Category: Press Release

CNBC-TV18, CNBC-Awaaz and Mumbai’s Dabbawalas provide much food for thought this upcoming Budget

MUMBAI: Having earned a reputation of a market leader that continues to consistently inform and educate viewers through its innovative offerings, CNBC-TV18, India's No. 1 English business news channel and CNBC-Awaaz, India’s No. 1 Hindi business news channel, upped the ante ahead of the upcoming Budget by joining hands with the iconic Dabbawalas, from Mumbai to reach out to the aam Mumbaikar and help raise awareness about the Union Budget. The comprehensive and well-integrated activity on July 4 witnessed Dabbawalas across Mumbai come out in full force spreading CNBC-TV18’s message with a tag, “Count your calories and your profits.” on the tiffins that they delivered.

The binding factor between both CNBC Network and the Dabbawalas is that the pair has the perfect understanding of the pulse of a Mumbaikar. While the former has become the one-stop destination for all things finance and business, the latter is the backbone to thousands of people in the city. This one-of-a-kind initiative by the channel, further amplifies the awareness about the Budget and brings to light what the viewer aims to gain from it.

On a day that plays a vital role in charting out the country's future and its economy and sees investors wanting to know the happenings of the Budget in a manner that they understand, CNBC-TV18 and CNBC-Awaaz, like previous editions, will, once again, be at the very forefront of decoding the Union Budget ensuring that the viewer gets the perfect low-down.

Commenting on this Basant Dhawan CEO – English News Cluster, Network18 said, “At the CNBC Network on Budget Day, we aim to reach out to people in the best way possible. Our coverage will see the likes of Krishnamurthy Subramanian, Chief Economic Adviser; Rajnish Kumar, Chairman, SBI; Ramesh Damani, Member BSE and Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Aayog feature on the channel and provide investors with new insights, unmatched analysis and perspective thus helping them plan more efficiently and make better business and investment decisions. By associating with the Dabbawalas, who are such an integral part of the city, we have strengthened the connect that exists between us and our viewers. With an unmatched viewing experience through our extensive coverage, we once again intend to leave behind a mark as we help citizens understand the Budget in the easiest of ways possible.”

In addition to the activity, CNBC-TV18’s efforts to raise awareness among people on Budget Day will be by presenting an integrated newsroom with comprehensive coverage, where Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shall present the maiden Budget. The channel, that has partnered with IDFC First Bank as Banking partners for the Budget Modi 2.0, will once again look to rise to the challenge and ensure that audiences stay tuned to the Budget’s extensive coverage, delivering updates to them in real-time.

July 4, 2019
Breaking News: New water park in the heart of Mumbai

MUMBAI: With monsoon taking a toll on Mumbai, and everyone talking about how the ‘City of Dreams’ has turned into a water park, Mumbai is now known as Mumbaica.

The city witnessed some major moments, such as trains travelling through water-logged tracks; cars, buses and two-wheelers having a hard time moving; and moreover, us humans almost swi mming through it all.

All of these instances were captured by people around the city and user-generated content was leveraged. Imagica's engagement was mind-boggling. Within a span of hours, we have organically received over 2000 Likes, 500+ shares and 200+ comments on various social platforms.

More than 30,000 views were garnered on social media platforms organically. We received a total engagement of 20% which is higher than the industry standards of 6%. The reach across all platforms was more than 60,000.

The response from Mumbaikars’ wa s overwhelming. Thousands of conversations were kick-started and amplification was followed. People tweeting headlines such as, ‘Mumbaica water park reopens today’, ‘Welcome to Mumbaica – Free entry for all’ and meme’s comparing flooded streets to other water parks, the trail just didn’t stop.

“By its very nature, Moment marketing has a great potential to get attention and connect with an audience. The payoff can be huge because there are millions of eyes on such trending events, thus enabling the chances of content virality. ” said, Anisha Kotian, Group Account Manager, 1702 Digital.

The impact was twofold: It not only gave rise to a chain of WhatsApp jokes and tweets, but it also served as a platform for people to share images of areas that were in utter turmoil.

