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Date-wise News
Penguin India turns 20; to unleash never-before publicity drive
Penguin India turns 20 this year and the publishing house will be celebrating two decades of excellence in publishing with a series of events and the publication of special commemorative editions.
Maxim India in strategic partnership with National Geographic and Zapak
Maxim India, the men’s magazine from Media Transasia, is looking at innovative partnerships to reach to its readers. It has associated itself with ‘MegaStructures’, the new season series launched by National Geographic Channel. The magazine has also partnered with Zapak.tv.
Right To Play, Adidas, Adi Dassler Fund to launch Red Ball initiative in Asia
International humanitarian organisation Right To Play, Adidas and the Adi Dassler Fund have come together to launch the Red Ball initiative in the Asian region. The initiative’s purpose is to raise funds and create awareness for Right To Play programmes, which bring the power of sport and play to the world’s most vulnerable children.
Sunil Shahani to Head Affiliate Relations for Walt Disney Television International (India)
Walt Disney Television International -- India (WDTVI) has appointed Sunil Shahani as Head of Affiliate Relations for Disney Channel, Jetix and Hungama TV. The announcement was made by Antoine Villeneuve, Senior VP & MD, Walt Disney Television India.
Animax kicks off new programming band – ‘Wacky Thursdays’
Animax, the youth animated channel has announced the premiere of two new shows – ‘Magikano’ and ‘God(?) Save Our King!’ – as part of their new programming band, Themed Nights, called ‘Wacky Thursdays’.
Future Group wins IRF Retail Face of the Year Award for 4th consecutive year
Amid celebrations at the Images Retail Awards (IRA) 2007, Kishore Biyani’s Future Group won the coveted IRA ‘Retail Face of the Year’ Award, while Pantaloons won the Most Admired Retailer of the Year Award.
From new media to movies – People Group embarks on a new journey
People Pictures, the film division of Anupam Mittal led People Group, is looking at becoming India’s leading creative film studio. The company is slated to announce four movies that it would produce in the next 18 months.
Neo Sports Broadcast gets tech savvy, spends $4 million on technology
Neo Sports, India’s first cricket only television channel, is set to go live with pioneering broadcast management system, ForeTV, from MSA Focus. The deal, which was believed to be the first for ForeTV on the Indian Sub-continent, was signed following a competitive pitch process.
Divya Bhaskar launches DB Gold, the first mainline colour afternoon paper for Surat
Divya Bhaskar, the Gujarati daily from the Bhaskar Group, has just launched DB Gold, Surat’s first afternoon paper and also the first afternoon initiative from the Bhaskar Group in Gujarat. It launched with 80,000 copies.
Zenith Optimedia awarded media mandate for Times Business Solutions
Zenith Optimedia has bagged the media business of Times Business Solutions following a multi-agency pitch. Zenith Optimedia will be Times Business Solutions’ agency for all traditional media and will be handling the media planning, buying and advertising releases for brands like TimesJobs.com, SimplyMarry.com, MagicBricks.com, etc.
Piyush Shah quits as HT’s Head of Internet, mobile strategy and technology
Piyush Shah, Head of Internet, mobile strategy and technology, HT Media, has put in his papers. Sources close to the development have confirmed the news. They added that Shah might start his own Internet venture or take up bigger opportunities in an Internet company. At HT, the former Microsoft hand was heading the media house’s Internet ventures and mobile platforms.
TV18 Group’s HomeShop18 launches e-commerce portal
HomeShop18, the virtual shopping brand from the TV18 Group, has launched an e-commerce portal, www.homeshop18.com. Adding a whole new dimension to virtual retail, HomeShop18 presents a one-stop shopping destination for all segments. Customers can choose from a vast range of branded products across various categories.
Discovery Travel & Living premieres ‘World Café’; Discovery Channel explores Muhammad Ali’s life
After showcasing the distinctive and delectable street food of some of the most visited cities of Asia, Discovery Travel & Living is premiering its series ‘World Café’. Meanwhile, Discovery Channel will air a special programme on boxing legend Muhammad Ali in its programme ‘The Complete Ali’.
Century Plywood moves creative to Bates David Enterprise, Kolkata; account size Rs 10 cr
Century Plywood has just moved its advertising business from JWT to Bates David Enterprise, Kolkata. The agency has been assigned to undertake the entire planning and communication development for all product categories. The account size is Rs 10 crore.
NDTV, Astro launch 24-hour news and information channel Astro Awani in Malaysia
NDTV and Astro, a leading South East Asia media group, have announced the launch of Astro Awani, Malaysia’s first 24-hour news and information channel. NDTV would be responsible for the training of all editorial, production and technical staff of the channel, the systems integration, workflow and systems design and channel graphics.
Hyundai Motor India rolls out the fastest 1,500,000th car
Hyundai Motor India Ltd has achieved yet another commendable landmark by rolling out the fastest 1,500,000th car in September, nine years since Hyundai started production in India.
Brand Curry bags creative duties of Media Video Ltd’s real estate venture
Brand Curry has been assigned the creative duties for Media Video Ltd’s real estate venture, MVL. The size of the business is upwards of Rs 5 crore and would involve 360-degree promotional activities with emphasis on print and TV campaigns.