MAM
Guardian signs a search deal with InfoSpace
MUMBAI: The Guardian Media Group (GMG) in the UK has signed a search deal – across 36 of its regional newspaper sites – with Web and mobile search company InfoSpace.
The agreement, which includes sites such as Manchester Evening News and the Surrey Advertiser will allow GMG Regional Newspapers’ website users to query all of the major search engines in one click via InfoSpace’s unique metasearch technology. Additionally, InfoSpace will provide a range of associated search applications including contextual advertising and the company’s media toolbar.
InfoSpace Europe, VP web search Dominic Trigg explains, “With InfoSpace, GMG Regional Newspapers can offer its audience the best results from the most popular search engines – Ask, Google, MSN, Yahoo! and more – all in one place. The service is private-labelled and therefore enhances the newspapers’ own look and feel. In addition they will receive a search product with an excellent track record of customer support and reliability.”
GMG Regional Newspapers COO David Benjamin says, “We were looking for a provider that could deliver top-of-the-range search solutions with solid support to match. InfoSpace’s metasearch technology creates a platform for us to generate more relevant search results for our audience, whilst driving greater revenues across all of our sites. Furthermore, the InfoSpace team has added outstanding value through its creative approach and understanding of our audience and internal objectives”.
MAM
McDonald’s India NE names Sara Arjun brand ambassador
Actor returns for nostalgic Buddy Meal campaign at Rs 119 for two.
MUMBAI: Sara Arjun just came home to McDonald’s because some love stories start with a childhood ad and end with sharing fries as grown-ups. McDonald’s India – North and East has appointed actor Sara Arjun as its brand ambassador, bringing her back to the brand that first captured her on screen as a child. The collaboration launches with a playful TVC introducing the Buddy Meal, a value offering priced at Rs 119 for two burgers (McAloo Tikki or Veg Surprise), two Cokes and one medium fries.
The film recreates the classic “girlfriend-boyfriend” banter from her original McDonald’s ad, with Sara joking about today’s “demanding” relationships before her buddy admits he just wants a simple McAloo Tikki. The voiceover lands the punch: “Shukar hai McDonald’s Buddy Meal for 2 hai… starts at just Rs 119,” closing on the tagline “Khao Meal, Baat Karo”, a celebration of uncomplicated joy and shared moments.
MMG Group and CPRL vice chairman Anant Agarwal said, “Sara’s return to McDonald’s is a wonderful reminder of the deep emotional connections many customers have grown up with. With the Buddy Meal, we are celebrating friendship, nostalgia and the simple joy of sharing a McDonald’s meal together at great value.”
Sara Arjun added, “McDonald’s has been a special part of my journey since childhood. Returning to the brand for this campaign feels incredibly nostalgic. The Buddy Meal captures the simple joy of sharing food and laughter with friends.”
Available for a limited period across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India via dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, the McDonald’s App and leading delivery platforms, the Buddy Meal taps into the brand’s legacy of creating relatable, feel-good moments.
In a fast-food world chasing trends, McDonald’s brings back a familiar face and a simple truth: sometimes the best dates don’t need grand gestures just good burgers, cold drinks and great company at a price that leaves everyone smiling.
