exchange4media Kolkata Bureau
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Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims
Parents accused of selling a three-month-old arrested, along with the couple who say they “adopted” him. The HC has asked what happens to the child
editor@exchange4media.com & exchange4media Bangalore Bureau & exchange4media Kolkata Bureau & exchange4media Mumbai Bureau Nov 20, 2025 1:01 PM
OPPO India launches Find X9 Series with new ‘Make Your Moment’ brand campaign
OPPO India launched the much-awaited OPPO Find X9 Series with its latest brand campaign, ‘Make Your Moment’. The film celebrates a vibrant generation of storytellers who see the world differently
editor@exchange4media.com & exchange4media Kolkata Bureau Nov 20, 2025 11:38 AM
KPMG completes 15 years in India; launches corporate alumni programme
KPMG recently completed 15 years in India and has claimed a growth of 45 per cent year-on-year. The company has embarked on a more sectoral-focused markets based organisation structure as it expects to continue this trend.
Shyam Steel & Candid Communications hold first edition of Excellence in Journalism Awards in Kolkata
Shyam Steel Industries Ltd, in association with Candid Communication, recently held the first ever Excellence in Journalism Awards in Eastern India. Veteran journalist and renowned author Moti Nandi was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award. Awards were given in categories such as general, business, sports, lifestyle, photography, television and special categories.
Sikkim gets its first private FM station in Nine FM
Nine FM, Sikkim’s first private 24 hour FM station, went on air from September 25. The FM station would be available to people within a radius of 30 km around capital Gangtok. The station is an initiative from Kolkata-headquartered Chinar Circuits Ltd, which has interests in real estate, hospitality, education, media and entertainment.
Emami Group ventures into soap segment with Emami Pure Skin
Kolkata-based FMCG major Emami Ltd has forayed into the highly competitive soap segment with the launch of Emami Pure Skin, a premium glycerine soap. Currently, the product is on a test launch phase in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat and Orissa.
Dettol takes up the task of improving hygiene in Indian homes
Dettol, which occupies a leading position in the antiseptic liquid market, has sought to create a hygiene awareness culture in Indian households. This initiative is being backed by a survey conducted by the Indian chapter of The Global Hygiene Council.
Asian leadership anchors this year’s CASBAA show
The roll-call for the CASBAA Convention 2008, to be held in Hong Kong on October 28-30, has given a major boost to Barry Diller (IAC), Bill Roedy (MTVNI), Roma Khanna (NBCU) and Darren Childs (BBC Worldwide Channels), who will now be joined by the Asia Pacific pay-TV’s top leadership of converged carriers and content.
Sodexho India drops the ‘h’ on way to sporting a new look
Sodexho Group, which is unifying all its services under a common brand in all its markets, has embarked on a rebranding exercise. As part of this exercise, Sodexho has dropped the ‘h’ in its name would henceforth be known as Sodexo. The Group has also adopted a new logo.
Big Pictures ventures into Bengali cinema with Buddhadeb Dasgupta’s ‘Janala’
Big Pictures, a division of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, has forayed into Bengali film production in a collaborative effort with well-known Bengali film director Buddhadeb Dasgupta for his upcoming film, ‘Janala’ (Window).
Group TCI unveils new corporate identity; celebrates 50 years with a CORE focus
Transport Corporation of India (TCI), India’s largest integrated supply chain and logistics solutions provider embarked on a rebranding exercise in its 50th year of operations. The company has unveiled a new brand line along with a new logo as part of this exercise.
Siemens, UTVi, Media Direction join hands to provide ‘Answers to the Future’
Siemens India, Media Direction and UTVi have come together to present a three-series panel discussion titled ‘Answers to the Future’ that aims to find sustainable answers to the toughest questions in the fields of energy, healthcare and industry. The second panel discussion in the series is slated to be held on September 18 in Mumbai.
National Geographic to turn the spotlight on the Galta gang in ‘The M Company’
If you haven’t heard about Jaipur’s notorious Galta gang, you soon will, thanks to National Geographic Channel. In these days of D-Company and gang wars, it is but natural that the media turns its focus on such gangs. Nat Geo’s new series, ‘The M Company’, premiering on September 10, promises to unfurl some startling revelations.