The campaign brought to limelight the precarious condition and the woefully inadequate infrastructure of the city in the monsoons using light brand humor.

July 4, 2019
TheSmallBigIdea wins social media mandate for two Balaji Telefilms movies – ‘JudgeMentall Hai Kya’ and ‘Jabariya Jodi’

MUMBAI: Full servicing digital agency, TheSmallBigIdea has been awarded the Social Media mandate for Balaji Telefilms two upcoming movies ‘Judgementall Hai Kya’ and ‘Jabariya Jodi’, post a multi-agency pitch. As per the mandate, the agency will be responsible for the ideation and execution of the entire digital promotion of the two movies set to release on 26th July 2019 and 2nd August 2019 respectively.

The agency will be responsible for managing the entire social media mandate for both the movies. In addition to this, TheSmallBigIdea in collaboration with Balaji Telefilms will strategize video concepts for both the movies to generate digital impact across all social media platforms.

Speaking on the win, Harikrishnan Pillai, CEO, The Small Big Idea, said, “‘Judgementall Hai Kya’ is our first project with Balaji Telefilms and we are quite upbeat about the association. Our responsibility is to make the promotional story-telling as exciting as the film’s plot itself. It is an exhilarating experience devising and executing the plan with the team at Balaji Telefilms. The approach for Jabariya Jodi is quite different from that of Judgementall Hai Kya, but the excitement remains the same.”

TheSmallBigIdea provides services such as Social Media Management, Video Content Production, Digital Media Planning & Buying, Social Listening & ORM services, Augmented & Virtual Reality amongst other ancillary marketing services. Recognized for their propriety creative-tech tool ACE, ‘The Small Big Idea’ has enabled brands to arrive at campaign messaging by integrating insights from social sentiments & enterprise data.

July 4, 2019
National Geographic’s ‘The Great Indian Election’ to air on the country’s 73rd Independence Day

MUMBAI: National Geographic, a 131-year-old brand driven by its rich legacy of showcasing the most inspiring and spectacular stories, today announced that its upcoming documentary on the untold story of India’s biggest democratic exercise titled, ‘The Great Indian Election’ shot across 37 locations will premiere on August 15, 2019. The exclusive Independence Day film will also bring to the forefront rarely told human stories of the people behind this mammoth event. The film will bring to life a festive celebration of democracy on a day that is all about India.

The documentary will uncover the entire planning process of this exercise of epic proportions involving 11 million poll officials, over 900 million electorate and 8000 candidates across one million polling stations. Starting right from the announcement of election phases to India’s 15th Prime Minister’s swearing in ceremony, the epic 6 month, multi crew production is shot across the length and breadth of the country. The documentary showcases a holistic view of the Elections process, right from the intricate planning process to the people behind this exercise. The film features a diverse set of people involved, from top ranking officers at the Election Commission, booth level officers (BLOs), topmost political leaders to 100-year old voters. The brand in the form of interviews and through unprecedented access to lesser known areas, showcases the challenges and complexities faced by election commission personal in managing elections in some power constituencies. Some of the names featured include 23rd Chief Election Commissioner of India – Sunil Arora, District Election Officer – Varanasi, Surendra Singh (I.A.S.), first female collector of Salem district – Rohini R Bhajibhakare, amongst others.

The cameras of National Geographic have also followed some high profile leaders such as Narendra Modi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sachin Pilot, Rahul Gandhi, and Nitin Gadkari. Standing tall to its commitment of scratching beneath the surface to bring out the unheard and unseen, the brand will give viewers an outlook in the campaigning of these influential leaders.

From the highest echelons of the Election Commission of India to the booth level officers (BLOs), from the topmost political leaders to ground level party workers, from first-time voters to 100-year-old voters, there is absolutely nothing that National Geographic’s cameras have not covered to bring the story of the world’s largest elections that has the entire world enthralled.

‘The Great Indian Election’ will premiere on August 15, 2019 on National Geographic. The documentary will be available on Hotstar as well.

