And they’re not even on Parole!
Posted by: communicatingpr on: November 12, 2009
- In: News
- 2 Comments
Rohit Sharma
Dont miss Praveen Kumar (left) going at it! Pic courtesy: NewsX channel
Lifestyles of the rich and famous. Photographs from a Hyderabad hotel aired by NewsX, has shown Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and few of his teammates enjoying the company of female “admirers” at a party which the channel claimed was held after India lost to Australia by three runs in Hyderabad on Thursday. Manu Sharma and Rahul Mahajan need to be RSVPd on such events people !
The Grapes Are Sour?
Posted by: communicatingpr on: November 11, 2009
- In: Media
- 4 Comments
Emanuel Joute
- www.scrapetv.com
News Corp.’s Rupert Murdoch is talking about stopping Google from indexing his newspapers. He wants his content to command a premium online, and not give search engines a free ride. So what gives? Leaving aside the financial risks, the immediate fallout would be a steep fall in traffic. According to Web tracking site Experian Hitwise, News Corp.’s flagship publication The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) could lose up to 25 per cent of its traffic. Hitwise said that on a weekly basis, Google and Google news are the top traffic providers for WSJ.com, accounting for over 25 per cent of its traffic. Also, over 44 per cent of WSJ.com visitors directed from Google are “new” users who haven’t visited the domain in the past 30 days.
Does Murdoch have a new gameplan and willing to accept this fall in online traffic? Or is this just a ploy to get Google into talking money? Google, on its part, has no plans to bite the bait as yet. It issued a statement saying how easy it would be for News Corp. to remove itself from the Google News tool and the search engine itself. This episode raises other issues such as the future of online content distribution, plagiarism and revenue models. According to Hitwise, links from social networks such as Twitter and Facebook account for 4 per cent of visits to news and media sites in the US – a percentage that is up 490 per cent year-over-year.
So, can Google live without Murdoch? Or can he live without Google? Pick your choice.
Goons on the loose
Posted by: communicatingpr on: November 10, 2009
- In: News
- 4 Comments
Rohit Sharma
MNS activists rake up another national shame
Meanwhile, Jessica Lall murder accused parties on parole and Sheila Dixit defends it…
Why Deoband berates the National Song?
Posted by: communicatingpr on: November 9, 2009
Rohit Sharma
Some facts-
- Vande Mataram was actually author and composer Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay’s response to ‘God Save the Queen’, a song that the British rulers were trying hard to force their anthem, around 1870. The song was later included in his novel Anandmath, which has been widely criticized by Muslims as a propaganda and an attempt to spit venom at their community.
- The novel alludes to the devastating Bengal famine of 1770 and unsuccessful ‘Sannyasi’ rebellion. Based in an era when Mir Jafar, a Mughal emperor was ruling in Bengal, Anandmath also hints to the tragedy in 1771 when 150 Hindu ascetics were put to death in Natore (now Bangladesh), apparently for no reason.
A 1952 film, based on Bankimchandra's 'Anandmath'
- “Shatru ke khoon se seench kar man ko shasya-shyaamla karunga”. (From the blood of enemy, ill soothe my heart) – A line when a character from the novel pledges retribution from people, those seem to be Muslim. ‘Shasya-shyaamla’ are also the words used in the first stanza of the song Vande Mataram.
- The song offers the chanter to worship at the feet of Goddess Durga. Muslims clerics argue whether bowing in front of “mother” is salutation or worship. The religion does not allow a Muslim to bow down in front of any body else except allah.
- Rabindra Nath Tagore who had first sung the song before it became a war cry says the song in just a hymn to Goddesss Durga (Mother India). In a letter to Subhash Chandra Bose, Tagore said that “no Muslim can be expected patriotically to worship the ten-handed deity as the nation”. He did not want the song to be stressed as the national song in the Parliament saying, “When Bengali Mussulmans (Muslims) show signs of stubborn fanaticism, we regard these as intolerable. When we too copy them and make unreasonable demands, it will be self-defeating.”
Sympathy for the devil
Posted by: communicatingpr on: November 6, 2009
- In: Opinion
- 2 Comments
Amit Gupta
Another blow for the Indian cricket team at the hands of once mighty Australians, which has lost much of its invincible tag over the last few months! It’s interesting to see how both the Indian media and masses commiserate with the Indian team (and Sachin Tendulkar in particular) for their ‘narrow loss’. And it’s equally fascinating to see a severely depleted Australian side to fire up at this occasion and take lead in the 7 match series when odds were clearly loaded against them. With their frontline bowlers injured, the Aussies are struggling to put on field an eleven member squad and add to that the inexperience of playing on the sub-continent pitches for the bench which has to fill-in for the injured players.
Coming back to the issue of both media and masses sympathizing with the Indian team for their supposedly ‘valiant efforts’ – should the Indian cricketers not be scorned at for their feeble bowling and fielding? As many as seven Indian batsman scored runs in single digit in response to a mammoth Australian score of 350. The team deserves nothing but criticism and hostility. Our cricket board which runs like a private corporation (and makes heavy profits) pays handsomely to its first-rate employees (read cricketers)! It is time that the board gives a boot to some of its redundant employees.
And our much befuddled media should do a double think before sympathizing with a team that does little on the turf!
Namaste Twitter
Posted by: communicatingpr on: November 6, 2009
- In: Media
- Leave a Comment
Rohit Sharma
- www.causecapitalism.com
We’re moving beyond Facebook and Orkut. Twitter is rampantly creating a fanbase in India and has established 1.4 million user base here- the third largest after Germany and the US. The microblogging website has 16 per cent of Indian users regularly ‘tweeting’ to get news updates, says a survey by technology site www.pluGGd.in. While 11 per cent use it to stay in touch with their friends, 10 per cent use the website for research purpose, according to the survey. In India, the site came into prominence in the country during 26/11 attacks when eyewitnesses sent an estimated 80 ‘tweets’ every five seconds, helping in compiling a list of the dead and injured.
The popularity of Twitter can be credited to Bollywood where popular stars and production houses are connecting with fans. Also, personalities from politics are also helping reaching out to public in an attempt to change the public image of a politician or merely to garner a vote bank.
