Category: MAM

  • MPG ropes in Kunal Jamuar as head of West India

    MPG ropes in Kunal Jamuar as head of West India

    MUMBAI: Havas Media‘s media service group, MPG India, has roped in Kunal Jamuar as head of West India and executive director for Mumbai office.

    Jamuar will be responsible for the growth of MPG Mumbai, the hub for agency‘s integrated services offerings including digital and sports and entertainment.

    Besides new business growth, Jamuar will also work with different units within the agency such as Media Contacts and Havas Sports & Entertainment.

    Havas Media & MPG South Asia CEO Anita Nayyar said, “Kunal came across as a very mature media professional with a fire in his belly to make it big and go for the big kill. It is this hunger to make things happen which impressed us.”

    Prior to this Jamuar had spent four years at Lintas Media Group, overseeing the media activities of brands including Idea Cellular, UTI MF, Bajaj Auto and ITC.

    Jamuar said, “One of the key reasons for joining MPG is that I find them to be a ‘Future Ready‘ agency, with a healthy focus on New Media, New tools and New Thinking. I look forward to supporting MPG‘s objective of achieving its rightful place in the Indian media space.”

    In his nearly 15 years of experience in media planning, buying, strategy and account management, Jamuar has worked with agencies such as Madison Media, Media Direction, Lintas Media Group and Mudra Communications.

     

  • Billboard.com, Chevrolet present “Cruze-ing to Vegas”

    MUMBAI: Eighteen emerging bands from across the US have a shot at national television exposure, a career milestone that will be determined by consumer votes, fan engagement and live performances through a contest called “Cruze-ing To Vegas” that launched on Billboard.com sponsored by Chevrolet.
     
    Devoted fans and progressive music enthusiasts can visit www.Billboard.com/battle to view each band by region, listen to music, watch videos and cast their vote. 
     
    The final six group favorites will each receive the keys to a Chevrolet Cruze for a road trip that will take them from their home base to Las Vegas. Upon arrival, a battle of the bands competition awaits with the ultimate prize: a chance to be honored as the “Dreamseeker Artist of the Year” at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards airing live 22 May on ABC.
     
    Billboard Editorial Director Bill Werde said, “We have scouted the country for bands that we truly believe have the potential to break out as stars. Our new Uncharted ranking has been a priceless tool for discovering new bands, DJs and musicians and now we want to push them further out onto the public stage.”


    Chevrolet director of advertising and promotions Kevin Mayer said, “Chevrolet has long been associated with music. In fact, Chevrolet has been mentioned in over 1,000 songs. Partnering with Billboard.com on ‘Cruze-ing to Vegas‘ is the next link in connecting our brand with music.”


    Billboard editors have identified three bands from six U.S. regions based on a variety of factors, including Heat Score, a formula that measures online fan engagement and drives Billboard‘s Uncharted chart of emerging artists. They include:


    1. Champagne Champagne (Seattle). 2. Grynch (Seattle). 3. Hotels (Seattle) 4. AJ Rafael (Moreno Valley, CA). 5. The Deadlies (Los Angeles). and 6. Traphik (Long Beach).


    These bands will hit the road in an all-new Chevrolet Cruze and document their journey to Las Vegas. A camera crew will follow their every move – playing gigs along the way, rocking out to Cruze‘s standard XM radio, communicating with fans through blogging, tweeting, creating playlists and, finally, the battle of the bands on May 18.


    The six bands will engage with their fans while on the road, building a viral audience and improving their social Heat Score, one of many goals as they set their sights on Las Vegas.


    The 2011 Billboard Music Awards are supported in partnership with Chevrolet Cruze and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

  • Draftcb Ulka to continue with ZEEL as creative AOR

    Draftcb Ulka to continue with ZEEL as creative AOR

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) has decided to continue with the incumbent agency Draftfcb Ulka as its creative agency on record (AOR).

    Reliable sources have also confirmed that Rediffusion Y&R was a formidable contestant.

    Zee’s creative duties has remained with Draftfcb Ulka (then FCB Ulka) since 2003.

  • Indo-Pak duel peaks with 36.22 TVR in six metros

    Indo-Pak duel peaks with 36.22 TVR in six metros

    MUMBAI: As India gears up to play the final to claim the ‘Cup that Counts‘, it is the semifinal combat with Pakistan that mattered for many Indians.

    The India-Pakistan blockbuster semifinal ratings peaked at a humongous 36.22 TVR in the six metros, according to Tam Sports data (C&S 4+).
     
    The match created a curfew like situation on the roads and got an average TVR of 22.07 for over a 484-minute telecast. The match also reached to a 39.15 million population.

    The other semifinal that was played between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, meanwhile, got an average TVR of 4.36 and a peak TVR of 12.68 in the six metros.
     
    This compares favourably to the previous time the two sides met in an important World Cup fixture. The Twenty20 World Cup final in 2007 got a TVR of 14.43.

    However in 2003, the encounter between the two sides, which was a group match in the South Africa edition of the World Cup, got a TVR of 24.48. it is pertinent to note here that the reach in 2003 was much less than what it is in 2011.
     
