in Mumbai in 2005-06. It was natural for one of the largest media companies to have a strong presence in the OOH segment as well to complete its bouquet of media options. The acquisition of some of the prime properties in the country helped gain market share and standing.

Q. Has the slowdown affected your company? What measures have you taken to counter it? The economic downturn has hampered the growth rate of the OOH industry, and Times OOH being one of the key players was not isolated. But the sector is still poised to do better than the others. The downturn called for re-strategising and re-organising and the focus is on category development and targeting new segments, cost optimisation, productivity enhancement and increased customer engagement through customer-centric innovation and value creation, etc.

Q. What are the technological advances that the medium is witnessing? What are the challenges that you are facing here? The industry is evolving fast and so are the OOH media options and technologies. Internationally, one can witness extensive use of large format LED screens, networked screens with remote content scheduling and management, use of LEDs as light source, interactive screens and use of ‘cold cathode’ in place of neon signs. Technological advancements have also been used for measuring the media effectiveness and consumer-centric innovations, which let the consumer experience the advertiser’s product in many different ways. The key challenge for any technological advancement is its adaptability and adoptability, apart from the cost implications.

Q. What are the major innovations that you have seen in the outdoor medium in recent times? The Nokia Touch Screen done by Times OOH is one such example of technological innovation. Innovative use of LED lights to create various kinds of moods and impact is seen in bus shelters as well as hoardings. The concept of converting bus shelters into lounges is also catching up. The list is endless, but definitely customer-centric conceptual innovations supported by technological advancements are catching up.

Q. How big is the outdoor advertising industry? What is the share of OOH in the total advertising industry? Different industry reports have different estimates for the OOH business, the market size and the range. As of now, the outdoor advertising industry is worth between Rs 1,200 crore and Rs 1,600 crore. The market would possibly have been bigger if the slowdown had not hit us. In the long run, OOH still seems to be a high growth segment, and as of now it is estimated to be about 6 per cent of the total advertising industry.

Q. Has the issue of regulation in the OOH industry been raised strongly enough? Why is the government being so negligent about it? The OOH sector is so fragmented, unorganised and still in the developing stage. Some regulation would definitely be a positive step towards making the sector more organised and, in turn, will help in consolidation to maximise the value for all stakeholders, be it state, public, advertiser or the media owner. Having said that, the next question is whether the OOH industry should look forward for some government driven regulatory regime or move towards a more mature, self-regulatory mechanism. There has definitely been some positive development from the government side, primarily at the local level, and some movement has happened within the industry as well.

Q. What kind of innovations can we look forward to? What are your future plans? Innovations that would be adaptable and adoptable. Some stunning customer-centric conceptual innovations riding on the technological and capability advancements would be the next stage that is poised to maximise value for the OOH stakeholders. We plan to focus on such innovations.

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Xperia Group launches Xperia Alive Media

The property has been launched in collaboration with singer and story-teller Supratiek Shyamal Ghosh

By e4m Desk | Sep 5, 2023 10:24 AM   |   1 min read

Supratiek Shyamal Ghosh

Xperia Group has launched Xperia Alive Media, which will be serving unique experiential media advertising across touch points in OOH advertising and reach target audiences with music.

‘Gift a music’ is one of the new mediums introduced by the organisation to serve different categories of the brand.

“Tech integrations with sounds at the right touchpoints engages GenZ easily and therefore XPERIA ALIVE has a wide bouquet of music tech integration solutions to offer different brands,” said Saibal Gupta, Managing Partner & CEO of Xperia Group.

The initiative is being launched in collaboration with singer and story-teller Supratiek Shyamal Ghosh - SG, who is known for the band Aurko and its organisation ALIVE MEDIA & ALIVE STUDIO.

Ghosh started his career with Selvel and has been associated with the OOH industry for the last three decades.

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Pamela Anderson asks arriving G20 world leaders to go vegan to combat climate catastrophe

The billboard has been put up by PETA at Indira Gandhi International Airport

By e4m Desk | Sep 4, 2023 7:05 PM   |   2 min read

Peta

“Too Hot?” says Hollywood hottie Pamela Anderson on a billboard that no one arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport can miss – courtesy of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India – drawing attention to the role of animal agriculture in the global climate catastrophe marked by high temperatures, droughts, and floods, among other disasters and advising them that going vegan is the answer. In recent months, Delhi has experienced unusually high temperatures, nearing 50°C.

"The facts are in: the production of meat and dairy, including curd and cheese, accounts for about 60% of all food-related greenhouse gas emissions, making it a major contributor to climate change. Scientists agree with the Hollywood star (who once appeared on Big Boss) that going vegan is the single most effective thing anyone can do to help save the planet – and world leaders should be leading the change. Anderson and PETA India hope G20 member countries will commit to fighting climate change with diet change by urging their residents to eat responsibly by eating vegan," read a press release.