At the moment, Orkut stays as the leader amongst social net working sites in India with 16 million users followed by Facebook with 8 million users. Twitter has settled in but with its limited functions, will it be able to reach an audience that prefer online chatting, crazy applications, games and pictures to look at?
Money makes world go around
Posted by: communicatingpr on: November 5, 2009
- In: News
- 4 Comments
Rohit Sharma
This one might lead to an online renaissance. Money Control takes the crown for being the second largest financial website of the world. Get these astounding facts- The website has 15 million users visiting per day, spending an average time of 25-30 minutes per day along with 1 million unique users. Money Control follows Wall Street Journal which is the highest visited financial website of the world.
The trend setter in financial information, research and analysis, and the official website of CNBC TV18, moneycontrol.com completes 10 years today.
In a country that has 7% of internet penetration with 81 million internet users (China leads Asia’s online market with 338 million users) – Money Control figures paint a very different picture for the future. Do we see an online revolution ahead or is it just a flash in the pan?
Going Rogue
Posted by: communicatingpr on: October 29, 2009
- In: Media
- Leave a Comment
Vogue India needs a makeover. Snap!
Rohit Sharma
A close source from the fashion industry told me that Vogue USA has banned
two Vogue India covers from their worldwide-covers collection. Apparently, Madam Wintour is upset with their Indian branch’s cover choices and fashion sense. The covers that have not found entry in the apparent “Boulevard of Vogue covers” are the one with Preity Zinta (June 2008) and Gauri Khan (January 2008). The bosses have questioned the basis of putting Mrs. Khan on the cover and whether her famous husband is her only claim to fame. A blogger asks if “she is an actress, starlet, model or a humanitarian? Granted she looks good on the cover, but last time I checked, she was just a socialite and actor’s wife!” Zinta’s cover received flak for insipid styling, a void of creativity and a ‘batting’ goofup. The blogger says, “A yawn inducing cover… it gets worse inside the pages – they have Preity holding up a cricket bat in a much uglified maxi dress. C’mon Vogue, wake up and smell the creativity!”
Vogue India crossed lines when they presented a 16-page vision of luxury bag (August 2008), clutches and umbrellas, modeled not by Bollywood stars or a fraction of rich Indians who can actually afford these accessories, but by average Indian people. The New York Times criticized the juxtaposition of poor and riches and frittered it away as a heartless charade of people who live on less than US$1.25 a day. Vogue USA is believed to have apologized to those hurt by their “creative” expression. Bollywood’s ‘BFF’ Editor Priya Tanna, on the other hand, advised us to, “Lighten up”.
- Source: NYT
Vogue India’s dependence on Bollywood stars and foreign content have not helped them create a strong fan base in India yet. According to IRS (India Readership Survey 2008), the magazine doesn’t feature either in the list of top ten monthlies or overall magazines. Surprisingly and also embarrassingly, their biggest rival is a Hindi publication for women-‘Meri Saheli’, which is priced at Rs. 25. Priya, 25 year old PR Executive says, “Vogue India seems to be meant only for a selected segment- fashion designers or people who it can convince to go to Hermes and buy a Berkin. Its fun to look at but it can not alter my shopping wants. Affordability is something they totally miss out on. I prefer Cosmopolitan- which is more me.” Following what west or Bollywood does, or telling what Dior bag to carry this winter will not help a magazine worth Rs. 100 survive for long in India. Having a malnourished, poor baby pose wearing thousands of dollars worth bib is not a trend… its just stupid.
Live on the horizon
Posted by: communicatingpr on: October 28, 2009
- In: Media
- 2 Comments
Rohit Sharma
It was a phenomenal moment when one of the world’s legendary bands U2 performed live on YouTube, a few days back. The band performed at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, USA, in front of a crowd of 100,000, at the same time, fans of this iconic Irish band from countries around the world were able to tune in to the concert from the comfort of their own homes. YouTube page (U2 Channel) that hosted the concert (2 hr 21 minutes) has received over 7 million views, so far. This is the first biggest live, online-telecast of any concert across the globe.
Big B-lunder
Posted by: communicatingpr on: October 21, 2009
- In: Opinion
- 4 Comments
Rohit Sharma
Source: MidDay
Most of the celebrities these days are hopping on to the social media bandwagon, but their inexpertise and weak PR help is costing them what they cherish and secure the most- privacy. Look at Amitabh Bachchan’s interview with MidDay, which has become an embarrassing controversy, more for the former. After lambasting Khalid Mohamed, Bachchan has put zanjeer of accusations around a power-packed newspaper’s editor Abhijit Majumder. The alleged misrepresentation and sting operation has done less to question an editor’s journalistic credibility and more to bring forth an eminent and revered personality’s ill will and vengefulness. Over the years, Bachchan has become antagonistic and very defensive of his family-friend-citadel. A friendship with Amar Singh has earned him nothing but political dilemmas and built up in court cases, whereas a certain aloofness from the ‘camps’ and groups in Bollywood have made his friends list thinner.
If you read his response (it’d take atleast 10 minutes) to the reply Majumder gave to his accusation, by the end of it you’d end up sympathizing with Bachchan. The actor has become so emotional that he himself scratched his old wounds- Bofors, Barbanki. But if you look at it carefully, he plainly is doing what he has always hidden on camera- anger and defensiveness. His blog is a mere façade for his other, you can say, more human-like nature, where he has answers for everything. With his opinions/outbursts, Bachchan wants to keep a connect with his fans but naively forgets that his blog has readers, sceptics and critics across the globe who don’t necessarily have to be his fans. His opinions make news and affect people’s lives.
Everyone is entitled to presenting their side, their case but when a person in a powerful position goes on defaming the world, it becomes much more embarrassing than a preposterous Kamal Khan, stealing food in the middle of night, who Bachchan thinks is amongst the “talented and recognized”.