Bates 141, Grey Dhaka dominate 9th edition of Srijon Sanman Awards
Srijon Sanman Awards 2008, which seeks to recognise excellence in advertising in Bengali, was held in Kolkata on August 23. Organised by Sangbad Pratidin, the Awards this year saw Bates 141 and Grey Dhaka shine. Ad filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Star India forays into Bengali GEC space with Star Jolsha; channel to launch on Sept 8
Star India on August 21 announced the launch of its Bengali general entertainment channel Star Jolsha in Kolkata. Star Jolsha is scheduled to go on air on September 8. With this, the Star TV Network further intensifies its focus on the regional channel space after Star Vijaya.
Shyam Steel, Candid Communication jointly announce Excellence in Journalism Awards
Shyam Steel Industries Ltd, in association with Candid Communication, has announced the first ever Excellence in Journalism Awards in Eastern India at a press meet in Kolkata on August 5. Both the parties have entered into a contract for 10 years for this event.
Emami spares no costs for new Himani Fast Relief brand campaign
The Emami Group has unveiled a new campaign for its Himani Fast Relief brand, which the Group claims is its costliest till date for any of its brands. Emami has spent over Rs 1.80 crore on the TVC alone.
Big FM Kolkata extends Mojar Adda concept with a new contest
Big FM Kolkata has introduced the ‘Mojar Adda’ format, which would have shows and activities around the concept of ‘adda’ that would include both on-air and on-ground activities. As part of these activities, the FM station has kicked off the Para Addabaj contest to further strengthen its local connect.
RAM data puts Radio Mirchi ahead of the rest in Kolkata
Within days of rolling out its service in Kolkata, Radio Audience Measurement (RAM), the radio listenership service from TAM Media Research, has come out with data for the eastern metro. As per the data, Radio Mirchi Kolkata occupies the top spot across age groups, occupation profiles and socio-economic classes.
Spencer’s Retail forms JV with American casual dining chain Au Bon Pain
Spencer’s Retail Ltd, part of the Rs 13,500 crore RPG Enterprises, has formed a joint venture with Au Bon Pain, a Boston, Massachusetts headquartered fast casual dining and bakery café chain, to launch the latter’s outlets in India.
Red FM and Aircel come to Kolkatans’ aid with their Monsoon Care programme
Red FM Kolkata and Aircel have embarked on a corporate social responsibility drive to make life easier for Kolkatans this monsoon. The month-long drive commenced on July 7. As part of this initiative, umbrellas are being provided at different bus stops in the city. Moreover, special vans and buses have been put into service to help stranded commuters.
Media Worldwide to launch Sangeet Bhojpuri channel on July 14
Media Worldwide Pvt Ltd is all set to launch a 24-hour dedicated Bhojpuri music channel on Monday, July 14. Christened Sangeet Bhojpuri, the channel would be available pan-India and cater primarily to the Bhojpuri speaking population.
Bhubaneshwar FM stations whip up Puri Rath Yatra fervour
With devotees from the world over thronging Puri for the annual nine-day Jagannath Rath Yatra festival, the religious event is being extensively covered by media. FM stations in Bhubaneshwar, too, have geared up in full force to bring alive the festive spirit and share the fervour with their listeners.
Star Ananda bags television rights for Sahara Calcutta Football League 2008
Star Ananda has acquired the television rights for the Sahara Calcutta Football League for the next four years. The League, which has eight first division clubs of Kolkata participating, kicked off from July 8, 2008.
Zee Bangla dominates Sangbad Pratidin Telly Awards this year too
Zee Bangla’s success story at the Telly Awards, presented by the Kolkata-based daily Sangbad Pratidin, continues. Like 2007, this year, too, Zee Bangla walked away with the majority of awards at the Complan Kesar Badam Telly Samman 2008.
mjunction launches Hindi versions of ‘Coal Insights’ and ‘Steel Insights’ magazines
mjunction Services Ltd has announced the re-launch of its content and conference division as mjunctionedge along with introducing the Hindi versions of its industry magazines, ‘Steel Insights’ and ‘Coal Insights’. The launch was followed by unveiling of mjunction’s corporate portal www.mjunction.in in Hindi language.
