ITV

Category: Press Release

  • Fastrack ‘moves’ hearts with an initiative conceived by Lowe Lintas

    Fastrack ‘moves’ hearts with an initiative conceived by Lowe Lintas

    MUMBAI: One of the most youthful brands in India, Fastrack, has come up with a moving initiative celebrating Valentine’s Day. Conceptualised by Lowe Lintas Bangalore, it addresses the conservative section of the society who have held back the LGBTQ+ community in India from enjoying the liberty to love.

    Valentine’s Day celebrations in India have always been represented by young, heterosexual couples and big red hearts. This initiative aims to make this day about not just expressing heterosexual love, but love of all forms, embracing all colours of the rainbow. Therefore, Photography – as a tool for self-expression – seemed like the perfect way to portray the newly legitimized love.

    Seven photographers, who were handpicked for their diverse styles, were invited to photograph genuine intimacy between real couples from the LGBTQ+ community across the country. Their photographs have been artistically displayed in public places of crowded metros for all to see. The message of each photograph of every couple is simply to 'move on'.

    Commenting on the agency's approach, Sagar Kapoor, Chief Creative Officer, Lowe Lintas, said "As a brand Fastrack has always defined its own 'cool'. This idea is one such expression. Expression of another kind of love. Also in execution, we wanted it to have an unbiased lens. We literally got 7 photographers on board to capture this love through their lenses. The captures are hence their interpretation and not just an execution of a creative brief."

    This is the first Valentine’s Day after the repeal of Section 377 of Indian Penal Code. While the honourable Supreme Court has decriminalized homosexuality, the battle for their social legitimacy is far from over.

    Ayushman Chiranewala, Marketing Head, Fastrack, Titan Company Limited, added further, "Supreme Court’s verdict on Sec 377 was a step in shaping a progressive generation to come, that, however, has not yet helped change the society’s mindset. While there is a lot being spoken, we saw this day as the perfect start to do something to normalize ‘love’ no matter who expresses it.

    The photo exhibition is an attempt at showcasing ‘love’ among some of the most conventionally unconventional couples, free of judgement from society and naysayers. As the brand that has always voiced the youth’s opinion, Fastrack has never shied away from taking a stance this is our way of triggering a discussion the multitudes are shying away from. There’s more to be done by Fastrack to celebrate the different individualities. It’s only the first step from Fastrack to contribute to the efforts of finding acceptance for ‘true love’."

    The Fastrack initiative will prove to be a one-off, unconventional medium promoting equality, fair treatment and social acceptance of the marginalized LGBTQ+ community, and their right to live and love.

    The initiative is live and aims to build greater awareness amongst people. To this end, the photographs have been displayed at prominent places in Bangalore, Kolkata and Noida.

  • Cornitos propagate exciting supernumerary Nacho offer packs

    Cornitos propagate exciting supernumerary Nacho offer packs

    MUMBAI: On accomplishing the 10 year mark in the industry, Cornitos brand of Greendot Health foods Pvt Ltd, is coming up with a rousing offer on two of their exotic Nacho Crisps flavors with extra 25% crisps in their 60gm packs. This limited time offer is available on their luring and delicious Sizzilin Jalapeno & Cheese and Herbs Nacho Crisps. These flavors and offer is all set to tickle the taste buds of their clientage.

    Commenting on the launch of this offer, Mr. Vikram Agarwal, MD Greendot Health Foods Pvt Limited – Cornitos, said: “It’s been a celebratory year for Cornitos team on marking their 10 year triumphant in the industry. It will reinforce the brand promise of premium quality and great taste on a special offer of extra 25% inside the 60gm nacho crisps on our enticing Sizzlin Jalapeno and Cheese and Herbs flavor for our valuable customers who play a vital role in our success. This offer will act as a gratitude to our audience and will lead to a longer and stronger association with them”

    Go fiery with alluring taste of Cornitos Nacho Crisps-Sizzling Jalapeno flavor. The heat of jalapeno peppers balanced with freshly rounded flavors will sizzle your taste buds and leave you wanting more. It’s surely a treat for the Nacho lovers as .Jalapeno peppers are the ideal ambassador for Mexican cuisine

    Cornitos Cheese and Herbs is a unique combination of Cheddar Cheese and Italian herbs. The flavor compliments every cheese lover’s taste in all the seasons. Some things are made for each other like the unique combination of cheddar cheese & cool Italian herbs for the diehard cheese lovers who certainly will fall in love with this flavor.