Red carpet for PR
Posted by: communicatingpr on: March 4, 2009
Spin-doctors arrive at Cannes
Closed zone
Posted by: communicatingpr on: March 6, 2009
VOTE FOR NONE OF THE ABOVE
Posted by: communicatingpr on: March 9, 2009
- In: Opinion
- 2 Comments
So why can’t we have the right to vote against every candidate? Sharif Rangnekar has taken up the issue and created a group on Facebook called ‘Vote for None of the Above’. Within a few days of its formation, there are 60 members debating and the group is being talked about in media already The Times of India and The Economic Times.
Oscars: Behind the Scenes
Posted by: communicatingpr on: March 16, 2009
R. Sowmya Sri
One of the most talked about movie- Slumdog Millionaire continues to evoke controversy and celebration in equal measures. The movie’s dream run at the Academy awards, more popularly known as Oscars, sparked of a debate on whether the award was a by-product of a clever marketing ploy or it salutes the accomplishment of a fine piece of art. Much of the debate has ignored the modus operandi behind the line – ‘and the Oscar goes to…….’
Different Strokes
Posted by: communicatingpr on: March 18, 2009
“Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital.” -Aaron Levenstein.
One news, two views. Courtesy- Mint and The Economic Times (March 17th, ‘09)
Ignorance is bliss
Posted by: communicatingpr on: March 19, 2009
- In: Media
- Leave a Comment
Stop the Presses? Yankees wouldn’t care a lot if local papers folded. Read this.
Happy 20th, Internet!
Posted by: communicatingpr on: March 20, 2009
- In: Media
- Leave a Comment
Science inspired the World Wide Web. Two decades on, the web has repaid the compliment by changing science. People have come closer than they were 20 years ago, businesses are shaping up and the world is running on its terms… thanks to the wonders of Internet. The Economist takes a glimpse of the dot com story.
PR Theory
Posted by: communicatingpr on: March 23, 2009
A refresher for the PR champs. Tidbits you should never forget… Read this
Courtesy- Slideshare.net
IPL- Indian Pathetic League
Posted by: communicatingpr on: March 25, 2009
Manish Sharma
The Indian Premier League (IPL) moved out of India. Entangled in the web of politics, brinks-manship and a game of one-upmanship, BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) was forced to take the event overseas. A disappointing decision? Read more
Now you can
Posted by: communicatingpr on: March 25, 2009
By Manish Sharma
Nano’s no to conventional media publicity and a big Yes to clever arrival blitzkrieg. Read more
Save Power, Save Earth
Posted by: communicatingpr on: March 27, 2009
- In: Opinion
- 5 Comments
That’s what you call star power! Aamir Khan has brought in the support of thousands of those who are now vowing to save power. Earth Hour is creating waves now with corporate honchos (Wipro, HP, Google, Taj and ITC hotel chains), celebrities and civilians jumping in to promote the cause and spreading the word. Lights would be switched off or dimmed at 11 PVR cinemas in Delhi and Mumbai and corporate offices. After the first innings of the semi-final match of Teacher’s T20 Corporate Cricket Championship that is being held in Delhi, the lights at the Roshanara Club will be switched off for 15 minutes and 1000 candles will be lit and distributed among all the guests to show solidarity towards creating awareness on Climate change. WWF is also organizing a human chain at Marine Drive. From Monday onwards, the WWF will also start campaign in schools and colleges.
So will you switch off your lights?
Loot gaye!
Posted by: communicatingpr on: March 30, 2009
So how safe are your private details in the computer? Well, Facebook can now claim to keep a safe distance from user’s personal data but the Governments, not just in India but across the globe, are sitting helpless and insecure. Reason- Data robbery. A Canadian group of researchers have revealed that the hacking system is being controlled from computers based in China (involvement of Chinese govt.’s hand is speculated).The sleuthing has infiltrated at 1295 computers in 103 countries, including India. Read more.
Stay connected
Posted by: communicatingpr on: April 1, 2009
Manish Sharma
Even in the time of recession, at least 10 million news users are entering the ever swelling club of mobile owners. From the villagers in Olhanpur to Abhishek Bachchan, the telecom miracle- cell phones, have brought everyone closer. Marketers are resorting to the new age promotional methods and consumers have a bouquet of options to choose from. Read more.
Are They worth it?
Posted by: communicatingpr on: April 2, 2009
- In: Marketing
- 12 Comments
Rohit Sharma
In our star-struck nation, Bollywood stars are probably the few set of people impervious of the recession blues. The dreamsellers are well endowed with movies, party appearances, awards and endorsements throughout the year and we haven’t heard of any movie star declaring bankruptcy, yet.
Aishwarya Rai. *Courtesy- LOreal
Apart from movies, stars (especially big ones) rake in a lot of money from advertisement deals that they are bombarded with. But brands- major source that bring stars their Porsches- are now tightening their purse strings. In an attempt to judge the capability and veracity of actors to take brands closer to people, an initiative called CelebTrack has been launched. Over 400 celebrities were ranked on five parameters-popularity, image attributes, power of persuasion, media presence and overexposure. Large companies like Airtel, Vodafone, Tata Indicom, PepsiCo, Cadbury and ING Vysya have already subscribed to the research. (Read the ET report)
What is to wonder is the authenticity and accuracy of CelebTrack. In the age of grilling PR machinery, isn’t tampering of such polls possible? Instead of nationwide online polling, why only on the basis of some odd 10,800 people, the interviews were conducted? How did someone missing-from-action and 1-2 brand endorser like Shahid Kapur manage to reach the top 5?
Lost in translation
Posted by: communicatingpr on: April 21, 2009
Manish Sharma
Translation is a major problem issue with the public relation fraternity, especially in India. Popular readership surveys are filled with numerous publications that belong to the regional media space. However, the suave spin-doctors in metros find it hard to decipher vernacular language. Even a simple exercise, like that of English to Hindi translation, poses problem to most PR professionals. Read more.
Tweet Tweet!
Posted by: communicatingpr on: April 24, 2009
Rohit Sharma
If you can’t beat them, join them. Social networking renaissance is making it big and if you’re not part of it, my friend, you’re losing a lot! Facebook might 
just almost be the perfect tool for marketers and advertisers discovering the joys of social networking. But if we look carefully, Twitter is actually the new face of New-media. The Twitter revolution is on the roll with not just ‘commoners’ like you and me but celebrities like Ashton Kutcher, media Goliaths like CNN and multinational corps. like Dell are depending on with the business blitzkrieg on this new phenomenon. Read more.