Red FM brings ‘Red Mike’ to Kolkata
Following the success of the ‘Red Mike’ initiative in Mumbai, Red FM has introduced this platform for self-expression to the listeners of Kolkata. The has won the Indian Excellence in Radio Award for the Best Interactive Idea and the Best Radio Promo.
Spencer’s in strategic tie-up with British retail chain Woolworths Group
Spencer’s Retail has entered into an exclusive tie-up with British retail chain Woolworths Group Plc. The tie-up will enable Indian kids to have access to toy brand Chad Valley, which is owned by Woolworths. This would be the first Chad Valley outlet in Asia. Chad Valley toys are for newborns to 10-year-olds and would be priced from Rs 49 onwards.
Emami picks up 23.61 pc stake in Zandu for Rs 130 cr
Emami Ltd, which had picked up a 3.91 per cent stake in Zandu Pharmaceutical Works Ltd 10 months ago, has now increased its stake in the company to 27.5 per cent. With this, Emami is expected to become the largest promoter shareholder with nearly 70 per cent of total promoters’ stake in Zandu.
Bates 141 Kolkata to handle creative duties for Axiom Estates
Bates 141 Kolkata has bagged the creative duties for Axiom Estates following a multi-agency pitch involving JWT, Grey and Lowe, besides Bates 141. Axiom Estates has become one of the largest providers of India property services to NRIs globally. Initiative Media has been handling the international media business for Axiom Estates.
The Times of India formally launches Kolkata-specific portal Kolkatamirror.com
The Times of India, which had unveiled its city-specific portal Kolkatamirror.com in January 2008, has now officially launched the portal. The portal aims to be a one-stop virtual destination for any information on Kolkata. The idea is to make it a platform for strong communities.
Ad veteran Indrani Sen joins AIDIAS as Managing Partner
Veteran ad professional Indrani Sen, who had gone on a four-month sabbatical after quitting Emami, has joined AIDIAS Kolkata as Managing Partner. AIDIAS is a consortium of like-minded professionals offering solutions for business development and strategic planning, corporate identity, customised training, specialised market research.
Emami makes another cool proposition with Navratna Active Deo
Kolkata-based Emami Group has expanded its product offering with a new talcum powder variant, Navratna Active Deo. The new offering joins other products in the Navratna range. Emami has unveiled a new TV campaign for Active Deo with the proposition ‘Garmi Alvida’.
Sangeet Bangla beefs up content line-up with new programmes
Sangeet Bangla, the 24-hour Bengali music channel from Sri Venkatesh Films (Kolkata) has introduced some new programmes to add some spice and humour to its content line-up.
Videocon in expansion mode for Planet M; plans to be largest entertainment & lifestyle chain in India
Videocon Industries Ltd has major expansion plans in store for entertainment retail chain Planet M, which the company acquired in 2007 from Bennett, Coleman & Company. This was announced by Subir Ghosh, CEO, Planet M Retail Ltd, at the inauguration of the latest Planet M mega store in Kolkata on May 6.
Red FM Kolkata turns five, celebrates birthday in style
Red FM Kolkata celebrated its fifth birthday on May 2 with a fun-filled bash at the City Centre that saw several Tollywood celebraties taking part. The FM station also lined up several shows to share the occasion with its listeners.
Big FM Kolkata too catches the IPL fever
Never before has cricket generated so much of radio buzz. Mostly limited to live commentary on radio, cricket has assumed an entertainment avatar, thanks to the ongoing DLF IPL T20 Tournament. Latest to join the fray is Big FM Kolkata, which has thrown its weight behind the Kolkata Knight Riders with a new programme.
Partnership with Radio Misty brings BBC to FM in North Bengal and Sikkim
Audiences in North Bengal and Sikkim can now listen to the BBC’s special FM programming for the first time, thanks to a partnership agreement between the BBC and Siliguri-based Radio Misty FM. Listeners in the region can now tune in to the BBC’s infotainment updates and chat shows tailor-made for India’s FM market.
ICL’s Kolkata Tigers get Mithun Chakraborty’s star power
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.
Calcutta Ad Club to hold the Consumer Connect Awards 2008 on March 29
The Consumer Connect Awards 2008, organised by the Advertising Club of Calcutta, will be held at the City of Joy on March 29. The consumer insights, strategy, creative and media solutions that went into marketing brands like Levis, Nike, Indica V2, Hero Honda, Pepsi, and Horlicks, to name a few, would feature in this year’s Conclave.
