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  • ASCI upheld 99 complaints against 136 advertisements

    ASCI upheld 99 complaints against 136 advertisements

    MUMBAI: In the month of February, Advertising Standard Council of India’s (ASCI) Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) upheld 99 out of 136 advertisements. What is interesting that this time around, along with the product advertisements, product packaging was also found misleading in many of the products upheld in the second month of the year.

     

    In the health and personal care category, the CCC found claims in product or service ads of 80 advertisers, released in the press to be either misleading or false or not adequately/scientifically substantiated and hence, violating ASCI’s Code. Some of the health care products or services ads also contravened provisions of the Drug & Magic Remedies Act. Complaints against some of the ads which were upheld are: Dabur India’s Fem Fairness Natural Bleach claims that ‘everyone’s desire for fairness will be fulfilled’. ‘The saffron in it gives a glowing skin for long time’. Colorbar Eye Believe Ultimate Eye Cream advertisement says that ‘Why women love Ultimate Blemish Corrector? 92% women saw a visible lightening of under-eye circles* Super: *Based on internal consumer study.’

     

    Also, Eureka Labs’ ‘Health Enhancer Capsule claims that it ‘sures digestion process, increases hunger’, ‘develops body and makes it energetic’,  ‘makes body fit and healthy’,  ‘helpful for increasing height in kids’, ‘patent ayurvedic medicine.’ Marico’s logo “International Hair Research Certified” appearing in the TVC is misleading by implication that the product has been endorsed by some institute, this claim was not substantiated. Also the source & date for the claim is not indicated in the TVC.

     

    In all, complaints were upheld against 80 ads in the category.

     

    The CCC found claims in print ads by five different advertisers were not substantiated violating the ASCI Guidelines for Advertising of Educational Institutions and hence the complaints against the ads were upheld. For instance, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University’s advertisement claims that it is accredited A grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). 

     

    For Food & Beverages category, the CCC concluded that the claims mentioned in the six advertisements were not substantiated.  The advertisements contravened ASCI’s Code.  The complaints were upheld for Marico’s advertisement of ‘Saffola Total’ claim that it is better than Olive Oil. Saffola Total has started an all-out attack on olive oil. The ad appears even after the recent ban on the adverts of Saffola Total, denigrating olive oil. Similarly, the pamphlet of The Pizza Hub offered a 50 per cent discount only for that day. However, on calling to order, the complainant was told that the offer was only on certain pizzas. This wasn’t mentioned anywhere in the pamphlet, nor was there a generic disclaimer such as ‘terms and conditions’ apply.

     

    Click here for the full report

  • Celebrities should not endorse junk food say government guidelines

    Celebrities should not endorse junk food say government guidelines

    NEW DELHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has called for strict control on promotions and advertisements that are designed and targeted to children and adolescents across all media.

     

    In guidelines prepared recently with regard to junk food, the FSSAI has also made strong recommendations against celebrity endorsement of such foods.

     

    Consequently, Chief Justice Gorla Rohini and Justice Pradeep Nandrajog in the Delhi High Court have asked amicus curiae N K Kaul to file a detailed response within three weeks segregating what out of the submitted guidelines is enforceable and what is suggestive. The court also stressed on the need to specify the junk food items that should be regulated in schools. The court has now fixed the matter for 6 August.

     

    Criticising the Guidelines which it claims have been ‘diluted’ at the instance of the food industry, the Centre for Science and Environment has said that the a provision put initially in the Guidelines that establishes the need for mandatory self regulation of advertisements has been removed.

     

    Uday Foundation, a Delhi-based non-profit NGO filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in 2010 seeking a ban on junk food sold in schools and around them, regulation of junk food promotion and advertisement, and development of a school canteen policy. In response to this, the court had asked the FSSAI to set guidelines, which were framed recently. The FSSAI submitted these guidelines to the court for “making available quality and safe foods in schools”.

     

    The guidelines were developed by an expert group set up by the FSSAI following directions of the court in September 2013.

  • Over Rs 330 crore spent on ads in first ten months of this year

    Over Rs 330 crore spent on ads in first ten months of this year

    NEW DELHI: The Government spent around Rs 332.24 crore on advertising in the period between 1 January and 31 October this year.

    A sum of approximately Rs 288.67 crore was spent in the first ten months of this year on issuing display print media advertisements which usually carry the photographs of present and past political leaders/ministers/other dignitaries.

    In addition, approximately Rs 41.11 crore was spent on electronic media advertisements and about Rs 11.46 crore on outdoor publicity respectively on advertisements which carried the photographs of political leaders; Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari informed the Parliament.

    The Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) is the nodal agency of the Government of India for advertising by various Ministries and Organisations of Government of India including Public Sector Undertakings and Autonomous Bodies.

  • Kolkata govt. promotes film fest with outdoor campaigns

    Kolkata govt. promotes film fest with outdoor campaigns

    KOLKATA: “Ticket kete na ki pass niye” (Did you buy a ticket or do you have a pass?) – this is what the Kolkata government has been asking its residents.

    The state government’s Information and Cultural Affairs (I&CA) department has been running an outdoor campaign to spread awareness about its 19th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) that opened on Sunday.

    The department owns close to120 hoarding space in the city and has used almost one-third of the space for the promotion of KIFF.

    Government enlisted agencies including Arun Sign Service, Karukrit Advertising and Pioneer Publicity Corporation have been asked to maintain the hoardings for KIFF.

    “The teaser campaign has been out for some time now. It is just to spread the right word among the people about the festival,” said West Bengal Outdoor Advertising Association, treasurer and grievance committee convener, Ashif Kumar Biswas.

    While S Chakraborty from Karukrit Advertising said that the government has given two billboards to each agency in one area where one advertisement would be there to promote the festival and the other one will be used for commercial advertisement so that the agencies can recover the cost of the government hoarding. “We have got 20 by 10 feet flex from the authorities,” he said.

    When asked about the money being spent in the advertisements, the agencies said that since these billboards are owned by the department, the cost is not much.

    City based media analysts think that the teaser, which is usually a common aspect of such festivals, increases curiosity among film lovers.

    Apart from promoting the festival with outdoor campaigns, the state government has also made special efforts to pay tribute to legendary singer Manna Dey, who passed away recently and filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh, who too passed away earlier this year. While the singer’s famous songs are a part of the official theme song, the filmmaker’s unreleased movie Taak Jhaank (Sunglass) will be premiered at the festival.

