The wheel always comes full circle. No, this isn't a philosophical observation, but more of a reality check which embodies the old adage that there are no permanent enemies over the long term. Veteran journalist <b>Sandeep Bamzai</b> takes a look at how PR, media and corporate houses indeed make strange bedfellows.
The full impact of the increased repeat programming bands on Hindi GECs is yet to reflect on channel ratings, however, week 44 has seen more than the normal airing of repeat programming on leading Hindi channels on various day parts. The data from TAM Media Research for the week 44 shows that Hindi GECs have managed to put out strong GRP numbers despite the present hiccups seen in programming.
Prior to the releasing the Indian Readership Survey (IRS) 2008 R2 data, Hansa Research officials had explained that the print medium has grown overall and the trend is driven by the increase in readership of dailies. The average issue readership (AIR) numbers of the IRS 2008 R2, however, has seen seven out of the top 10 dailies lose readership. For many in the industry, this further highlights the broad point that in the changing media scenario, total readership would find some relevance.
Saras Salil leads the top ten magazines chart in India, as per the IRS 2008 R2 data. The average issue readership (AIR) numbers show significant decline for all periodicals. The only player that seems to be holding on to its numbers is Hindi monthly Pratiyogita Darpan. MRUC officials divulge that the proposed new readership data for the magazine industry is not expected to be in place till 2010.
Most newspapers and magazines have taken more than the usual time to crunch data in IRS 2008 R2 when the data CDs reached media houses on November 5. The MRUC and Hansa Research have changed some of the crucial aspects of the data, and unlike in the previous rounds, where the fronting metric was average issue readership (AIR) numbers, in this round, total readership (TR) takes charge. The feedback from the print fraternity varied from sheer confusion to rage; some are still coming to terms with the changes. MRUC explained that this was done to bring "cross-media parity in measurement".
The Advertising Club Bangalore is gearing for its annual awards – Big Bang 2008. The awards recognise the fraternity for excellence in advertising and media. This year, Big Bang is slated to take place on November 7. More than 31 agencies have sent entries for 33 categories, totalling nearly 500 entries this year.
The Indian Readership Survey (IRS) 2008 R2 data released by the MRUC and Hansa Research shows that Hindustan Times has nabbed the leadership position back from The Times of India in Delhi with an average issue readership (AIR) figure of 20.11 lakh. TOI, on the other hand, has continued its lead in Mumbai with an AIR figure of 15.53 lakh.
According to the Radio Audience Measurement (RAM), the radio listenership service from TAM Media Research, Big 92.7 FM is the clear leader in the Bangalore market. In the past 12 weeks, it has maintained a steady position of the leader and with every passing week it has also managed to widen the gap with its competitor, Radio Mirchi.
Adfactors PR has bagged the sports celebrity PR contract for Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra. The agency would not be holding any events to promote Bindra, but would be doing PR around those events in which the ace shooter participates.