Candid Communication bags a slew of accounts in February 2008
February 2008 brought much cheer to Candid Communication as the Kolkata-based PR agency added five new accounts across categories like lifestyle, corporate, and education to its portfolio in one month.
Friends FM completes one year, celebrates with music carnival
Friend’s 91.9 FM, the radio initiative from The ABP Group, completed one year on February 28, 2008. The FM station has embarked on a three-day music carnival in Kolkata to celebrate its first birthday.
9.9 Media in strategic pact with The London Speaker Bureau
9.9 Media has tied up with The London Speaker Bureau to set up the first speaker bureau in India. The London Speaker Bureau is the largest in Europe and Asia. Having developed a strong presence in Europe, they are now keen to set up operations in India and China.
Amul Macho takes the fantasy factor forward in new TVC
Kolkata-based JG Hosiery Pvt Ltd has launched a new TV campaign for its innerwear brand Amul Macho. The TVC, created by Saints & Warriors Productions, takes forward the ‘Crafted for fantasies’ peg adopted in the previous campaign.
Parting pangs: ANI Media cites its reasons for breakdown of ties with Akaash Bangla
As reported earlier by exchange4Media, Akaash Bangla and their content provider for national news, ANI Media, have parted ways after a seven-year association. ANI Media, however, has reacted strongly to Akaash Bangla’s citing poor news content as the main reason for the souring of their long relationship.
Akaash Bangla terminates its association with ANI Media
Akaash Bangla has called off its association with national news service provider ANI Media, thus bringing to an end a seven-year association.
Tata Tea now in the out-of-home beverage segment
Tata Tea, the largest tea company by volume in the world’s largest tea market, India, has announced a strategic foray into the out-of-home beverage segment, unveiling its first outlet of ‘Chai Unchai’ at the IIM Bangalore campus.
Friends FM gives Kolkatans a chance to host own show from home
In keeping with its aim of ‘consumer empowerment’, Kolkata-based FM station Friends 91.9 FM has come up with an innovative concept wherein listeners can host their own show from home.
Yankelovich inks pact with WPP to merge with Henley Centre HeadlightVision
Yankelovich Holdings Inc. has signed an agreement with WPP to merge with Henley Centre HeadlightVision. Henley Centre HeadlightVision is the consumer trends and futures research and consultancy business of WPP and a unit of Kantar, WPP’s information, insight and consultancy division.
Jain Group’s takeover of Kolkata TV falls through
The takeover plan of Kolkata TV by the Jain Group has not materialised. The deal fell through due to differences in opinion regarding financial aspects of the acquisition, and both parties unanimously decided not to go ahead with the deal.
Big Music & Home Entertainment forays into East India; to be a shot in the arm for Bangla music
The Bangla music and entertainment can look forward to a big lift with the launch of Big Music & Home Entertainment’s operations in the Eastern region from December 27, 2007.
Zee Bangla races ahead in the Bengali GEC space
The year-end has brought some good news for Zee Bangla. The channel, which till some time back had occupied the second position, has now raced ahead of ETV Bangla in the Bengali general entertainment channel space to take the top spot. ETV Bangla is now in the second position, followed by Aakaash Bangla.
9.9 Media acquires Jasubhai Digital Media
9.9 Mediaworx, recently launched by Dr Pramath Raj Sinha in association with Vikas Gupta, Asheesh Gupta and Anuradha Das Mathur, has acquired the brands and businesses of Jasubhai Digital Media (JDM). JDM will be now rechristened as 9.9 Digital Media with Sinha as its new Managing Director.
Amway India forays into colour cosmetics
Amway India has forayed into colour cosmetics for the first time in the country. The colour cosmetics category would be under the brand name Attitude Colours.
FM stations in Kolkata on a Durga Puja overdrive
FM radio stations in Kolkata have lined up a series of programmes and promotions to celebrate Durga Puja with their listeners. Most radio stations are making trips to housing complexes, either to judge the puja pandals there or to get the vibe of the festive spirit.