July 4, 2019
ET NOW launches ‘Budget for Bharat’, an exclusive programming line-up

MUMBAI: Setting the agenda for the first full-year budget of the new Government ET NOW, India’s leading English Business News channel launches ‘Budget for Bharat’, a comprehensive budget special programming line-up. Capturing the opportunities, challenges in the backdrop of current economy and growth rate, ET NOW with its battalion of think tanks and experts will analyse the impact and implications of Budget 2019 for the consumers.

Amplified by real time market data and data intelligence, ET NOW brings industry leaders across sectors to examine and decode Union Budget 2019 and put forth the nation’s economic priorities. Programming details below,

INDIA DEVELOPMENT DEBATE – BUDGET SPECIAL: ET NOW brings the eminent voices to discuss economy, markets and every subject that matters to the consumers.

BUDGET HOTLINE: With the special call in show, ET NOW decodes every jargon, tax instruments and the nitty-gritties for the viewers. With the queries addressed by the top experts in the industry, the show aims to help consumers with their investments in line with the Budget.

CII BUDGET WISHLIST: A roundtable grasping the Budget expectations from the India Inc– CII.

STATE OF THE ECONOMY POLL: With a detailed discussion with the country’s top economists, ET NOW brings the on-ground report of the State of the Economy in tie-up with Confederation of India Industry (CII).

AGENDA FOR FM: On the eve of the Union Budget 2019, ET NOW presents the agenda that is set ahead of the Nirmala Sitharaman Finance Minister on July 05, as she tables her maiden Union Budget.

CAMPUS BUDGET: ET NOW brings the voice of the millennials across Indian campuses on their expectations from the Union Budget.
THE MUTUAL FUND SHOW: Ahead of the Union Budget, ET NOW will help the viewers understand how to brace the storm of volatile moves, keeping their investment safe for a long term via MFs.

BUDGET DAY: Commencing with the LIVE coverage of the FM speech, think tanks- Swaminathan S Anklesaria Aiyar, Mythili Bhusnurmath, R Gopalan will analyse and dissect the Budget and give real-time views as its being delivered. Tracking the economic and political impact of Budget, ET NOW will feature a series of series of in-depth discussions and interviews of various secretaries involved in the Budget making process.

BUDGET 2019 – THE DAY AFTER: With a LIVE programming from Bombay Stock Exchange with market veterans, ET NOW will bring an all-encompassing analysis of Union Budget 2019 and guide viewers decipher the markets.

With a platform agnostic approach ET NOW has also lined up a series of digital originals on the channels social media platforms, educating viewers through informative videos in the run up to the Budget.

July 4, 2019
GAIL launches ‘Hawa Badle Hassu’ an Environmental Sci–Fi webseries on SonyLiv

Mumbai: As a part of its ‘Hawa Badlo’ initiative, GAIL (India) Limited launches the much awaited web series “Hawa Badle Hassu”. The one of its kind campaign keeps growing with each leg and this time around the company has embarked upon a unique and ambitious approach of a full season of a web series. The series is heavily hinged on entertainment conspicuously conveying the messages that company stands for- crusade against air pollution and environment conservation.

Hawa Badle Hassu is an Environmental Sci-Fi thriller web series with a total of forty minute run time broken into 4 episodes. Each episode tackles crucial spaces and aspects pertaining to Environment (pollution). The first episode focuses on ‘Home Environment’ and as the story progresses it moves to cover topics like ‘Education and career building options around environment’, ‘Outdoor Environment’ and finally escalates to ‘Global Environment’. Actors from mainstream Hindi cinema have been cast for all key roles with Chandan Roy Sanyal essaying the lead and titular role of “Hassu”. Sanyal is joined by Smita Tambe, Vikram Kochar and Hollywood actor Zachary Coffin in meaty roles.

