The Hindu Business Line : More on ABCI

A packed Crystal Room hinted at the growing importance of below-the-line activities (those were predominantly the categories that were judged) or just pointed at the growing hunger to win awards.

The function which threatened to start at 6.30 p.m. finally began at 7.20 p.m. Why can't these marketing and advertising types ever start their events on time?

The awards itself were, let's say, generous. Certificates of merit and commendation were given by the armful. M. V. Kamath, Chairman, Prasar Bharati was the chief guest and he presented the final set of awards that were not for pieces of work, but to "self-made" achievers. K. S. Neelakandan, the PR veteran, received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Special awards for excellence were presented to C. R. L. Narasimhan, Business Editor of The Hindu, H. N. Sinor, Chief Executive of the Indian Banks Association, N. G. Kannan, Director (Marketing) of Indian Oil Corporation, and Ramesh Narayan of Canco Advertising.

Some interesting fusion music and dance was thrown in as entertainment; but guys, please refrain from any entertainment after the final awards are presented. It really tests the politeness and patience of the audience. And one more thing. Announce the names of the jury. Remember, any award is only as good as the people who judge it.

NDTV party

For some people who came for the ABCI awards, the party was far from over. NDTV CEO Raj Nayak was having his annual bash at the newly opened Rampart Row and he was doing it in style. Two rows of photographers lined the entrance to the party (one suspects they were hired to pop flash bulbs for pure effect) and everyone entering felt she would be on Page 3 of every supplement and tabloid the next day. The party was spread over two floors and the popular Raj had rustled up quite a large crowd.

One must say the size of his year-end parties seems to be growing exponentially. One recalls last year's party at his Juhu residence. This year it had grown into a monster of a celebration. With Guha out of the Bombay Times, maybe next year, Raj Nayak will take over the mantle of mega party-giver.

But then, as the CEO of Zee, Guha might still indulge his passion for huge parties.

Guha at Zee

Pradeep Guha will move into his new office in Central Mumbai on January 14, 2005. Incidentally, the new CEO has total operational control of the Zee bouquet of channels except Zee News. Subhash Chandra's brother has retained control of this politically sensitive portfolio and will continue to run it from Delhi. With Guha's penchant for news, who knows, maybe he will lead Zee into something "newsy" from Mumbai. Zee and print? Well, stranger things have happened.

NRS 2004-2005

The advertising industry would have us believe that after the census, the National Readership Survey (NRS) is the biggest market research operation attempted in India (just kidding). On a serious note, the NRS has, in fact, dramatically increased its sample size, gone in for a more in-depth study and one hears they have added on several new features that will help planners and advertisers make good purchase decisions. We will give you more details as work continues on what is known in industry circles as the Gold Standard among readership surveys. As of now, one is told that work is on in full swing.

Victoria

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