Red FM to have a strong presence in Pantaloons stores
Red FM has joined hands with Future Media (I) Ltd, the media company of the Future Group in a bid to extend its reach to Pantaloon store customers across Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.
FMCC, AIDIAS sign MoU to offer customised training to media marketing teams
Futuristix Media Communication Centre (FMCC), a Delhi-based advertising, media and journalism institute, and AIDIAS, a Kolkata-based business development consultancy company, have signed an MoU to jointly offer customised training to media marketing teams of different media houses.
Rupa aims to move from being a ‘wardrobe brand’ to a ‘style brand’
Kolkata-based hosiery company Rupa has upped the style quotient of its innerwear for men with the launch of it premium range of briefs and vests under the ‘MacroMan M Series’. And giving the brand some star power is none other than Hrithik Roshan.
BBC, Radio Choklate 104 FM in strategic programming pact
Radio Choklate 104 FM, which currently has its operations in Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack, will soon broadcast BBC’s programming, specifically produced for India’s FM market. This will be extended to listeners in Rourkela once the station starts its operations there.
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.
24 Ghanta leads in the Bengali news segment
24 Ghanta, which had entered the dedicated Bengali news channel space last year, has over the last five weeks been enjoying a large share of the viewership among Bengali channels. The target audience mainly comprises the Bengali intelligentsia looking for some indepth analysis.
Celebrating 60 : Kolkata’s media captures the essence of I-Day celebrations
North, South and West, so can East be far behind? While on August 13, exchange4media took at a look at what the media in North, South and West have to offer to commemorate India’s 60th I-Day, today we take a look at how the media in Kolkata is going to celebrate the occasion.
Pramath Sinha quits as The ABP Group Managing Director and CEO
Dr Pramath Sinha, Managing Director and CEO, The ABP Group, has put in his papers. When contacted, Dr Sinha said, “I do not deny the news. It was a very sudden decision.”
Pramath Sinha quits as The ABP Group Managing Director and CEO
Dr Pramath Sinha, Managing Director and CEO, The ABP Group, has put in his papers. When contacted, Dr Sinha said,
Saurav Sen quits as Internet and Telecom Group Business Head at ABP Group
Saurav Sen, Internet and Telecom Group Business Head, the ABP Group, has put in his papers. This was confirmed by sources at ABP, however, there is no word yet on his next destination.
Turtle appoints Hanmer & Partners as PR agency
Turtle Ltd has appointed Hanmer & Partners as its public relations consultant across key markets in India.
FM stations in Orissa celebrate Rath Yatra
The famous Jagannath Rath Yatra commenced in Puri from July 16. And this time, along with the usual television and Web coverage, FM stations in Bhubaneshwar are also celebrating the nine-day festival with a wide variety of programmes.
STAR Ananda felicitates Shera Bengalis
STAR Ananda felicitated 10 eminent personalities from diverse fields for their achievements that made the Bengali community proud at a special ceremony, dubbed the STAR Ananda Shera Bangalis 2007, recently.
Future Media acquires new media property in Kolkata
In a bid to create media properties for different brands and their consumers, Future Media, Future Group’s media venture, has acquired the media rights for 47 backlit signages, visual spaces and activation opportunities at 22 Camac Street, which houses retail outlets like Pantaloons, Food Bazaar, etc.
Ifra Expo India 2007 to showcase 'Newsroom of the Future'
Ifra Expo India 2007 will be held for the first time in India in Chennai from September 4 and 6, 2007. Over 2,000 delegates from India, South and West Asia are expected to attend this three-day Expo.
ABP Group launches BusinessWorld Intelligence
The ABP Group has announced the launch of BusinessWorld Intelligence, the research and research led corporate initiative from BusinessWorld.
Shah Rukh Khan to endorse Emami Fair and Handsome
Emami Group of Companies has signed on Shah Rukh Khan as its brand ambassador for the fairness cream for men, Emami Fair and Handsome.
N Venkat joins Emami as CEO
N Venkat has joined the Kolkata-based Emami Group as CEO. Venkat has over 19 years of experience in the FMCG, biotech and pharma sectors.
Hanmer & Partners bags AIRIA PR business
The All India Rubber Industries Association has appointed Hanmer & Partners to handle its public relations.
