Authors

Why Axis, a Bangalore-based design and advertising agency, has been retained by Vision Express, the joint venture between Reliance Retail and Dutch optical retailer Pearle Europe. Why Axis has managed to retain the business amid a tough pitch process, which saw the participation of eight top agencies.

Judy Franko Nov 22, 2010 7:35 AM

The Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Company, which publishers popular Malayalam daily Mathrubhumi, is gearing up to enter the news space in Kerala with a 24-hour news and current affairs channel. The channel, to be called ‘Mathrubhumi News’, will go on air in 2011.

Judy Franko Nov 2, 2010 8:30 AM

Leo Burnett, which started its Chennai operation on October, 2009, has made the branch the South hub. As an incumbent agency for Uninor, Leo Burnett Chennai services the Uninor business in all the four Southern states. All the regional creative work for the telecom brand is done from Chennai for states like Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh besides Tamil Nadu.

Judy Franko Oct 21, 2010 8:36 AM

“In the recent past, Vijay TV has pushed the envelope of creativity by a few notches. People look upto the channel for differentiated, innovative programming, be it fiction or non-fiction” said K Sriram, General Manager, Vijay TV when quizzed whether audience fatigue was the reason for the channel shifting its focus from non-fiction shows, which is considered to be its forte.

Judy Franko Oct 19, 2010 8:35 AM

Muthoot Group’s FM venture, Chennai Live, recently turned two. The talk radio, which plays only English music, is targeted at the 25-plus age group. To mark the occasion, the Chennai-based Fm station has launched a radio reality show – ‘Band Hunt’.

Judy Franko Oct 11, 2010 8:17 AM

‘A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort’, taking a cue from this quote of Herm Albright, Chennai-based Lead Star Media and Communications has recently launched an online weekly magazine, christened theweekendleader.com, with a self-imposed mandate to focus exclusively on positive news and features.

Judy Franko Sep 29, 2010 7:51 AM

After successfully experimenting with various non-fiction shows during prime time and non-prime time, Vijay TV, the Tamil GEC from Star Network, has again set its eyes on fiction by launching an array of new shows during prime time.

Judy Franko Sep 21, 2010 8:35 AM

Malayala Manorama TV (MMTV), the television division of Malayala Manorama, is planning to increase its presence in the television space in Kerala by adding a GEC by mid-2011. The channel is expected to help the group gain foothold in the cluttered GEC space. Jacob Mathew, Executive Editor and Director, Malayala Manorama, revealed this to exchange4media.

Judy Franko Sep 8, 2010 7:43 AM

With a decade-long presence in the furniture business, Style Spa, the furniture arm of SK Poddar Group of Companies and Zuari Industries Ltd, has relied heavily on print media advertising so far. But now, the furniture retail major, which is on a dynamic store opening and expansion spree, has recently launched two new TVCs for the first time.

Judy Franko Sep 6, 2010 9:00 AM

There are no surprises in the Kerala market as per the IRS Q2 2010 results as far as newspapers are concerned. While maintaining its leadership, Malayala Manorama has further strengthened its foothold in the market by adding 253,000 readers in Q2. Deshabhimani is the only other Malayalam daily to have shown strong growth in Kerala. Apart from these two, nearly all dailies have witnessed slump in readership.

Judy Franko Aug 27, 2010 8:28 AM

With substantial increase in readership, market leader in Andhra Pradesh, Eenadu, has further widened the gap with No. 2 player Sakshi, according to IRS Q2 2010 results. While elsewhere magazines have taken a beating, in Andhra Pradesh magazines have displayed a commendable show. Barring Swati, all other magazines have shown growth.

Judy Franko Aug 27, 2010 8:27 AM

There is some cheer for Daily Thanthi and Dinakaran in the Chennai market as per the IRS Q2 2010 results. The two leading Tamil dailies have added 57,000 (Daily Thanthi) and 58,000 (Dinakaran) readers in this quarter. However, Dinamalar, another leading Tamil daily in the market, has seen a 2.17 per cent decline in its average issue readership (AIR).

Judy Franko Aug 27, 2010 8:24 AM

Daily Thanthi and Times of India are the only two dailies to register a positive growth in AIR Tamil Nadu market, according to IRS Q2 2010. While Daily Thanthi has added

Judy Franko Aug 25, 2010 8:17 AM

While Daily Thanthi has witnessed some growth as per IRS Q2 2010 data, nearly all dailies and periodicals in Tamil Nadu have shown negative growth. The results have garnered mixed reactions from the players in Southern media. Meanwhile, quite a few publishers are seeking a different pattern of estimation for magazines, which, they felt, a large survey like IRS was not able to capture.

Judy Franko Aug 25, 2010 8:12 AM

It was a mixed bag of growth and decline for Malayalam dailies as per the IRS Q2 2010 results. Among the Malayalam dailies, Malayala Manorama, while maintaining its pole position, has registered a 2.69 per cent growth in its Average Issue Readership (AIR). However, the AIR of Mathrubhumi and almost all Malayalam magazines have dropped.

Judy Franko Aug 24, 2010 9:01 AM

The Indian Readership Survey (IRS) Q2 2010 data for Tamil publications shows market leader Daily Thanthi recording a marginal growth, even as the Average Issue Readership (AIR) of other Tamil dailies and magazines has dropped. Daily Thanthi leads the Tamil dailies with an AIR of 7,402,000 in this round. The AIR of both Dinakaran and Dinamalar has dropped.

Judy Franko Aug 24, 2010 8:58 AM

Emami Biotech Ltd, part of Rs 3,000-crore diversified Emami Group of Companies, has announced the launch of its edible oil brand, Healthy and Tasty, in Chennai. This is the Group’s first foray into the food & beverages segment. Emami plans to spend Rs 15 crore in the Tamil Nadu market alone over the next three years on communication and marketing activities.

Judy Franko Aug 20, 2010 8:37 AM

“We have to stay boringly consistent and we have to be thoroughly innovative in the way we say it,” noted Ranganath NK, MD, Grundfos Pumps India Ltd, while speaking on ‘The challenge of branding industrial products’. Ranganath was speaking at Advertising Club Madras’ ‘Gyan Series’ in Chennai recently.