Speaking on the web series, Mr. R.K Singhal, Executive Director (Marketing-Shipping & Int. LNG& CC) stated, “As GAIL India’s Hawa Badlo campaign keeps growing and we keep getting more ambitious. Right from the outset it has garnered positive response and we have been able to make the right impact. This time around we wanted to see a culmination of what we started three years back. Its 40 minute of engaging content and Hassu keeps you hooked on. Hawa Badle Hassu is path breaking and out of the box thinking at its best. No better medium than entertainment to convey an important message.”

He added, “The best part about this series is that at no point it gets preachy which is why you would want to go through it, grasp and retain the messaging. Also if you have been tracking the Hawa Badlo campaigns you would notice that we come up with something unique each time. It was a short video in its first leg and then we came up with a music video as HawaBadlo Anthem but each time impactful story telling has been with our core messaging has been top priority”.

The series is co- written & produced by Protiqe Mojoomdar (Handyyman) who has been associated with the Hawa Badlo Campaign earlier as well. Hawa Badle Hassu is directed by duo- Shaptaraj- Shiva and it is launched on leading OTT platform SonyLiv. The series comes close on the heels of World Environment day.

GAIL (India) Limited has been creating awareness and inducing behavioral changes to ensure a greener and cleaner tomorrow through its movement – Hawa Badlo. This movement has been actively working towards educating the Indian masses against air pollution through events, short films, contests, raahgiri, pledges etc on advocacy against air pollution, problems caused due to air pollution & solutions for curbing it. For the last three years Hawa Badlo movement has been able to mobilize collective societal efforts for improving the deteriorating air quality in India. GAIL (India) Ltd has been extending full support to Hawa Badlo and the movement has been successful in reaching out to more than 6 Crore Indians. Videos and short films made under this initiative have been appreciated by other countries as well.

Hawa Badlo encourages sustainable and environment friendly lifestyle habits such as planting trees, cycling & walking, carpooling, using public transport, conserving energy and using cleaner energy sources like Natural Gas for industries, CNG for automobiles &PNG for commercial uses. It produced significant content like Hawa Badlo Anthem- #BringBackTheBlueSkies featuring leading web series actor Amol Parashar and sung by celebrated playback singers like Javed Ali & Harshdeep Kaur. Hawa Badle Hassu is now available for public viewing on SonyLiv app.

July 4, 2019
APACHE AVIATION AND BREITLING IN SEARCH OF CO-SPONSORS TO OPERATE JET TEAM AROUND THE GLOBE

For 17 years, Apache Aviation has operated the Breitling Jet Team, the world’s first professional civil jet team, and its seven L39 ALBATROS Jets. Breitling’s long-standing contract with Apache Aviation will expire on the 31st of December 2019. Breitling has decided not to renew its sponsorship as sole and exclusive partner of Apache Aviation, but is open to staying on board as co-sponsor.

Today, Breitling is a global brand and as a consequence, the Swiss watchmaker aims to activate its partnership with Apache Aviation not only in Europe but also in Asia and America, where there is a huge community of aviation aficionados who would love to see the Jet Team performing in their own skies or offering guests a unique flight experience. This continuation of internationalization and increased visibility, however, requires a substantial additional investment.

The arrangement would be patterned after global sports disciplines that benefit from the contributions of strong multiple sponsors, such as Formula 1 and sailing. Breitling and each partner organization would share the cost of the operation of the Jet Team.

The partnership between Breitling and Apache Aviation has led to the worldwide success and reputation of the Breitling Jet Team. New financial partners would ensure the continued visibility and viability of the team around the world.

Jacques Bothelin, CEO of Apache Aviation, and Breitling are hoping that the right sponsors will be found so that the Jet Team’s unique know-how, developed over the past 17 years, will continue to impress and enthuse people around the globe.

July 4, 2019
Jio launches a digital literacy program “Digital Udaan” for first time internet users

MUMBAI: Jio today announced a digital literacy initiative in India. This new initiative named ‘Digital Udaan’, will empower first-time internet users with digital literacy and understanding of the Internet. Thanks to Jio, over 300 million users are riding the digital wave, many of whom are first time internet users.