Kabhi vote kabhie Sloth
Posted by: communicatingpr on: May 5, 2009
Rohit Sharma
Mumbai sleeps on voting day. All talks, no action. Did the candles stop burning in 5 months? Read more on Mumbai’s embarrassing fiasco.
AT&T’s no Idol
Posted by: communicatingpr on: May 27, 2009
- In: Media
- 2 Comments
Rohit Sharma
For anyone who has even a teensy bit of knowledge about music and follows “American Idol” would find it hard to digest the fact that Kris Allen is a better singer than Adam Lambert. In the lines of Chris Daughtry and David Cook, Lambert stayed at consistent levels throughout his performances and barely received any flak from the sharky-judges. His rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” and Tears for Fears’ “Mad World” were earth rattling as judges and audiences roared with applaud. Then what cost the reigning king his throne?
A New York Times report reveals that AT&T, whose mobile phone network is the only one that can be used to cast “American Idol” votes via text message, provided the free text-messaging services at two parties in Arkansas after the final performance episode of American Idol last week, according to the company and people at the events. AT&T denies the allegation but people present at the two events organized by Allen’s fans claim that a few representatives of AT&T helped them send power texts (10 or more messages at the press of one button) which have more effect on voting than call-votes.
Another reason that might have brought down Lambert to number two were the rumours that started just before the semi finals. Personal pictures of Lambert flashed around the web that media further used to question his sexuality. Along with millions stunned by results, Lambert claimed it was probably because of his personal life that he lost the title.
The question remains why did the show sponsor AT&T break its own norms and favoured one contestant over the other?
Beauty with a Purpose(?)
Posted by: communicatingpr on: May 28, 2009
- In: Opinion
- 5 Comments
Rohit Sharma
It’s difficult to keep your eyes off the woman who defines beauty. As Aishwarya Rai giggled, snuggled, wriggled and jiggled on the Cannes red carpet in France, the world was going gaga about this Armani and Elie Saab draped ice queen. Well, except for a certain Ms. Sonam Kapoor back in India.
Rai, posing in front of swarms of international media
International face for L’Oreal, Rai, just before her yearly Cannes ritual, rejected the fairness cream ad by her “parent” company. Why would’nt she? At least she struck to her words of denouncing the necessity of skin lightening in front of Oprah Winfrey and Tyra Banks. Rejected by Rai, L’Oreal knocked on emerging actress Sonam Kapoor who accepted the offer with open arms. And why wouldn’t she? Saawariya and Delhi 6 havent actually helped her join the A-league. Rai’s representative went on to sing praises of their boss saying, “Such stories seldom bother her. Aishwarya is primarily guided by her sense of ethics as far as advertising is concerned. She does not endorse products unless she believes in them. She was recently offered a fortune to replace Rani Mukerjee to endorse a popular mosquito repellent cream, but she turned down the offer.” Diplomacy and political correctness. Like master, like slave.
What appeared to have been turning into a media coveted cat-fight, later, actually turned out to be an abysmal PR stunt. Rai was flown to Cannes but was told that Kapoor will be joining her for the two minute gown parade on red carpet. The festival began, Rai pranced but Kapoor was nowhere to be seen. Poor girl made a mistake of calling the carpet queen “an actress of senior league” and ended up unpacking her saris, gowns and fairness creams in her Mumbai home. “Sabotage by Rai” claimed media and Kapoor wiped her tears and dreams off. But who had the last laugh apart from the Bachchan bahurani? L’Oreal. The company got their pre and post Cannes publicity using our scoop-hungry media. The Paris based conglomerate isn’t that “fair” to everyone actually. Last year, the company was lambasted by media and public for featuring singer Beyonce in an ad with a lighter skin appearance than her natural golden bronze tone. The company denied the digital enhancement but the truth was already out.
Blast from the past: Lux White Glow ad
Hypocrisy is the best kept secret of those in ‘glamour’ world and those who hire and promote them. Rai who reached the Goddess status denying the fairness cream ad, probably forgot that she is STILL promoting a soap that sells in the name of its fairness agents (Lux White Glow). Earning billions, preaching trillions, sincerity none… you’re NOT worth it!
Googl’eye
Posted by: communicatingpr on: June 1, 2009
Rohit Sharma
Have you ever tried to Google yourself? As PR agents or marketers, you have the blessing of taking full advantage of Google’s-eye-on-everything. If you have carefully lined out your facts, information and data on the net, then there are many chances of your customer and clients reaching you than them trying to run infinite searches across pages, attempting to source out information and finally giving up.
![cool-cartoon-808865[1]](http://communicatingpr.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/cool-cartoon-80886511.png?w=253&h=280 "cool-cartoon-808865[1]")
A brand’s search results (especially the initials) throw an immediate light on the qualities and merit of it. Today, Google allows you to improvise on the search results through its clever tool called “Google Profile”. No matter what field you work in, it is imperative you take Google’s ability to enlist or cache and catalogue all your activities online. Wouldn’t it be better if Google finds our stories in as many places as it can rather than it finding someone else’s versions?
5 Worst Magazines in India
Posted by: communicatingpr on: June 3, 2009
- In: Opinion
- 5 Comments
Rohit Sharma & Manish Sharma
1. Vogue India
The monkey population in India is on the rise and the one leading the breed brigade is Vogue India. 80% ads+15% foreign content+5% Indian content, produce the overrated magazine. Fashion editor Anaita Shroff’s talent is limited to aping western designs and Editor Priya Tanna saves her best for writing pretentious editorials dedicated to movie stars who grace every second cover…er… isn’t it not supposed to be Filmfare?! A majority of the layouts, fashion ideas and models are borrowed from Mummy Wintour. While it is just another of many in the “fashion” magazine pile, it seems to go that extra step to put horrible “facts” out on what to do to achieve a fit and beautiful body. Please stick only to writing essays about the importance of size zero okay?