Judy Franko Aug 19, 2010 8:32 AM

Following the exit of Prakash Dharmarajan, Ogilvy & Mather has moved Ramamoorthi to head its Chennai branch as President. Ramamoorthi was heading the IBM business at the agency’s Bangalore office prior to his new assignment.

Judy Franko Aug 16, 2010 8:27 AM

Onam, the biggest of all festivals in the land of Kathakali and snake boats, is round the corner. Celebrated over a period of 10 days, the Onam carnival reaches its peak during the last three big days – which this year falls on August 21, 22 and 23 – and Malayalam dailies are already having a crack at the ad pie. exchange4media takes a look at what print media in Kerala have been up to in the run-up to Onam.

Judy Franko Aug 6, 2010 8:42 AM

Venus Water Heaters has appointed OMD and Rubecon as its media and creative agencies, respectively. The incumbent media and creative agencies are Mindshare and JWT, respectively. No formal pitch preceded these wins and the company has appointed both the agencies based on their credentials and track record.

Judy Franko Jul 29, 2010 8:33 AM

Mala Manian, former CEO of Seventh Channel Communications, has been appointed as COO of Raj Television Network. Manian was associated with Seventh Channel Communications for nearly 25 years and was one of the first non-DD anchors for a private production house.

Judy Franko Jul 22, 2010 8:29 AM

After clinching the coveted Renault India business, Law & Kenneth is gearing up to set up a full-fledged office in Chennai. According to Anil Nair, CEO and Managing Partner, Law & Kenneth, the agency had made one or two key appointments and were on the verge of making more appointments.

Judy Franko Jul 20, 2010 8:53 AM

Following a multi-agency pitch, Chennai-based Fifth Estate Communications has been assigned the creative and media duties of Featherlite Developers, part of the Featherlite Group, one of the leading furniture manufacturing and marketing organisations in India.

Judy Franko Jul 19, 2010 8:12 AM

The Hindu is launching its Hubli edition on July 16, 2010. This edition is The Hindu’s 14th edition and the third in Karnataka. The new edition covers the districts of Hubli-Dharward, Belgaum, Uttara Kannada, Haveri, Davangere, Chitradurga, Bellary, Koppal, Gadag, Bijapur, Bagalkot, Goa state and other centres such as Kolhapur, Pune, Solapur.

Judy Franko Jul 16, 2010 8:44 AM

Post the joining of Ravinath Menon as Programming Head of Sun TV Network in October 2009, its flagship channel Sun TV has been fortifying its non-fiction content, especially reality shows. However, this is not being done at the cost of the fiction content, that still remains strong, asserts Menon. He also shares with exchange4media the Network’s plans for its movie and music channels as well as the revamping of Surya TV.

Judy Franko Jul 14, 2010 8:11 AM

After consolidating its position in the kids’ genre in the Tamil, Telugu and Kannada television space with Chutti TV, Chintu TV and Khushi TV, respectively, Southern media major Sun TV Network is now gearing up to roll out a kids’ channel in the Kerala market.

Judy Franko Jul 9, 2010 8:45 AM

Following a four-way pitch, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company has appointed TBWA\India as its creative agency. McCann Erickson, DraftFCB Ulka and incumbent Network Advertising were the other agencies involved in the multi-agency pitch process. The size of the business could not be ascertained, however industry sources informed that Star Health had spent about Rs 7-8 crore in different types of media last year and this year, the company was planning to increase spends due to increased domain competition.

Judy Franko Jul 7, 2010 8:55 AM

Following a four-way pitch, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company has appointed TBWA\India as its creative agency. McCann Erickson, Draft FCB Ulka and incumbent Network Advertising were the other agencies involved in the multi-agency pitch process. The size of the business could not be ascertained however industry sources informed that Star Health had spent about Rs 7-8 crore in different types of media last year and this year, the company is planning to increase spends due to increased domain competition.

Judy Franko Jul 6, 2010 2:13 PM

Prakash Dharmarajan, President, O&M Chennai, has called it a day at the organisation. Dharmarajan, who had joined O&M from Orchard Chennai in December 2006, has been heading the agency’s Chennai operations for more than three years. Confirming his movement to exchange4media, Dharmarajan said, “I am starting something on my own, which has got nothing to do with advertising.”

Judy Franko Jul 5, 2010 8:50 AM

Just a day after appointing Vizeum as its media AoR, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd (DCBL) has appointed JWT as its creative agency following a multi-agency pitch. Sources close to the development have confirmed the news to exchange4media. Chennai-based Fifth Estate Communications, which has been handling the business for the past three years, was the incumbent creative agency.

Judy Franko Jul 2, 2010 9:11 AM

Raj Television Network has strengthened its flagship channel Raj TV's programme offering with the launch of new primetime shows in order give a boost to its viewership. The channel has also acquired the television rights of Mani Ratnam's 'Ravanan' by shelling out a sum of Rs 5 crore.

Judy Franko Jun 19, 2010 8:24 AM

Close on the heels of bagging the Nippo Batteries and Kirtilal Kalidas Jewellers accounts, Chennai-based Fifth Estate Communications has bagged the creative and media mandates for Prince Foundations, a Chennai-based real estate company.

Judy Franko Jun 17, 2010 8:30 AM

Following a three-way pitch process, OMD Chennai has been appointed the digital agency for Track and Trail, the performance biking division of TI Cycles India. Besides OMD, Mindshare and Ignitee Digital Solutions were also part of the pitch process.

Judy Franko Jun 15, 2010 8:29 AM

Close on the heels of launching an edition in Alappuzha, Mathrubhumi, one of Kerala’s leading dailies, is planning to roll out an edition from Bahrain in September 2010. The daily is hopeful of selling a reasonable number copies in Bahrain and plans to monetise the edition in Bahrain through advertisements.

Judy Franko Jun 14, 2010 8:57 AM

Chennai-based UF Media, which publishes Tamil daily ‘Tamil Sudar’, has launched a lifestyle and music channel, UFX. The multi-lingual channel will cater to Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu as well as Hindi audiences. However, the medium of communication will be English.

Judy Franko Jun 5, 2010 9:01 AM

Starting from June 3, 2010, DMK-backed Kalaignar Television Network has added one more channel – Chithiram TV – to its bouquet. Chithiram, a 24-hour info-edu-tainment kids’ channel, will compete with Sun Network’s kids’ channel, Chutti TV, and other channels in the domain.