    Cornitos Sizzlin Jalapeno and Cheese & Herbs Nacho Crisps is a healthy snack as it is Gluten Free, Zero Cholesterol, Zero Transfat and cooked/baked using healthy corn oil.

  • 9X Jalwa launches Jalwa #10YEARCHALLENGE

    9X Jalwa launches Jalwa #10YEARCHALLENGE

    MUMBAI: 9X Jalwa, the Bollywood hits music channel by 9X Media, has created Jalwa #10YEARCHALLENGE, a unique property that showcases the songs of Bollywood stars from past to present. Jalwa #10YEARCHALLENGE will feature stars such as Aamir Khan, Aishwariya Rai, Kajol, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, ShahRukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan and many more through 10 years.

    Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Abbas Syed, Programming Head 9X Jalwa said, “The #10YearChallenge has gone so viral on social media, it even became a meme. Celebrities, musicians started using the hashtag to show the changes they have gone through in past 10years. Since Jalwa’s vast, music library is uniquely curated and its music blocks created around Bollywood stars and their super hit tracks, we thought of creating the Jalwa #10YEARCHALLENGE. This unique music property captures the journey of Bollywood stars through their songs across a decade. We are confident that 9X Jalwa #10YEARCHALLENGE will resonate with the music lovers and Bollywood fans across all age groups.”

    Jalwa #10YEARCHALLENGE is promoted across social media and digital platforms of 9X Jalwa.

    So stay tuned to 9X Jalwa and watch songs of your favourite Bollywood stars from different eras!

  • CNN meets the young Lionel Messi fan from Afghanistan who is now a Taliban target

    CNN meets the young Lionel Messi fan from Afghanistan who is now a Taliban target

    In January 2016, a photo of young Murtaza Ahmadi went viral, thanks to his makeshift version of an Argentine football shirt of his idol Lionel Messi. The photo earned the child two autographed shirts, a signed football and a meeting with the footballer in Qatar 11 months later.

    However, Ahmadi’s fame has made him a Taliban target. CNN’s Nick Paton Walsh travels to Kabul to learn how the seven year old boy and his mother, Shafiqa Ahmadi, live in hiding among the many refugees. Shafiqa tells CNN how it would have been better if her son hadn’t become famous and calls on Messi to “help us to get out of Afghanistan.”

    Watch the full article here: https://cnn.it/2Bw8xV2

    Key Quotes:

    Murtaza Ahmadi on when the Taliban invaded the district of Jaghori in Ghazni province where he grew up:

    “The Taliban were killing our relatives and they were searching houses. They would stop cars and kill their passengers, searching houses and killing people… We were not allowed to play football by the Taliban or even go out of the house. We used to hear the sound of heavy machine guns, and Kalashnikovs, and rockets at home. We also heard people screaming.”

    Murtaza on how his father helped him and his mother escape to the nearby city of Bamyan:

    “Last time I saw my father was on the first day we came here. Then he went back, and I haven’t seen him since then. I miss him very much. When he calls my mother I also talk to him.”

    Murtaza on his future:

    “In Kabul, I cannot go outside the house. My mother doesn’t let me go out. She is afraid. I only play with my friend inside the house… When I was in my hometown, I was not able to wear my Messi jersey because I was afraid someone will hurt me. I want to be taken from this country because there is fighting in here. I want to become a football player like Messi and play with Messi.”

    Shafiqa Ahmadi on her son’s fame:

    “From the day Murtaza became famous, life became difficult for our family. Not only the Taliban, but some other groups also started thinking that Messi might have given him a lot of money. We stopped sending him to school, and we were being threatened all the time… It would have been better if Murtaza hadn’t gained fame. Now our lives are at risk both in our hometown and here in Kabul. He spends all of his time here inside the house.”