2. Maxim India
The “cool” contingent began in the name of Playboy for India. They forgot 
that minus Hugh Hefner they would eventually turn out to be the scapegoat for censors. The softcore porn magazine began with a bang with semi-clad Mallikas & Koenas (Have’nt we seen everything already?) and continues with Sohas and Pohas. What brings them to this list is their lack of creativity, god-awful styling and a miserable sense of humor. Except for the cover story, almost all of their content is taken online from Maxim USA or UK. The one or two feature writers resemble 13 year old boys who’ve just hit puberty and have access to scribbling their fantasies. Anoop Kutty need to be spanked for selling porn to 15 year old kids who are afraid to buy real porn.
3. GQ India
Who would put a close shot of Farhan Akhtar minus photoshop on its 3rd cover? GQ India would. You’d loathe GQ India if you follow the international version. The ‘Gay’ Quarterly often covers men frolicking together in their ‘unmentionables’ and stoops like their sister Vogue India to feature only Bollywood stars in a Men’s only magazine. Content is the key but when you have awful content like Akhtar, the only people buying the magazine would be the Akhtars. Great magazine, bad editorial.
4. Outlook Business
Well, just to change the monotonous nature of this list and with an intent to showcase the seriousness of our resolve, we thought of including a business magazine. Two names flashed in the mind – Business India and Outlook Business. We selected Outlook Business because it is doing a great disservice 
to Outlook pedigree. After successfully challenging the India Today hegemony in the general magazine arena, Team Outlook might have thought of an encore to Business Today as well but has ultimately fallen flat. Leave alone BT, the magazine is not a patch on even Business India. A team of inexperienced writers, lack of in-depth research and a plethora of guest writers, makes OB a boring dud. It’s a cross between a shoddy periodical and an amateur blog.
5. Stardust
Decades back, the movie Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron did a spoof on e
x-Stardust editor Shobhaa De, who was purportedly using the power of pen for her own vested interests. Since then Magna Publications (Savvy, Showtime, Society) has met with a downfall with almost all of credible Bollywood cutting off Stardust from their list. The magazine publishes absurd, unimaginable and unbelievable stories with the figment of imagination running wild with catfights and clandestine affairs of movie stars. Most of the cover stories are that of bizarre controversies and the exclusives are restricted to second grade actors. There is nothing original or even paparazzi-cal about the publication and with a rival like Filmfare, it sure is biting dust.
Fly away
Posted by: communicatingpr on: June 10, 2009
- In: Media
- Leave a Comment
![3291908607_90ea44446e[1]](http://communicatingpr.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/3291908607_90ea44446e1.jpg?w=455&h=500 "3291908607_90ea44446e[1]")
In April 2008, BBC released an extraordinary footage of flying penguins that would be featured in a new natural history series.
Following day, the corporation issued a press release confessing to the April Fools Day stunt which was to promote their new online catch-up service iPlayer.
(Source- TaylorHerring.com)
A Sexy Snub
Posted by: communicatingpr on: July 8, 2009
Rohit Sharma
Megan Fox. Rings more than a bell doesn’t it? From those who’ve just hit puberty to those who’re counting their days on mother earth, men, women, boys, girls, Foxilicious is creating drool oceans. One Harvey Kindlon is swimming in it, holding a yellow rose.
Just a couple of weeks back this 11 year old toddler was pictured trying to hand Megan Fox a yellow rose as the vamp trod the red carpet in London. It was like a stable boy-princess moment as Fox covering herself from berserk crowd ignored the li’l Harvey and moved on. Photo company Kodak’s PR people were quick to turn this heart break moment into cash flow as they donned the cupid mantle announcing a reward of US $5000 to anyone who could identify Kindlon. Cha-ching! Kindlon-hunt began with more fervour than the one for Osama and the boy was handed over to Kodak in very few days. Remember, angel Kodak was letting the world know of their Godly intentions of making the stable boy reach princess’s balcony. The venue was decided to be Today’s Show and Fox was invited to meet the rose boy who was supposed to sit in the audience.
But then the PR chance became a PR disaster.
Fox’s appearance on the show was undone by news of Michael Jackson’s death. So she returned to LA without meeting Kindlon. Boy’s hope were quashed along with Kodak’s cupid dreams as Today Show denied talking to Kodak for having Harvey on the show and also denied ever inviting him. Snubbed again, the boy was sent back home.
Fox jumped in to gain some loving from public saying, “The paparazzi would not let you to me. I’m so embarrassed.”
So is Kodak, we and Harvey are sure!
What an “analysis”!
Posted by: communicatingpr on: July 13, 2009
Team Communicatingpr
Economic Time’s survey (Page 1, 13 July 2009) claims companies that invested in advertising and marketing during recession last year reported high revenues and profits, compared to those that cut their ad budgets.
This is an interesting claim and is contrary to the general assumption across the globe and India too. Even if one digs a bit into the news report, one finds that the only example taken is that of Kellogg’s which has limited competition in its space. Not only that, the report does not clearly state the assumptions of the survey including the time period in question, other factors that impacted growth or even the return on investment for the ad spend. World over, several corporations cut back on advertising and publicity while shifting focus to core business. It has been widely reported that while ad budgets slipped to keep costs down, the value of PR and communication was enhanced.
One wonders what the basis is for the ET report and who actually benefits from it given the half baked nature of reporting. From the face of it, advertisers and the media are perhaps the greatest beneficiaries from this survey and the report!
Bad air day for AI
Posted by: communicatingpr on: July 20, 2009
- In: Opinion
- 7 Comments
Rohit Sharma
So you thought people dangling out of moving buses was a common sight? Think again. Now that Air India’s started stuffing people in their flights, DGCA should pack their bags and let airlines make money their own way. Read more.
Movies with a new twist
Posted by: communicatingpr on: July 23, 2009
- In: Media
- 4 Comments
Manish Sharma
Times, they are a changin’. Although mobile TV has made its lukewarm debut, watching a full fledged movie on phone is surely going to create some excitement not only in the world of mobile telephony but also revolutionize the business of entertainment. Imagine viewing a movie for 40 bucks on your phone, the bait looks promising and present an alternative distribution model for small filmmakers. While the quality of video and price of phone would be the stumbling blocks in scaling up this model, 3G technology promises to take care of that. Multiplex owners and Bollywood producers who were fighting over revenue sharing should better watch out. Its time for some action!