Lewis Berger in association with Cartoon Network launches Berger Kidz
Kolkata based paint company , Berger Paints launches Berger Kidz under the aegis of Lewis Berger in association with Cartoon Network .
Zee Bangla, ETV Bangla sweep Sangbad Pratidin Telly Samman Awards
The third edition of the awards instituted by Sangbad Pratidin, a leading Bengali daily, for excellence in Bengali television programmes, saw Zee Bangla walk away with 19 prizes followed by ETV Bangla with 14.
Anandaroop Ghosh joins Rediffusion DYR Kolkata as Creative Head
Rediffusion DYR Kolkata has appointed Anandaroop Ghosh as Head of the Creative Department. Ghosh has spent a large part of his ten working years in Delhi, apart from stints in Kathmandu and Bangalore. Prior to this, he was with McCann Erickson.
BIG 92.7 FM launches its Guwahati station
BIG 92.7 FM has launched its Guwahati station and this is the 17th station to go on air. The launch in Guwahati is part of the second phase of launches in mini-metros by BIG 92.7 FM.
BIG 92.7 FM Kolkata promotes singing talent
Big 92.7 FM, Kolkata, offers its listeners a chance to perform live on air and win a chance to audition for the Indian Idol contest.
Zee Bangla reaches new heights with ‘Garnier Fructis Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’
The success of ‘Garnier Fructis Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ has given Zee Bangla an edge over other Bengali channels. The channel garnered a TVR of 17.8 per cent with the telecast of the final episode, and a channel share of 81 per cent.
Bates Kolkata bags First Trust Health Care business
Bates Kolkata has been assigned the creative duties of First Trust Health Care, a chain of hospitals and clinics with multi-crore investments across West Bengal.
Saregama ties up with Sangeet Natak Akademi
Saregama, formerly known as The Gramaphone Company of India, announced its association with the Sangeet Natak Akademi. The idea is to reestablish the popular works of artistes of yesteryear which have been so long preserved by the Akademi.
Walt Disney brings Power Rangers Dino Thunder live for Indian kids
In a bid to build greater connect with kids, the Walt Disney Company India has brought popular action icons, the Power Rangers Dino Thunder, to India. The Power Rangers will be performing live at six cities across India.
Images Fashion Forum: 97-mn strong middle class segment emerging as potential buyers for luxury brands
Indian and international bigwigs of the retail world converged in Mumbai for the Images Fashion Forum, which was held on January 23-24. The Forum provides a platform for the fashion and retail industry to meet and discuss the needs of the emerging global Indian looking for a global shopping experience at home.
Big 92.7 FM Kolkata woos housewives with new game show
In a bid to provide entertainment and some pleasant reprieve to housewives, Big 92.7 FM Kolkata has recently launched a game show specifically targeting them. The weekly show gives home makers a chance to win prizes worth Rs 18,000.
Inner Circle, Kolkata bags Tata Indicom, Emami Group’s realty venture, Sangbad Pratidin accounts
Inner Circle, Kolkata has begun the New Year on an optimistic note, bagging clients in diverse fields ranging from media to telecom and real estate.
Saregama plans to re-enter film production, appoints B R Sharan as Chief Creative Officer
B R Sharan has been appointed as Chief Creative Officer of Saregama HMV’s Cinema and Television Division. Saregama HMV, formerly the Gramaphone Company India Ltd, plans to re-enter film production following the success of the music of films such as ‘Gangster’ and ‘Bluffmaster’, which it has released.
Karishma Kapoor to give Khaitan its ‘Karishma’ as brand ambassador
Khaitan Electricals is all set to give its customers ‘Khaitan ka Karishma’ by associating with actress Karishma Kapoor, who has been roped in as brand ambassador.
Red FM Kolkata seeks greater listener connect with Smart RJ Hunt
Red FM Kolkata has embarked on a ‘Smart RJ Hunt’, an initiative to connect with its listeners. The contest is being organised in three phases.
Zee Bangla launches ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ for Bengali audience
After the resounding success of ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ on Zee, Zee Bangla is out to emulate its success with its own version of the popular talent hunt show. The programme would be aired Monday to Wednesday at 10 pm and would be hosted by Debojit Saha, winner of last year’s ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’, while the director is Soven Sur.