Judy Franko Jun 4, 2010 8:32 AM

Chennai-based Fifth Estate has been assigned the creative and media duties of Nippo Batteries. No formal pitch process preceded this win. Industry sources have pegged the account size at over Rs 10 crore.

Judy Franko Jun 3, 2010 8:25 AM

Express Avenue Mall, a strategic venture of Express Infrastructure Pvt Ltd and a 100 per cent subsidiary of Express Newspapers Pvt Ltd, is in the process of finalising its creative agency. According to Dheeraj Dogra, Chief Marketing Officer, Express Infrastructure, several agencies were in the fray for the business.

Judy Franko Jun 2, 2010 8:23 AM

Following a five-way pitch, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company has appointed Lodestar Universal as its media AOR. The company is also in the process of finalising a creative agency. Network Advertising is the incumbent agency for both creative and media duties.

Judy Franko May 31, 2010 8:29 AM

Chennai-based Ramco Systems, part of the Ramco Group, has appointed Mindshare and Ogilvy as its media and creative agencies, respectively. Both wins were preceded by multi-agency pitches. According to industry sources, the advertising spends would be substantial as Ramco was charting out global expansion plans. Fountainhead Chennai is the incumbent creative agency on the account.

Judy Franko May 27, 2010 8:33 AM

Earlier this month, CavinKare moved out of the AoR (agency of record) system and decided to award its business to agencies on project wise basis. Similar examples were seen last year as well with TVS Motors and Bajaj Allianz. How does this system work out and what’s the future of project-based work models? Are they the preferred modus operandi or is the client losing out on the long-term benefits? exchange4media takes on the debate.

Judy Franko May 27, 2010 8:30 AM

After completing a successful year, Chennai-based TCC (The Communication Central) Group, founded by ex-Mudra creative hand Arvind Ramalingam, has forayed into the Coimbatore market. The agency is planning to open branches in Kochi and Bangalore within this financial year to strengthen its presence in the South.

Judy Franko May 19, 2010 7:55 AM

Discovery Channel is planning to add more regional language feeds. At present, the channel is available in 38 languages, including Hindi and Tamil. Speaking to the press in Chennai after announcing the launch of the epic ‘Life’ on the channel, Rahul Johri, Senior Vice President & General Manager, India, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said that they were planning to add more regional language feeds.

Judy Franko May 15, 2010 8:50 AM

CavinKare has appointed Rediffusion Y&R Chennai to develop the new communication campaign for its fruit juice brand Maa on a project basis. The development has been confirmed by Davinder Singh, Business Head - Beverages, CavinKare. With this CavinKare is moving out of the AoR system by breaking its works into projects. The account was being handled by Bates 141 Chennai, which had bagged the business in March 2009.

Judy Franko May 13, 2010 8:31 AM

CavinKare has appointed Rediffusion Y&R Chennai to develop the new communication campaign for its fruit juice brand Maa on a project basis. The development has been confirmed by Davinder Singh, Business Head - Beverages, CavinKare. With this CavinKare is moving out of the AoR system by breaking its works into projects. The account was being handled by Bates 141 Chennai, which had bagged the business in March 2009.

Judy Franko May 12, 2010 6:02 PM

IRS 2010 Q1 has thrown in some surprises. While most of the language newspapers witnessed growth, nearly all Tamil dailies are seeing decline in readership. Among Tamil magazines, too, a general decline trend is seen.

Judy Franko May 7, 2010 8:53 AM

It has been a mixed bag for Malayalam publications in IRS 2010 Q1. Three of the top five Malayalam dailies have witnessed growth in the latest round. Malayala Manorama continues to dominate among magazines with three of the top five Malayalam magazines from its stable.

Judy Franko May 6, 2010 9:40 AM

The Times of India Chennai edition recently completed two years. To mark the occasion, the paper had brought out a series of inserts from April 9-14, 2010. The overall theme of the special feature was ‘Chennai Talkies’, which projected Chennai as the hero of a blockbuster movie.

Judy Franko Apr 22, 2010 8:28 AM

Veta, an academy for teaching spoken English, has appointed JWT as its creative agency. V Ganesh Ram, Managing Director, Veta, has confirmed the development to exchange4media and pegged the account size at upwards of Rs 10 crore. O&M is the incumbent agency. The media duties of VETA are being handled by Mindshare Chennai.

Judy Franko Apr 16, 2010 8:22 AM

K Chandrasekhara Rao, President of Telangana Rashtra Samithi, has recently ventured into the television business with the launch of Telugu news channel – Raj News. The channel is purportedly aimed at highlighting problems of Telangana and its culture. The news channel, which went on air on March 26, is promoted by Telugana Broadcasting Pvt Ltd.

Judy Franko Apr 14, 2010 8:22 AM

Close on the heels of bagging the Muthoot Papachan Group and Dhanlaxmi Bank businesses, Mindshare’s Kochi office has now been appointed as AOR by jewellery group Jos Alukka & Sons. Though the account size could not be ascertained, a company source said that Jos Alukka & Sons had spent about Rs 20 crore in the last fiscal. This year, the ad spend is expected to be much higher.

Judy Franko Apr 10, 2010 8:52 AM

Chennai-based Fifth Estate Communications has bagged the creative and media mandates for Kirtilal Kalidas Jewellers. Mindshare is the incumbent media agency of record, while the creative duty of Kirtilal was handled by Grey Bangalore. The ad spend is estimated to be upwards of Rs 5 crore.

Judy Franko Apr 8, 2010 8:41 AM

The Pasta Bar Veneto, the brand new chain of signature Italian restaurants from Fifth Avenue Hotels & Resorts, has awarded the creative duties of its advertising and design work to 1pointsize, the Chennai-based creative shop founded by ace photographer Sharad Haksar.

Judy Franko Apr 1, 2010 8:43 AM

‘PR-e-Sense’, an online magazine catering to the communication and corporate domain, is all set release its Golden Jubilee issue. In commemoration of its 50th edition, the magazine is planning to focus on ‘unsung heroes’ and carry a special interview of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. They also plan to have an offline function to honour some of the unsung heroes in the presence of eminent personalities.

