Date-wise News

STAR CEO Michelle Guthrie has resigned. Effective March 1, 2007, Paul Aiello, who is currently STAR Group's President, will succeed Guthrie as CEO. In the next two months, Guthrie will work very closely with Aiello to ensure smooth transition. At the same time, the India operations have not been spared. Speculation is rife that STAR Entertainment CEO, Sameer Nair, has quit or is on the verge of quitting the organisation.

Noor Fathima Warsia Jan 12, 2007 3:33 PM

CavinKare Pvt Ltd is all set to expand its range of cosmetics. Apart from its plans to launch a range of products for salons, the company is test-marketing colognes and perfumes.

e4m Desk Jan 12, 2007 10:04 AM

The least-surprising pact Google likely will do all year is an impending one with CBS. Such a deal, according to people familiar with negotiations, includes everything from licensing content to Google Video to giving up radio inventory to Google's fledgling audio advertising service.

e4m Desk Jan 12, 2007 10:02 AM

Today, the health agenda seems to have invaded most FMCG companies' drawing boards. If Pepsi India has reduced oil by 25% and asked its R&D centre in Gurgaon to minimise calories and caffeine in its colas, the other FMCG majors are not far behind.

e4m Desk Jan 12, 2007 10:02 AM

MasterCard Worldwide has announced the results of the recent MasterIndex of Consumer Confidence survey, which shows consumer sentiment for the coming six months. The survey findings indicate a note of caution on the economic outlook among consumers in India, with overall sentiment lower compared to the first half of 2006.

e4m Desk Jan 12, 2007 10:00 AM

After being lauded by tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain for years, Brooke Bond Taj Mahal has now roped in ‘Chote Nawab’ Saif Ali Khan to exclaim ‘Wah, wah Taj’.

e4m Desk Jan 12, 2007 9:59 AM

Cellcast has announced the launch of Sumo.TV, a multi-platform user generated content (UGC) platform in India. The occasion also saw the official launch of Sumo.in, a localised website for the platform.

exchange4media Mumbai Bureau Jan 12, 2007 9:58 AM

NDTV Profit and Car India and Bike India are all set for the second edition of CNB-AAA Awards. The Awards would be showcased in the ‘Car and Bike’ and ‘All about Ads’ shows on NDTV Profit.

exchange4media Mumbai Bureau Jan 12, 2007 9:57 AM

Zee Turner Ltd, the distribution partner of Zee Telefilms and Turner International, is leaving no stone unturned to resolve the issues with Asianet regarding outstanding payments and under declaration of subscriber households in Kerala. However, if the talks fail, Zee Turner might have to take its channels off Asianet’s network.

e4m Desk Jan 12, 2007 9:56 AM

STAR Entertainment has decided to add content to Ajay Vidyasagar’s profile, who is currently looking after the emerging media business as EVP, New Media. He will now be Head of Content and New Media.

Noor Fathima Warsia Jan 12, 2007 9:55 AM

Quasar Media has won the online duties for Indiatimes Shopping. Informed sources have divulged that the account size is worth Rs 10-12 crore. GroupM’s Interaction was the incumbent on the business.

e4m Desk Jan 12, 2007 9:54 AM

Continuing with its innovations involving movies, P9 Integrated has roped in Blackberry and Intex to be associated with Abhishek-Ash starrer ‘Guru’. While the idea behind the Blackberry tie-up was to get Abhishek Bachchan to indirectly endorse the brand, the objective of the association with Intex was to leverage on the movie.

exchange4media Mumbai Bureau Jan 12, 2007 9:53 AM

Paras Bali has put in his papers at India TV as Regional Head for North after a short stint of seven months. He is joining History Channel as Regional Head for North & East, where he will be looking after the channel’s ad sales. He will be reporting to Pappan Majumdar, National Sales Head for History Channel.

e4m Desk Jan 12, 2007 9:52 AM

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has turned down Nimbus Sports’ plea to price its two sports channels above the stipulated price under the CAS regime. The regulator has directed Nimbus to reduce the price bouquet of its two sports channels from Rs 58.50 to the prevalent price of channels of the same genre.

e4m Desk Jan 12, 2007 9:51 AM

Indigo Consulting has been awarded the interactive responsibility of Barclays Bank. The interactive marketing and technology agency is also developing the bank’s Indian website.

exchange4media Mumbai Bureau Jan 12, 2007 9:49 AM

Kolkata-based Amul Innerwear has appointed Saints and Warriors as its creative agency following a multi-agency pitch that also involved Law and Kenneth, O&M and Lowe. The incumbent was Chlorophyll, Mumbai. The media business will continue to be handled by Initiative Media, Kolkata.

e4m Desk Jan 12, 2007 9:48 AM

IDBI Bank and Bank of Baroda have picked up 10 per cent stake each in BAG Infotainment Pvt Ltd, while 60 per cent of the equity will remain with BAG Films promoters.

e4m Desk Jan 12, 2007 9:48 AM

With advertisers using the star-persona as a definite measure to create brand identity, there are those who feel it’s high time right strategies are brought into it. Keeping this in mind, GroupM has launched CelebZ, which will allow marketers to create an effective celebrity-brand fit.

exchange4media Mumbai Bureau Jan 12, 2007 9:46 AM

After announcing its GBN IPO, the TV18 Group has lined up some more ambitious plans for the year. As part of its growth strategy the Group plans to add at least two more channels to its offerings and sees big potential in the regional space.

e4m Desk Jan 12, 2007 9:45 AM