Sayonara!
Posted by: communicatingpr on: July 31, 2009
- In: Media
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Rohit Sharma
Sarah “Quitter” Palin has stayed as a media darling of sorts. She’s given enough fodder to the likes of legendary David Letterman and Saturday Night Live and many more. Vanity Fair recently caught hold of Madam Deer slayer’s Bye-Bye-speech that’s presumably become a joke for the copy-eds. Here’s how VF’s copy department caught Palin red faced and red marked. Time to hunt for the speech writers, Mommy!
Could’nt resist this blast-from-the-past of SNL’s and Tina Fey’s ingenuity. Watch it.
Blimey Choo!
Posted by: communicatingpr on: August 11, 2009
Rohit Sharma
How many times have you stopped outside the Armani window at Emporio 
and drooled looking at those excellent-excellent boots? Thanks to the clever marketing world- over and well-established names, the flow of luxury brands has come in a big way to brand hungry India. All that glitters is gold for us. The name sells and recession has no effect on luxury. Here’s Vir Sanghvi’s take on a true story of one of the biggest shoe brand in the world.
Creativity subsides when marketing arrives.
Lets make it public, Bro
Posted by: communicatingpr on: August 18, 2009
- In: Media
- 7 Comments
ADAG’s Attack: Anil Ambani takes a platform rarely used by the corporates to launch an opinion about the powers-that-be. Younger brother Anil Ambani has opened the family feud to a public debate and charged not only his brother (Mukesh Ambani) but whirled in “biased” government as well. Oil Minister Murli Deora and Bhaiya must be stunned… so are we.
Wicked confectionery
Posted by: communicatingpr on: August 19, 2009
- In: Marketing
- 7 Comments
Rohit Sharma
Its not just Cola companies Coca Cola and Pepsi locking horns at the market with their scathing spoofs on each other. Just few days after Cadbury launched their high voltage marketing ad- campaign ‘Aaj Pehli Tareekh Hai’ (Enjoy the chocolate, today’s first of the month), rival Nestle didn’t take much long to launch a parody with the tagline ‘Sirf Pehli Tarikh Ko Nahin, Kabhi Bi Kha Sakte Hai’ (Not just on first of the month, you can have it anytime). Usually sticking to soft and candy-floss advertisement, Nestle breaks the mould by jumping into directly mocking their biggest competitor in the market.
The ad talks about Nestle’s highest selling chocolate bar, Munch (advertised by Bollywood actresses Preity Zinta and Rani Mukherjee), and is being campaigned on radios and internet ads. On the other hand, Cadbury’s chocolate bar ad is reaching consumers through radio, print, on-ground, mobile and online stands.
Cadbury’s ad is created by Ogilvy and Mather India and Nestle’s spoof is by their advertising partners JWT India.
No matter how they rip each other apart, its usually fun for us to watch brands like these battling for our attention.
Three mistakes Chetan Bhagat made
Posted by: communicatingpr on: August 25, 2009
Rohit Sharma
In an article written for Hindustan Times, scriptwriter and author Chetan 
Bhagat, presents his views on India’s defence strategy. He stresses on the necessity to cut down on defence budget and suggests his version of foreign policy and steps to achieve peace. In an attempt to convey a spirited, goodwill message, Bhagat makes some unsolicited and naïve proposals. While stating his views on foreign policy of India he asks his fellow Indians- “How badly do we need Kashmir?” He further trickles down to strategic defence alliances where he suggests giving America access to our country by hiring them to protect our borders- “outsourcing” our defence. He claims it’ll save us some money as, “Having a rich, strong friend rarely hurts anyone”. Speaking on behalf of Pakistan, Bhagat preaches India to shake off its attitude and provide, people claiming over our land, “some room”- “We may not be happy about it, but we can learn to live with it.”
Do you also think that PMO’s PR department need to hire some experienced and mature political writers?
Top 10 Celebrity Tweets
Posted by: communicatingpr on: August 27, 2009
- In: Media
- Leave a Comment
Rohit Sharma
If you keep aside the millions in their bank balance, celebrities are not very
different from us. From Mallika Sherawat to Shashi Tharoor, they are using this new fangled networking mean to promote, demote and gloat about everything they do and experience. Here’s a look at few from the jumble of illustrious personalities on Twitter.
“Today, she is a joke”
(Pritish Nandy on Kareena Kapoor, after watching Kambakkht Ishq)
“Is any food, good food? Any romance, good romance? Depends on the chef or the lover or the writer.”
(Mallika Sherawat, on being asked whether any publicity is good publicity)
“And did they? Please name a few MNCs that ‘entered’ India after Sush, Ash or Lara, Priyanka?”
(Gul Panag, on being asked whether Indian girls were winning beauty pageants because multi national companies wanted to enter India)
“They want a CELEBRITY in their house not a WIFE!!”
(Rakhi Sawant, on being mistreated by the family of a contestant in her reality show)
“Shocked by Gujarat’s ban on Jaswant’s book. Freedom of expression is a constitutional right: how can it be denied to citizens in one part of India? Hope Jaswant’s publishers will challenge constitutionality of Gujarat ban in court. We must end such restraints on what people are allowed to read”
(Shashi Tharoor, on the banning of Jaswant’s Singh’s book in Gujarat)
“I asked my assistant to book me a Nano. When is booking open? I think we can do a Karnataka tour in the Nano.”
(S M Krishna)
“You know what the worst part about being an actress is? It’s the pressure to look gorgeous all the time and to behave perfectly. But I’m not perfect, nobody is.”
(Preity Zinta)
“CEC has no rules about Twitter. Is there a model code of conduct?”
(S M Krishna, on whether Chief Election Commissioner would have guidelines set for politicians on Twitter)
“Looks like Anil Ambani has decided to sue only me and the website and not the HT. You know now that he believes in freedom of speech!”