Judy Franko Mar 18, 2010 8:46 AM

Diversified Chennai-based SRM Group, which launched Tamil weekly magazine ‘Puthiya Thalaimurai’ in October 2009 under it’s media division, Generation Now Media, is gearing up to further expand as a media conglomerate. In the pipeline is a Tamil satellite television channel for youth. RP Sathyanarayanan, MD, SRM Group, shares the Group’s plans with exchange4media.

Judy Franko Mar 15, 2010 8:28 AM

Tamil daily Dinakaran has regained its No. 1 position. According to the latest ABC results released on March 10, 2010, Dinakaran has widened the gap with its nearest rival, Daily Thanthi, by 43,346 net paid copies. While Dinakaran has a net paid circulation of 1,235,220 copies, Daily Thanthi has a circulation of 1,191,874 copies (Source ABC, July-Dec, 2009). As per the report, Dinakaran has registered a growth of 9 per cent, while Daily Thanthi has a 5 per cent growth.

Judy Franko Mar 13, 2010 7:27 AM

Odyssey India, the company claimed to be behind India’s fastest growing leisure store chain, has assigned the creative duties for its new brand ‘Editions’ to Chennai-based ad agency 1pointsize. Editions sells luxury pens and a range of high-end writing instrument accessories. Odyssey India has set aside a marketing budget of Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1 crore over the next one year to promote Editions stores across the metros.

Judy Franko Mar 11, 2010 7:47 AM

After strengthening the core team with several key appointments, OMD Chennai has now roped in Kavitha Srinivasan as consultant. Srinivasan had recently quit Lodestar Chennai as consultant.

Judy Franko Mar 3, 2010 7:14 AM

Smelling an opportunity in the brand naming space in India, Anantha Narayan has teamed up with PC Muralidharan to start one. Christened ‘Albert Dali’, the start-up, the duo claims, is India’s first end-to-end naming outfit targeted at anyone in the market for a trademarkable, domainable, positionable, communicable and sustainable brand name.

Judy Franko Feb 26, 2010 6:52 AM

Ignitee Digital Solutions has added real estate major Purvankara Builders and Developers from Bangalore and Chennai-based art director Thotta Tharani’s project. Following these wins, the company will be formulating a social media marketing campaign for Purvankara Projects. The company will also be managing the website of Thotta Tharani.

Judy Franko Feb 23, 2010 7:12 AM

Speaking on the concluding day of CII Brand Summit 2010, held in Bangalore, PepsiCo India’s Punita Lal urged advertisers to talk about share of conversations, instead of share of voices, and conceive campaigns based on big ideas rather than on brilliant advertisements.

Judy Franko Feb 22, 2010 7:35 AM

The session on ‘Engaging with Consumer through Celebrities’ saw an interesting discussion where the panelists Vivek Oberoi, Ashok Das, Harish Bijoor, Senthil Kumar, H S Goindi and Rajeev Raja gave celebrity endorsement the thumbs down, while maintaining that idea was the core and there was no substitute to idea.

Judy Franko Feb 22, 2010 7:35 AM

C Vijai Ambalavanan has moved on from Leo Burnett to join Grey Group India as Branch Head in Chennai. Popularly known as Amby among peers, he will be reporting to Vijay Jacob, who recently joined Grey as Vice President and Head of South.

Judy Franko Feb 22, 2010 7:03 AM

Speaking on ‘From mass media to social media’ at the fifth CII Brand Summit 2010, being held in Bangalore on February 19-20, Rahul Welde, Vice President, Media services, Asia AMET Unilever, Singapore, highlighted the various media touch points of the consumer.

Judy Franko Feb 20, 2010 6:03 AM

Chennai-based Raj Television Network, which operates a clutch of general entertainment, news and music channels in various South Indian languages, is gearing up for the next big leap. The South Indian television network has set its sight on Hindi heartland with Hindi GEC, christened Raj Parivaar.

Judy Franko Feb 11, 2010 6:24 AM

Dinamalar, one of the leading Tamil dailies, has appointed S Balasubramanian as Head of Marketing, New Media. Prior to joining Dinamalar, he was Senior Vice President – Ad Sales at Galatta.com. Dinamalar.com currently has more than 35 million page views and occupies the 130th place among Indian websites as per Alexa rankings.

Judy Franko Feb 9, 2010 6:58 AM

Chennai-based Raj Television Network has strengthened its flagship channel Raj TV’s programme offering with the launch of new primetime shows in order give a boost to its viewership. The newly introduced shows, which vary from reality shows to mythological serials, talent hunt shows and soaps, went on air from February 1, 2010.

Judy Franko Feb 8, 2010 6:54 AM

Chennai-based sanitaryware major Parryware Roca, which markets its products under two brand names – Parryware and Roca – has appointed OMD as its media AoR. No pitch preceded the win. Mindshare is the incumbent agency on the account. The company will be spending Rs 18-20 crore in mass media advertising over the next one year.

Judy Franko Feb 1, 2010 6:52 AM

The Advertising Club Madras has invited entries across 27 categories for Tamizh Awards 2010. The second edition of the Tamizh Awards will be held on March 19, 2010. Daily Thanthi is the title sponsor of the event.

Judy Franko Jan 29, 2010 7:18 AM

The Rs 20,000-crore Muthoot Pappachan Group has appointed Mindshare, Chennai as its media AOR following a multi agency pitch, which saw the participation two more agencies besides Mindshare. Contract Chennai handles the creative duties of the Group. The account size is pegged at Rs 10 crore.

Judy Franko Jan 25, 2010 7:27 AM

Kalaiyar Koil Milk Processing, the dairy business venture of Quality Inn Hotels, has appointed Lowe Lintas as its advertising partner following a multi-agency pitch. The agency has been assigned both media and creative duties. The company has set aside a marketing budget of Rs 1 crore for the first year.

Judy Franko Jan 20, 2010 7:39 AM

Till a few years ago, Sun Network was a closely guarded business, with most of the divisions being headed by Kalanithi Maran’s trusted classmates. But things are changing now. So, is the Sun Network undergoing a transformation of sorts? exchange4media delves further into the media-reticent Sun Network in the second part of this report.

Judy Franko Jan 19, 2010 7:32 AM

While most media companies grappled with the impact of the economic slowdown in 2009, there were a few who decided that it was the best time to invest, especially in talent. Fewer still had not just the propensity to invest, but also the ability to do so. Sun Network has been one of them.