  • ASCI upheld complaints against 215 out of 240 advertisements

    ASCI upheld complaints against 215 out of 240 advertisements

    MUMBAI: In August 2013, ASCI’s Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) upheld complaints against 215 ads. Education and Health & personal care category continue to lead with the highest number of complaints received.

    Health and Personal Care
    The CCC found the following claims in health and personal care product or service ads of 63 advertisers, released in the press to be either misleading or false or not adequately/scientifically substantiated and hence violating Chapter I of the ASCI Code. Some of the health care products or services ads also contravened provisions of the Drug & Magic Remedies Act. Complaints against the following ads were UPHELD –
    1.    The Himalaya Drug Company: Himalaya Complete Care Toothpaste commercial communicates that anti-oxidant not only kills the germs but also removes toxins and strengthens the gums and teeth.
    2.    Dabur India Ltd in their advertisement claimed that Fem Turmeric Herbal Bleach is ‘ammonia free and mild bleach’.
    3.    Johnson & Johnson Ltd: Johnson’s Baby Natural Massaging Oil in their advertisement claimed that it helps with ‘47% more weight gain’.
    4.    Marico Ltd: Parachute Advansed Tender Coconut Hair Oil claimed that the ‘Oil is extracted from tender coconut’.
    5.    Hindustan Unilever Ltd: Vaseline Healthy White Lotion advertisement claimed that ‘4 out of 5 Indian women use Vaseline Healthy White because it makes their skin fair instantly’, ‘it has minerals that make the skin 4 times fairer instantly’. 
    6.    L’Oreal India P. Ltd: Garnier Hair Colour claimed that ‘Garnier hair colour pack costing Rs. 65/- can last for two applications.
    7.    Ban Labs Ltd: SESA Hair Care Range claimed that it ‘strengthens the roots’, ‘DTH hormones harm hair by sticking with hair roots due to which hair fall begins’, ‘Green tea present in the Sesa hair fall therapy prevents the growth of DTH. This, in turn, leads to less hair fall’, ‘Hydrolysed pea protein activates the stem cells present in the hair and thus makes them strong’, ‘See the difference in 6 weeks’.
    8.    Naaz India Company: Naaz Range of Products claimed that ‘Naaz Sugar Cut Granule is Ultimate formula for sugar patients’. After using Naaz Sugar Cut Granule for 2-3 months, the wounds which do not get healed because of sugar start getting healed. Frequent urination, feeling thirsty, numbness of hands-legs, pains in legs itching in the body, physical weakness can also be cured by the use of Naaz Sugar Cut Granules’. ‘ Another product from the company, ‘Faraata gold capsule and oil claims that it ‘gives complete pleasure in sex, stamina, time and size’ 
    9.    Ayurwin Range of Products: Their advertisement claimed that ‘without any side affects you can lose your weight up to 5 to 10 kgs’.
    10.    Shree Baidyanath Ayur Bhawan: Baidyanath Shankh Pushpi advertisement claimed that it ‘makes the brain function fast. 
    11.    AG Herbs (Singapore) PTE Ltd (OPTM Health Care) claimed    that it gives ‘permanent end to pain scientifically and naturally’.
    12.    Dr .Nigams Clinics: The advertisement claimed that ‘Dr. Nigam’s Hair Stem cell therapy helps with hair multiplication’, ‘Grow up to 30,000 plus hair*. (No qualifier for*)’ 
    13.    Kadyan Overseas: Night Riders Afgani Nuskha ‘for premature ejaculations, nightfall, semen’.
    14.    Detox Supplements: Their advertisement claimed that it ‘helps to get rid of Jaundice within 5 days’.
    15.    Omega Hospitals: Their advertisement claims quick cure at ‘The end of 30-40 days of radiation’ is ‘pain free’.
    16.    Glam Wellness Hub: Cool Sculpting advertisement claimed that they help ‘transform your body without surgery or downtime.’, ‘US FDA-cleared treatment for guaranteed weight loss’.
    17.    Eli Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd: Eli Melas Range of Product’s advertisement claimed that ‘Eli-Glow Capsule is ‘effective in bringing glow on your face, removes black spots and also does not allow them to appear again.’
    18.    Brucke Pharma Pvt Ltd: Kesh E Azam Hair Oil advertisement claimed that it ‘helps to get rid of hairfall, forever.’
    19.    Bagrecha Clinic: The advertisement claimed that one can ‘reduce fat in only 15 sitting with no dieting, no exercise, no side effect,’ it helps ‘reduce 3-6 Kg and upto 25 inches, Get spot reduction.’
    20.    Abhishek Ayurvedic: Kidney stone removal without operation at Abhishek Ayurvedis’, ‘for white spots; there is a guaranteed result in just 30 days.’ 
    21.    Bharatbhai Anandvala Healthcare: Their advertisement claimed that they provide ‘ayurvedic treatment for having children. If it’s not effective then get your money spent on the medicines back’.
    22.    Sneh Ashram All in One Herbal Lemon Tea claims that ‘researches prove milk tea is more harmful than a black tea’, ‘it is not a medicine but may fight aging, reduce stress, increase immunity, reduce cholesterol, remove body toxins, and improve vitality – Veerya Vardhaka’.
    23.    Care & Remedies: Their advertisement claimed that ‘by undergoing alternative herbal medicine system treatment; the old and developed piles gets cured’, ‘any types of food can be taken after the treatment.’, ‘no second time medicine.’ 
    24.    UNSP-Hair Care Range: Kesh Pari Oil Capsule & Hair Wash claims cure for baldness’.
    25.    Cosmetic Surgery Clinic: The advertisement claimed that they have cured 1100 cases of Liposuction.’ The surgery ‘removes fat permanently in 3 hours only.
    26.    IPSA Labs Pvt Ltd: The advertisement of Eraser Ayurvedic Skin Cream claimed that it is ‘100% ayurvedic formula’, ‘reduces dark circles’, ‘removes burn marks’, ‘removes injury marks and stitch marks’.
    27.    Bhagwati Obesity Clinic: Their advertisement claimed that they help ‘reduce weight with 100% guarantee’, ‘6 to 8 kg in just 1 month’, ‘hips stomach 4 to 6 inch without any side effect.’
    28.    Indian Society of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery: Their advertisement claimed that they do ‘spot liposuction & you can get flat tummy in 4 Hrs’, ‘arm & thigh tuck spot Liposuction can also be done here.’
    29.    Ganga Ayurvedic Centre: Their advertisement claimed that ‘Alcoholic can quit alcohol without his knowledge by mixing our ayurvedic medicine in his food.’
    30.    G. S. L. TRUST Cancer Hospital & Research Centre: On their website they mention Dr. S Acharya’s name. He has already left the hospital on 31/05/2011. The doctor wants his profile in GSL trust to be deleted immediately. 
    31.    Vijay Oil Mills: Vera Mustard Oil advertisement claimed that it ‘reduces heart disease’, ‘reduces bad cholesterol’ & ensures a ‘better immune system.’
    32.    Kunnath Pharmaceuticals: Musli Power Extra’s advertisement claimed that it has ‘attained numerous national and international accolades.’
    33.    Diet & Fit: Their advertisement claimed that ‘you can see your weight reduce in 3 days’, ‘no side effects’, ‘reduce upto 10 Kgs in 1 month’.