"Researchers at the University of Oxford found that not consuming meat and dairy can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint from food by up to 73% and that a global switch to vegan eating could save up to 8 million human lives by 2050, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by two-thirds, and lead to healthcare-related savings. Researchers have estimated that it could also avoid climate-related damages of US$1.5 trillion.

Eating vegan spares animals immense suffering, including in the dairy industry, in which calves are torn away from their beloved mother cows so that the milk meant for them can be sold to humans, and such cruelty is the norm – even in India, land of ahimsa.

Globally, an estimated 92.2 billion land animals alone are slaughtered every year, and most of them are raised in severe confinement. Chickens exploited for their eggs are kept in cages so small they can’t spread their wings, male piglets and others are castrated without painkillers, and fish are yanked out of the water and crushed, suffocated, or cut open and gutted, all while they’re fully conscious," the release added.

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Welspun launches national 3D campaign for its quick-dry range of towels

The campaign has been launched across various out-of-home media outlets in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Cochin and other metro cities

By e4m Desk | Sep 4, 2023 10:24 AM   |   2 min read

welspun

Welspun has launched a fresh and innovative national 3D campaign for its new Quick Dry Towels. The collection has the tagline - Jaldi Sukhe, Jaldi Sukhaye - and is aimed at today's aspiring Indians seeking value and quality. The national campaign has been launched across various out-of-home media outlets in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Cochin and other metro cities.

The creative 3D by OAP highlights the quick and efficient drying process by positioning a fan behind the towels to attract the attention of the 'on-the-go' consumer. Welspun, known for its inventive thinking, highlights numerous crucial components through its 3D visualizations. Instead of the traditional drying procedure of being placed either indoors or outdoors, the creative showcases the blue backdrop rays emerging from the fan to create an efficient drying process. The branding 'quick dry' is applied on the fan, aesthetically illustrating the underlying technology. Heat waves connected on both sides of the fan are additional features to demonstrate how quickly the towel material dries.

Manjari Upadhye, CEO, Welspun Domestic Business said, “Quick Dry is a unique feature that Welspun towels offer, and it was important that the outdoor creative brought alive that benefit in a simple and attention-catching way. OAP has brought this alive well, and we believe this campaign would make the brand memorable in the consumers’ minds”

Finally, James Varghese, COO-BTL, OAP, India’s leading out of Home Media Specialist stated, "The idea behind the campaign was to push our creative boundaries and bring out choice and value. The innovative phrase 'Jaldi Sukhe..Jaldi Sukhaye' caters to today's consumers searching for quick cures even in home décor, and we want to carve out a position in that competitive field."

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Myntra launches outdoor campaign for FWD with tongue-in-cheek campaign

The campaign has been conceptualised by Ideas Farm

By e4m Desk | Aug 30, 2023 1:12 PM   |   1 min read

Myntra

Myntra has unveiled its outdoor campaign #SpotItGetIt in collaboration with Ideas Farm to celebrate FWD.

This strategic initiative builds upon the recent film starring Myntra's brand ambassadors, Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina.

Jetesh Menon, Creative Head, Ideas Farm, said, "We wanted the OOH to be unconventional, just like the film. To put the spotlight solely on the fashion available on the platform, we added a playful twist. The outdoor campaign therefore has an irreverent tone to get the audience's attention. It coaxes them to get the trends available on the app and evokes a sense of curiosity with the copy and visual treatment."

Priyanka Dey, Business & Strategy Head at Ideas Farm, emphasized, "Our collaboration with Myntra for the #SpotItGetIt campaign transcends conventional marketing. It's about crafting an experience, igniting conversations, and inspiring fashion enthusiasts to embrace the styles they adore."

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Sony Marathi partners with Posterscope India for new show

The campaign, conceptualized and executed by Posterscope, leverages Kaali-Peeli autos to promote ‘Rani Mi Honar’

By e4m Desk | Aug 30, 2023 12:33 PM   |   2 min read

Sony

Sony Marathi has partnered with Posterscope to launch a campaign for its latest show titled ‘Rani Mi Honar’. The campaign aims to create awareness around the show using unconventional methods.

The campaign conceptualized and executed by Posterscope, the OOH specialist agency from dentsu India, employed a captivating yet impactful strategy that leverages the iconic Kaali Peeli autos. These autos, painted in a vibrant Rani pink hue, took to the streets of Thane in Mumbai, marking the commencement of the show's launch. However, the true showstopper was not just the colour itself; the auto was adorned with a larger-than-life tiara. The campaign also saw the participation of female auto drivers from Thane, adding a unique twist to this transit-based promotion.

The pink autos offered complimentary rides to women across the city, tirelessly operating for 21 hours and traversing approximately 425km. High-traffic areas in Thane and target-centric locations such as Viviana Mall, Lodha Paradise, Ram Maruti Road, Upvan Ganesh Mandir, Talao Paali, Majhiwada, Panch Pakhadi, and more, were skillfully covered, effectively generating buzz and piquing the curiosity of onlookers.