    In fact, the semifinal of the 2003 edition where India played Kenya got a TVR of 19.26 due to the quality of the opposition. In 2007, the two semifinals had managed an average of 2.8. The final in 2007 where Australia beat Sri Lanka got a TVR of 5.43 which was nearly double.
     

  • Citibank launches new TVC

    MUMBAI: Citibank India has launched a new 40-seconds television commercial, targeting the affluent segment. The TVC was created by Publicis Ambience. 
     
    The launch of the campaign is timed to lead into Citibank’s 4th successive year of sponsorship of the DLF IPL, in which it already has an established ‘Citibank Moments of Success‘ platform. 
     
    Said Citibank India chief marketing officer Sanjeev Kapur, “We were very clear that the campaign was not about any particular product or service. Creatively, this was achieved by the agency‘s use of the photosonic technique that helped amplify the moments of success that put a smile on our clients‘ faces. Both the use of fresh talent and a memorable music score were also important aspects of the film.”
     
    The TVC is directed by Arun Gopalan, while the music is given by Vipin Mishra.
     

  • IMG takes up Muhammad Ali’s consumer products licensing

    IMG takes up Muhammad Ali’s consumer products licensing

    MUMBAI: Muhammad Ali Enterprises LLC (MAE), which controls all licensing rights for the legendary boxer, has selected IMG Licensing, a division of global sports, fashion and media company, IMG Worldwide, for consumer products licensing.

    The 1960 Olympic Gold Medallist and three-time world champion boxer dominated the sport over two decades and had instantly classic bouts such as “Thrilla in Manila” and “Rumble in the Jungle.”

    Retired from boxing for decades, Ali has transcended sports and has become an iconic humanitarian figure. His international goodwill missions and fundraising have delivered food and medical supplies to tens of millions of people — especially children — making him one of the most recognised and respected persons around the world.

    Under the multi-year agreement, IMG Licensing will act exclusively as representation for the brand in Europe and Asia. This new agreement will see IMG combine its extensive knowledge of the boxer‘s life with its global capabilities in product licensing, providing opportunities to extend the brand to new consumer touch points.

    IMG Licensing will seek opportunities in both traditional sports licensing categories including memorabilia and apparel, as well as new business areas that capture and leverage the showman and essence of Muhammad Ali.

    Muhammad Ali Enterprises VP of worldwide licensing Kelly C. Hill said, “IMG is clearly the leader in sports licensing of all kinds, but what attracted us most is their proven track record in developing new and innovative licensing concepts that leverage the characteristics of brands and iconic personalities outside of the natural core competency.”

    IMG Licensing executive VP, global MD Bruno Maglione said, “Ali is simply the greatest boxer ever and IMG Licensing is honoured to be entering into this partnership with Muhammad Ali Enterprises. Ali‘s inspiring personal journey, his achievements both in and out of the ring and his devotion to humanitarian efforts are all material for branded concepts and product ideas that can generate interest from Ali fans old and new.”

  • Coca-Cola asks ‘American Idol” fans to join singer Taio Cruz for song

    Coca-Cola asks ‘American Idol” fans to join singer Taio Cruz for song

    MUMBAI: In order to create interactivity for American Idol which airs on US broadcaster Fox, beverage conglomerate Coca-Cola has announced the Perfect Harmony collaboration. This invites fans of the show to help write a new song for it that will be performed during the show’s season finale on 25 May.

    Fans can visit www.AmericanIdol.com where they can listen to the opening segment of a song penned by multiplatinum singer-songwriter Taio Cruz. Then the fans take it from there. Taio will start the song and write the beginning of each verse, but it’s up to fans to help finish each verse in time for him to perform the single on the final show. People can also get the latest updates on the programme by following the hashtag #perfectharmony on Twitter.

    Ryan Seacrest, host of the show, said: “American Idol auditions are proof that many of our fans have a passion and desire to sing professionally. What we don’t get to explore on camera are the many talented songwriters that exist as well. Coca-Cola has created a very exciting and innovative programme that, for the first time, gives fans the opportunity to work with a top artist to create a new song that will be performed live in front of millions of people.”

    Each week till 13 May people in the age group of 18+ will have the opportunity to submit lyrics for consideration for inclusion in the final composition. Following each of the four submission phases, Coca-Cola will select the top three lyrics and then fans, ages 13 and up, will be able to vote for their favorite. The lyrics with the most votes will then be incorporated into the song.

    Cruz said, “Songwriting can be an individual journey or a cooperative effort, and I’ve done it both ways. But creating a new song, with the input of music fans and in partnership with Coca-Cola and American Idol? Now that takes the experience to a completely new place and I’m ready to get it started.”

    Perfect Harmony is part of a new Cola-Cola music programme that offers teens the inside track to the latest in music through opportunities to express themselves and collaborate with popular artists.

    Later this year, Coca-Cola will launch another teen music showcase with emphasis on Hispanic teens. People will be able to vote for an up-and-coming bilingual artist or band that will win the chance to perform with an established artist live onstage. The programme will kick off with a concert celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in September.