    34.    Gillette India Ltd: The Oral B Toothpaste in its communication through its voice over states that Oral B is the only toothpaste having “Unbeatable All-Around Protection” in the following areas: Strong Teeth, Breath, whitening, Gum Health, Plaque, Sensitivity, Enamel and Tartar.
    35.    Shree Siyaram Ayurved Mandir: Their advertisement claimed that they can help cure ‘sex problems’.
    36.    Ayusya Herbal Clinic: Claims cure/treatment for sexual problems. Also cure for ‘Piles, Fistula, Fissure – herbal Treatment, Instant Cure. Pain, Bleeding and Uneasiness Due To Piles, Fistula and Fissure. 
    37.    Sanjivani Ayurved Ashram: Claims cure for ‘Sex problems, premature ejaculation, impotency, infertility.
    38.    Dr Jyoti Super Speciality Homeopathy Clinic fertility treatment gives chances of success 90%’. 
    39.    Hindustan Unilever Ltd: Hamam Hand Sanitizer advertiser claimed usage of hand sanitizer instead of washing hands. Washing hands before food is very important and use of sanitizers cannot remove the dirt.
    40.    Lievur: The advertisement claimed that ‘Lievur – 1 spoon (10 ml) every morning and get rid of all heart diseases’.
    41.    Dr Monga Clinic claimed ‘Helpful course for physical development and increasing height which is necessary for those who want to join navy, police, films (T.V) or modeling
    42.    Libra Ayur Lab Products: Their advertisement claimed that ‘Kunika Churn – Effective treatment of Kidney stone. As per the research of Ayurveda it has no side effects and is completely vegetarian, take 1-1-1 spoon 3 times a day which helps to give complete relief from pain without operation.’, ‘L.U.C Capsule- It helps to get rid of pain causing since virginity till menopause, white discharge and helps in smooth flow of mensuration.’, ‘O.B.C Capsule – Best medicine for women – men for reducing weight and for becoming beautiful and smart.’, ‘L.C.D. Capsule – Made from Indian herbs which are a best medicine for white spots, take it for 180 days white spots start getting red and become natural.
    43.    Makewell Pharmaceutical: Speed Height Capsule advertisement claimed that it is an ‘effective Ayurvedic Medicine’, ‘helps in physical development.’ 
    44.    Hindustani Dawakhana: The advertisement claimed that it is ‘imported power enhancer for men, ‘sure treatment for vitiligo.’ 
    45.    Bharatbhai Anandvala Health Care: The advertisement claimed ‘100% Ayurvedic treatment’, ‘get blessed with a child’, ‘make kidney, urea, creatine normal.’ 
    46.    Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Bhawan Pvt. Ltd: Vita-EX Gold The advertisement shows a man and woman in a naked position with both the woman’s naked breasts showing very clearly. 
    47.    Jolly Pharma: Jolly Sunsex Gold Capsule/Oil in the print advertisement claimed that ‘White Musli with shilajit and saffron, a better formula’, ‘because quality is most important’, ‘Ayurvedic Medicine’, ‘very important for men’, ‘Sunsex gold capsule and oil’, ‘Feels like living every moment’
    48.    Repl India-Super Sonic Caps/Saandhha Oil: In the print advertisement claimed that ‘New feelings every night. No.1 Power Capsule. For more vigour and more pleasure.’, ‘For more power, use Saandah Oil.’ 
    49.    Dr. Batras Positive Health Clinic: Dr. Batras Homeopathic Clinic advertisement claimed that it is ‘Safe, Sure, zero Side Effects’, ‘Dr. Batra’s specialization – Treatment for White patches’.
    50.    Parul Homeo Laboratories P Ltd: The advertisement of Heightex Tablets claimed ‘Short people pay attention. For age group upto 25 years’ 
    51.    Sanjivani Ayurved Ashram advertisement claimed that ‘Spots will reduce and merge with normal skin in 5 to 6 hours of treatment.’, ‘Reduce weight upto 4-5 kg without any side effects by our ayurvedic treatment’.
    52.    Deemark Musli Pro Capsules ‘Visual implies product enhancing sexual pleasure’, 
    53.    Dr Nigams Clinics advertisement claimed that one can ‘lose 8 kgs in 30 days, eat & lose weight’, Dr. Nigam is very close to cure baldness’.
    54.    Ambic Ayurved: Nav Purush Powder/Capsules in the print ad claimed that it ‘helps in physical development of thin and skinny boys and girls’, ‘helps to increase hunger, weight and height’, ‘helps in making muscles and producing new blood in the body’ , ‘helpful in avoiding weakness and fatigue and makes smart’, ‘100% ayurvedic effective’. 
    55.    Dr Paresh Patel Remedies advertisement claimed that it gives ‘first success through natural medicine’, ‘no need for heart surgery’, ‘heart blockage can be treated’.
    56.    S M Dawakhana advertisement claimed ‘successful treatment by experienced doctors’, ‘successful treatment of all diseases related to penis like length – thickness, crookedness, weakness and premature ejaculation’.
    57.    Balprada Ayurved Chikitsa & Anusan Kendra advertisement claimed that it gives a ‘successful treatment of diseases like Kidney failure, Liver failure, Cancer, Slip disk and other diseases through self-made medicines’. 
    58.    Dr Ayurveda Power Prash advertisement showed question and answers that are implying that the product is meant to enhance sexual pleasure.
    59.    Diatech Diabetes Care Centre: Their advertisement claimed that it is ‘100% Natural & Herbals’, ‘Renews beta cells and makes insulin to flow’, ‘Equals the quantity of sugar in blood and avoids kidney failure by protecting it’, ‘it stops heart attack by filling the blocks of nerves’, ‘permanent freedom from insulin injection’, ‘avoids burning sensation in legs by correcting the nervous weakness’, ‘heals the wounds which have not healed for long time’, ‘will get active and get rid of tiredness’, ‘can get permanent relief from all types of consequences affected by Diabetes’.
    60.    Mcranium Healthcare: In their advertisement Drink Care claimed that it helps ‘reduce blood sugar, adds year to your life’, ‘famous doctor has proven that diabetes is curable’, ‘after having this medicine, patients do not need to take any allopathic medicine’. 
    61.    Kunnath Pharmaceuticals: Musli Power X-Tra in the TVC showed the product advertised has special miraculous qualities to cure ailments and improve one’s life and give results in specified time.
    62.    Shree Maruti Herbal: Stay-On Cap & Oil Claims to enhance sexual pleasure.’ 
    63.    Goodricke: Goodricke Barnesbeg Green tea claims that Green Tea minimizes ‘both signs of ageing and risks of cancer’, ‘Rainforest Alliance Certified’. 
    EDUCATION
    The CCC found following claims in print ads by 121 different advertisers were not substantiated violating the ASCI Guidelines for Advertising of Educational Institutions and hence the complaints against the ads were UPHELD –
    1.    Career Line Academy: Their advertisement claimed that it ‘provides degree, PG [PSC, UGC, DEC approved within 4 months’ ‘SSLC, plus 2 within 8 months.’
    2.    Ascent career point Udaipur: Their advertisement claimed that ‘Helpdesk online counseling from the board of technical education’.
    3.    Flyers Welfare Education Institute: Their advertisement claimed that one can ‘Join Airport Technical courses & is ranked No. 1 in country’.
    4.    Dravidian University: Their advertisement falsely claimed that it is ‘UGC recognized’.
     