The campaign captivated the audience, encouraging them to actively engage and share images on their social media platforms. Participants who engaged were treated to complimentary nail art services, effectively promoting the show's theme and the role of the lead actor. Additionally, they were presented with branded bindi packs, an accessory that enhances a woman's beauty. The show's cast members also joined the procession, taking rides in the pink autos, which further fueled online discussions. Moreover, numerous influencers and digital content creators in Thane enthusiastically contributed to the amplification of the campaign's impact.

Commenting on the campaign, Sainath Pai, Marketing Head, Sony Marathi said, “Our fictional narratives are characterized by their uniqueness and progressiveness. Similarly, we are committed to conveying our messages to viewers through unforgettable and delightful methods in our launch marketing campaigns. The goal was to rekindle the aspirations of countless women commuters, making them feel exceptional and empowering them to reclaim their own lives. This sentiment deeply aligns with the essence of our show 'Rani Mi Honar'.”

Imtiyaz Vilatra, Managing Director, Posterscope added, "In an era where grabbing attention is a challenge, embracing innovation becomes the key to breaking free from the ordinary and capturing the spotlight. At Posterscope, our objective is to infuse campaigns with remarkable innovative elements, ensuring they remain etched in the memory of both the brand and its audience. I firmly affirm that Sony Marathi's 'Rikshaw Rani' campaign painted the city with an aura of excitement."

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Dentsu India lauds ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 success with DOOH campaign

The hoardings have been strategically located across five key locations in Mumbai -- Juhu, Bandra, Worli, Lower Parel & Dadar

By e4m Desk | Aug 28, 2023 2:20 PM   |   1 min read

dooh

Dentsu India congratulated the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon.    

To mark this unanimous victory, the network launched a DOOH (Digital-Out-Of-Home) campaign across Mumbai, expressing its heartfelt respect and support for ISRO.   

Chandrayaan-3's spectacular landing marks a significant milestone for India's space program, showcasing the country's technological prowess and determination to push the boundaries of space exploration. Designed and executed by Posterscope India - dentsu’s OOH specialist agency, each digital hoarding carried a congratulatory note from dentsu to celebrate this humungous success.  

The hoardings, strategically located across five key locations in Mumbai (Juhu, Bandra, Worli, Lower Parel & Dadar), featured striking visuals to capture the essence of Chandrayaan-3's mission and landing - allowing Mumbaikars to share in the joy of ISRO's accomplishment while passing through the bustling cityscape

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LED installations at 13 Mumbai local railway stations light up OOH media

The installations have been put up on the Western line

By Tanzila Shaikh | Aug 18, 2023 7:43 PM   |   3 min read

ooh

Every marketer wants his campaign to reach as many consumers as possible. And in Mumbai, local railway stations are undoubtedly one of the best places to connect with lakhs of people who commute every day using trains. In an attempt to make the most of these thriving spots with the help of newer technologies, as many as 27 LED OOH installations have been put up across 13 stations on the Western line.

The installations have been put up by M&A Innovation. Talking about the project, directors of the company Anuj Kanakia and Mustafa Patanwala said they wanted to do something different with OOH so came up with the project.

“Even though OOH has existed for so many years, there had been nothing that made it different. The first thought was how do we make it different and how do we bring in the differentiation… so we thought about the LED.”

“With this, advertisers will be able to make targeted campaigns. For example, during the timings of ladies’ special trains, they can play women-centric campaigns. Similarly, there are hours when college students commute, or working professionals travel. Also, cricket world cup is around the corner and we are trying to get the live match telecasted which will eventually help advertisers to gain a wider audience,” said Kanakia.

Speaking about the technology which will enable the OOH to be visible in day time also, he shared, “We have used P3 modules, which have been used for the first time in India in OOH. OOH industry has used beyond P4 to P10 and P3 has got the highest brightness in the daytime also.”

The installations have started functioning from July 1, 2023. As of now, the installation runs ads for six brands for 60 seconds for a span of 14 hours in a day, totalling up to 840 slots a day, per ad.

“An average person spends around 3-5 minutes on the station while waiting for the train and no other medium guarantees such undivided attention. Amazon Mini TV, Kotak Bank, Bandhan Mutual Funds and Burger King are the brands that have already collaborated. Some start-ups have also come onboard,” Kanakia shared. 

The agency had to apply for railway tenders for the installations and the cost of the entire project is between Rs 1 Cr and Rs 3 Cr.

Asked about covering more stations, he said, “We are trying to be at the places where the popular trains will come. One of our clients is planning to collaborate with us to expand in the northern region.”

When asked about the measurement and the impact of this media vehicle, Kanakia said, “This is the first time that we are using a CCTV wherein it is monitored. It enables us to gauge the impact to see how people are really behaving with the unit.” He added that it will be easier and transparent for the advertiser and they will experiment with the medium.

Speaking about the future of OOH, Kanakia said, “In future, everyone will be adapting to digital. But it will be helpful depending on how impactful or relevant it is for the brand.”

 

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