    Shafiqa Ahmadi’s message to Messi:

    “I would like Messi to help Murtaza, help us to get out of Afghanistan so that Murtaza can have a better future.”

  • Republic Bharat has made a smashing entry into the Hindi News genre

    Republic Bharat has made a smashing entry into the Hindi News genre

    MUMBAI: The Week 1 performance means that in just 7 days Republic Bharat has made tremendous inroads and on boarded audiences that some established brands have taken many years to reach. The breathtaking start for Republic Bharat, which delivered exclusive after exclusive in novel formats within the hard news space, has not only shaken up the entire Hindi news genre with its thunderous entry but has also sounded the bell for all content players in Hindi news ahead of the crucial election.

    Coming on the back of storming into English news with Republic TV in May 2017, Arnab Goswami’s Hindi news brand’s Week 1 reach is unprecedented when compared to other launches within the Hindi Genre. The Highest reach genre which is Hindi Movies has seen 2 launches in last 3 years i.e. Rishtey Cineplex and Sony Wah andboth the channels launched with a reach of 5 Crs in its opening week and have grown today 3X of their entry reach numbers.

    Meanwhile, continuing his run of being the top-news anchor in the country, Republic Bharat’s editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami’s own 7pm debate show, Poochta Hai Bharat, on his newly launched Hindi channel has garnered the highest reach in the genre.

    “This is a brilliant start. Republic Bharat has beaten six channels and has a reach of seven crore plus in week one. No Hindi channel has had such a start and it's a matter of time before we hit no 1 now,” Republic Media Network editor in chief and managing director Arnab Goswami said.

    Bharat’s extensive focus on big stories within its first week of broadcast creative massive impact with #MamtaBlocksCBI  and #ShardaStings which not only delivered blockbuster impressions on social media but have also got Republic Bharat the #2 position in West Bengal.

    Republic Network CEO Vikas Khanchandani said, “We are extremely happy that Republic Bharat has opened the charts with a massive 73 Mn reach in its maiden week. Our distribution and content teams have worked very hard to give us this fantastic start within the mass reach genre. The reach garnered is the highest that any new hindi channel launch has delivered in its opening week in the last 3 years. I am extremely confident that with this magnificent start the channel will move into the top slot much faster than I anticipated. I am extremely grateful to our audiences and partners that have helped us with their support and acceptance within the Hindi news category.”

    With Republic Bharat leaping into the market and basing its content on bringing back hard news to Hindi news television right from Week 1, the large-scale debut of the channel clubbed with its unmatched launch-week reach means that the channel is all set to be a front runner in the category in the big election season.

    IPG Mediabrands CEO Shashi Sinha said, “The Republic team has worked hard to deliver a reach of 73 MN in its week of launch. They have given a repeat performance on their launch strategy by delivering big breaking stories and delivering massive reach. It's a very good start and will give them an opportunity to build reach and market share in the coming weeks as the news genre sampling is very high in the run up to Elections. The Hindi genre is seeing an entry of another strong brand after a long gap of 6 years.

  • DPOs have to pay broadcasters under new tariff order rules starting February

    DPOs have to pay broadcasters under new tariff order rules starting February

    New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority prof India (TRAI) notified The Telecommunications (Broadcasting & Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017, The Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services (Eighth) (Addressable Systems) Tariff Order, 2017  and the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Standards of Quality of Service and Consumer Protection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017 (collectively “New MRP Regime”) and directed all broadcasters and distribution platform operators (“DPOs”) to ensure compliance with the provisions of the New MRP Regime from February 01, 2019.

    Thereafter TRAI issued a letter dated February 04, 2019 to the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) TRAI categorically stating that all provisions of the New MRP Regime must be enforced from 1st  February, 2019  and directed IBF to inform its member broadcasters to ensure compliance with the New MRP Regime from February 01, 2019. IBF and its members have unequivocally affirmed their support for the smooth implementation of the New MRP Regime.

