ITV

Category: Marketing

  • Tom Marsillo joins to boost Zee’s ad sales in US

    Tom Marsillo joins to boost Zee’s ad sales in US

    MUMBAI: Asia TV USA Ltd, the exclusive television, entertainment and media distributor of Zee TV in the United States, has appointed Tom Marsillo as senior vice president of advertising sales for the mainstream market.

    Marsillo‘s experience with U.S. ethnic markets includes over 13 years with Univision/Telefutura, Azteca America, H.I.T.S., Vme and Spanish Television Sales.

    “Marsillo‘s 28 years of sales and management experience in both ethnic and mainstream markets will play an instrumental role in bringing more mainstream advertising to Zee TV,” said Asia TV USA CEO Suresh Bala.
     
    The South Asian market is the fastest-growing ethnic segment in the U.S. As part of his new responsibilities, Marsillo led “A Passage to India,” a South Asian marketing event and upfront presentation at the Time Warner Center’s Samsung Experience on behalf of Zee TV. A panel discussion featured representatives from Nielsen Research, the U.S. Census Bureau, DraftFCB and Vonage, each of whom spoke about the affluent, educated and expanding South Asian audience (Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans and Bangladeshis) in the United States.

    “Nielsen-rated Zee TV has 14 of the Top 15 shows for South Asians in the U.S., and – in a boon for advertisers – 98 per cent of Zee TV viewing is live,” an official statement said.

    As an advertising sales professional for Blair Television, Marsillo successfully sold Independent broadcast TV in the 1980s, prior to the cable explosion. He kept pace with the times with subsequent experience in Cablevision and Rainbow advertising sales, selling national, regional and local cable nearly through the end of the 1990s.
     

  • Ipsos to buy out Aegis’ Synovate for $860 mn

    Ipsos to buy out Aegis’ Synovate for $860 mn

    MUMBAI: Aegis Group plc has agreed to sell its market research business Synovate to French market research company, Ipsos S.A, for $860 million, opening the window for speculation of being gobbled up by a possible bidder.

    The deal will make fifth-ranked Ipsos the world‘s third-largest market research company by revenue, ahead of Germany‘s GfK SE. The top two positions are occupied by Nielsen Holdings and WPP‘s Kantar.

    Aegis Group plc CEO Jerry Buhlmann called the announcement of the proposed sale as the largest structural change in the history of Aegis Group plc.

    The selling of Synovate underlines Aegis group‘s intent to focus pre-dominantly on media buying through its Aegis Media business.

    Ipsos said that the acquisition is “transformational” for it and will provide a powerful platform to better serve clients through the combination of its experienced research experts, enhanced geographic footprint and delivery of a wider suite of research tools and products.

    The enterprise value of $860 million is subject to customary adjustments for the levels of cash, debt and working capital in Synovate at the date of completion of the sale.

    The deal excludes Aztec, the Group‘s scan data services business, which will remain part of Aegis and will now be used by Aegis Media.
     
    Aztec hasn‘t entered the Indian market as yet.

    According to Ipsos, the acquisition will be financed through a new debt financing of €250 million, a rights offering of approximately €200 million to Ipsos‘ shareholders and existing facilities and available cash.

    Aegis has said that the balance of the proceeds from the sale is intended to provide increased financial flexibility to invest in value-enhancing acquisitions by the company.

    The transaction is conditional upon the approval of the disposal by Aegis‘ ordinary shareholders, as required by the listing rules for a Class 1 transaction in the UK. Aegis‘ general meeting will be convened in the coming days and is expected to be held in mid-August 2011.

    A majority of votes cast must be in favour of the transaction and Aegis has received an irrevocable undertaking from Vincent Bolloré, Aegis‘ 26.5 per cent shareholder, to vote in favour.

    Ipsos entered the Indian market in 2007 through build-operate-transfer model with Indica Research and finally acquiring the company recently. Synovate entered India in 2003 with its full acquisition of Blackstone Market Facts.

    The newly formed entity will be competing with players such as Kantar, TNS and IMRB.

    In India, Synovate has nearly 300 full-time employees and 60-70 free-lancers, four full-service offices and 14 field offices.

    “For Aegis shareholders, the offer from Ipsos provides value and certainty and enables the Group to increase its focus on delivering communications services based on media, digital and content creation. Aegis Media‘s strategy is based on capturing organic growth from the rapidly changing media market”, Buhlmann added.

    Ipsos S.A. chairman and CEO Didier Truchot stated, “This deal will meet our goals to make Ipsos brand a worldwide brand, synonymous with excellence in each of its fields of specialisation and better able to attract and keep clients. I look forward to welcoming the Synovate team to Ipsos and together creating a leading player in market research, with the best talent in the industry.”
     

  • Imagine TV fails to boost ratings sans Swayamvar

    Imagine TV fails to boost ratings sans Swayamvar

    MUMBAI: For the second consecutive week, Imagine TV has proved that its fortunes are heavily dependent on the Swayamvar franchise.