(Vir Sanghvi, after being asked to remove an anti-Anil Ambani article published on his website and served with a notice)
“All u folks are a BIG disappointment…Just 1 out of around 2000 followers wished me birthday…Have I gone forgettable?”
(Cyrus Broacha)
The Pink Money
Posted by: communicatingpr on: August 31, 2009
Rohit Sharma
The phenomenal gay ruling has not only opened the gates to a breath in fresh, liberated air for the gay community but also paved way for commercial opportunities for the industries. The change might take a while to perch but the way to cash in on the ruling is beginning to roll. Here’s an article in Hindustan Times that talks about an imminent change in the mindsets, at least that of corporates.
(Left: An ad published in Delhi Times by Manre- Saket and Absolut)
Sena at it, again!
Posted by: communicatingpr on: September 1, 2009
- In: News
- 2 Comments
Rohit Sharma
Mumbai-based publishing company Magna Publication’s office was ransacked yesterday by Shiv Sainiks. One of the oldest publishing houses, which run film glossy Stardust amongst many other subsidiaries, had one of its lifestyle magazine ‘Society’ come out with an article that speculates about Shiv Sena’s future and made some uncharitable remarks for its patriarch, Balasaheb Thackeray. Article contentiously titled “What after Balasaheb” enraged the party members so much that they broke everything in sight and threatened to assault the staff. The editorial team had to lock themselves in a room out of fear and spread the word through Facebook.* The party has previously expressed their displeasure with the media by vandalizing offices of Zee News and Outlook Magazine.
*Pic Courtesy: IBNLive
Forget media rights, it is to wonder how long the Maharashtra Government will plan to keep mum on the increasing attacks on human rights by a sagging party whose might is limited to one city.
Looking forward to reading Society’s article, which might just establish the future.
*Sources.
YouTube introduces Pay per view
Posted by: communicatingpr on: September 8, 2009
- In: Media
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Rohit Sharma
If rumours are to be believed, you’ll soon be able to watch latest movies on
YouTube, with authorisation. YouTube will be releasing films on the site, for a fee, as soon as they are released on DVD, or even before. One of the largest and most favoured video networking websites that offer free video clips to users is in talks with studio biggies of Hollywood like Sony, Lionsgate Entertainment and Warner Bros for establishing a deal, NYTimes report. YouTube already offers some old movies on the website for free.
Analysts are wondering whether Google’s acquisition of the video site some three years ago for US$1.65 billion will pay off in the near future. A Credit Suisse analyst told the world that YouTube was on pace to lose US$470.6 million this year. Google has not yet revealed the account books of its fresh purchase but it is to wonder whether YouTube is actually bringing money to its owner with every video/clip uploaded or not? There are movies being uploaded illegally and copyrights are being violated on the website by the users and YouTube is doing its best to curb this problem. But the task is so tough and time consuming that impediments like lawsuits and losses incurred keep knocking in between.
In America, what might eat YouTube’s business is Hulu.com. Launched by NBC and News Corp., the website has free and full episodes of their popular TV shows and movies. Sony, Disney, ABC are apparently taking stakes in Hulu which might make it more prominent. The hitch is, Hulu, for the time being is, restricting to catering American users and cannot be accessed from anywhere else in the world. YouTube is lacking the veracity of professional videos and depends a lot on amateur form of entertainment. Nor do they go an extra mile to get something exclusive or latest clippings. I wonder how the company will make profit with paid-movies when they’ve come so late and in the midst of strong competition. Would you pay for something that has long been free?
ET in a not so pretty…
Posted by: communicatingpr on: September 14, 2009
- In: Media
- 4 Comments
Rohit Sharma
On Sunday, The Economic Times came out with an exclusive that accuses ICICI Bank of a two year old sale deal of dud loans and that the institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has sought a central bank (RBI) audit. In the article, a spokesperson of ICICI bank along with the ICAI President has been quoted approving the content.
Today, an infuriated ICICI Bank came out with print ads that charge the report of being “baseless and a malicious plant aimed at damaging the Bank’s reputation.” ICICI claims the figures mentioned in the article are inaccurate and denies any involvement or suggestion from ICAI.
ICICI Bank, on a previous occasion, had found itself defending and clarifying through ads when reports had come out of the bank’s surge towards bankruptcy, which created panic amongst customers. This time the bank seems to be serious about the damage done and is planning to take up this matter with the regulatory and law enforcement authorities, as mentioned in the ad.
What’s surprisingly funny is that the ads have come out in both The Times of India and The Economic Times, which broke the story. Is it Bennett Coleman’s attempt to make some money in case they might have to compensate for the damage done? Or will it be the other way around?
You save some, you lose some!
Posted by: communicatingpr on: September 15, 2009
Rohit Sharma & Manish Sharma
The sheer hypocrisy of government drips from the two very different stories (one- definitely planted and another- an expose) that appear in The Times of India. The Gandhi family’s option for financial “austerity” has been in top news since last evening. How the Gandhis are traveling Economy class and saving few thousands have media raving about the “austerity drive” and Shatabdi’s new guest. On the other hand, TOI tells us about a Rs 20 crore worth office built for Doordarshan, which has been lying under the layers of dust for the past two years. The expensive office built to accommodate DD’s staff has been lying vacant due to internal politics and administrational mistakes. That’s not all; DD now requires an additional Rs 174 lakh to fix the equipments, as the warranty period expires. The whole infrastructure set up has been lying unused for two years due to red tapism. Read the report here.
We’ve always maintained that the government needs to hire a better PR, which make sure the “austerity” reports don’t come on the side of goof ups worth millions.
Flying cows
Posted by: communicatingpr on: September 18, 2009
- In: Opinion
- 2 Comments
Rohit Sharma
Shashi Tharoor can sure play with puns. In his terms, I assume, “cattle class” can be defined by the way people are huddled together in the lesser-privileged section of an airline. But with the austerity-drive on by the Congress, distinctions between the two classes seem to be blurring. But unless you’re a politician or a celebrity who’d prefer not to be disturbed, has it ever been worth traveling business class?
