#SupportEachOther - Prcai...2020/06/24  · Dhanam business magazine has discontinued print version. It is available online • Times of India has shut all editions in Kerala except

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for PUBLIC RELATIONS & CORPORATE COMMUNCIATIONS Professionals

18th June 2020

(Compiled by PRCAI based on information collected from various news reports available online and dipstick

done by PRCAI members firms like MSL Group, PR Pundit, The PRactice, Kaizzen and crowdsourced data

from KPMG, ICRA, BARC, Public Relations (PR) groups like IPRF, OneSource, Media Insights, ICG, The

Commune, Media Connect, Media Movements, PR Warriors, PR Exchange and other groups)

Public Relations Consultants Association of India

#SupportEachOther

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India’s dynamic news media industry — among the few thriving in the world — with its crores of

readers and viewers has been hit hard by the unprecedented economic standstill brought on by the

Covid-19 pandemic. Dwindling advertisements and disruption in circulation of newspapers and

magazines have forced media houses to resort to pay cuts and layoffs, reduce number of pages, and

shut down some of their print editions and go fully digital.

The newspaper industry is the worst hit as it is reeling under the impact of circulation and advertising

- both dropping severely during the lockdown. The only silver lining for the media industry has been

the viewership figures for news TV — even so, not entirely. For although viewership has seen an

exponential rise, according to a BARC-Nielsen report, it has not resulted in a rise in advertisements.

(Source: The Print https://bit.ly/2N80CTb )

Courtesy :KPMG Source: KPMG https://bit.ly/3d6OQTK

KPMG prepared a report on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on various segments of the M&E

sector in India, while identifying emerging business imperatives in the post crisis era. Refer report:

https://bit.ly/2YPTUH7

According to the report, the COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way we consume media and

entertainment (M&E). With people confined to their homes, our social lives have moved online and

entertainment consumption has risen notably on television and over-the-top (OTT) channels. On the

other hand, movie theatres, theme parks, museums, and other external consumption models are

suffering.

The pandemic has triggered layoffs in certain M&E segments such as print and television media as

advertisers scale back spending. As monetisation, particularly ad-spend, comes under pressure, cash

management and profit protection with greater technology integration are likely to gain strategic

significance for M&E companies.

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NATIONAL MEDIA UPDATE DURING COVID-19

TARGET CITIES:

Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore & Hyderabad

MEDIA REFERENCE:

Business, English and regional language publications

NEWS REPORTING

• Business & English media has begun covering news beyond COVID-19 – Post Covid

recovery, corporate announcement, new launches, etc.

• Regional media has started covering key business announcements

• Mumbai editions of Loksatta, Punya Nagari, Navshakti and Navbharat Times restarted the

business news sections

CIRCULATION

• Door-to-door newspaper delivery is still an issue in Maharashtra, but the print copies are

available on stands

• Economic Times Brand Equity has reduced its pages and appears as a single page now

• Maharashtra Times has shut three key editions - Kolhapur, Jalgaon and Ahmednagar.

• Sakal Times, Pune, has shut its operations

• Lokmat and Sakal, Pune editions, have started publishing city supplements separately

• Dainik Bhaskar has merged the local news pages of Gurgaon and Faridabad with its Delhi

edition

• Amar Ujala’s Gurgaon and Faridabad edition have merged

• ABP Group has shut down its Infocomm department and is most likely to close the iconic

Bengali magazines - Sananda and Desh. Henceforth, only digital copies will be available

• Malayalam business daily Future Kerala has stopped its print edition and has gone online

Dhanam business magazine has discontinued print version. It is available online

• Times of India has shut all editions in Kerala except for TRV and Kochi

MEDIA SUBSCRIPTION

• Times Group has stopped free access to e-paper, w.e.f May 16, 2020

• IE and New Indian Express have stopped free access to e-paper from June 1

• Dinamani, a Tamil daily, is now behind a paywall; free access to e-paper has stopped

• Outlook Business’ online edition is now paid

• Magzter has stopped providing access to Mint, The Hindu, Hindu Business Line and Outlook

Business

• Meri Saheli, Majhi Saheli, Lokprabha, and Chithralekha magazines are available in e-format

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MEDIA WEBINARS

• E4M group has started #E4MWebinar and Conclave series covering various topics from trends

in marketing, digital, technology, innovation, data analytics, influencer marketing and other

topics https://bit.ly/3eFFnEj

• 'BusinessLine Knowledge Series' webinar is conducted every week

• Mint has started Virtual events – Mint India to Global Deep Tech Innovation Conclave

• ETBrandEquity.com Virtual Series is now giving brands an opportunity to provide perspectives

on digital and marketing. ET Now has launched a special webinar series, eForum, Leaders of

Tomorrow (LOT) Season 8, to accelerate SMEs, MSMEs and start-ups to tide through these

unprecedented times

• Loksatta Live Webinar invites renowned personalities individually or for a panel discussion

from various industries – entertainment, sports, politics, doctors, government authorities

• After the e-Conclave Corona series that featured epidemiologists, virologists, doctors,

economists, industrialists & thought leaders, India Today Group has started the e-

Conclave Inspiration series with sporting legends and film personalities

Lifestyle Media and Influencer insights

With increased consumption of digital content, magazines are strengthening their websites and social

media platforms (primarily IG) more than ever before. The titles are running digital campaigns and

engagements on social media platforms.

