ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • WPP’s tenthavenue & Ozonetel partner to strengthen mobile marketing platform

    WPP’s tenthavenue & Ozonetel partner to strengthen mobile marketing platform

    MUMBAI: WPP’s tenthavenue and Ozonetel have inked a partnership to strengthen developing market mobile marketing platform – Electra.

     

    The new tenthavenue and Ozonetel partnership sees the development of new features and improved capabilities on top of the existing Electra platform – a single technology stack through which advertisers can deliver mobile asset formats through USSD, SMS, Interactive Voice Response and compressed video routes across 150 countries.

    Combining the Electra platform capabilities with Ozonetel technology means that brands can utilise enhanced mobile marketing capabilities including:

     

    ·  Measurement of consumer behaviour and engagement levels in real time for a more comprehensive understanding of what content will work

    ·  Consolidation and delivery of value exchange mechanisms, such as mobile airtime and talk-time top-ups to consumers

    ·  The delivery of personalised content and messaging to the consumer through an advanced logic engine

    ·  Multiple enterprise communication models to scale the offering to across all brands and categories of a company

     

    The deal will also allow tenthavenue to integrate new messaging pipes to work with Electra to create new media distribution products moving forward.

    Tenthavenue CEO for Emerging Markets Sudipto Roy said, “According to Mary Meeker’s 2015 Internet Trends report, there are still 3.12 billion feature phones globally and yet most technologies focus on an in-app advertising based eco-system for mobile. It’s for this reason, combined with the emergence of smartphone ad-blocking technologies, that there is a stronger demand for device ubiquitous mobile formats and subsequently a gap in the market for a platform that can do this at scale (with robust data, content optimisation capabilities and measurement). We are resolving that gap by improving Electra and embedding it with the ability to drive ‘value exchanges’ with the consumer, taking them a few steps closer to actual sales and loyalty than traditional approaches do.”

     

    Ozonetel growth advisor Anurag Banerjee added, “We are a product centric company, much like Hubspot and our solutions enable hundreds of companies to manage personalised communications with their customers. We are excited to now extend this support to WPP clients.”

     

    Tenthavenue global CEO Rupert Day said, “This deal is an incredible leap forward for brands operating in developing markets who understand the value in reaching consumers with optimal personalised content. The partnership with Ozonetel aligns with tenthavenue’s investment in TMARC in January 2014, the leading USSD mobile platform in South Africa. It reflects our vision of driving personalised communications of value to the consumer, and elevates the tenthavenue proposition across Asia, Africa and very soon, LatAm.”

    The Ozonetel technology platform underpins more than 1000 enterprise customers globally, providing clients with a single entry to connect with over four billion addressable connections through 226 telecom operators. Current clients include Unilever, Zomato and Big Basket.

  • ColorPlus launches maiden TVC

    ColorPlus launches maiden TVC

    MUMBAI: Casual clothing brand ColorPlus has launched its maiden television commercial.

    Conceptualised by Alok Nanda and Company, the TVCs will highlight the brand’s core parameters – color, comfort and craftsmanship in every Color Plus garment. While the first TVC communicates about ‘Comfort’ through best quality fabrics, the second TVC focuses on ‘Craftsmanship’ showcasing the brand’s eye for detail. The third TVC is about ‘Color’, that brings out the wide range of colour palette the brand works with.

    Speaking on the launch of the company’s first ever television commercial, ColorPlus brand director Hetal Kotak said, “Standing true to our commitment of being ‘Crafted for Comfort’, the brand has come a long way from its inception in 1993 by offering the Indian male with an array of options with refreshing colours. We are confident that we will continue to offer the best smart casual wardrobe solutions for the Indian man in the country going forward.”

    The TVCs will be visible across select genre that attract male audiences namely cricket, news, movies & English entertainment. Select regional language channels have been picked to reach audiences in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Punjab.

  • Sony launches global green campaign; India focus on waste disposal

    Sony launches global green campaign; India focus on waste disposal

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television Networks will launch a worldwide campaign across their channels in 177 countries, engaging viewers in environmental issues on 28 September.