    By its latest Press Release No. 11/2019 dated 12th February, 2019, TRAI has acknowledged that 65% of cable services subscribers and 35% of DTH subscribers have already migrated to the new MRP Regime. However, since a switch off will cause inconvenience to subscribers, TRAI has extended time upto 31st March, 2019 to those subscribers who have not yet migrated to exercise their choice.  In view of this there may be some confusion amongst DPOs regarding the implementation of the New MRP Regime. Some of our member broadcasters have been receiving calls from some DPOs seeking clarification regarding submission of monthly subscriber reports (MSRs) and billing for the month of February 2019.

    IBF would like to clarify that its member broadcasters have executed the Reference Interconnect Agreements (RIOs) under the New MRP Regime with the DPOs and have implemented the New MRP Regime effective 1st February, 2019 as mandated by TRAI.  Thus all DPOs are statutorily bound to adhere to the provisions of the New MRP Regime.  Accordingly, DPOs are hereby requested to provide their MSRs as mandated under the New MRP Regime in respect of each of their subscribers on the duly notified dates viz., 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th of every month.   Kindly note that from the month of February 2019 onwards our member broadcasters will be raising invoices on DPOs in accordance with the provisions stipulated by TRAI under the New MRP Regime.

    This media release is being issued by IBF on behalf of its member broadcasters for the purpose of clarifying the position in regard to the foregoing.

  • Posterscope predicts disruptive growth for OOH in 2019

    Posterscope predicts disruptive growth for OOH in 2019

    In unison with the seismic changes that the industry is witnessing across the media, marketing and communications community, out-of-home is also transforming at pace and is presenting many new and exciting opportunities. Consequently, 2019 is expected to be another important and exciting year for OOH in India. The expected growth rate stands to be anywhere between 12-15%.

    Posterscope India, one of world’s leading location-based marketing specialist – from the house of Dentsu Aegis Network, expects disruptive growth this year which is full of events that have historically boosted advertising. These include the upcoming General Elections, the Cricket World Cup, and of course, the Indian Premier league among other marquee events.

    Digital out-of-home (DOOH) inventory will continue to increase and reach the levels of respectability it deserves while its share of revenue will see a significant rise. New categories of advertisers will come to the fore and dislodge some traditionally strong advertising categories. Meanwhile, newer infrastructure will provide varied and interesting advertising options.

    Below are some of the key developments that Posterscope believes will continue to drive OOH’s rapid evolution:

    DATA DRIVEN OOH

    Campaigns will be driven using data that go beyond demographics to online behaviour, card transactions, app usage and location analytics to decide where the OOH ads should appear.

    ROI-LED OOH

    ROI will be the driving force in the next 12 months. Posterscope India expects to see boundaries in OOH being pushed through digitisation, automation, scientific planning tools, machine learning and cross-media collaborations to drive and achieve returns that are in line with other media offerings.

    GROWING DIGITAL OOH

    With DOOH inventory increasing, advertisers can now unlock at scale the flexible capabilities of DOOH by running creative bespoke to key triggers such as time, audience and weather. Posterscope’s ROOH digital OOH exchange is pioneering efforts in this space.

    CLUTTERED EVENT CALENDER 2019

    The year being a particularly busy one in terms of large ticket events from sports, entertainment and even elections, we believe there will be a surge of investments from a varied base of advertisers.

    LOCATION INTELLIGENCE

    As locations-based marketing specialists, Posterscope India believes in its ability to act as a common thread to tie multiple data sets together to create a clear OOH story about what’s changing the way out-of-home is being offered.

    SMART CITIES

    A new area of urban development is upon most major cities globally, and in India, this is coined under the ever-ambiguous term and scope of ‘Smart Cities’. The way in which technology will redefine everyday tasks, transport and logistic services is now becoming a reality. Via partnerships with leading smart city development organisations, The Digit Group and DG Cities, Posterscope India is creating opportunities and encouraging brands to lean in, learn and redefine how this investment can last a lifetime.

    DISRUPTIVE OOH

    Consumers are now always connected with more than 90% of OOH consumers using their phone whilst OOH in each week. In addition, we spend over two hours every day on social and messaging platforms sharing the things we stumble across and catch our eye in the OOH space. Now more than ever, disruptive innovations can deliver attention and engagement far beyond where it stands in the real-world through digital sharing.