    Shree Santhoshi Group of Institute, Jetking Infotrain Ltd: Jetking Computer Education, Vivekanand Institute of Hotel & Tour Management, RMT Group Education Charitable Trust: Asia Pacific Institute of Management, Institute of Advanced Management: IAM Institute Hotel Management, Institute for Technology & Management: ITM Business School, Indus Institute of Hospitality & Culinary Arts, Indian Institute of Hotel Management, Swa Institute, Apeejay Education Society: Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication, Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary, Net Bits, Inset Computer Education, Godrej & Boyce Mfg Company Ltd: Godrej Refrigerators, Chiripal Charitable Trust: Shanti Business School, Career Launcher, International School of Business & Media- ISBM School of Communication &Media, Veda IIT Pvt Ltd, Sree Bhuvaneswari Education & Charity Trust – Christian Group of Institute, Neesa Education (P) Ltd- Neesa Institute of Management Studies, Omayal Achi College of Nursing, Meghe Group – Sri Chaitanya Institute, RIG Institute of Hospitality & Management, Scott Hotel Management Institute, Nilaya Foundations: ICATS Management Institute, Sri Rajiv Gandhi Polytechnic College, Jan Shikshan Sansthan, Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College, Sri Sukhmani Group of Institute, JK Technosoft, LMD Education &Research Foundation: Quantum Global Campus, Indian Tech Institute, Cavalier India SSB Coaching Campus, Canara Engineering College, Origin Institute of Design, ICFA: Institute of Computerized Financial Accounting Campus, Interface ERP Academy, I Tech, Bharath University, Everest School Of Nursing, Lamika Education & Charity Trust, Madras Institute of Fashion Technology, Sri Nehru Maha Vidyalaya, Indraprasth Nehru Acadmey of Hotel Management, Indira Education & Charitable Trust, ITFT Institute of Technology & Future Management Trends, Chandigarh University, Career Launcher, Mahabharathi Engineering College, Indian Institute of Knowledge Management IIKM, Manav Rachna International University, Imarticus Learning, Mysql Computer Education, I.I.H.M. International Institute of Hotel Management, DIMS Institute of Hotel Management, Career Launcher, Kurinji College of Engineering & Technology, Nase Technology Computer – Nase Technologies Pvt Ltd, Sakthi Mariamman Engineering College, Netaji Subhas Institute of Business Management, Rosary Institute of Culina &Hotel Management, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan- Bhavan Institute of Management Science, Saraswati Trust – Saraswati HR Education & Technical College, Brothers Education Union- Ithaya Jyothi College of Nursing, Sun Institute of Polytechnic, Arulmigu Senthilandavar Polytechnic, ‘Doctors Diagnostic Centre -Doctors Institute of Lab Sciences, D P G Polytechnic, Munimji Training & Placement Academy, Xavier College of Hotel Mgmt, GBH American Hospital- Arihant Nursing Institute, Global Institute of Engineering & Management, Lime Institute, IETT Computer Institute, Trigon Institute for Hospital Association & Paramedical, Sidhartha Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Infant Jesus Polytechnic College, Himachal Institute of Nursing, IGES Institute of Nursing & Health Science, KC Group of Institute, Seacom Institute of Merchant Navy, IISF, HIMCOM Heritage Institute of Management & Communication, CMC Group of Institutes: Coimbatore Marine College, Saviance Technologies Pvt Ltd: Disney Institute, King Educational Institute, Pacific Academy of HR Education & Research University, College Of Events & Media, Madurai Institute of Engg & Technology, Shipra Anand’s Academy for Fashion Careers, Madras Institute of Hotel Management & Catering, Aishwarya College, The Lords Universal College of Education, Excel Network Technologies, Pride Heritage Technology, Bharati Vidyapeeth- College of Hotel & Tourism Management, Amritsar Film Academy, Eeuro Maritime Academy, Swami Vivekanand Institute Of Technology, Vallabh Seva Niketan Trust- (Indu Group of Colleges), Institute of Integrated Marketing Communication & Management, Jain Education Society- Kashi Institute of Technology, CCA Cadd, Ramee Hotel Management College, Annai Vailankanni College of Engineering, Rooman Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Gem Institute of Solar Technology, Subham Institute & Technology, Maluk Education Health & Charity Trust: MAM Polytechnic College, Kurinji College of Engineering & Technology, Indraprasth Nehru Academy of Hotel, Shiva Group of Institute, JITM College, St. Michael Education Trust, Challenger Info Tech, EMS Academy of Journalism, Karnatak Lingayat Education Society: Institute of Fashion Technology & Apparel Design, AJK College of Arts & Science, Smt. Kaushalaya Devi Memorial Education & Charity: Dr I T Group of Institute, Krupajal Group of Institute: Krupajal Engineering School, Sri Vigneshwar Education Society: International School of Management & Research, Agni College of Technology.
    Complaints against advertisements of All above educational institutes were UPHELD because of unsubstantiated claims that they ‘provide 100% placement/AND/OR they claim to be the no.1 in their respective fields’.
    CONSUMER DURABLES
    The CCC concluded that the claims mentioned in these 3 advertisements and cited in the complaints below were not substantiated. The advertisements contravened Chapter I. of the Code. The complaints were UPHELD.
    1.    Milcent Appliances Pvt Ltd: Their advertisement of Milcent Talky claimed that it is ‘presenting India’s No. 1 ultramodern talking domestic Atta chakki.’
    2.    Micromax Ltd: Micromax LED32K316 TVC claimed that one can ‘Sit back, relax and bring alive your entertainment in true 3D on a 32 inch dots LED screen.’
    3.    S S Enterprise: Their advertisement of Rupali Aqua Water Purifier claimed that it is ‘India’s No.1 B. Nova Water Purifier’.
    TELECOM
    Maxx Moblink Private Limited: Maxx Mobiles in their TVC showed unethical and harmful dumping of old electronic gadgets in an open environment. The CCC reviewed the TVC and concluded that the advertisement was in Breach of the law and contravened Chapter III.4 of the Code. The complaint was UPHELD.
    Intex Technologies India Ltd: Intex Aqua Mobile TVC shows Farhan Akhtar mountain climbing with the help of a rope. His mobile phone falls in the river below and he cuts off his rope and jumps into the water to save it. He manages to rescue his phone. The CCC concluded that the TVC without justifiable reason shows a dangerous practice. The advertisement contravened Chapter III.3 of the Code. Also, the supers that appeared in the TVC were not legible thus contravening the regulations of ASCI’s minimum lettering size of supers. The complaint was UPHELD.
    Reliance Communications Ltd: The advertisement of Reliance Mobile All Share Plan shows that a child found on the temple steps and who is subsequently adopted, is being ridiculed by his own family. The ad is insensitive towards adopted children. The CCC concluded that the TVC derides adoption and shows discrimination. The advertisement contravened Chapter III.1 (a) of the Code. The complaint was UPHELD.
    FMCG
    Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd: Colgate Strong Teeth’s claim ‘Colgate is the No. 1 Brand recommended by Dentists’ in their TVC is ambiguous, false and misleading. The claim, ‘Colgate hai to no cavities’ is absolutely false and unsubstantiated. The claim that Colgate is 100% guaranteed in providing anti-cavity protection is absolute, false and misleading. The depiction of the logo of the Indian Dental Association, with respect to the claim is misleading; as it connotes that the IDA endorses the claims in the TVC. The claim of ‘New and Advanced’ is false and misleading as there is no improvement in the formulation of Colgate Strong teeth when compared to the earlier formulation. This complaint was UPHELD as the advertisement contravened Chapters I.1 and I.4 of the Code.
    AUTO
    Nissan Motors India Pvt. Ltd.: Nissan Sunny XL Diesel in their TVC claimed that ‘fuel economy of 21. KMP in the diesel version of the NISSAN SUNNY XL’. In the absence of comments from the Advertiser, the CCC concluded that the claim, “fuel economy of 21 KMP”, was not substantiated. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code. The complaint was UPHELD.
    Nissan Motors India Pvt. Ltd.: Nissan Sunny XV Diesel in the print ad showed a diesel car but mentioned the price of a petrol car. This is definitely an attempt to mislead the consumer. The advertisement contravened Chapters I.1 and I.4 of the Code. The complaint was UPHELD.
    FOOD & BEVERAGES
    The CCC concluded that the claims mentioned in these three advertisements were not substantiated. The advertisements contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code. The complaints were UPHELD.
    1.    Gujarat Co-operative Milk Federation Ltd: The advertisement of Amul chocolates claimed that ‘Eat milk with every meal’, ‘Chocolate is rich in antioxidants’, ‘Antioxidants reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease’, ‘Eat milk with every meal and live fearless’. 
    2.    Heinz India P.Ltd: The supers in the Complan TVC were not clearly legible thus contravening the regulations of ASCI’s minimum lettering size of supers. 
    3.    Capital Foods Limited: Ching’s Secret advertisement claimed Chings being ‘Mumbai ka No.1 Chinese soup’.
    4.    Amrapali Biotech India Pvt Ltd: The advertisement of Amrapali Mums Corn Flakes claimed that ‘Minds on with goodness of brahmi’. Pack visual claims – ‘Natural herbs for memory plus, Memory enhancer’
    The CCC concluded that the 4 advertisements mentioned below are indirect advertising for products whose advertising is prohibited or restricted by law (Surrogate advertisements for liquor brands). The advertisements contravened Chapter III.6 of the Code. The complaints were UPHELD.
    1.    Pernod Ricard India P. Ltd.: The advertisement of Seagram Royal Stag Music Cds / Royal Stag Barrel Select shows ‘Abhi Shah Rukh bannabaki hai and Abhi Saif banna baki hai ‘states an alcohol brand name ‘Royal Stag Barrel Select’, which is a whisky brand.’ 
    2.    Pernod Ricard India P. Ltd: Seagram Blenders Pride Magical Nights advertisement shows a neo hoarding displaying the logo unit. 
    3.    United Spirits Ltd: White Mischief Beach Wear & Accessories advertisement appears to be a surrogate ad for a liquor product – White Mischief Vodka.
    4.    Carlsberg India Private Limited (Turborg): The TVC shows a Tuborg beer bottle and logo.