     

    The effort, titled ‘Picture This,’ will utilise the channels’ storytelling expertise to engage viewers around environmental issues important to each market. Picture This will then combine these local efforts into a worldwide voice to bring awareness to everyday efforts that can help protect our natural resources.

     

    In India, the Picture This campaign will focus on the issue of waste disposal.

     

    “With the reach of our global networks and the passion of our storytelling, we will both engage the community and energise people to action by picturing a better environment. Collectively we can make noise heard around the world on behalf of issues that are central to everyone’s well-being and do it in an entertaining way,” said Sony Pictures Television (SPT) president, worldwide networks Andy Kaplan.

     

    Multi Screen Media (MSM) CEO NP Singh added, “Picture This is a great initiative taken by Sony Pictures Television Networks to engage our viewers on environmental issues. As people of this planet, we need to embrace all the colours that enliven the surroundings in which we co-exist whilst working towards harmonising nature. At MSM, we will take steps to support this global initiative.”

     

    Picture This will include on-air and online elements, events and viewer participation opportunities. At launch, some of the topics will include: recycling in Russia and Italy; eliminating plastic bag use in Asia; waste disposal in India; saving the rhino in South Africa; urban gardening in Latin America; and deforestation in Romania.

     

    The campaign will be aired across channels like AXN, Sony Channel, Sony One, AXN Black, AXN White, Sony PIX HD, Sony SIX HD, AXN Sci-Fi, AXN Mystery, Animax, Sony Sci-Fi, Sony Movie Channel, Canal Sony, Crackle, SET, Turbo, getTV and CineSony.

  • Modi effect: Qualcomm to invest $150 million in Indian mobile startups

    Modi effect: Qualcomm to invest $150 million in Indian mobile startups

    MUMBAI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making waves in the United States. And the effects of his power packed visit have already started trickling in.

     

    US based Qualcomm Incorporated, which operates in 3G, 4G and next-generation wireless technologies, plans to invest up to $150 million in Indian startup companies across all stages. This is a part of its commitment to India during a meeting with Modi at the Digital Economy event in San Jose.

     

    Qualcomm Ventures will advise and direct Qualcomm’s activities with respect to these strategic investments.

     

    Qualcomm has been investing in promising Indian startups since 2007 and there are more than 20 Indian companies as part of its global portfolio. Sectors of investment vary across the mobile ecosystem and include hardware, software platforms, e-commerce, healthcare, location based services and retail technology. Initiatives such as the QPrize competition, a global seed investment competition, as well as an early stage fund, are part of the team’s efforts in encouraging early stage entrepreneurs.

     

    Qualcomm directly invests in Indian mobile and internet start-up companies to keenly foster the local ecosystem. Portfolio companies include Yourstory, a media tech platform for entrepreneurs; Portea Medical, an in-home healthcare provider; and MapMyIndia, a provider of digital map, navigation, and tracking products and services. Indian companies receiving funding can benefit from Qualcomm’s insights on mobile technologies and utilize Qualcomm’s relationships throughout the industry.

     

    Qualcomm Ventures’ India team also provides unique support through its comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the region.

     

    “We share Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. India is at the cusp of a technology revolution and mobile technologies will lay the foundation for Digital India. We are committed to providing local innovative start-ups with the support needed to help India’s IOE ecosystem grow, increasing consumer choice and availability,” said Qualcomm Incorporated executive chairman Dr. Paul E. Jacobs.

     

    “Since Qualcomm’s first India investment in 2007 and with full-fledged presence starting in early 2008, we continue to invest broadly to strengthen India’s overall economy. We are committed to providing these companies with the support needed to help propel them forward in the competitive Indian region. We’re excited about the new prospects in India and look forward to growing our portfolio,” said Qualcomm Incorporated senior vice president Nagraj Kashyap.

     

    Qualcomm also plays a key role driving India’s wireless revolution by making mobile communications increasingly accessible and affordable. For over two decades, Qualcomm has been helping the country’s mobile ecosystem achieve ongoing success and growth through its work with operators, OEM/ODMs, software developers, sales/distribution partners, governmental entities, academic institutions and standards organizations, among others. Qualcomm believes that its initiatives in India will help support the Indian government’s Digital India vision.