Judy Franko Jan 18, 2010 6:55 AM

Down South, compared to 2008, the year 2009 has been a very lackluster year with relatively few new launches and only a handful a media companies going ahead with their hiring and expansion plans. Among these were the Malayala Manorama Group, which put on hold its GEC and youth channel launch plans, as well as several other national players.

Judy Franko Jan 14, 2010 7:20 AM

Sun Aviation, promoted by Kalanithi Maran, which had called for a creative pitch recently, will be finalising a creative partner shortly. According to a company spokesperson, all the top 10 agencies of the country were in the fray for the Southern metro-based coveted aviation account.

Judy Franko Jan 8, 2010 8:15 AM

Ups and downs, highs and lows have become part and parcel of life in e4m. There were times when I was all charged up, and there were also times when I felt let down. There were days when I had umpteen things to do and there were also dry spells. And all I did was sing Hallelujah and Hosanna, asking God not to let me go down, says Judy Franko.

Judy Franko Jan 1, 2010 9:02 AM

Following a multi-agency pitch, HLL Lifecare Ltd (formerly Hindustan Latex Ltd) has appointed Lintas Media Group as its media AOR for the entire product portfolio, including Moods, oral contraceptive pill brand Saheli, Crezendo, and Preventol, among others. The total ad spend is pegged at Rs 8-10 crore.

Judy Franko Dec 30, 2009 8:22 AM

Suresh Iyer, who had stepped down as CEO of Raj Television Network in July 2009, has joined Tamil news and general entertainment channel Polimer TV as a consultant. In a related development, V Murali Raaman, CEO of Polimer TV has quit the organisation. Sources from Polimer Media have confirmed the development.

Judy Franko Dec 14, 2009 8:31 AM

After an eventful year and a half, as Fresh Lime Communications’ MD and erstwhile planner, Kaushik Tiwari tells exchange4media, he is happy with the overall performance and is proud of the fact that in a short span, the agency has already added ready to wear, healthcare, media, retail, FMCG, education, infrastructure, laundry and homecare to its roster.

Judy Franko Dec 7, 2009 8:46 AM

Creativeland Asia’s Sudheer Krishnan has quit the organisation. Krishnan confirmed the news to exchange4media, but refused disclose his next destination. As is known, earlier this month Paul Menacherry had joined Creativeland Asia as Executive Creative Director, where he is based in Kochi to head the company’s South India operations.

Judy Franko Nov 27, 2009 7:53 AM

“Over 500 TV channels have permission to beam into Indian homes. When there is such an invasion into our rooms, there is a need for a content debate as we, being the representatives of people, are answerable to Parliament and others on the sensitivities of people,” said Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni. The Minister was addressing a gathering at the FICCI organised Media & Entertainment Business Conclave 2009 in Chennai.

Judy Franko Nov 19, 2009 7:27 AM

Mindshare’s Chennai and Hyderabad offices have had a busy time in the last two months. The agency’s two offices have bagged new accounts to the tune of Rs 50-plus crore, which include Bharathi Cement, Coromandel International, T.I.M.E and Russell’s Spoken English businesses, among others.

Judy Franko Nov 2, 2009 7:12 AM

There is a brand new player in the crowded Tamil satellite television space – Polimer TV – which went on air recently. Promoted by Polimer Media, one of the largest multi-system operators (MSO) in Tamil Nadu, Polimer TV would offer a mix of films, film-based programmes, soaps, talk shows, news and current affairs, live events and others.

Judy Franko Oct 30, 2009 8:03 AM

Dr Kathirvel, who has business interests in poultry, wind energy, real estate and runs a few educational institutions, is foraying into the Tamil magazine space with ‘Suriya Kathir’. The fortnightly magazine, slated to hit newsstands across Tamil Nadu on November 14, will be published by Marutha Kaliamman publications.

Judy Franko Oct 27, 2009 7:44 AM

Radio One has appointed Martin King as the Chennai Station Head following the exit of LV Navaneeth. Prior to joining Radio One, King was the Head of Sales at Radio City, Chennai and Coimbatore.

Judy Franko Oct 23, 2009 8:40 AM

Property development and master planning company Rakindo Developers has appointed Mudra and Grey Worldwide as creative agencies for two of its upcoming projects. While Mudra will handle the integrated township project that is coming up in Coimbatore, Grey Worldwide will look after the creative duties of the Orchid residential project.

Judy Franko Oct 21, 2009 8:00 AM

Alok Kumar Ghosh (Dada to friends), who had quit Bates141 Chennai as Senior Creative Director in August 2009 to start his own designing division, has decided to name the division ‘The Touch - Design Factory’. The aim is to be a design specialist in the space and provide that extra ‘touch’.

Judy Franko Oct 15, 2009 8:21 AM

Following a multi-agency pitch, HLL Lifecare Ltd (formerly Hindustan Latex Ltd) has awarded the creative duties of condom brand Moods to RK Swamy BBDO, while Publicis Ambience will handle oral contraceptive pill brand Saheli. The total ad spend for Moods is in the region of Rs 3.5-4 crore, while the company has set aside an advertising budget of Rs 2-2.5 crore for Saheli.

Judy Franko Oct 13, 2009 8:01 AM

Vijay Jacob, Senior Vice President - South and Head of Bates141 Chennai has put in his papers. Jacob, who is currently serving his notice period, will end his four-year stint with the agency by the end of this month.

Judy Franko Oct 9, 2009 8:15 AM

The three-day Publish Asia 2009 concluded in Chennal on September 25. Day three saw Henrik Palsson, VP and Head of Consumer Lab, Ericsson, address the gathering. His talk focused on thinking about consumers as networks and communities. He said that consumers were willing to pay depending on content, applications and habitats, and as long as it was fair deal.

Judy Franko Sep 26, 2009 8:11 AM

The CEO Conference on Day 2 of Publish Asia 2009 provided a perfect platform for discussing a wide range of issues confronting the print media. Speaking at the morning session of the CEO Conference, Garbis Kesisoglu, media consultant at Hürriyet, Turkey, said that real threat for the newspaper industry was complacency and resistance to change.