    TELESHOPPING
    The CCC concluded that the claims mentioned in the following 9 advertisements and cited in the complaints below were not substantiated. The advertisements contravened Chapter I of the Code. The complaints were UPHELD.
    1.    Telemart Shopping Network Pvt. Ltd: Meta Slim in the TVC claimed that one can ‘lose weight with meta slim’. 
    2.    GTM Teleshopping P. Ltd.: Easy Slim Tea advertisement claimed that one can ‘have Easy Slim Tea and lose weight, no need to exercise, no need to eat healthy’, ‘lose weight become healthy’, ‘prevent extra marital affairs’. 
    3.    Telemart Shopping Network Pvt. Ltd: The TVC claimed that ‘Stop hair fall in one week’, ‘new hair growth starts in 8 weeks’, ‘Certificate of excellence from International Institute of Trichology – Geneva Switzerland’.
    4.    Quick Telemall Marketing Pvt. Ltd:. Shubh Dhan Varsha in the TVC claimed ‘By establishing the kit you will start earning more and more money’, ‘all your financial problems would be solved’, ‘the product has some sort of Divya Shakti’.
    5.    Tele Trade Shopping: Amritras in the TVC showed the product advertised has special miraculous qualities to cure ailments and improve one’s life and give results in specified time.
    6.    Teleone Consumers Product Pvt. Ltd: Deemark Mass Gainer and Muscle Builder in the TVC showed that the product advertised has special miraculous qualities to cure ailments and improve one’s life and give results in specified time.
    7.    Sogo Telemarketing: Madhunashni in the TVC showed the product advertised has special miraculous qualities to cure ailments and improve one’s life and give results in specified time.
    8.    GTM Teleshopping P. Ltd.: Full Stop Anti Addiction Powder in the TVC showed the product advertised has special miraculous qualities to cure ailments and improve one’s life and give results in specified time.
    9.    Diet & Fit: In the TVC showed the product advertised has special miraculous qualities to cure ailments and improve one’s life and give results in specified time.
    Sogo Telemarketing: Madhur Milap in their TVC show the product advertised has special miraculous qualities to cure ailments and improve one’s life and give results in specified time. The CCC reviewed parts of the TVC and concluded that the claims mentioned in the TVC for Madhur Milap (powder, oil, prash) were not substantiated. Also, the advertisement was in Breach of the law as it violated The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act. The advertisement contravened Chapters I.1 and III.4 of the Code. The complaint was UPHELD. 