    Says Fabian Cowan, Director, Posterscope India, “In a fast paced ever changing out-of-home ecosystem, having informed intelligence of what are going to be the drivers of change is critical to our offerings and client associations. We firmly believe that we have the leading technology platform, the best planning tools, the strongest data and analytics capabilities, the most advanced automation programme, the broadest and most diversified view of the out-of-home channel and, most importantly, the best people to manifest and deliver the best ooh solutions.”

    Haresh Nayak, Group MD, Posterscope – South Asia adds, “As industry leaders we are driving change across the medium. Our predictions are not only based on year-long research and a close watch on trends but also based on our understanding of how cities and consumers transform with advancements in technology, access to data, infrastructural developments and evolved travel patterns. 2019 is poised to be a very exciting year for OOH and our predictions depict that amply.” 

  • Mukta Arts’ Q3 FY19 consolidated revenues up 33% y-o-y to INR 40.7 core

    Mukta Arts’ Q3 FY19 consolidated revenues up 33% y-o-y to INR 40.7 core

    Mumbai : Mukta Arts Limited today announced the financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended on December 31, 2018, as approved by its Board of Directors.

    Consolidated revenue for Q3 FY19 grew by 33.2% y-o-y; from Rs 30.5 crores to Rs 40.7 crores. Whistling Woods International, a Mukta Arts’ subsidiary in the education business posted a 19% growth in revenue for Q3 FY19. During the quarter, Whistling Woods hosted the CILECT Congress, a globally renowned & prestigious event in the film education fraternity. This was the first time that the event was held in India. It attracted eminent keynote speakers and a total of 171 delegates represented 52 countries.

    Mukta A2 Cinemas, a subsidiary into exhibition business posted a 43% y-o-y growth in Q3 FY19 revenues at Rs 19.7 crores and turned EBITDA positive. The company added 5 new screens recently and its total count as of today stands at 64 screens, including 6 in Bahrain & 10 under its JV with Asian Cinemas.

    For 9M FY19, the company’s consolidated total revenue at Rs 124.3 crore grew by 23%. EBITDA for nine months was Rs 11.7 crore while Total Comprehensive income at Rs 1.7 crore as against Rs 1.4 crore after extraordinary income of Rs 4.3 crore during the corresponding previous nine months of FY18.

    Commenting on its performance, Rahul Puri, Managing Director, Mukta Arts said, “Both our key businesses, exhibition and education reported strong revenue growth during Q3. Even for nine months, the revenue growth of over 20% is quite healthy and we reported a small post tax profit compared to losses during the similar period last year. We see good traction across the businesses.”

  • Borosil celebrates #FirstValentine

    Borosil celebrates #FirstValentine

    MUMBAI: Borosil, one of India’s leading consumer products brands is celebrating this Valentine’s Day, the first since the decriminalisation of Section 377, by showing their support for the LGBT community. With the historic ruling made by the Supreme Court last year, India took a significant step towards giving its people the freedom to express their love without fear.  Which is why, this year, Borosil decided to help spread the message of ‘love is love’ by telling a story of a real couple that’s both honest and heartfelt.

    This story, told through a film, makes viewers realise how Valentine’s Day, a cliched symbol of love for most, could hold a completely different meaning for those whose love had been deemed ‘unnatural’ by the law for centuries. Thus, for those who have asserted their right to love after a long and hard fight, this Valentine’s Day becomes that much more special. For it is no more just a cliché but a symbol and a celebration of all love being love.

    “We at Borosil have always believed in having a positive impact as a brand that belongs to and relates to all. The Decriminalisation of Section 377 was a big milestone for India as a country and its citizens. We are celebrating this victory of universal love this Valentine’s Day.” says, Ms. Priyanka Kheruka, Head of Brand, Borosil.

    Traditionally a brand that has connected with households across a diaspora of demographics via its communication, Borosil breaks the mold with this film. With this initiative, the brand takes its messaging into a more relevant and inclusive space by staying true to the values of equality and diversity.