Khaitan Electricals forays into retail space
Khaitan electricals Ltd is foraying into the highly competitive retail space with the launch of Khaitan City and Khaitan Fantasy. The Khaitan City outlets will be open within a week’s time, while the Khaitan Fantasy will open by January 2007.
La Opala assigns PR mandate to Hanmer & Partners
La Opala has appointed Hanmer & Partners as the PR consultant agency for their national business. La Opala, which is into manufacturing opal glass tableware, enjoys 60 per cent share of the Indian market.
Xenitis Group diversifies into two-wheelers, ties up with Chinese company
The Xenitis Group of Companies has announced its plans of diversifying into the two-wheelers sector. The company has formed a joint venture with China’s Guangzhou Motor Company to bring out ‘Xoom’ range of motorbikes from January 2007.
Hanmer & Partners to handle PR for West Bengal Electronics Development Corporation
West Bengal Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (WEBEL) has appointed Hanmer & Partners as their national PR agency. WEBEL is the nodal agency of the Government of West Bengal for developing IT and ITES within the state and has implemented several e-governance projects.
Diageo gives teeth to its Indian portfolio with launch of Shark Tooth vodka
Indians have one more reason to say ‘cheers’ this festive season with the launch of the unusually named Shark Tooth vodka. Launched by Diageo, which has well-known brands like Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Baileys and Vat 69 in its kitty, Shark Tooth marks the premium drinks company’s foray into the prestige Vodka segment in India.
Tata Teleservices announces major plans to increase retail presence, to invest Rs 100 cr
Tata Teleservices Ltd has chalked out an aggressive growth path to increase its retail presence across India. The company will invest Rs 80-100 crore to increase the number of its outlets from 2,700 to 3,500. The telecom service provider has also entered the Limca Book of Records for inaugurating 100 True Value Shoppes in a single day.
Zee Bangla completes 7 years; to focus on strengthening its programming
Zee Bangla, the Bengali channel from the Zee stable, has completed seven years. The channel will continue to focus on strengthening its programming and has several interesting programmes lined up.
‘We will rock you’ promises Kalyani Black Label’s rock star initiative
Beer might be more synonymous with a game of soccer, but Kalyani Black Label, the popular beer brand from United Breweries, has decided to rock its patrons. As part of its rebranding exercise Kalyani Black Label has launched the ‘War of the Rock Stars 2006’ in West Bengal that also aims to promote local rock bands.
JWT, Rediffusion bag creative duties of Rupa innerwear brands
Rupa, the Kolkata-based inner-wear company, has recently changed their agency alignments. While earlier their entire portfolio was with Bates 141, the creative duties for their brands will now be divided between JWT and Rediffusion Kolkata. This follows a multi-agency pitch involving several major national agencies.
JWT declared Agency of the Year at Advertising Club Calcutta’s Consumer Connect Awards
JWT emerged as the Agency of the Year (National) at the third edition of the Advertising Club Calcutta’s Consumer Connect Awards held on September 2, 2006. Response India was the Agency of the Year (Kolkata). Lowe’s Prem Mehta was the new inductee into the Adverting Club Calcutta’s hallowed Hall of Fame.
Aakaash Bangla felicitates young women achievers with ‘Sonar Meye’
It was time for young women achievers to stand up and be counted at ‘Sonar Meye’, a contest organised by Bengali entertainment channel Aakaash Bangla and MP Jewellers, a leading Kolkata-based jeweller, on August 25 in Kolkata.
O&M, Kolkata unfurls gives a Italian feel to new Blue & Blues campaign
O&M, Kolkata has unveiled an unconventional campaign for Italian leather accessories brand Blue & Blues.
Sanmarg unveils e-paper and SMS service
Sanmarg, the largest circulated Hindi daily from eastern India, has introduced two new initiatives for its readers - the Sanmarg e-paper and the Sanmarg SMS service.
Bengali music channel Sangeet Bangla on the lookout for VJs
Sangeet Bangla, the 24-hour Bengali music channel, has launched the ‘Sangeet Bangla VJ Hunt’, a two-month long event, which was kicked off in May 2006.