Picture courtesy: The Indian Express
Except if you’re flying international, the thought of traveling business class in domestic sectors is preposterous. The food quality and taste is the same in both classes, the crew works the same way, pillows and blankets you get are the same… even washrooms are the same. The only possible differences is probably the leg space (if you’re on the window seat, you’d anyways have to bug the guy next to you to get up), facility to board last and depart first and better passenger coaches. The biggest difference comes in the fares- A Jet Airways one-way, Economy class, refundable ticket to Mumbai would cost you somewhere around Rs 7000, whereas you’ll pay around Rs 14000 for premiere class traveling in a two hour flight, where all you can enjoy is a meal option and a pre-flight drink (read- a choice between juices and aerated drinks). My cabin crew friends in premiere domestic airlines tell me that major cost cutting measures have brought the service levels of Business class to the standards of Economy. The cold and hot towels services, free candy, pre meal drinks and even pillow-blanket combo have been curtailed due to high costs.
Economy fares in most of the airlines are flexible, value-for-money and affordable. But the business class fares have been set absurdly exorbitant. The distinction between both classes comes in only when crew draws the curtains after the seat belt signs go off. If you are willing to pay for some few extra centimeters of leg space, that means recession is not meant for you. At the end of the day, it’s the cattle class laughing all the way to their destination.
What the hic!
Posted by: communicatingpr on: September 22, 2009
Rohit Sharma
The good times are just about to begin. There’ll be enough reason to say cheers to a delayed flight at the airport. A Resto-Bar is set to open by November, located right next to the domestic airport arrivals, 1C. The bar won’t just be open for the passengers but also for people who have no work at the airport. The move is definitely profitable as up till now, only people flying international had the option to consume alcohol at the international airport (IGI) lounge or in the flight. The plan has already woken up the sceptics who are concerned about the threat to security which may occur due to inebriated passengers. I don’t think there should be security concerns at all because a highly smashed passenger is easy to be spotted, goes through security checks and the airport staff as well as cabin crew are well equipped and trained to handle them. Why there should be concerns at all in the first place is surprising as international airport has been serving alcohol for years. In fact, even the domestic airlines have been pressurizing the government for a long time to allow them to serve alcohol in domestic sectors. Till a few years back, the law permitted drinks on domestic flights- Damania Airways and East West used to serve alcohol on board. Today, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines and Air India are amongst a few which have the liquor license to serve alcohol in their international routes.
Pic courtesy: Sauza
The bad news is that the pricing of alcohol at this bar will be so high, which only selected customers will be able to afford. The prices for items like a sandwich or even a meager tea, are so high already at the airports, I wonder how expensive a bottle of beer would be?
*Based on the news report that appeared in TOI.
Diwali Sale!
Posted by: communicatingpr on: September 25, 2009
- In: Media
- Leave a Comment
Bachi Karkaria endorsing Dairy Milk chocolate. Source: The Times of India
Freeway, Nonstop
Posted by: communicatingpr on: October 9, 2009
- In: News
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Moving beyond the usual hullabaloo a PR firm creates at a product launch, MTS a new telecom operator has found a novel way to make its presence felt in the market. To mark the launch of its services in Noida and Delhi, MTS has provided free access to all the vehicles on the Delhi-Noida DND Flyway today! Vehicles will not be charged any money on the toll gates of Noida and Gurgaon expressways between 9-11am and 5-8pm on Friday.
Howzzat?
Posted by: communicatingpr on: October 12, 2009
- In: News
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Rohit Sharma
- Picture courtesy: longhop.net
The refurbished look of HT is working for me. The headlines look catchy, the design is different from others and the content (at least of the main paper) definitely scores over its sharpest of competitors. The best section I’d say is the Editorial- they’re juicy, fun and not indulging in analyzing everything mundane and monotonous, everyday (Read these two).
But keeping the flow going each day can be tough. Today, HT commits a front page gaffe. The first report on Diwali traffic jams speak how commuting is becoming knotty for Delhiites. One of the reasons, they say, is the T20 cricket attracting crowds. But another report, right below, speaks about the empty stands at Ferozeshah Kotla grounds with barely few coming to watch matches! One glitch… we can give it to them, right?
New-Age Fashionistas
Posted by: communicatingpr on: October 13, 2009
- In: Media
- 10 Comments
Emanuel L Joute
One of the most significant trends at international fashion shows this year, mind you, is not the clothes, the cuts or the style, but having fashion bloggers on front row seats. Chanel, LV, Marc Jacobs, D&G, you name it… major design houses are now embracing fashion bloggers as legit as any press or buyers. The dream of many a self-styled fashion aficionado, influential fashion bloggers are being wooed by fashion houses with all-expenses paid trips to big shows, backstage access, a chance to review clothes/accessories before being showcased and, sometimes, making them brand ambassadors. While some bloggers have landed on magazine covers, some have even attained semi-celeb status.
Having a dream run among this pack is 22-year-old Bryan Boy from Manila, known for his “witty and often bitchy commentary”, who is said to have made a “place in the fashion history” after sitting on the same row as some of the fashion industry’s heavyweights and other fellow bloggers at the D&G Spring/Summer 2010 show. On his experience at the show, he wrote, “I was so nervous throughout the entire show I even dropped my cellphone to the floor!” He was recently invited for the LV womenswear show at the Louvre in Paris, not to mention a Marc Jacobs BB ostrich bag named after him.
Source: www.bryanboy.com
Also famous: Susanna Lau, the creator of Style Bubble, is a permanent fixture on the front-row seats at Chanel shows. On her blog, she says she is “not a fashion expert/insider — merely a fashion lover/consumer — everything here is super personal and thus supremely self-indulgent”. While 13-year-old blogger Tavi was featured on the cover of Pop magazine, another blogger Alix Bancourt of Cherry Blossom Girl was named the ambassador for Chanel’s new line of bags Coco Cocoon.
Hard to give this new breed of bloggers a miss, the Telegraph has come up with the top 20 fashion blogs.While international fashion houses have finally recognised the importance of communication through the Internet, especially social media. However, the scene in India is dismal. Why only blogs, there is hardly any fashion journalist worth mentioning. But then, why blame them? The fashion industry itself is still to get its acts together for putting up shows that are worth writing about.
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