Week at a glance: Ban on Chinese apps; Question mark on festive season

Digital players hail move to ban Chinese apps, call it digital aatmanirbhar moment

In a late night move yesterday (June 29, 2020), the Ministry of Information Technology decided to block 59 Chinese apps since in view of information available they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.

Can Indian social media apps fill the void left behind by TikTok

The Indian Government has banned 59 Chinese apps citing security reasons. In responses to the Government ban, Head of TikTok India, Nikhil Gandhi responded, “TikTok has democratised the Internet by making it available in 14 Indian languages, with hundreds of millions of users, artists, storytellers, educators, and performers depending on it for their livelihood, many of whom are first time Internet users.”

Will favour of Lord Jagannath tide over Indian festive sentiments this year?

On June 23, 2020, in a surprise decision the Supreme Court modified its earlier order allowing the conduct of the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha. Satyabrata Das, Head of Strategic Alliances and Corporate Communications and COO, Mediakeys India, said that Oriyas around the world welcomed and rejoiced the SC’s decision.

Big brands pull ad dollars from Facebook; to what end?

As new reports come pouring in, brands both big and small are stepping up to boycott Facebook after being left unsatisfied with founder Mark Zuckerberg’s attempts to address racism, hate speech and advertiser concerns.

Our initiative will increase the number of films that can be made: Uday Shankar

After its successful launch in India, Disney+ Hotstar is set to revolutionize the way hundreds of millions of Indians watch movies with the launch of Disney+ Hotstar Multiplex. As the nation inches towards normalcy, India’s largest video service brings the magic of Bollywood blockbusters and its biggest stars directly to millions of smartphones across the country.

While digital saves the day for films, theatres & OTT will move in parallel, say experts

With movie theatres remaining shut due to the COVID-19 for almost three months now, the Indian film industry has started to look at other avenues to release the films. OTT, given the growing reach and subscription that it has seen during the lockdown period, has become the new platform of preference for film releases.

Audio is as effective, if not more effective, as video: Arjun Kolady, Spotify

Digital audio is following the same trajectory of growth is digital video, observes Arjun Kolady, Head of Sales, Spotify India. As part of an OTT audio streaming platform, Kolady is expected to be bullish about the growth of audio platforms, however, he makes a compelling case.

McDonald’s has a 42-pointer checklist for safety of customers & staff: Arvind RP

McDonald’s (West & South) has begun their operations to serve at the outlets in a phased manner. To understand more as to how the company is managing their operations and planning in the current times, Adgully spoke to Arvind RP, Director - Marketing & Communications, McDonald’s (West & South).

Unleashing the power of Radio for brands in COVID-19 times

Radio has been a source of local news and feel-good content during the lockdown months. It has been one of the few mediums that is currently churning out interesting fresh content and new offerings for listeners as well as brands. However, like all other media, radio, too, has been under pressure due to the slowdown in the economy with the COVID-19 impact.

Tapping the growing News TV audience - Win-win strategies for marketers & News CEOs

The News genre – Hindi, Regional as well as English languages – on television has been witnessing significant growth during the COVID-19 and lockdown period, with people tuning in for news, updates and information.

Safety kits, financial aid to partners - How Streax Professional is geared to reopen

The COVID-19 crisis has impacted the salon industry severely, with recovery not in sight immediately. Entrepreneurs and small businesses, who are at the heart of the professional beauty industry, will need to change their ways of operation and upgrade their hygiene measures in order to attract customers back to the salons. The new way of running the salon business post lockdown will require awareness and above all, strong financial support.

Begin with purpose, deliver value – Nuggets of wisdom on Influencer marketing

On June 30, 2020, Adgully organised a knowledge session on ‘Deep Dive into Influencer Marketing’, which was joined by an expert panel of well-known influencers and marketers.