    Telemart Shopping Network Pvt. Ltd: SLIM24 PRO in the TVC claimed ‘reducing weight is possible merely by consuming the liquid to be prepared by dissolving the powder i.e. Slim24pro and even without any exercise and by skipping meals one can reduce weight within 24 hours.’ The advertisement contravened Chapters I.1 and I.5 of the Code. The complaint was UPHELD.
    REAL ESTATE
    Indya Estates: The advertisement of Greens claimed that ‘2BHK flat for an unbelievable price of Rs. 15.81 lacs. and 300% appreciation’. The claim of of ‘2BHK flat for an unbelievable price of Rs. 15.81 lacs.* and 300% appreciation’, were not substantiated and the Ad was considered to be misleading. The advertisement contravened Chapters I.1 and .4 of the Code. The complaint was UPHELD.
    OTHERS
    Alix Retail Pvt. Ltd: Fabfurnish.com internet advertisement claimed that ‘buy bean bags starting Rs. 699’. In the absence of comments from the Advertiser, the CCC concluded that the advertisement was misleading. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.4 of the Code. The complaint was UPHELD. 

    Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC’s/Minorities: In their TVC they showed a Muslim family visiting a Govt. office asking for loan to set up a computer institute. The ad also mentions Rs. 800. The purpose for mentioning Rs.800 is unclear. Was it a bribe to the officer for loan approval or was it borrowed. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code. The complaint was UPHELD.
    During the month of August, the CCC also received complaints against 25 other advertisements. The complaints were received against the advertisements of La Opala RG Ltd: La Opala Ivory Collection, Kent RO systems Ltd: Kent Ozone Veg & Fruit Purifier, Wrigley India P. Ltd: Boomer Jelly, State Bank of India(Home Loans), Kotak Mahindra Old Mutual Life Insurance Ltd. Kotak Life, Naver (Line Chat), Tata Chemicals Ltd: TATA Sodium Lite Salt, NIIT Limited: NIIT Cloud Campus, Tata Teleservices Ltd: Tata Docomo Network, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd.: Horlicks, Kohler: Moxie Shower Studio, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd: Amul, DS Group: Ranjnigandha Pan Masala, Mosons: Indulekha Bringha hair oil, Career Launcher, Cadbury India Ltd: Bournvita, Life Slimming & Cosmetic Clinic, Bharti Airtel Ltd, Ashok & Company : Pan Bahar Crystal Pan Masala, Dr Hair care & Slimming Clinic, Royal Dental Clinic, Delhi Police, Rodeo Drive Luxury Products Pvt. Ltd: Celestial collection Lord Venkateswara Watches, Shree Cement: Bangur Cement, Cadbury (India) Ltd: Cadbury Chocolate Silk. However, as these advertisements did not contravene ASCI’s codes or guidelines, the complaints were NOT UPHELD.

  • Pinterest unveils ads, strikes international mobile deal

    Pinterest unveils ads, strikes international mobile deal

    MUMBAI: After announcing its intention to do so last month, the fast-growing social network unveiled its new ‘Promoted Pin’ advertisements recently. The pins are marked by a subtle label below the item description. In a blog post, Pinterest CEO and co-founder Ben Silbermann said ‘Promoted Pins’ are still in a testing phase and “nobody’s paying for anything yet – we want to see how things go and, more than anything, hear what you think.”

     

    San Francisco-based Pinterest promises the ads will be tasteful, transparent and relevant: “No flashy banners or pop-up ads,” Silbermann said in the blog post. The ads will appear in both Pinterest’s online and mobile apps, and are being rolled out now to a small portion of users for feedback.

     

    Don’t expect the ads to remain unpaid for long. Once fine-tuned, Pinterest is expected to open the floodgates for its first revenue-generating product. With an estimated 53 million users and a value of $2.5 billion, ads should significantly cushion four-year-old Pinterest’s coffers.

     

    In a separate development, Pinterest announced Thursday a deal to place a special widget on Android phones sold through Spanish mobile giant Telefonica. Pinterest already has an Android app, but the prominently placed widget will update faster and allow non-users to search it for shopping, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

     

    No money is involved in the deal, but Pinterest is hopeful it can add international users, as well as bolster its mobile footprint. Telefonica has about 316 million customers in Europe and Latin America.

  • Notching up visibility: News Nation

    Notching up visibility: News Nation

    MUMBAI: It’s already very crowded in the Hindi news genre, but this new entrant believes it can make a difference.

    Enter News Nation: the Hindi news channel launched in February, promoted by Newsnation Network, having Abhay Oswal as chairman and veteran journalist Shailesh Kumar as editor in chief.

    Targeted at an educated and sophisticated Hindi-speaking audience and offering insights into politics, crime, corruption, cricket and Bollywood, the channel is now preparing to announce its arrival on the Hindi news stage.

    While work on News Nation began one-and-a-half years ago, the marketing campaign only started taking shape three to four months back. According to sources, approximately Rs 10-12 crore have been spent on the entire promotional campaign.

