Noorings: So has Reckitt Benckiser decided on a media agency, or called off the pitch?
At least that is the question that just about anyone and everyone who paid any attention to the Reckitt Benckiser media pitch proceedings (and that includes literally the whole industry – India and abroad), has been asking. The most popular answer: “MPG has retained it”. And why was there no announcement? Reply: “Why should there be when there is no change?” Is this the simple end to the most controversial media pitch of recent times?

I was extremely intrigued when a very senior media person posed that question to me at our recent event – exchange4media Radio Advertising Awards on October 7, 2010. Not intrigued with the first part (it comes up literally in every conversation in media circuits today), but the latter part – is the pitch called off? Given all the developments on this pitch, of course it was not called off, or is not called off. Braving the ire of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and the subsequent withdrawal of almost every media agency from the pitch, Reckitt Benckiser had moved forward with its process of reviewing its media partner, and possibly settling on a new one.
What could lead industry professionals to think that the pitch is called off?
Going over some details – the only serious contender for the pitch was ZenithOptimedia and the reason cited for ZO’s participation in the pitch was global relationship. For Reckitt hence, the choice boiled down to ZO and the incumbent MPG.
It appears from all current conversations that Reckitt has decided to stay with the “known devil” of the two. Before some of you pick your mobiles or landlines or type out emails, let me clarify this is not my term. This is pretty much what the conversations on the subject are like. One reason why there is so much speculation on the subject is also because Reckitt has not officially announced anything on this yet, and that has led some to think that Reckitt is still deciding...
But the industry word is that the decision is made. The account stays with MPG and since there is no change in status quo, there is no announcement of any kind on this yet. So, does a situation of status quo mean that for all practical purposes the pitch is called off?
Some people in the industry may hold that view, but I would not. Reckitt proceeded with the pitch, and even if it continues with MPG, there are changes set to happen. If sources are to be believed and Reckitt stays with MPG, there is another big development in the pipeline that involves MPG and another media agency that had given this pitch, despite some of its terms, a very serious consideration (No, I am not talking about Lintas Media Group).
The final phase of the pitch may not be as heated and controversial as its initial phase, but Reckitt is a savvy client. For all the drama that was happening, it would still be working on how it can leverage the situation to its benefit. And at least I am sure Reckitt would have managed it. May be not in the direct terms that it was asking for at the time of the pitch call – in fact, in that, Reckitt has set an example of things that media and advertising industry will not allow clients to do – but definitely in terms of gaining more from its relation with MPG in India.
So, is this the simple end to the most controversial pitch of recent times? For now perhaps... Otherwise, this is an industry of no ends – the show, goes on...
Earlier reports:
Reckitt media pitch update: ZenithOptimedia or the incumbent MPG?
Reckitt Benckiser media pitch update: Who is in, who is not?
Reckitt Benckiser media pitch moves forward despite AAAI diktat
Noorings: Reckitt Benckiser pitch one of the hottest discussions at exchange4media Conclave 2010
Noorings: Reckitt Benckiser’s media pitch should be a wakeup call for the industry
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E4M Our strategy is to target younger audiences through Sports: Rajiv Dubey, Dabur
The Head of Media at Dabur India spoke exclusively to exchange4media on the World Cup, associating with Indian Idol, the company’s digital spending and much more
With quirky campaigns, memes and moment marketing, timed with the ongoing World Cup and particularly the India-Pakistan matches, Dabur India has got considerable consumer attention for its popular brands – Red Paste, Cool King Hair Oil, Chyawanprash, Dabur Vita and the recently launched Bae Fresh Gel toothpaste.
The 140-year-old company is going big on key sporting events, World Television Premiere (WTP) movies and reality shows. It is now gearing up to become the title sponsor of popular talent show ‘Indian Idol’ on Sony TV for the first time, shared Rajiv Dubey, who leads the media strategy at Dabur.
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Swapan Seth's new book 'COOL' is out
The book is a reflection of the author's 'eclectic taste across categories'
Advertising professional and art collector Swapan Seth has announced the launch of his new book COOL. The book is described as "a ready reckoner to the hip and the happening, of the known and the very unknown."
The book is a reflection of the author's "eclectic taste across categories: from boltholes to exotic hideaways."
COOL has been published by Simon & Schuster India and is available on Amazon.
Seth is an ad veteran with a long and illustrious career in the industry. He became the youngest-ever Creative Director at Clarion at age 24. He was VP at 26 at Trikaya Grey. Two years later, he started his agency Equus.