    The channel, which had crossed the 100 GRP (gross rating point) mark two weeks back with the culmination of Swayamvar season 3, Ratan ka Rishta, slumped to 65 GRPs in the immediate week after that.

    Even in the week ended 23 July, the channel remained stagnant with 66 GRPs under its kitty. 
     
    After the first and second season of the Swayamvar series, Imagine TV had also seen a drastic fall in ratings.

    Meanwhile, for the week ended 23 July the status quo has been maintained among the Hindi general entertainment channels. Star Plus continues to lead with 316 GRPs (last week 320) followed by Colors with 267 GRPs (last week 271), according to Tam data for the Hindi speaking markets.

    Zee TV, which was witnessing a fall over the last few weeks, was the top gainer in the week. The channel saw a 35 GRP jump in the week to close with 220 GRP (from 185). Sony Entertainment Television, however, is still in pursuit and ended the week with 193 GRPs (from 182 in the last week).

    Sab, meanwhile, fell to 124 GRPs from 133 in the preceding week while Star One and Sahara One were at 36 and 33 GRPs respectively.
     

  • Marico ups Q1 ad spend by 9.1% to Rs 1.02 bn

    Marico ups Q1 ad spend by 9.1% to Rs 1.02 bn

    MUMBAI: FMCG major Marico has increased its spend on advertisement and sales promotion by 9.1 per cent for the first quarter ended June as it has launched new products.

    The spend for the first three months of the fiscal stands at Rs 1.02 billion, up from Rs 937.89 million a year ago. For the full-fiscal ended March 2011, Marico had invested Rs 2.30 billion towards advertising and sales promotion. 
     
    Marico introduced Saffola Arise, low glycemic index rice last year and entered the breakfast cereals market with the introduction of Saffola oats. In March 2011, the company introduced two new varieties, a long grain and a Basmati, to cater to regional preferences.

    Marico has posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 850.02 million for the quarter ended 30 June 2011 as compared to Rs 737.35 million for the same quarter last year, reporting a growth of 15.28 per cent.

    On a standalone basis, Marico‘s net profit rose 20.7 per cent to Rs 816.1 million during the current quarter under review, up from Rs 675.6 million a year ago.
     

  • Sony to sponsor ‘The X Factor’ on Fox

    Sony to sponsor ‘The X Factor’ on Fox

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster Fox, Syco Television and television format creator and distributor FremantleMedia North America have announced Sony Electronics as the official consumer electronics sponsor of The X Factor.

    The show will debut with a two-night series premiere event on 21 September. The latest Sony consumer electronics products will be featured in episodes throughout the season, and a key in-show integration will highlight the Sony products used on the set.

    The in-show Sony integration, product placements and advertisements will be extended with an integrated multi-platform, off-air marketing partnership that will include online digital and social media elements. 
     
    Sony Electronics senior VP, marketing communications Stuart Redsun said, “Being part of ‘The X Factor‘ arrival in the U.S. is a natural partnership fit for Sony. We are combining the element of advancing music entertainment with Sony – the greatest consumer electronics and entertainment brand – and our make.believe promise empowers consumers to believe that anything they can imagine, they can make real.”

    FremantleMedia senior VP branded entertainment and partnerships Amy Lorbati said, “Aligning ourselves with a great partner like Sony enables us to engage fans through innovative programmes both on and offline and connect them with their favorite brands.”
     

  • Cut the Crap wins the creative mandate of Lia incense sticks

    Cut the Crap wins the creative mandate of Lia incense sticks

    MUMBAI: Cut the Crap has won the creative business of Cycle‘s Lia incense sticks.

    The account was won sans a formal pitch process and the agency had to compete with the incumbent, Mudra Communications.

    The brief given by the client was to reposition the brand and create a relevant campaign which primarily targets the youth.
     
    Cut the Crap founder and creative head Jagdish Acharya said, “The brand aims to reposition it and not compete against the mother brand, Cycle. The campaign will target the youth and the core message will be hope and happiness.We will help Lia to create a niche for itself.”

    When asked about the medium that will be explored, Acharya stated, “Television will definitely be the priority. But, we will concentrate on innovation in every medium. We want to explore unconventional mediums.”

    Acharya was earlier with Mudra and handled this account there.

  • Euro RSCG wins creative biz of Paras’ health care brands

    Euro RSCG wins creative biz of Paras’ health care brands

    MUMBAI: Paras Pharmaceutical has assigned its creative business of health care products to Euro RSCG India.

    The agency has won the mandate following a multi-agency pitch and will handle brands such as Moov, Itchguard, Krack, Dermicool and D‘Cold.
     
    Paras Pharmaceutical, the FMCG company, has a number of health and personal care products like Livon, Borosoft, Recova and Zatak under its brand. The company was bought out by Reckitt Benckiser in 2010.

    Euro RSCG already handles the creative business of various Reckitt Benckiser products.