     Of which, the TVC campaign branded ‘Khabrein Jo Banti Hai Aapki Power’ kicked-off on 18 September and will run till the end of this month on channels including Colors, Star Plus, Sony, Sab, Life OK, Sony Max, Star Gold, Movies OK, Times Now, CNN IBN, ET Now, CNBC TV 18, CNBC Awaaz, NGC, Discovery and Animal Planet. Both TVCs created by McCann Erickson sport a retro look and give the message that News Nation will keep audiences up-to-speed with ‘news they can use’.

    With HSM markets in the age group 15+ male across SEC A B and C as the channel’s target audience, advertisements have been placed in key spots during the day such as the popular show Comedy Nights with Kapil on Colors, the Lootera premiere on Sony, and the soon to premiere Once Upon Ay Time in Mumbai Dobaara also on Sony.

     

    Meanwhile, radio and outdoor campaigns are scheduled to begin mid-October, to run till the first week of November. Regular advertisements will run across prominent radio stations in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Jaipur. Apart from these, contests will run either as contest on the TVC or as election-based.

    Across the HSM market, 10-11 cities will witness outdoor advertising from News Nation. Approximately 810 hoardings and bus shelters and transportation vehicles have been blocked to feature the channel’s ads. Trade sites are a priority on the digital front. A search engine optimisation will soon be conducted, allowing visibility to increase four-fold. The digital department, operated by a five-member team, aims to get more robust.

    The entire campaign is being handled by a marketing team comprising three of the 320 employees in the organisation which includes everyone in the head office in Noida and bureaus in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata as also the Hindi-speaking states. As of now, News Nation has no plans to enter the southern market.
    Now that there’s a newbie in an already cluttered Hindi news space, only time will tell if it creates a unique identity or blends into the crowd. 

  • ASCI upholds complaint against 144 ads in June 13

    ASCI upholds complaint against 144 ads in June 13

    MUMBAI: The Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has upheld complaints against 144 out of 174 advertisements in June.

     

    The category leading the pack of misleading ads was health and personal care category followed by education sector. For the first time ever, ASCI has also tracked and upheld complaints against four online advertisements,   out of which one is an advertisement of Hindustan Unilever on the YouTube.

     

    The CCC found two ads violating Chapter III 1(b) of the ASCI Code as they deride colour of the skin in the digital space. The complaints were upheld against HUL’s Ponds BB Cream which is titled ‘The Future of India’ and goes on to talk about various benefits of the product and how women yearn to have fair skin and Emami Fair and Handsome cream ad which shows a flow chart depicting various problems such as inferiority complex, not good looking, etc. affecting dark skin colored people.

    In the health and personal care product or service category, the CCC found that claims of 58 ads released in the press is either misleading or false or not adequately/scientifically substantiated and hence violating Chapter I of the ASCI Code. Some of the health care products or services ads also contravened provisions of the Drug & Magic Remedies Act.

     

    The complaint against HUL’s Sunsilk Perfect Straight ad that shows a girl packing/selecting all her hair straightening equipment and her friend telling her about a shampoo that can keep the hair perfectly straight after attending a gym session, party or even in other situations’  has been upheld for misleading the customers.

     

    Another one making to this list is Johnson’s Baby Natural Massaging Oil advertisement. The ad claims that the ‘oil helps in 47 per cent more weight gain.’ Similarly, Dabur’s Fem Turmeric Herbal Bleach claim of it being a ‘herbal, mild and ammonia free bleach’ and  Zee Laboratories’ advertisement of Virgin Again Gel claiming that the ‘Vagina tightening and rejuvenating gel improves muscle tone’ complaints have been upheld.

     

    Livon Hair Gain Tonic in their print ad claiming ‘Increase hair growth with the latest hair gain formula- Livon Hair Gain Tonic’ is another one making to the list of products being upheld.

     

    The Himalaya Complete Care Toothpaste TVC begins with a message depicting importance of the `anti-oxidant’ having health benefits. The commercial which communicates that anti-oxidant not only kills the germs but also removes toxins and further strengthen the gums and teeth and then, ultimately, concludes with a message that it is much more than gum protection was upheld too.

     

    Second in lead was the education category wherein CCC found 57 different advertisers in print violating the ASCI guidelines for advertising of educational institutions and hence the complaints were upheld.

     

    Eight complaints were upheld in the consumer durables category with brands like Godrej, Samsung, Microtek etc.

     

    In the telecom category, the advertisement of Tata Docomo Network showing a husband quietly eating a pizza at night when the Tata Docomo signature sound starts playing in the background. A voice over that starts ‘When you are enjoying your pizza, think of us because leading pizza chains use our network. So, are you on the network that is everywhere?’ The CCC viewed the TVC and concluded that the claim, ‘leading pizza delivery chains  use Tata Docomo network’, was not substantiated as the support was provided only for one chain i.e. Pizza Hut.   The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.  The complaint was upheld.

     

    Complaints against Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd, CNBC Awaaz and Punjab Kesari were upheld in the media category.  

     

    Other categories against which complaints were upheld were auto, food and beverage and many other.

     

    ASCI, through the National Advertising Monitoring Service (NAMS), has already started post tracking of advertisements in print and TV against which complaints are upheld.  Initial tracking results show overall there is 90 per cent compliance from advertisers on ASCI’s decisions.

  • Divya Radhakrishnan & the Helios solution

    Divya Radhakrishnan & the Helios solution

    Media veteran Divya Radhakrishnan gets a little nostalgic as she recollects that moment a couple of year ago when she was contemplating which direction her life should take. Says she: “After working for almost 25 years, when I told my mother that I was planning to quit, I least expected her to be supportive of my decision. But then her response motivated me to go ahead: she said just do it. And so I did it.”

    The former TME president finally dug her heels in and made the drastic career change.

    “I knew I was going to be on the other side of the table now and it was not going to be easy,” she says while thanking the leadership role she played at Rediffusion-Y&R, which helped her get an insight into how things work in various verticals of a media business. “But then I thought to myself that being independent and leading a business with decision-making power at my own risk would give me a greater sense of freedom and that really motivated me,” she adds.

    Her decision was pretty calculated too, she says.

    “There are close to 180 odd channels in India not aligned to any broadcast network. Agencies, clients, vendors, and others, however, expect them to have everything that a large network does like sales, marketing, research, and what have you. Now in a large network you can amortise your costs across several channels,” she explains. “But for a standalone channel the high overhead can be killing. Hence, I decided I would first focus on the sales outsourcing function for TV channels and once I achieved that, I would add more services. I needed to find someone who had a similar vision and I found that in Bala Iyengar and so we started out.”