He writes for publications such as The Economic Times, Hindustan Times and India Today. This is his second book and he has previously published THIS IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY.
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Disney Star signs 9 sponsors for Asia Cup PAK
Charged by Thums Up, Nerolac Paint+, Amazon Pay, Jindal Panther, My11Circle, MRF, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, Wild Stone and Thums Up come on board
e4m Staff Disney Star has signed nine broadcast and digital streaming sponsors for the upcoming Asia Cup.
Charged by Thums Up, Nerolac Paint+, Amazon Pay, Jindal Panther, My11Circle, MRF, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, Wild Stone and Thums Up have come on board for the upcoming tournament.
As reported earlier by exchange4media, Disney Star has sought Rs 26 crore for the co-presenting sponsorship on TV and Rs 30 crore for Disney+ Hotstar.
According to industry sources, the associate sponsorship on Star Sports has been priced at Rs 19.66 crore, whereas for the ‘powered by’ sponsorship on Disney+ Hotstar, the broadcaster is seeking Rs 18 crore.
As per the information available with exchange4media, Disney+ Hotstar has three sponsorship tiers-- co-presenting (Rs 30 crore), powered by (Rs 18 crore) and associate sponsorship (Rs 12 crore). The broadcaster is offering an estimated reach of 120-140 million for co-presenting sponsors, 90-100 million for powered by and 60-70 million for associate sponsorship.
A spot buy for 10 seconds has been priced at Rs 25 lakh for the India vs Pakistan matches, while for the non-India matches, the ad rate for 10 second is Rs 2.3 lakh. The India matches plus the final for ODIs has been priced at Rs 17 lakh per 10 seconds.
Asia Cup is scheduled to be held from 30 August, 2023, to September 17, 2023.
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Sorted 360 wins creative & social media mandate of Reliance Mall
The agency will manage offline and online campaigns for Reliance Mall
Sorted 360, an integrated creative and social media agency, has won the mandate to providing brand solutions for Reliance Malls across India.
“Sorted 360 is set to enhance Reliance Malls' market presence with their unparalleled creative prowess and strategic thinking,” read a press release.
“Sorted 360's commitment to pushing the boundaries of creative communication aligns perfectly with Reliance Malls' ethos. With a pan-India presence spanning across 19 cities and growing, Reliance Malls has consistently captivated customers by offering an array of Reliance brands and third-party fashion & lifestyle brands. The mall has established an unparalleled connection with its patrons through superior quality, a remarkable value proposition, and an unmatched shopping experience,” it read further.
"We are thrilled to welcome Sorted 360 as our trusted partner in advancing our brand presence across the nation," said the Head of Marketing at Relaice Malls. "Their proven expertise in retail, shopping center management, and innovative creative strategies make them the perfect fit for our vision."
"Partnering with Reliance Malls is a testament to our commitment to shaping extraordinary brand experiences," remarked Prerana Anatharam, Co-founder of Sorted 360. "We are excited to leverage our strategic and creative acumen to further elevate Reliance Malls as the epitome of convenience, choice, and excellence."
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KlugKlug onboards Hemang Mehta as Country Manager for Indias
Mehta was most recently Head of Agency Relationships at Network 18 Media & Investments
KlugKlug has appointed Hemang Mehta as its Country Manager for India.
Mehta will play a pivotal role in driving KlugKlug's growth and expansion within the Indian market and be responsible for Sales & GTM Strategy
Prior to that, he has also represented organisations like Exponential (now VDX.tv), India Today Digital and Rediff.com. His expertise spans various domains including digital media sales, mobile marketing, media planning, and buying, social media marketing, and more.
Hemang Mehta expressed his enthusiasm about joining KlugKlug, saying, "I am thrilled to be a part of KlugKlug, a forward-thinking platform that is reshaping the influencer marketing landscape. As much as I look forward to collaborating with the exuberant team at KlugKlug, I am super excited to interact with the brands to deliver powerful data-backed Influencer solutions that will guarantee business outcomes."
Commenting on the appointment, Kalyan Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of KlugKlug, stated, "We are excited to welcome Hemang Mehta to our team as the Country Manager for India. His extensive experience in digital media sales and marketing will be instrumental in driving our efforts to provide influencer marketing solutions to our clients. We believe Hemang's leadership will be key in scaling our operations and expanding our reach within the Indian market."
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