Most publications will do stories on sustainability and responsible lifestyle.

• Vogue

o After two months, print title is out this month in June

o The editorial team is working actively on their July and August print issues

o A separate section is being introduced in the magazine for homegrown brands, which will

also be an online highlight

o Vogue will continue its Vogue Warriors series, applauding the bravery of women behind

the scenes and on the frontline

• ELLE

o With two back-to-back digital issues in April and May, the next digital issue seems tentative

in the light of current circumstances. While the primary focus has been on sustainability

(even in their digital issues), the social media handles have been conducting various live

sessions with experts across industries

o In June, Elle India introduced #MissionHope an initiative to spread the message of

optimism and perseverance. The series kicked off with a partnership with Hothur

Foundation that actively works with acid attack survivors, under-privileged women &

physically abused victims - some brave women sharing their message of hope

o The focus is on co-branded and sponsored content on digital and social platforms

o Print issue may be expected in September

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• Cosmopolitan

o June digital issue cover was a collaboration with a brand

o Print issues are on hold until further notice

o On social media and on its online platform, the publication is engaging readers with

exclusive content across fashion, lifestyle, wellness and even opinionated videos covering

discerning topics, while also sharing a selection of local brands under #CosmoShopsLocal

series curated by the editor

• Grazia

o The June digital issue has been released. July will be the first print issue

o Digital initiatives continue with #AtHomewithGrazia with a focus on DIY – fashion, beauty,

food & home

• Femina

o New editor on board – Ruchika Mehta, who also leads the Hello magazine

o Focus on digital issues only

o Online focus on beauty and fashion trends stories

• Harper’s BAZAAR

o With print issues on hold, they came out with a combined April-May digital issue. The same

is expected for the course of June-July.

o They have introduced new initiatives on their social media handle: Project Runway – a

digital showcase of the latest designer collections to highlight the best local design talent

o Bazaar at Work Live has the editor in conversation with creative thinkers and business

professionals.

• Hello! India

o Stopped print edition. Is now online

• GQ

o The first print issue post-lockdown is being released in June. Primarily targeting the

subscriber base and airports for distribution

o Focus on young brands, sustainability, environment and local

o All the calendared events will be seen in a new virtual format

• The Man & MW

o Digital focussed features and stories are being pursued

o Print issues are expected July onwards only for both the magazines

• CNT

o No print issues for now

o The editorial stories are focussed for the website and digital platforms

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• India Today Spice + Robb Report

o Currently both magazines will not have a print issue. All journalists are contributing to the

India Today website.

• Architectural Digest

o The first print issue to be out in July for which the magazine is putting together décor and

fashion lifestyle shoots in Mumbai.

o Instagram handle is active and they are featuring selective interactive content with artists

and celebrities.

Dailies

• Lifestyle supplements and fashion-related content has reduced with few stories on trends/fashion/

accessories – ET Panache is a page in ET; Times Life is a page in Times of India.

• HT Brunch continues to bring out weekly editions, using a combination of previously banked

features and remotely sourced content.

Influencer outreach

• Branded/sponsored content has begun to make a comeback and FOC content is being ruled out

by many as businesses are opening up.

• Instagram Live and Zoom sessions are being increasingly considered.

• Many influencers are also helping small brands, start-ups, new designers as part of the ‘Made in

India’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative.

• Influencers & media have started accepting seeding/products at home with a focus on eco-friendly

packaging with necessary measures.

(Disclaimer: Since the situation is dynamic, some information may be dated and would have changed)

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Media Updates*

1. India Today group has announced closure of some publications, editorial and business

initiatives. They will also reduce staff strength and salary reduction across the board

with senior members taking the biggest cuts. https://bit.ly/3e6X7IB

2. Outlook Group is gearing up to resume the print editions of five magazines from July 1

after they were discontinued from April for three months during the lockdown. Outlook

Group publishes weekly magazines Outlook English and Hindi, fortnightly magazine

Outlook Business and monthly magazines Outlook Money and Outlook Traveller.

https://bit.ly/3dcXYGe

3. Sakal Times, the Pune-based English newspaper from Sakal Papers, has shut

operations from May 27, 2020. The media house is shutting its Goa-based English

newspaper Gomantak Times from June 1, 2020. Both newspapers had one edition

each, as the other editions were gradually closed in the past couple of years. The media

company is completely wiping off the two titles, and as of now there are no plans to

continue with their respective digital. https://bit.ly/3fxwaOp

4. HT Media, the publisher of Hindustan Times, Mint and Hindustan, has laid off over 100 staff

in order to optimise its expenses after the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown severely hit

its print businesses https://bit.ly/2URXkrF

5. The Times Group announced salary restructuring for its employees in view of the coronavirus

outbreak. https://bit.ly/2N9Qs4B

6. The Indian Express has asked its employees to take a “temporary salary cut” after the

nationwide lockdown due to the novel coronavirus pandemic affected the paper’s circulation

and sales. https://bit.ly/2zGKipv

7. Kolkata-based English daily the Telegraph has shut its operations in Jharkhand and the

Northeast and consequently laid off more than 35 staffers. The decision has affected the

paper’s Guwahati bureau in Assam, and the Jamshedpur and Ranchi bureaus in Jharkhand.

