Week at a glance: ZEE-Sony merger; Amazon’s new OTT play; Adani’s media foray

Zee Entertainment & Sony Pictures Networks India agree to merge

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) today announced that they have entered into an exclusive, non-binding Term Sheet to combine both companies’ linear networks, digital assets, production operations and program libraries. The non-binding Term Sheet provides an exclusive negotiation period of 90 days, during which ZEEL and SPNI will conduct mutual diligence and negotiate definitive, binding agreements.

With Punit Goenka at the helm, NP Singh to hold leadership role on ZEE-Sony Board

Following Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) agreeing to merge, it has been proposed that Punit Goenka, current Managing Director & CEO of ZEEL, will lead the combined company. Meanwhile, NP Singh, MD and CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), will hold a leadership role on the Board of directors of the combined entity.

ZEE-Sony merger: Total market cap of combined entity to be around Rs 95,000 cr: Industry

The news of the merger of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) has created ripples across the country’s M&E industry. Industry experts see this merger creating a media behemoth with deep pockets and a win-win for the broadcast as well as digital space in India.

What makes ZEE-Sony combine a merger of colossal proportions

Even as news of the Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd (ZEEL) and Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) merger deal settles in, industry experts are evaluating the media behemoth that the two media networks will create and the far-reaching implications for the M&E industry. The merger will see both companies combine their linear networks, digital assets, production operations and program libraries.

Adani appoints Sanjay Pugalia amid buzz around plans to acquire media group

Amid the buzz around Adani Group’s plans to acquire a major media group, Adani Group has brought on board veteran journalist Sanjay Pugalia as CEO and Editor-in-Chief to lead the Group’s media initiatives. He joins in from Quint Digital Media, where he was President and Editorial Director.

No talks for change in ownership or divestment of stake: NDTV tells BSE

Following publication of news reports on a 10% surge in NDTV’s stock price with speculations that Adani Group is likely to acquire the media firm, NDTV has refuted all such rumours and emphatically stated that the group’s founder-promoters are not in any talks with any entity for a change in ownership or a divestment of their stake in NDTV.

Amazon Prime Video Channels launches in India with 8 OTT channel partners

Amazon Prime Video Channels launches in India from today (September 24, 2021). Prime Video Channels offers friction-free and convenient access to a wide range of premium content from multiple video streaming services all available at a single destination – Amazon Prime Video website and apps. At launch, Prime Video Channels kickstarts with 8 premium content providers – Discovery+, Lionsgate Play, Eros Now, Docubay, MUBI, Hoichoi, Manorama Max, and Shorts TV.

With Amazon Prime Video Channels, we provide width & depth of choice: Chaitanya Divan

In an exclusive conversation with Adgully, Chaitanya Divan, Head Prime Video Channels, Amazon Prime Video, speaks at length about Amazon Prime Video Channels’ launch in India, the services that it will offer to customers, creating a video entertainment marketplace, future vision of Amazon Prime in India and much more.

What ad land’s big guns think about Cadbury’s move to give nostalgia a gender swap

Cadbury’s latest campaign, wherein it refreshed its iconic almost 28-year old ad with a gender swap has been the talk of town last week. People of all walks have praised the ad, a lot of people recalled the original ad released in the 1990s, there was a strong nostalgic connect in the mostly 30-35+ generation, and there was all round appreciation for the shout out to gender equality and women cricketers in the ad.

Mohey ad backlash is another lesson why brands need to tread carefully around traditions

There’s a scene towards the end of that iconic buddy film, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, when Akshaye Khanna’s Sid tells Aamir Khan’s Aakash, “Tu nahin badlega”, to which Aakash replies, “Perfection ko improve karna mushkil hota hai!” Well, not all deeply-rooted customs and traditions of the country are perfect, but there are some territories that brands may do best to steer away from.