  • Tanishq unveils new ad celebrating women’s special occasions

    Tanishq unveils new ad celebrating women’s special occasions

    MUMBAI: In its latest television commercial, Tanishq celebrates woman of today and the special moments that she cherishes.

    The film, created by Lowe, brings alive the brand’s latest diamond jewellery collection offering Zuhur as the ideal choice for the modern woman who loves celebrating social occasions.

    The ad film revolves around the camaraderie and bonhomie that comes out only when old friends get together for a re-union; the narrative is playful and reflects the spirit of the moment. The ad film ends with the essence of the occasion captured in the line, “beautiful diamonds for beautiful occasions.”

    Titan Company jewellery division GM marketing Deepika Tewari said, “The social occasions in a woman’s life have seen a lot of change; it’s no longer restricted to traditional functions or a family get-together. She is exploring newer occasions like girls night outs and brunches with friends. We have tried to celebrate one such occasion in our latest film in a very playful manner and this sentiment resonates with our latest offering Zuhur.”

    Lowe ECD Rajesh Ramaswamy added, “We got to explore a new relationship and occasion with this. A reunion of three close friends. It’s all about the camaraderie they share and of course the highlight being a classic from Nusrat being used in such a context, gives it a very different mood.”

  • L&K Saatchi & Saatchi hires Rajeev Rakshit as president – North; ups Sanjeev Gauba

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi hires Rajeev Rakshit as president – North; ups Sanjeev Gauba

    MUMBAI: As part of the organisation’s restructuring in Delhi, Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi has appointed Rajeev Rakshit as president – North.

     

    On the other hand, the agency has promoted L&K Saatchi & Saatchi senior vice president – Delhi operations Sanjeev Gauba as executive vice president.

     

    Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi CEO and managing partner Anil Nair said, “Rajeev will focus on growing the branch and organically exploring growth opportunity with our key clients. Sanjeev Gauba, who was our senior vice president of Delhi operations, is going to focus more on consolidation with our largest businesses in Delhi and has been promoted to executive vice president. With these two senior resources spearheading Delhi, I’m sure Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi Delhi will be the fastest growing agency in the market.”

     

    Rakshit added, “With Delhi as a focus, the organisation has prioritised the office to be a key growth engine. With ambitious plans, I am looking forward to the challenges ahead. Also, with an extremely talented and motivated team already in place, this is a tremendous opportunity to manoeuvre it to greater success.”

     

    Armed with 25 years of experience, Rakshit has previously worked with companies like HMV Saregama, Orchard (Leo Burnett), Everest Y&R, Publicis, Euro RSCG, McCann and Bates Clarion.

  • HT Media names Shamit Bhartia as managing director

    HT Media names Shamit Bhartia as managing director

    MUMBAI: HT Media Limited has appointed Shamit Bhartia as managing director with effect from 26 September. Earlier Bhartia was designated as  joint managing director of the company.

     

    Bhartia replaces his mother Shobhana Bhartia, who is also the chairperson and editorial director of the group.

     

    Members of the board had earlier approved the re-appointment of Bhartia as the whole time director of the company at the 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 27 August, 2013.

     

    Bhartia has been associated with the company since incorporation and is actively involved in the business policy decisions, formulation of long-term vision and strategy and contributes immensely to the growth of the company.

     

    He holds a degree in Economics from Dartmouth College, USA and has also worked in the corporate finance and M&A Group of Lazard Frere in New York.

     

  • GroupM collaborates with China’s digital giants to build competitive edge

    GroupM collaborates with China’s digital giants to build competitive edge

    MUMBAI: GroupM’s programmatic media and technology platform Xaxis has inked a partnership with China’s digital and data giants like Youku Tudou, Tencent, iQiyi, Sina Weibo, UnionPay Smart and Xiaomi, at the 2015 GroupM Digital Momentum Forging Your Competitive Edge Conference.

     

    This partnership will enable access to a higher amount of premium inventory via programmatic buying and unlocks access to data across these platforms via Turbine, Xaxis’ evolutionary data management platform (DMP) managed by GroupM. Through this partnership, these parties endeavour to bring more accurate targeting and greater reach for advertisers, while building up industry standards in the market.

