Publicis Groupe has announced the rebranding of Solutions, its India and Singapore-based marketing services arm, as Solutions | Digitas. This strategic development marks the next step in the international deployment of the Digitas global network.  more...

The much hyped and awaited news channel from INX Media’s stable, NewsX, was launched on March 27. Karan Thapar’s company ITV is the Editorial Advisor for NewsX, while Arup Ghosh is its Newsroom Head.  more...

Staggering figures these and should jolt the industry and the Government into fighting piracy in a big way. A study carried out by Ernst & Young India for USIBC has some alarming figures to highlight how much piracy is harming the industry. According to the study, piracy is costing India to the tune of Rs 16,000 crore every year.  more...

IPL. ICL, cricket and some more cricket dominated the session on ‘Sports: The big entertainment options’. First came Kerry Packer’s so-called ‘Pyjama Cricket’, then day and night matches, and now the Twenty20 format. From a serious game, cricket is increasingly assuming an entertainment format. The sparring by Ajay Jadeja and Lalit Modi further enlivened a lively discussion.  more...

With the faster penetration of mobile telephony and growth of FM radio stations, the business of music is growing as well as changing, providing a whole world of options for listeners too. The session on ‘Changing trends in music’ on the concluding day of FICCI Frames 2008 had industry leaders and other stakeholders discussing the impact of changing listeners’ choice on the industry.  more...

The IBF has expressed its steep disappointment over the Content Code finalised by the I&B Ministry. In a letter to Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting PR Dasmunsi, IBF President Jawahar Goel has said that the finalised version “has negated all the positive cooperation and constructive efforts that had gone into framing of the Content Code.”  more...

Lintas Media Group has joined the subscribers’ list of Audience Measurement and Analytics Ltd (aMap), India’s first overnight television ratings system. Sathyamurthy NP, Joint President, Lintas Media Group, said, “Our subscription to aMap will enhance our understanding of television consumption trends beyond just demographics.”  more...

Vivian Reding, Commissioner (Minister) of Information and Media, European Union had a lot to share on ‘Newspaper in Broadband Economy’. She was speaking at a special discussion organised by the Indian Newspaper Society in the Capital on March 27.  more...

Mudra Group’s digital arm Tribal DDB India has appointed Shoumitra Rai Choudhuri as Executive Creative Director. Prior to this, Choudhuri was with JWT Delhi as Associate Vice-President, where he worked across the Pepsi portfolio of brands.  more...

Zee Sports has appointed Rahul Khanna as Senior Vice President, Sales. At Zee Sports, Khanna will look after the sponsorship sales for Indian Cricket League (ICL) and other sports properties and events.  more...

Kentaro Harano and So Yamada of Hakuhodo Inc, Tokyo, bagged the Fifth Young Lotus Award at AdFest 2008 in Thailand on March 27. Team Tokyo was followed by Team Hong Kong, Leo Burnett and Team Manila; Lowe Worldwide (Philippines) was the other finalist.  more...

Demystifying today’s consumer has become an important exercise for brands and corporates. As James Lou, Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Strategy, DDB, Chicago, noted at the AdFest 2008, “Today’s consumers are spoilt for choice and it is the consumer who is in control and reinventing the relationship with the brands.”  more...

Mercantile Advertising, Pune-based Xebec and Clear Channel have been the empanelled by the Commonwealth Youth Games Organising Committee for its creative and media duties. Pune is playing host to the 3rd edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games in October 2008.  more...

The third edition of Mint Hindustan Times Luxury Conference gets underway in the Capital on March 28. Kamal Nath, Minister for Commerce and Industry, would inaugurate the Conference and his inaugural address would cover ‘Promoting Luxury Makes for Sound Economics’.  more...

Actor Mithun Chakraborty has stepped in to give some star power to Indian Cricket League’s (ICL) Kolkata Tigers team. Chakraborty would be holding a stake in the team and would be instrumental in its endorsement and promotion.  more...