Times Network to launch ET Now Swadesh, Nikunj Dalmia made Managing Editor

Times Network has named seasoned financial and business journalist, Nikunj Dalmia as Managing Editor of its soon to be launched Hindi business news channel, ET Now Swadesh. In his new role, Dalmia will lead all editorial decisions and oversee the management of the channel besides continuing his role as the Managing Editor of the Network’s English Business News Channel, ET Now, where he hosts the shows, ‘The Market’ and ‘Closing Trades’.

With OTT, Indian entertainment has achieved true democracy: Experts

OTT platforms have been changing the content consumption game, more so during the long months of lockdown. Affordable smartphones, high speed Internet connectivity, and reduced data costs have all contributed to the popularity of the Over the Top (OTT) platforms.

Ad frauds are growing at a faster rate than growth of digital marketing: Dhiraj Gupta

Expectations from Digital Marketing have changed across industries and sectors. Rather than a backstage actor for many organisations, Digital has become the frontline warrior to keep the businesses up. Consequently, marketers see a paradigm shift in their roles, where RoI becomes an even more important measure. With the growing digital aspects, digital ad fraud has significantly increased.

Karnataka Govt’s Bill banning online games ‘non-progressive’: IAMAI

Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has said that the Karnataka Police Act (Amendment) Bill, tabled in the State Legislative Assembly, will provide a conducive environment for the online skill gaming industry. However, the Bill introduced in the Assembly appears to have been drafted without considering the various legal and constitutional positions by including a wide definition of ‘gaming’ in amendments against various Supreme Court and High Court judgments.

Karnataka’s Bill - well-intentioned but creates uncertainty: FIFS

Along with IAMAI, the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) has also come out against the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which proposes to amend the gaming and police laws seeking to prohibit online gambling, betting and wagering in all forms.

South India contributes almost 40% to the appliances market: Saurabh Baishakhia

The pandemic changed the dynamics of all the e-commerce platforms and the consumer demand for home appliances. As COVID-19 protocols restricted people from stepping out of their homes, it significantly increased the demand for need-based functional kitchen appliances, which helped them to work from home more efficiently. Diversified appliances maker Usha International not only experienced a rising demand during the lockdown but also after the Unlock 2.0 in many regions for all categories aided by new segment launches, marketing programmes, reach expansion in low market share territories, improved retail and digital integration and stronger engagement with consumers on digital platforms.

Bullish brands leave no stone unturned to make festive season a grand success

Festive season this year is expected to bring about a stronger revival than last year as brands look to leverage the positive consumer sentiments. Brands are pinning a lot of hopes on the festive season this year to help them bounce back. They have started working on their advertising campaigns in full swing to win back consumer trust and help shape the market sentiment.

Are OTT players doing enough to invest in standout content?

With growing consumption of content on OTT platforms – over 70% Indians are watching OTT content for 4 hours, as per a report by Mediasmart – newer opportunities are emerging in this space. Adgully’s premier initiative – #GullyChat – focussed on ‘Putting the spotlight on OTT content’ in the latest episode, held on Friday, September 24, 2021.

DOOH will definitely be an alternative in a cookieless future: Vishal Mukesh Parekh

DOOH and pDOOH were on a swift growth path before the pandemic hit, and if anything, the relevance of this high-impact ad format has only increased in a post-COVID-19 world. Digital screens could vary with mobility curbs – COVID-related restrictions impacted traffic in shopping areas with billboards, yet at the same time, foot traffic would rise at supermarkets, with people still needing to shop for essentials. In fact, now more than ever, advertisers need tech capabilities to reach and meaningfully capture audiences’ attention ‘when’ and ‘where’ they step out.

Invested over $13 bn on safety and security since 2016, says Facebook

As the world is evolving with the influx of technology across sectors, companies scrutinised for complex issues are making significant progress in terms of privacy, safety, and security, to name a few. Facebook has changed a lot, wherein they have prioritised safety and security norms, which have shown impact, expanded systems to reduce misinformation and promote reliable information and build new products which are path-breaking innovations done responsibly. As the world has changed, so has Facebook to adapt responsibly.