     

  • Times TV Network to up ad rates by 20% across channels

    Times TV Network to up ad rates by 20% across channels

    MUMBAI: Times Television Network (TTN), which claims a reach of 90 million urban affluent Indians with Zoom, Times Now, ET Now and Movies Now, has decided to increase ad rates across the four channels by over 20 per cent from today.

    TTN MD and CEO Sunil Lulla said, “Times Television Network is a very uniquely positioned television bouquet which offers distinctive entertainment and quality information to urban affluent audiences and reaches 35 per cent more viewers than the previous year. Each of our channels has a successful track record and has contributed to growing its category. The ad rates reflect the true value we offer to our very valued customers. We will continue to be differentiated, competitive and ahead of the curve.”

    A total of 2000 brands are present across the four channels. “Movies Now is off to a strong start while Times Now has been dominating in its genre. This, coupled with the completely distinctive offering of Zoom and the rapid rise of ET Now, seems only appropriate for the Network to command a premium over its competitors,” Lulla added.

    A media buyer said that while he hasn‘t received the proposal from TTN increasing ad rates by over 20 per cent, it is a challenge at a time when there are many players. “Due to the fragmentation of viewership, it is already costing more to reach the same number of viewers. From our point of view, delivering efficiency while maintaining costs is a challenge. Right now we are in a complex web. It is not a simple equation. There would have to be a serious justification for a client to agree to such a hike.”

    In the news genre, there are many players and Times Now has had a see-saw fight with CNN IBN.

    The media buyer also noted that while Movies Now has been doing well with its HD quality of broadcast, it might be too soon to go to the market for a hike as it has been operating for less than a year.

    Earlier, Movies Now channel head Ajay Trigunayat had told Indiantelevision.com that the aim would be to double rates. He argued that the rates it charges were not comparable with competition. “Competition gets Rs 3500-5000 per-10 second spot. We want to reach Rs 3000 per spot by increasing the effective rates by 100 per cent over the next three months,” Trigunayat had said in the interview.

  • Rediffusion Y&R stages management reshuffle

    Rediffusion Y&R stages management reshuffle

    MUMBAI: The communications agency, Rediffusion – Y & R, has made top level management changes in its Mumbai and Southern operations.

    Group executive vice president – Eastern region Amitava Sinha has been appointed as chief operating officer – East and South, while business head of Mumbai, Neville Medhora, has been promoted as vice president – Mumbai.

    Following the exit of Meenakshi Achan, the agency will now have N Padmakumar leading the creative forces at Rediffusion as the agency‘s national creative director.

    Sinha’s elevation is a key strategic change leading to the restructuring of the operations of Rediffusion – Y & R in South and East.

    Sinha joined Rediffusion Y& R in October 2003 as head of the Kolkata operations and subsequently assumed a group role.

    In his career spanning over 25 years, Sinha has worked on various brands including Gold Flake, Wills, Scissors, Eveready, Harpic, Cherry Blossom, Bata, Tata Steel, Berger Paints, Spencer‘s, Ananda Bazar Patrika and IFB.

    Said Sinha, “I have been a part of the growth story for East at Rediffusion. I am very excited about the opportunities that the Southern market presents with respect to the multitude of brands that we can work on. I am confident of leveraging the synergies of our talent pool across offices through enhanced collaboration while working very closely with Rajappa.”

    Medhora joined Rediffusion Y&R around three years ago. Prior to joining Rediffusion, he was at TBWA, Delhi, as GM – client servicing and has also worked with Saatchi and Saatchi as group account director.

    Over the last 15 years, he has worked on brands such as Nano, Taj Group of Hotels, Kingfisher Airlines, Rasna, Orra, Sugarfree, Bombay Realty, Bank of India, Kaya, Adidas, Pedigree, Michelin, Moser Baer, National Geographic and the History Channel.

    Medhora added, “Rediffusion – Y&R Mumbai has an eclectic mix of clientele where some great work has been delivered. I will continue to focus on the mandate of driving growth, quality of work and collaborating across offices to deliver world-class communication solutions for our client brands.”
     

  • WC triumph to give team members Hyundai Vernas

    WC triumph to give team members Hyundai Vernas

    MUMBAI: Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), which is the official ‘Car Partner‘ of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, has announced that all the members of the Indian cricket team will win the All-New Hyundai Verna if they succeed in winning the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 tomorrow.

    HMIL MD, CEO HW Park said, “As the official car partner for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, we will be extremely delighted to felicitate the Indian cricket team with All-New Verna much ahead of its market launch in the country. This is a part of our continuous effort to bring passion to the game of cricket and we have taken many such initiatives like the Hyundai Fan Park, First and Last ball tour amongst others during the entire world cup campaign. I wish team India all the very best and hope that they realise the dream of the nation to win the world cup.”

    Hyundai organised many customer based initiatives during the event to bring the game closer to its fans. The Hyundai Fan Park is one such ongoing initiative, which included a marquee set up in prominent malls in the National Capital Region of Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. These pavilions have giant screens which have been projecting all the matches of the World Cup, a cricket pitch for fans to display their cricketing talent, a fun zone where special tattoos and caricatures were done, cheerleaders and lots of games with interesting cricket memorabilia as prizes.