Judy Franko Sep 25, 2009 8:08 AM

Speaking at the CEO Conference of Publish Asia 2009 in Chennai, Murugavel Janakiraman, CEO, Consim, highlighted the importance of online-offline collaboration as the way forward. He spoke on the theme of ‘Classified Advertising online – Threats and Opportunities’.

Judy Franko Sep 25, 2009 8:07 AM

WAN-IFRA presented the winners of the 8th Asia Media Awards in Chennai on September 24, 2009. The prestigious ceremony was celebrated in India for the first time, in conjunction with Publish Asia and IFRA Expo India 09. HT Media bagged seven metals at WAN-IFRA’s 8th Asia Media Awards.

Judy Franko Sep 25, 2009 8:05 AM

‘Reinvent or die’, that was the clear message from the post lunch session at the Publish Asia 2009 conference. Chaired by DD Purkayastha, CEO & Managing Director, ABP, this session had a powerful panel comprising Rajiv Verma, CEO, HT Media; Sam Balsara, Chairman and Managing Director, Madison World; and Juan Senor, Partner, Innovation Media Consulting, UK.

Judy Franko Sep 24, 2009 7:48 AM

Publish Asia 2009, which brings together the collective strength of IFRA India and Publish Asia, the flagship conference of IFRA Asia, got underway in Chennai to an overwhelming participation. The event, organised by WAN-IFRA, the world association of newspaper and news publishers, also saw the unveiling of WAN-IFRA’s annual report, titled ‘World Press Trends’, with the split edition of `Asian trends’.

Judy Franko Sep 24, 2009 7:47 AM

Exactly one year after launching its edition in Mumbai, Dinakaran, the largest circulated Tamil daily, is set to launch an edition in Delhi on September 23. To start with, the Delhi edition of the newspaper will print 25,000 copies and will be priced at Rs 3, one rupee higher than its Mumbai edition, which is priced at Rs 2.

Judy Franko Sep 22, 2009 8:47 AM

Lodestar Universal Chennai has had a busy time these last five months, starting April 2009. The agency has added quite a few big ticket accounts to its kitty in this period, including Indian Terrain, Scholl, Style Spa and Inbisco. The cumulative size of the four wins is upwards of Rs 40 crore. All the wins came following multi-agency pitches.

Judy Franko Sep 5, 2009 8:40 AM

As Kerala celebrates Onam, the harvest festival, today, TV channels and radio stations have been adding to the festive fervour for days preceding the festival. exchange4media takes a look at the various initiatives of the media in Kerala around the state’s biggest festival season.

Judy Franko Sep 2, 2009 8:49 AM

TAM data for week 34 (August 16-22, 2009) show TV9 Network catapulted to No. 1 spot in the news television space in the country, ahead of the Star Network and TV Today Network and NDTV Network. Ravi Prakash, CEO, TV9, and winner of the ‘Regional Language News Broadcaster of the Year 2009’ award at the recently held Airtel Indian News Broadcasting Awards, delves into the channel’s success story.

Judy Franko Sep 1, 2009 8:13 AM

Alok Kumar Ghosh has put in his papers at Bates 141 Chennai as Senior Creative Director. He is starting his own designing division with K Mony, Art Director, Bates 141 Chennai, who has also quit the organisation.

Judy Franko Aug 27, 2009 8:28 AM

Following a multi-agency pitch, FMCG company Henkel India has appointed OMD India as its media agency. Mediaedge:cia is the incumbent agency on the account. Though the size of the business could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report, reliable sources have pegged it at upwards of Rs 30 crore.

Judy Franko Aug 25, 2009 7:39 AM

HLL Lifecare Ltd (formerly Hindustan Latex Ltd) has called for a pitch for its popular condom brand Moods. Twelve agencies are in the fray for account. The advertising budget is pegged at Rs 5crore. Lowe is the incumbent agency.

Judy Franko Aug 13, 2009 8:18 AM

Interface Communications has appointed Elango as Head of its Chennai branch. He will replace Subramanian, who quit the organisation a few months back to join O&M Chennai. Prior to joining Interface, Elango was General Manager at RK Swamy BBDO.

Judy Franko Aug 5, 2009 7:58 AM

Asianet has been having a good year in 2009. The leading Malayalam general entertainment channel has further widened the lead with its nearest second. Asianet has been consistently scoring on an average 1100-plus GRPs (Source: TAM; CS F ABC 15+, Kerala Total Market; from weeks 23 to 30) for the last two months.

Judy Franko Aug 3, 2009 8:14 AM

Kalaignar Television Network is gearing to enter the regional kids’ television space with Chithram, which will compete with Sun Network’s kids’ channel Chutti TV. Preceding the launch of the kids’ channel will be another GEC, Kalaignar Asia, which will cater to the Tamil Diaspora in South East Asian countries.

Judy Franko Jul 31, 2009 8:39 AM

Chennai-based creative shop Rubecon Communications has recently completed 15 years. The agency has come a long way since the time it had started off with one client (Taj Group) 15 years ago, with 15-plus large and small clients in its kitty today. Alexander Zachariah, Director, Rubecon, tracks the creative shop’s growth path.

Judy Franko Jul 27, 2009 7:47 AM

TI Cycles, part of the Rs 15,646-crore Murugappa Group, has called for creative and media pitch. JWT Chennai is the incumbent creative agency for TI Cycles, while Mindshare handles media buying and planning.

Judy Franko Jul 27, 2009 7:46 AM

After elevating Sanjay Reddy as COO for the Zee South channels recently, Zee Network is planning to strengthen the content syndication business of South channels. V Chandrasekaar Barathi (Chandru), who was Business Head of Zee Tamil, will look after Zee South’s syndication business as Senior Vice President, Zee South.

Judy Franko Jul 17, 2009 8:08 AM

Contract Advertising has conceptualised a unique marketing initiative – Great Driving Challenge – for its client Hindustan Motors Mitsubishi, which is gearing up to launch a new variant of its Cedia car, called Cedia Sports.

Judy Franko Jul 14, 2009 8:51 AM

V Murali Raaman, till recently the Vice-President, Programmes & Operations, Jaya TV, has joined Polimer Media as its CEO. He will be reporting to PV Kalyanasundaram, Chairman & Managing Director of Polimer Media. Raaman has confirmed his movement to exchange4media.

