MAM
US ad agencies, MSOs explore possibilities in addressable advertising
NEW YORK: In the US, four major ad agencies and at least one automaker are exploring the possibilities of addressable advertising. They have been mandated by major clients and different constituents of the cable trade.
A US based firm has launched a new technology for multi-system operators (MSOs) with an intention of wooing them with the digital-into-digital insertion technology. SeaChange International Inc. is already entrenched in the digital ad-insertion market and believes that future forms of advertising — like addressable, interactive and video-on-demand spots — will become significant revenue streams for cable operators.
According to a release, the ability to insert ads digitally into digital-tier streams — a.k.a. Digital Program Insertion or, as SeaChange dubs, it “Transport Streams Insertion” (TSI) — was scheduled to be a main topic at the Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau’s Sales Conference in Chicago on Sunday, 18 May 2003.
The company has claimed that MSOs and cable operators in 20 top US markets have deployed that equipment, including Adlink in Los Angeles. SeaChange will promote the availability of “smaller, lighter, cheaper” digital-streams technology.
SeaChange vice president and general manager of broadband systems James Kelso was quoted as saying that the vendor will also talk up its Digital Transcoder software for third-quarter availability, although it’s already being used by Time Warner Cable in Houston and San Antonio, Texas.
That software, an enhancement of the company’s existing analog-insertion platforms, allows operators to reformat commercials, programs and movies for digital channels, as well as for VOD and HDTV. Several MSOs continue to experiment with addressable, ITV and VOD advertising, as well as with digital-streams insertion.
MAM
PwC India announces leadership change in Deals practice
Shashank Jain steps down as co-leader after nearly three decades with the firm.
MUMBAI: When one dealmaker steps off the pitch, another is ready to take the baton because in the fast-moving world of transactions, the game never really stops. PwC India has announced a leadership transition in its Deals practice, with Shashank Jain stepping down from his role as co-leader to pursue an opportunity in the industry. The practice will continue to be led by Mohit Chopra, ensuring continuity and sustained growth momentum.
PwC India partner and leader for advisory dinesh Arora paid tribute to Jain’s contributions. “We deeply appreciate the significant contributions made by Shashank over close to three decades he has spent with PwC, particularly his defining role in shaping and strengthening our Transaction Services practice in India,” he said. Arora highlighted Jain’s support for clients through some of the most complex and significant transactions in the Indian market, noting his deep technical expertise, sound judgment and nuanced understanding of the evolving M&A landscape.
The Deals practice remains a key growth driver for PwC India, and the firm expects continued expansion under Mohit Chopra’s leadership. He will continue to guide clients through complex transactions and transformational business moments, building on the strong foundation established over the years.
Reflecting on his journey, Shashank Jain said, “I have had an exceptional journey at PwC. I owe my growth and learning to the nurturing environment and leadership development that PwC provided.” He added that he had been working closely with Mohit and the larger team to ensure a smooth transition and expressed confidence that Chopra would take the Deals practice to newer heights.
From intern to respected deals leader, Shashank Jain has clearly closed many successful transactions and now, it seems, he’s ready to strike a new deal of his own.