  • Govind Shahi leaves Zee to join Heath Media Group

    Govind Shahi leaves Zee to join Heath Media Group

    MUMBAI: Govind Shahi has joined Heath Media Group as a co-promoter in their existing business ventures.

    Shahi brings with him over 15 years of experience in media and marketing and moves in from Zee Europe, where he served as the head for the last 2 and a half years.

    In UK, Shahi has been credited for launching and spearheading some of Zee‘s key initiatives like the Zee Carnival, Zee Russia operations, Zee Cine Awards.
     
    Said Heath Ventures chairman Bhaskar Majumdar, ” With changes in the macro media market and the changing profile of the audiences and how media is consumed, we want to develop an integrated business model across technology, new media, agency and sales for Indian brands and content to traverse the globe and talk to the diaspora globally.”

    Heath Media Group is the media arm of Heath Ventures, a Dubai-based operating company. The aim of the Heath Media Group is to tap onto various opportunities within the media matrix and provide a right platform for enterprising media professionals and scale up the business.

    Heath Media Group consists of Di5 Global (UK‘s foremost ethnic marketing agency with some of the biggest Indian and UK clients); TMS ( UK‘s leading sales house which represents Colors, IPL and other media properties); Media Nucleus (with offices in India and Middle East which offers technology solutions for delivery to broadcasters, operators and set-top box providers) and SED ( a newly formed digital agency specialising in social media with leading fashion and luxury brands).

    Said co-founder Bala Iyer, “The addition of Govind into the team will help strengthen the business. Having built out in the UK, we are aggressively looking at other markets especially the US.”
     

  • Percept launches campaign for Indian Olympic Squad

    Percept launches campaign for Indian Olympic Squad

    MUMBAI: Percept Limited has unveiled an all India campaign, called”Go for Gold”, coinciding with the start of 365-day countdown to the largest sporting event in the world.

    Sportspersons such as Vikas Krishan (Boxing), Bajrang Lal Takhar (Rowing), Sharath Kamal (Table Tennis) and Madhurika Patkar (Table Tennis) have also joined the campaign.

    Through this initiative, the company aims to highlight the incredible potential that the Olympic holds for India.

    Percept will roll out a communication plan in a phased manner over the next year for the”Go for Gold” Campaign. Awareness would be created through a series of events, campaigns and media vehicles. Starting from the official”Go for Gold” anthem launched with the Indian Olympics 2012 contingent, the campaign will have a title sponsor and associate sponsors supporting it.
     
    The campaign will also include a”Go for Gold” torch run from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, wherein chosen athletes will carry the torch across the country. Mini events will be organised across 50 cities with local celebrities honoring the torch arrival.

    Branded campaigns will be used around this activity, and a percentage of the funds generated out of sales will go to the Athletes Fund’, the company said. A”Go for Gold” concert with performances from Bollywood artists will also be held as part of this drive.

    The campaign will have a presence in the online space too with athletes getting active on social networking platforms and updating their fans on their practice sessions and preparations on a regular basis.

    As part of the campaign, the athletes will also walk the ramp in fashion shows. Official team apparel and a”Go for Gold” merchandise launch are being planned later next year. This range of”Go for Gold” Olympic 2012 merchandise will be available in organised retail stores all over India.

    A farewell dinner will be hosted for the Indian Olympic Squad. Autographed”Go for Gold” merchandise from this event will be auctioned and the proceeds of the sales will go to the Athletes Fund.

    Percept is also planning to launch a range of Olympic medals as part of the merchandise range. It will be created using the images of the top 10 Olympic stars who have brought glory to our country.

    Percept has also tied-up with tour operators to ensure special packages for Indian travelers visiting Olympics 2012 in London. Fan Parks will be set for sporting enthusiasts, wherein they get a chance to watch the games from close quarters.

    Percept joint managing director Shailendra Singh said,”This campaign is an opportunity to engage 1.3 billion Indians into the Olympic flavor. This campaign will be spread across the country and enable maximum participation from citizens all over. Our athletes have brought great accolades for us in the past and we are looking forward to them to make a clean sweep of the gold rush in the forthcoming Olympics. We as a country are proud of our squad and together wish them all the best for the games.”
     

  • Spatial Access appoints Harsha Joshi as CEO

    Spatial Access appoints Harsha Joshi as CEO

    MUMBAI: Spatial Access Solutions has appointed Harsha Joshi as its chief executive officer.

    Joshi moves in from Madison where she was the COO, media buying and content. 
     
    With 15 years of experience in media buying, Joshi will be responsible for growing the international business at Spatial. She will report to Meenakshi Menon (Madhvani), founder and managing partner.

    Commenting on Joshi‘s appointment, Menon says, “Harsha has vast experience in media buying and buying audits. Her knowledge and experience will be of use to expand the business to other nations. She will be responsible for buying for all Indian clients and developing international business.”

    Joshi started her career in 1991 at Mudra‘s media department after which she worked with Trikaya Grey, Rediffusion-Y&R and JWT.