As a part of the Digital Udaan initiative, Jio will engage with its users every Saturday to help them learn about the JioPhone features, use of various apps and internet safety including use of Facebook on JioPhone to connect with friends and family in a simple, safe and secure way. This will be achieved via audio-visual training in 10 regional languages. Jio has worked with Facebook, to ensure that modules developed for Digital Udaan, are relevant for people in these cities and localities, and will provide train-the-trainer sessions and training videos and information brochures.

To begin with, this program is being launched in nearly 200 different locations across 13 states. The initiative is soon expected to reach over 7,000 locations empowering millions of JioPhone users and other first-time internet users.

“Jio is always looking to work with key global partners to enhance the digital life experience of the Indian consumer. The Digital Udaan initiative is one such example, which will help eradicate barriers of information asymmetry and provide accessibility in real time. It is a program for inclusive information, education and entertainment, where no Indian will be left out of this digital drive. Jio envisions to take this to every town and village of India, achieving 100% digital literacy in the country,” said Mr. Akash Ambani, Director, Reliance Jio.

Speaking about the initiative Mr. Ajit Mohan, VP and MD Facebook India, said “Jio is playing a vital role in driving India’s digital revolution by empowering millions of Indians and expanding access to the Internet. Facebook is an ally in this mission, and we are delighted to partner with Jio in attracting new Internet users and creating mechanisms for them to unleash the power of that access.”

This unique initiative will connect the participants digitally to the nation and the world. They will have world of knowledge, government benefits and programs, access to essential services and entertainment on their phones through Facebook and the gamut of Jio apps.

July 3, 2019
Levi’s x stranger things fall/winter 2019

MUMBAI: For Fall/Winter 2019, Levi’s® partners with Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things on a capsule collection that will include product for both men’s and women’s. Watch any movie or TV show from the 1980s and you’ll witness a decade awash in Levi’s®. And for contemporary proof of that, look no further than the Stranger Things series, which takes place during the 1980s. The show recreates every detail of that era, even down to the Three Musketeers candy bar wrappers. And since Levi’s® was a major staple of 1980s fashion, it makes sense that the characters would regularly sport a wide array of Levi’s® products.

Working directly with the Stranger Things wardrobe team on their third season, Levi’s® leveraged their extensive Archives to help round out period-correct costuming for a wide range of characters in the show. The new season is set in 1985, a time when the Levi’s® brand’s massive imprint on culture and everyday style was as significant as it is today. The Levi’s® design team also worked with the show’s costume designers to create special, authentically replicated Levi’s® looks for two fan-favorites on the show: Eleven and Dustin. Not only will these full looks appear in the show, they’ll also be available for purchase as part of this summer’s special edition Levi’s® x Stranger Things collection. This July, you’ll be able to go into a store and buy a complete, authentically recreated Levi’s® looks worn by two beloved Stranger Things heroes. It really is 1985 all over again.

The two in-show looks include the Aztec Print Shirt and the El Pleated Jean worn by Eleven. In addition, there will also be a range of pieces that celebrate various elements of the show. Tees and sweatshirts with Stranger Things graphics and phrases, jeans and Truckers with hi-res character images, special edition Levi’s® sundries, like upside down patches and red tabs (a nod to the “Upside Down”, of course), and a one-of-a-kind Levi’s® Batwing tee that uses the Stranger Things title graphics. Basically, it’s one of the most beloved shows on TV, celebrating one of the most beloved decades of the 20th century, teaming up with one of the most iconic brands in the history of fashion.

“Stranger Things – when this opportunity slid across my desk, my nose started to bleed. Getting to visit the set and work on some of the costumes with their amazing designers was another level of collaboration.”—Jonathan Cheung, SVP of Design Innovation at Levi’s®.

The two teams partnered on a campaign that features the collection shot throughout the famed Starcourt Mall, the set and primary backdrop of Stranger Things Season 3.