Judy Franko Jul 10, 2009 8:18 AM

Dinamalar, one of the leading Tamil dailies, has strengthened its online edition by adding two more sub-domains – ‘Cricket’ and ‘Car Buy’. While ‘Cricket’ offers tournament itineraries, scorecard, commentary, partnerships, match highlights and run rate graphs, ‘Car Buy’ provides information on cars based on brand and price.

Judy Franko Oct 31, 2008 8:00 AM

After GEC, news, music and movie channels, the new kid on the block in Tamil Nadu is the comedy channel. While Sun Network launched its 24-hour comedy channel, 'Comedy Thirai' on September 8, Kalaignar TV (Sun TV's direct competitor) is planning to roll out a comedy channel soon. Will these comedy channels affect the viewership of their flagship brands? Will they attract sizeable eyeballs so as to attract advertisers? exchange4media finds out.

Judy Franko Oct 20, 2008 8:42 AM

‘Home is where the heart is’, though a much hackneyed saying, rings true. While any structure can provide shelter, it takes a special home to lure one back to its fold with anticipation of warmth and comfort. This is the premise on which TBWA Chennai has based its TVC for Chennai-based real estate developer VGN.

Judy Franko Sep 25, 2008 9:39 AM

Zee Tamil is all set to hit the airwaves around Vijaya Dasami. The new channel will air 11 hours of original programming content and one and a half hour of news programme. To start with, Zee Tamil will have three soaps, with two more being added 4-5 weeks after the launch. The new channel from ZEEL, which is testing its signals now, is hopeful of being present in 90 per cent C&S households in Chennai.

Judy Franko Sep 25, 2008 9:21 AM

The already crowded Tamil GEC space will have one more channel shortly. Polimer Media, one of the largest MSOs in Tamil Nadu, is all set to make an entry with a Tamil GEC channel. The launch is scheduled in December this year.

Judy Franko Sep 18, 2008 8:09 AM

God’s own country all set to celebrate Onam with the usual fervour on September 12. It is the time of the year when people in Kerala put their best foot forward and gyrate to the clapping rhythms of Kaikottikali, besides loosening their purse strings. Tapping into this gaiety, all agencies work overtime during this period as most of the businesses in Kerala meet their annual targets during the season of Onam, hence the work for some of the top agencies in Kerala almost quadruple. This also means big bucks for agencies.

Judy Franko Sep 2, 2008 8:14 AM

Even as Sun Direct TV Pvt Ltd chalks out aggressive expansion plans, the leading DTH service provider in South India has appointed McCann Erickson as its creative agency following a multi-agency pitch that saw the participation of 4-5 top agencies in the country. Sun Direct has earmarked a marketing budget of Rs 120 crore to complement its aggressive expansion plans beyond its forte – South India.

Judy Franko Aug 26, 2008 8:08 AM

Close on the heels of entrusting its creative duties to McCann Erickson Chennai, Sun Direct has appointed Mindshare Chennai as its media AoR to handle its media buying and planning activities following a multi-agency pitch. The total ad spend has been pegged at Rs 120 crore.

Judy Franko Aug 26, 2008 8:01 AM

Keeping pace with the changing market dynamics, Malayala Manorama Group is launching an integrated media solutions platform christened ‘Junction K’ (Kerala) on August 18. Through Junction K, Kerala’s largest media house intends to provide integrated marketing solution to clients who want to set up base in the state.

Judy Franko Aug 18, 2008 8:26 AM

The launch of The Times of India in Chennai in April 2008 had shaken and stirred the market and jolted the existing players out of their comfort zones. Now, with the completion of 100 days in the Southern metropolis, TOI celebrated the occasion with a special 104-page pullout, ‘Chillax’, with its August 7 edition.

Judy Franko Aug 11, 2008 9:02 AM

Zee Network is making one more addition to its channel bouquet, a 24-hour Telugu news channel Zee 24 Gantalu. The channel is expected to go on air sometime in October 2008. Shailesh Reddy, who has been with Zee News since 1999 heading the news bureau of Zee News Hyderabad and Zee Telugu News, will head Zee 24 Gantalu.

Judy Franko Aug 4, 2008 8:24 AM

Raj Television Network Ltd has entered into full-fledged film production. The company will produce films under its own banner, the cost of which will be borne by the company. Raj TV has also tied up with others to act as executive producers and complete the film projects on a first copy basis.

Judy Franko Jul 31, 2008 8:31 AM

Bates 141 Chennai has been assigned the creative duties for Chennai Live, the FM venture of Muthoot Group. Though no formal pitch was involved, the Group considered a couple of agencies before zeroing in on Bates 141.

Judy Franko Jul 25, 2008 8:18 AM

When Sun TV Network bought Dinakaran in 2005, it was selling just over 68,000 copies. By March 2007, it had touched 900,657 copies after the relaunch under the Sun Network banner. Now, even as Dinakaran COO RMR Ramesh waits for the latest ABC results to be declared, he is confident that Dinakaran would cross one million copies. His goal is to surpass Malayala Manroama in terms of circulation.

Judy Franko Jul 23, 2008 8:38 AM

Raj Television Network has appointed Chennai-based Fountainhead as its new communication partner. Grey Worldwide Chennai is the incumbent agency.

Judy Franko Jul 11, 2008 7:56 AM

‘Ananda Vikatan’, the leading Tamil weekly magazine published by Vikatan Group, has assigned its media duties to Mindshare. The win was not preceded by a pitch. Vikatan Group has set aside substantial advertising spend as it is planning a complete revamp of its flagship magazine, ‘Ananda Vikatan’.

Judy Franko Jul 7, 2008 8:12 AM

The Supreme Court upholding the Madras High Court’s order banning hoardings has not only shocked the hoarding owners but also the entire advertising fraternity and left many in doldrums. With the ban on hoardings, the advertisers are left with few options, and the result is that prices of other out-of-home mediums such as road medians, bus panels and bus shelters have gone up.

Judy Franko Jul 3, 2008 8:06 AM

D Charles has put in his papers at Hello FM as Head of Marketing. He is joining Akshya Homes, one of the leading builders in Chennai, as Deputy General Manager, Marketing. Charles, who is currently serving his notice period at Hello FM, will take up his new assignment from July 2.