Lockdown Lessons:

Lockdown Lessons: It’s really about embracing the new behaviours – Rohit Srivastava

In conversation with Adgully, Rohit Srivastava, Chief Strategy Officer, Contract India, says how the COVID-19 and lockdown period has really been about embracing the new behaviours. The amazing ability of people to adapt and find ways of working around the constraints and challenges they face has been a huge revelation, according to him.

Lockdown Lessons: Invest wisely in platforms that will create maximum recognition & recall

In conversation with Adgully, Anuj Sidharth, Deputy Director, Marketing & Communication, MediaTek India, highlights his major learnings during the lockdown period – both as a professional and on the personal front.

Lockdown Lessons: “Hope & solidarity can help us persevere through any challenge”

Naveen Anand, Senior Director, Regional Marketing, Oriflame South Asia, reveals his mantra to trump the challenges thrown up by the COVID-19 crisis and the lockdown. Discipline, a strong commitment towards work and a positive attitude have been his constant companions during these tough times.

Lockdown Lessons: “Financial health is like the helm of a ship, steer it well”

In conversation with Adgully, Tanay Kumar, Co-Founder, CEO & CCO, Fractal Ink Design Studio linked by Isobar, says how he sees this lockdown as an eye opener for all of us to finally see the power of digital connectivity. His mantra for achieving work-life balance while working from home is simple yet very practical and effective.

Lockdown Lessons: “Pre-empt situations and be well prepared for the future”

Richa Singh, Managing Director, Natural Diamond Council, tells Adgully how she has been managing her professional and home life during the lockdown period, what she has been missing during this period, as well as the several upsides of working from home.

AAAI modifies business pitch guidelines for member agencies

The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) revised its guidelines for any business pitch by its members. This move is in modification of AAAI’s earlier circular to members dated November 2, 2018, effective November 15, 2018 and is based on experience of media agencies and in response to advertisers’ request, while at the same time keeping in mind the requirement of industry bodies like INS and IBF.

Sports news portal, Sportskeeda expands its content offering

Sportskeeda, India’s largest all-sports news website is all set to launch its original interview series “Free Hit”. The first-of-its-kind series FreeHit catches-up with legendary cricketers in their own homes, and listens-in as they narrate their journey of becoming what they are today.

BARC Wk 25 GEC ratings: Star Utsav further consolidates No. 1 position on All Platforms

Week 25 (Saturday, 20th June 2020 to Friday, 26th June 2020) on All Platforms saw some upheavals, with some channels not being able to hold on to their gains of last week. As per BARC data [HSM (U+R) : NCCS All : 2+ Individuals], Star Utsav further strengthened its position by seeing gains in its gross viewership, even as Dangal further slipped to the third spot.

Unlock 2.0: Unlock cinemas in non-containment zones - Multiplex body to Govt

India entered the Unlock 2.0 mode from July 1, 2020, with the Ministry of Home Affairs allowing further easing of lockdown restrictions across India. However, cinema halls and educations institutions continue to remain closed as the government has not taken any decision regarding when to allow them to operate again, amid the rising cases of COVID-19 in India.

Majority of agencies have defaulted in clearing publications’ dues: INS

The Indian Newspaper Society (INS), in its latest communiqué to all accredited advertising agencies, stated that on going through the MRV- 03/20 reports, it found that while a few agencies have made payments as per the INS guidelines, a very large number of agencies have defaulted in making payments to the publications.

Intel Capital, To Invest ₹ 1,894.50 Crore In Jio Platforms

Reliance Industries Ltd and Jio Platforms Ltd have announced that Intel Capital will invest ₹ 1,894.50 crore in Jio Platforms at an equity value of ₹ 4.91 lakh crore and an enterprise value of ₹ 5.16 lakh crore. Intel Capital’s investment will translate into a 0.39 per cent equity stake in Jio Platforms on a fully diluted basis. Intel Capital joins the list of marquee firms who have recently invested in Jio Platforms, taking the total investment amount to ₹ 117,588.45 crore.