"Employees are the driving factor behind customer satisfaction"

The last one and a half years have seen a severe disruption in business operations due to the global pandemic. During this period, we have also seen companies become more empathetic towards their consumers as well as employees.

Adopting digital & tech has been a paradigm shift in the way we do business: Vishal Sharma

Sleepwell, India’s leading mattress brand from Sheela Foam, has always focused on the importance of sleep and how a sound sleep of 8 hours can help one stay healthy. In fact, a comfortable, hygienic and sound sleep has never been more important than it is today during the pandemic times. According to the Royal Philips report, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian adults experienced new sleep challenges like difficulty falling asleep (37%), difficulty staying asleep (27%), and waking up during the night (39%).

Ecom-Gaming Print ad volumes up 9.2x in Jan-Aug’21: TAM AdEx

Ad volumes of the Ecom-Gaming category saw the sharpest growth of 9.2x in the Print medium during Jan-Aug’21, compared to Jan-Aug’20, with Tictok Skill Games and Paytm First Games being the Top 2 advertisers, as per TAM AdEx’s overview of this category across TV, Print, Radio and Digital. Category advertising on Radio was up 2.3x, while Digital ad insertions saw a growth of 2.1x during Jan-Aug’21.

68% of the respondents plan to shop online this festive season: InMobi

Despite a few tough months this year, Indians are all set to showcase their resilience and embrace the 2021 festive season yet again. The “Decoding the 2021 Festive Shopper” report by InMobi reveals that connected consumers in India plan to spend INR 21,230 on average, 42% higher than last year.

IAA unanimously elected Megha Tata as its President for a second term

Megha Tata, Managing Director – South Asia, Discovery Communications India was unanimously elected President of the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) for the second term at its AGM held on 24th September 2021 in Mumbai.

“M5 Entertainment plans to involve more women in storytelling process”

M5 Entertainment, a celebrity and brand collaboration agency, is exploring new grounds in the realm of films and OTT. Spearheaded by Sonya V Kapoor and Amrita Mendonza, M5 Entertainment, claims to have seen tremendous growth over the past few years and has effectively carved out a niche for itself in the entertainment industry.

2,793 advertisers, 4,390 brands in August 2021; Ad volumes up 23%: BARC

Indian marketers and brands continue to place their trust in television once again as India kickstarts its festive season for 2021. As per BARC India’s THINK report - August’21 Ad Volume Analysis, the month of August recorded the highest Ad Volumes on TV since the second lockdown in April 2021, with 158 million seconds. August 2021 saw 17% growth as compared to May 2021, 25% vis-à-vis June 2021 and 9% vis-à-vis July 2021.

How communication is helping build synergy across the healthcare landscape

In the last 10 years, PR has taken a different dimension, especially after the entry of social media and the rapid shift to digital, especially in the pandemic period. However, at the same time the industry has been facing stiff challenges, moreover client expectations has also increased, with more emphasis being given to digital and online reputation management. The industry has undergone a radical shift and the current times have pushed the industry to change gears.

We’ve grown our client base to over 6.1 mn as of August 2021: Narayan Gangadhar

Angel Broking is a two-and-a-half decade old shares and stocks company. The company has grown significantly in the last two years and today is a leading fintech company in the online trading space. Angel Broking has also become a preferred capital marketer partner for the millennials. With digital being at the forefront, the company has been riding high and is today clocking the highest client acquisition month-on-month, with the majority of them comprising the millennials from the smaller towns. They have a very young customer clientele, whose average age is 30 years.

Ad-Vantage Quiz Wk 15: Swiggy, Dunzo, Mahindra, Grofers & Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Adgully is back with Week 15 of the Ad-Vantage Quiz with Rajiv Gopinath. Last week, participants engaged with questions related to brands like Grofers, Dunzo, Swiggy, Mahindra and other interesting questions.