Global media agency names Indian as TV wing head
Sunday, 16 March 2008, 19:30 IST
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Dubai: Mediaedge:cia (MEC), a leading multinational media buying and selling agency, has appointed an Indian, Bhaskar Khaund, as head of its newly launched television division for the Middle East. "The TV landscape in the Middle East is evolving at a very fast pace. My top priority is for MEC to be at the leading edge of this TV evolution," Khaund told IANS. As head of the new TV division, Khaund will be responsible for all the TV operations of the agency in the Middle East as well as the various TV strategists and planners within the team. "This includes a greater emphasis on plans grounded in both research and creativity, on buying accountability and on becoming dynamic and knowledgeable TV experts for our clients," he said. In an official statement, MEC Middle East's international business and development director Yves-Michel Gabay said, "There are more than 300 TV channels currently available in the region, and as more and more TV channels enter the market, it becomes very difficult to retain expert knowledge of all the different media sources available in the market. "Our TV media strategists will work closely with our media buyers, utilizing their specialized expertise to advise which media are more relevant and effective. They will also help renegotiate better efficiencies with media owners in the future," he said. Khaund said his team would aim at improving each stage of a process, starting with a clear understanding of the communication brief. "This process also involves accurate target prioritization, optimized media selections and a move towards buying scientifically benchmarked GRP (gross rating points) goals rather than merely airtime," said Khaund. The new team would also support the regional offices in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in terms of sharing expertise and knowledge, according to the company statement. Born in Shillong, Meghalaya, Khaund did his schooling in his hometown followed by New Delhi. After graduating from the Hindu College in New Delhi, he did his post-graduation from the Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA). He joined MEC Middle East in 2002.
Source: IANS
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