July 3, 2019
Personal relationships rated most trusted Source of News, ahead of all forms of conventional media: Ipsos Survey

MUMBAI: According to a new survey by Ipsos titled Trust in Media – 78% urban Indians said they trust people they know personally, as the most reliable source of news, ahead of all forms of formal media sources! Ergo, media sources trusted most in the pecking order were newspapers and magazines (77%), followed by television and radio (71%), and online news websites and platforms (66%) – online platforms were found to have some bit of trust deficit, with at least 3 in 10 Indians (32%) doubting the efficacy of news. Trust was found to be the lowest as a new source, for People-known-predominantly-through-the-internet (53%). 4 in 10 Indians were mistrusting of this news source.

Most relevant News Sources?

Newspapers and magazines have been rated best for providing most relevant news and information, by majority of Indians (82%); personal relationships come next as a relevant news source (79%); followed by Television and radio (75%), online news websites and platforms (72%) and people known via the internet (62%).

“We tend to trust people we are close to, most. It now extends to even news and information, displacing all forms of media, relegating them below personal relationships. Newspapers and magazines fortunately redeem their position, as the best news source for relevant news, “says Parijat Chakraborty, Country Service Line Leader, Ipsos Public Affairs, Corporate Reputation and Customer Experience.

Has the Trust in Media increased or diminished in the last 5 years?

India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Malaysia and China, buck the global trend of increasing distrust in Media, in the last five years.

Fake News

Fake News exists and Indians as well as global citizens believe that there is fair bit of Fake News across all media outlets.

So, where is it most prevalent?

67% Indians believe that there is prevalence of fake news in news and information of Online News Websites and Platforms; next, 63% Indians feel that people they know predominantly through the internet are the purveyors of fake news in the news and information they share; 59% Indians feel Television and Radio have fake news in their content; 55% Indians feel Newspapers and Magazines have prevalence of fake news in their news and 51% Indians feel people known personally also provide fake news in the information they share.

“Keeping in view the highly detrimental impact of Fake News, regulatory action is necessary,” reasons Chakraborty.

New Sources and Intentions

News Source perceived to be with the best intentions?

Personal Relationships have been rated the news source with the best intentions by a whopping 80% of urban Indians, followed by newspapers and magazines (79%),Television and radio (72%),Online news websites and platforms (69%) and People known via the internet (63%).
All news sources are perceived to be of good intentions by majority of urban Indians, polled.

Public Broadcaster Versus Private Broadcaster – who is trusted more?

Indians display more trust in public broadcasters vis-à-vis private broadcasters.
Public TV and radio broadcast are perceived to be a necessary service by majority of Indians (65%), polled.
‘Public broadcasters (TV & radio) are controlled by the government, so they are trusted more for authentic news and for government announcements and policy changes, making them an intrinsic part of our lives,” adds Chakraborty.

Methodology:

These are the findings of Ipsos’ Global Advisor survey, an online survey conducted between January 25 and February 8, 2019.

The survey instrument is conducted monthly in 27 countries around the world, via the Ipsos Online Panel system. The countries reporting in this release are Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the United States.

The results are comprised of an international sample of 19,541 adults ages 16-74 in most countries, ages 18-74 in Canada, South Africa, Turkey, and the United States, and ages 19-74 in South Korea. Approximately 1000+ individuals participated on a country by country basis via the Ipsos Online Panel, except for Argentina, Belgium, Hungary, India, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabi, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Turkey, Malaysia, Chile, Peru and Serbia, where each have a sample of approximately 500+.

15 of the 27 countries surveyed online generate nationally representative samples in their countries (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and United States).

Brazil, China, Chile, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Turkey produce a national sample that is more urban & educated, and with higher incomes than their fellow citizens. We refer to these respondents as “Upper Deck Consumer Citizens”. They are not nationally representative of their country.
Data are weighted to match the profile of the population. The precision of Ipsos online polls are calculated using a credibility interval with a poll of 1,000 accurate to +/- 3.1 percentage points and of 500 accurate to +/- 4.5 percentage points. For more information on the Ipsos use of credibility intervals, please visit the Ipsos website.

July 3, 2019