The Hindu Business Line : HLL back on Star; in talks with DD

IT'S a relationship neither can do without. Though both Star India and Doordarshan (DD) may have yanked off Hindustan Lever Ltd (HLL) - the country's largest advertiser - from their channels, the FMCG major is set to make a comeback shortly.

While there was a disagreement between Star and HLL on the issue of hike in advertising rates, in the case of DD, HLL refused to fork out the eight per cent service tax.

However, recently, Star India has reached an agreement with HLL while Prasar Bharati officials have also held discussions with the company.

A Star official said, "HLL has been off Star since August. But now we are in the process of finalising our contract with it and will start airing the ads in the next few days."

When contacted, the HLL spokesperson refused to comment. But media planners said that the average cost of a 10-second spot on Star Plus during prime time is about Rs 3 lakh.

And going by the DD contract, HLL would have to fork out the service tax component. Officials at DD said that after HLL lost sponsorship rights to the triangular series between India, Australia and New Zealand, it has been trying to buy spots during the series.

"Since we have the right to show the matches live, there have been talks with HLL. But all our inventory is sold and we could not offer them any," a Prasar Bharati official said.

Meanwhile, HLL is present on some of the sponsored shows on DD as these are marketed by separate marketing agencies appointed by the programme producer.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication

Stories in this Section
Honda Siel readies desi version of Fit

Leyland H1 sales up 29%

After 20 years, India may export groundnut oil

SC upholds tax exemption to Mauritius-based entities

SC verdict `double-edged sword', say experts

HLL back on Star; in talks with DD