Italian Co Nuance Group, Shopper’s Stop in strategic retail JV
Italian company Nuance Group is forming a joint venture with Shopper’s Stop to tap the Indian airport retail market. An MoU has been signed by representatives of both the companies in the first week of June 2006.
Sangbad Pratidin hosts 2nd Sunfeast Telly Samman Awards 2006
Sangbad Pratidin, a leading Bengali daily, recently organised the second Sunfeast Telly Samman Awards 2006 in Kolkata. The main purpose behind organizing such an event is to give recognition to Bengali channels and their softwares .
Adidas joins hands with Coca-Cola to whip up football fever among youth
Adidas, the official partner, supplier and licensee of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, along with Coca-Cola, another long standing partner of the FIFA World Cup, has launched Adidas +Challenge, a global football tournament at the grassroot level for kids under the age of 16.
Saregama India introduces India’s first animated 3D item girl
Saregama India has come out with a music video featuring India’s first fully animated 3D item girl, ‘Lady Chatterjee’. A music album with nine songs, all of which revolve around the mobile or Internet space, will be on offer soon.
Times Food Guide 2006 launches in Kolkata
The Times Group has launched its comprehensive guide to eating out, Times Food Guide 2006, in Kolkata. The guide consists of over 800 names and details of eating joints, pubs, bars, caterers and even paan shops. The guide has listings of best eating outlets in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore as well as New York and London.
Chobbish Ghanta is local news partner of ESPN for exclusive coverage of FIFA World Cup
‘Chobbish Ghanta’, the dedicated Bengali news channel from Zee Aakaash News Pvt Ltd, on Thursday revealed its upcoming programme initiatives in Kolkata. The high point of this is that the channel will be the local news partner of ESPN for exclusive coverage of the FIFA World Cup.
Kolkata gets a new mid-day newspaper with the launch of ‘Aaj Ekhon’
A new Bengali eveninger, ‘Aaj Ekhon’, modelled on Mumbai’s ever popular ‘Mid Day’, hit the stands in Kolkata on April 15. ‘Aaj Ekhon’ is the first publication from Freedom Media Pvt Ltd, a company promoted by three former print media professionals with interests in TV production as well, having designed programmes for ETV Bangla and Alpha Bangla.
Times Infotainment Media premiers ‘Being Cyrus’
In keeping with the burgeoning entertainment economy, the Times Group, through Times Infotainment Media Ltd, has ventured into movie production to further strengthen its presence in media and entertainment industry. The first production of TIML, ‘Being Cyrus’, was released nationally on March 24 to rave reviews.
Zee Akash’s Chobbees Ghanta launch date preponed to March 26
Chobbees Ghanta, the dedicated Bengali news channel managed by Zee Akash, an independent company set up by Zee News Pvt Ltd and Akash Bangla, will officially go on air on March 26. This was confirmed by reliable sources from the company. The dry run begins on March 22.
Emami launches Navratna Cool Talc, unveils ad campaign featuring SRK
The Emami Group on Thursday launched Navratna Cool Talc, the first extension of brand Navratna. Emami has roped in its brand ambassador Shahrukh Khan for the advertising campaign of Navratna Cool Talc, which has been positioned as 'Duniya ka sabse chhota AC'.
Candid Communication bag PR accounts of Kolkata West Intl City and Mahabharat Motors
Candid Communication has bagged the public relations account of Kolkata West International City and Mahabharat Motors Pvt Ltd, the biggest ever foreign investment made in West Bengal by Indonesian firm Salim Group in association with Ciputra and Universal.
Yves Saint Laurent comes to India with a tribute to ‘Cinema’
Multi-brand luxury goods company Yves Saint Laurent has officially entered India with the launch of ‘Cinema’, its new premium perfume for women, which was unveiled in Kolkata on February 12.
IPAN Kolkata bags PR and media account of Apeejay Oxford Bookstores
IPAN Kolkata, a division of J Walter Thompson Group, has recently bagged the public relations account of Apeejay Oxford Bookstores, which have been an intrinsic part of Kolkata. The incumbent agency was Accord.
Peerless to focus on value-added products, self-employment in lead up to its Platinum Jubilee
Peerless General Finance and Investment, the Kolkata-based financial services company which will be stepping into its 75th year of operations on October 25, 2006, has launched a special mnemonic to be used in the lead up to the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.