    Right from the start, Divya was clear that her agenda would go beyond being just-another-organisation to fill a need gap, and getting recognition for creating a brand in a commoditised business of air time sales.

    Hence, Helios Media has ambitions to provide advisory and undertake operations for independent players in the broadcast industry. In order to differentiate itself it has set up various verticals like sales, marketing communications, advertising, research, content, PR, broadcast operations, syndication, events and new media to create a 360 degree outsourcing company which television channels can rely on. Divya on her part is also involved in a TV content production firm TouCan with sister-in-law Bhavna Radhakarishnan.

    With over 50 people on board now, finding the right team was not easy for Divya at the start. “Since I was coming from the other end, I needed to get the business heads in place so they could get the correct people for us,” she says.

    Among those who she managed to snare figured: Bala Iyengar (business head Zoom), Vaibhav Vishal (a former MTV veteran) and Prashant Nigam (also from Zoom). Iyengar is business director and leads the sales vertical. Vishal is the creative and content leader whereas Nigam looks after content syndication and special projects. The four pillars run the show headquartered in Mumbai, although the organisation has branches in Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai.

    Helios is like a morphing organism, tailor making itself, depending on client and market needs. Though its headquarters are in the Maximum city, it has resources at regional levels as well.

    The organisation which started with its first client MTunes is now handling four different channels and is hoping to bill almost Rs 100 crore in revenue by this year end for them. Divya is also in conversation with others including an international TV network which wants Helios to draw out an entry and operational plan for a few of their channels.

    However, getting clients wasn‘t easy for it as it had to prove its credentials to the market.

    “The first eight to 10 months were all about investment of our resources, energy and talent to prove not only to ourselves but also to channels what we can do for them,” narrates Divya.

    Two agencies had approached the MTunes management when they announced that they would be outsourcing their ad sales functions.

    “The approach and the pitch with which Helios met us made us realise that they have enough insight and perspective about how to sell the channel at its launch stage itself,” says MTunes HD CEO Saravanan P, who asserts that the association helped their operations to touch inventory levels as high as the top two channels in the genre and they could also maintain it almost through the year.

    “The challenge was to pull off a decent ER (effective rate ) but we managed a very aggressive one which can be termed as an achievement for a channel in its first year of operation,” Saravanan adds. The agency also handles marketing, research, PR and social media.

    MTunes HD CEO Saravanan P says Divya & her team helped the new channel get very aggressive effective advertising rates

    “The past performance of the Helios team is very well known in the industry. Their recent success story with MTunes strengthened our belief on their capability. However, that is not the only reason why we outsourced our sales to them. FoodFood, being a genre creator, needed to be correctly represented to the clients and the agencies. Helios came forward with that understanding of the channel and the genre. For the long run, it is not just a few crores which advertising clients would like to put into the channel but would also like to get the correct association. We hope that Helios Media will be able to build that bridge between us and clients,” points out FoodFood CFO Sanjay Kumar Ballabh who came on board around four months back.

    Helios has a tool called DARE (defining, articulating, resulting and extending) to understand the brand and find solutions for the brand, especially for niche channels.

    “Using the tool, we could draw up the brand promise for MTunes as ‘Music like never seen before,‘” she says. “We worked almost like partners of the channel when we enabled the creation of a music countdown show called Trending which is probably the only show on right now with an indicator for the top songs in the country. We track them on YouTube, Hungama, and Radio City airplay etc and Ormax is our partner on this initiative. The concept is completely ours and has found a presenting sponsor in Airtel.”

    Divya has been focusing on other services such as marketing and content for her clients ever since she has got the ad sales engine chugging well. She says: “Marketing a channel is very different from marketing a biscuit. The customer is not really paying for a channel, and hence we have to be creative while inducing him to watch it. “

    Vivaki Exchange‘s Mona Jain & Mindshare Fulcrum‘s Amin Lakhani are impressed with Divya & the Helios team and the innovative solutions they offer brands

    Sources indicate that Helios has advised client FoodFood to go beyond cooking and also talk about other aspects related to food like eating out, food conversations, what to eat and when, health and nutrition, among others.

    Divya refused to comment on this but what she is really kicked about is the power of social media. “Digital should accentuate what‘s going on television,” she says. “And we have shown what can be done on digital through our work for MTunes.”

    Helios has designed and put together the online consumer interface for the channel in the form of its website with audio players, playlists, interviews, and what have you. But she faced a major challenge when she was assigned the task to build consumer engagement for MTunes HD on Facebook and Twitter: it had no rights to put the music it airs on TV on digital. Hence, the solution it found was to start conversations about youth interests.

    “Generally we spoke to them on Facebook and Twitter like a friend would do to them about everything that concerned them,” says Divya. “Of ocurse we also had guessing games about celebrities eyes and created special events online on friendship day. Right now we are working on creating a TV program which uses the interactivity of social media.”

    Divya and Helios have got fans in the media business. For example Vivaki Exchange CEO Mona Jain and Mindshare Fulcrum principal partner Amin Lakhani. “What sets Helios apart from the rest is not only the team which is packed with experienced as well as young talent but also the innovative ideas they come up with to service and represent a brand,” echoed both Jain and Lakhani.

    Divya knows she is onto a good thing and is looking forward to capitalise on the strengths she has built up in Helios. Says she: “When the 10+2 ad cap comes into play we will be best equipped to help our clients. Because I have all the verticals in-house and hence solutions that can help channels monetise what they have better.”

    Clearly, this is one lady on a mission.

  • A majority of advertisers comply with dictat of ASCI on complaints: Tewari

    A majority of advertisers comply with dictat of ASCI on complaints: Tewari

    NEW DELHI: More than ninety per cent of the advertisers comply with the orders of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).

    Information and broadcasting ministry informed the Parliament that in 2012-13, a total of 2954 complaints were received against 784 advertisements. Six hundred and forty of these complaints had been upheld and the advertisers had been asked to withdraw or modify the advertisements.

    ASCI has set up a new initiative wherein advertisements which are extremely inappropriate, indecent, vulgar and against public interest are suspended pending investigation.

    In cases where it appears prima facie that an advertisement is in serious breach of the ASCI code and its continued transmission on any medium causes or has the effect of causing public harm, then ASCI directs the advertiser/the advertising agency/the media buying agency and the media concerned to suspend the advertisement pending investigation.

    ASCI also informed that it will write to the concerned Ministries to take appropriate action against advertisers who do not comply with the ASCI orders.