     

    The GroupM China conference attracted and inspired representatives from China’s top brands, media owners, and agencies with keynote speeches and panel discussions covering major digital marketing topics. Programmatic buying was the key focus of this event, providing actionable takeaways for attendees to plan smarter and more effective digital campaigns.

     

    Internet advertising runs on data, making the DMP a core component in the value chain. The more anonymous data one possesses about users, the more efficient one can be at buying advertising to reach them. In recent years, GroupM has been investing in its data, and data driven products and services, to remain at the forefront of digital marketing trends. Particularly, in the megatrend of data-driven programmatic buying – the market is forecasted to reach RMB 18.76 billion in 2016 (Eguan Analysis), and to provide advertisers with better products and technology. 

     

    GroupM China CEO Patrick Xu said, “The huge opportunities lie in predicting your target audiences’ next moves based on similar users’ past history, and which content consumption pattern will trigger action from your consumer. The partnership will help us better understand users and reach out to them better. More importantly, these parties will come together to develop an industry standard to ensure its rapid and healthy development. We are eager to further develop our partnerships with more media and data sources within China.”

     

    Xaxis is the world’s largest programmatic media and technology platform. Turbine, a milestone in the evolution of data management platforms, is designed to provide advanced real-time audience segmentation capabilities and look-alike modeling, to complement Xaxis’ product offerings. Turbine enables Xaxis to create more accurate and unique audience portraits to better connect advertisers with their target audiences across its roster of premium publishers. By creating better connections for advertisers with their audiences on these publishers, Xaxis creates and sustains demand for the inventory.

     

    Xaxis China managing director Mickey Zhang added, “Xaxis is proud to partner with these big digital companies in China. Programmatic buying provides sought-after premium inventory, especially premium online video inventory, in a more efficient way through greater audience intelligence. This partnership strengthens that intelligence, enabling us to provide enhanced campaign performance and efficiency. With that, we can empower our advertisers to make increasingly well-informed data-driven programmatic buying decisions in real time.”

     

    Xaxis is eager to further develop its partnerships with more media and data sources within China.

     

    GroupM Asia-Pacific CEO Mark Patterson said, “Our next phase is about partnerships, both outside and inside of WPP’s network. For example, GroupM is working increasingly closely with WPP’s research, data and insights companies in Kantar in a number of areas to amplify each other’s strengths and create new opportunities, products and services for our clients in China (and around the region and world) around our common DNA of data, insights and the consumer.”

  • J. Walter Thompson launches new global talent program

    J. Walter Thompson launches new global talent program

    MUMBAI: As innovative ideas increasingly come from outside traditional agency confines, J. Walter Thompson has launched a new global talent development program called Jump/Start.

    The program is aimed at helping young creative thinkers from all backgrounds break into the advertising industry.

    The program aims to collapse boundaries by attracting and retaining students and recent graduates who have diverse and multidisciplinary backgrounds. Jump/Start is inclusive of disciplines spanning theater, film, creative writing, technology, product design, innovation and more.

    “Across the board, one of the biggest trends we’re seeing in our industry is the convergence of traditional categories. With Jump/Start, we’ve designed a program that supports creative talent from beyond these traditional confines. Growing a diverse talent pool is essential to our ability to deliver better and more innovative ideas to our clients,” said J. Walter Thompson worldwide chief creative officer Matt Eastwood.

    Jump/Start is designed to bridge the gap between classroom education and hands-on application. Participants will have the opportunity to work in an active agency setting, while collaborating with teams of experienced and award-winning professionals. They will also have the chance to work on live briefs and enhance their portfolios with real client work. Participating students will receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the three-month internship.

    The program will kick off in Beirut, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, New York, S?o Paulo and Sydney. Students, recent graduates and young professionals will be eligible to apply.

    “I owe great thanks to the many people and agencies that helped me throughout my career, and especially as a young university graduate. That’s the sort of support we want to replicate for the next generation of great creative minds,” said Eastwood.

    The program will be led by J. Walter Thompson worldwide head of creative talent Britt Hayes and by the respective chief creative officers in the participating offices.

    Applications will be accepted for three-month rotations, and regional Jump/Start programs began accepting their first groups of participants in Fall 2015.