Judy Franko Jun 26, 2008 8:12 AM

Spark, the annual advertising award show of Ad Club Madras, which was not held for the past couple of years due to lack of entries, is all set to return in a brand new format. The Club is also planning to launch its own website and also proposes to bring out at least three issues of the Club’s e-magazine ‘Headline’ this year.

Judy Franko Jun 19, 2008 8:44 AM

The Hyderabad-based Associated Broadcasting Company (ABCL), which operates under the TV9 brand, is all set to launch a national English news channel from Bangalore. At the same time, the company is also launching a Hindi news channel and a film news channel, both to be based in Mumbai.

Judy Franko Jun 17, 2008 8:24 AM

Draft FCB Ulka has been assigned the creative duties of soon-to-be launched Zee Tamil channel following a multi-agency pitch. Law & Kenneth, Lowe, Salt, and McCann-Erickson were the other agencies in the fray for the business. The account size is estimated to be in the region of Rs 5 crore.

Judy Franko Jun 4, 2008 8:14 AM

Jaya Plus, the 24-hour news channel from Jaya TV, is gearing up for a formal launch around June 15. The channel’s soft launch took place on December 6, 2007. Along with Jaya Plus, the Group has also launched a music channel, Jaya Max, to strengthen its bouquet of offering and put up some fight for a share of Tamil viewership.

Judy Franko May 31, 2008 8:35 AM

Dinamalar, the third largest circulated Tamil daily, is all set to expand its footprint beyond its stronghold – print media. The Chennai-based print behemoth is firming up its plans to launch a 24-hour news channel. The Group is targeting a 2009 launch.

Judy Franko May 27, 2008 8:04 AM

Kaushik Tiwari, Publicis Ambience’s Head of Southern operations, has moved on to float a full-fledged agency called Fresh Lime Communications. Chennai-based Fresh Lime commenced its operations on April 14, with a roster of clients.

Judy Franko May 16, 2008 10:00 AM

Zee News Ltd’s Tamil GEC, Zee Tamil, is set to be launched on June 15. The launch of Zee Tamil would be followed by a 24-hour Tamil news channel and Malayalam GEC, which is expected to on air during the fourth quarter of 2008.

Judy Franko May 7, 2008 7:59 AM

The New Indian Express has undergone a complete makeover from April 11, 2008. The revamp comes just three days ahead of the launch of The Times of India’s Chennai edition. The New Indian Express is also embarking on a high decibel marketing blitzkrieg to mark this relaunch and has earmarked an advertising budget of Rs 10 crore.

Judy Franko Apr 14, 2008 9:07 AM

The Times of India has finally arrived in Chennai after a long wait, and the effects of it are already being felt. The immediate fallout is that the market leader for long, The Hindu, which has been successfully resisting the temptation to bring down it cover price, has finally done it.

Judy Franko Apr 14, 2008 9:06 AM

Publicis Ambience has bagged the creative duties of Consim Info Pvt Ltd (formally the BharatMatrimony Group) following a multi-agency pitch. Confirming the development, P Gopalakrishnan, Chief Marketing Officer, Consim Info, said that the top 10 agencies were part of the pitch. The account size has been pegged in the region of Rs 50 crore.

Judy Franko Apr 2, 2008 7:58 AM

Publicis Ambience has bagged the creative duties of Consim Info Pvt Ltd (formally the BharatMatrimony Group) following a multi-agency pitch. Confirming the development, P Gopalakrishnan, Chief Marketing Officer, Consim Info, said that the top 10 agencies were part of the pitch. The account size has been pegged in the region of Rs 50 crore.

Judy Franko Apr 1, 2008 5:40 PM

Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore was declared Agency of the Year on the fourth and final day of AdFest 2008. The Agency of the Year Award is awarded based on the maximum number of metals won. The first runner-up was JWT Singapore, which bagged 21 awards, followed by Dentsu Inc, Tokyo, which bagged 14 awards.

Judy Franko Mar 31, 2008 7:59 AM

The four-day AdFest 2008 held in Pattaya, Thailand, from March 26-29, saw a total of 17 metals being awarded to Indian agencies. O&M topped the list with four metals. Leo Burnett bagged three awards, while Contract Advertising and McCann Erickson won two metals each.

Judy Franko Mar 31, 2008 7:58 AM

Day 3 at AdFest 2008 saw Chris Thomas, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Asia, BBDO Asia Pacific, Singapore, and Simon Bond, Regional MD, Asia Pacific, Proximity, Singapore, jointly address a session on ‘Exploring new avenues for creativity in the digital age’, where the duo stressed on the need for creating powerful ideas that would allow consumers to play and work with the brands.

Judy Franko Mar 29, 2008 7:37 AM

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.”

Judy Franko Mar 28, 2008 11:58 AM

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.

Judy Franko Mar 28, 2008 11:57 AM

The Asia Pacific Advertising Festival or AdFest, the annual advertising festival aimed at celebrating creativity in Asia pacific region, officially kicked off on March 26 in Pattaya, Thailand, with the concurrent screenings of 761 TV award entries and an exhibition of numerous works.

Judy Franko Mar 27, 2008 8:24 AM

After stimulating debates on ‘Print 3.0’ in Delhi and ‘Television 3.0’ in Mumbai, the exchange4media Conclave 2008 moved to Bangalore on March 14, where some of the top honchos of new age media companies put the spotlight on ‘Digital 2.0’. NDTV Media is the Presenting Sponsor for this four-city mega industry event.

Judy Franko Mar 17, 2008 8:17 AM

G Srinath has put in his papers as Chief Operating Officer at Club FM, Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Company’s FM radio venture. He is all set to start his own advertising agency, called Hammer India. The agency is set to commence operations from April 1.

Judy Franko Mar 5, 2008 7:09 AM

Deccan Chronicle Holdings Ltd, publisher of English daily Deccan Chronicle, will be launching its financial daily in the first half of the calendar year 2008. The launch will see editions rolling out in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai, from day one. The creative duties of the daily would be handled by Meridian.

Judy Franko Feb 21, 2008 6:29 AM

After consolidating its position in the kid’s television space with Chutti TV, Sun Network is set to roll out kid’s channels in Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada languages. The Malayalam channel will be called Kochu TV, while the Telugu channel will be known as Khushi TV. The Kannada channel has been christened Chintu TV.

Judy Franko Feb 20, 2008 6:32 AM