Dozens of freelancers and contributors associated with The Telegraph in the two regions have

also been affected. https://bit.ly/30MW1ho

8. The142-year-old Hindu Group is reported to have restructuted its team in Mumbai by reducing

headcounts after a salary cuts up to 25% in May. The Hindu had stopped printing in Mumbai

during the lockdown, resuming only on June 15. However, the Mumbai bureau’s journalists

still extensively covered the Covid-19 outbreak in the city, the worst-hit in India, for the e-paper

and website. https://bit.ly/37PWOiZ

9. Digital news website The Quint had reduced its team size by asking few employees to go on

an indefinite leave without pay. According a few reports The Quint discontinued its

subscription to news agencies like the Press Trust of India, Indo-Asian News Service,

and Asian News International. https://bit.ly/3hEQ7VC

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10. NDTV announced a salary cut of between 10 and 40 percent, based on income slabs, for all

employees earning more than Rs 50,000 a month. The salary cut is effective April 1 for a

period of three months. https://bit.ly/2YMFxDc

11. News Nation has laid off its entire English digital team of 15 https://bit.ly/2Ca3QTU

12. TV Today Network’s Hindi news channel announced the discontinuation of Hindi news channel

- Delhi Aaj Tak / Dilli Aaj Tak by 30 June. https://bit.ly/37BY60S

13. Firstpost has shut its Business Desk Fortune India on three-month furlough. No editions till

September. https://bit.ly/3d6HrUh

14. Dainik Bhaskar has temporarily closed their four-page pullout, Gurgaon and Faridabad news

has been merged in the Delhi edition

15. Amar Ujala Gurgaon and Faridabad edition have been merged

16. The Economic Times - Hindi and Sandhya Times have stopped publishing their Delhi editions

Globally:

American websites Buzzfeed, Vox, Quartz and Vice have together furloughed and fired more than

400 employees in the last 30 days. Ninety employees at the London-based The Economist were

handed pink slips last week. Condé Nast, the group that publishes magazines like Wired, GQ, Vanity

Fair and the New Yorker, laid off about 100 staffers and furloughed another 100. Dozens of

newspapers in the US have also announced pay cuts and layoffs.

Disclaimer: Since the situation is dynamic, some information may be dated and would have changed

The Covid-19 outbreak has impacted the domestic Media and Entertainment industry, comprising

film production and exhibition, print media and television (TV) broadcasting segments, besides

distribution platform operators (DPOs) and over-the-top (OTT) Platforms.

Rating firm ICRA has a negative credit outlook for the film production and exhibition, print media and

TV broadcasting segments of the Indian Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry. Besides the direct

impact by way of lost sales due to the shutdown of cinemas given the adverse impact on the overall

economy, sharp reduction in advertisement spends has been observed in April and May, and this

downturn is expected to continue over for a short while. This will dampen revenues and profit margins

of the different segments of the Indian M&E industry in FY2021.

For the print media segment, circulation revenues were adversely impacted by 40% on YoY basis in

April 2020, amid distribution challenges due to the ongoing lockdown restrictions. Furthermore,

advertisement revenues, which were already under pressure during FY2020 amid subdued economic

conditions, declined by 60-70% YoY in April 2020. Advertisement revenues have also been adversely

impacted for the TV broadcasting segment in April 2020. While news and movies genre are on the

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lower end of the spectrum, with an average decline of 25-30% in advertisement revenues (vis-a-vis

average monthly revenues), general entertainment channels (GECs) and sports channels have

witnessed a sharp 55-60% reduction in advertisement revenues in April 2020. This is in turn explained

by the absence of fresh content (given the shutdown and travelling restrictions) and deferment of high

viewership driving sports events. Subscription revenues, comprising 30% of the total revenues of TV

broadcasters, are holding steady as consumers have increased their TV viewing (led by movies and

news genre) during the lockdown. Source: Punekar News https://bit.ly/30VGpIn

Media companies started at a major cash crunch as many advertising categories either stopped or

deferred their campaigns. As per various industry estimates, DAVP owes between ₹1,500 and ₹1,800

crore to various media companies. A large chunk of this – ₹800-900 crore – is owed to the print

industry alone. Industry experts feel there is a severe need for liquidity at this moment and cash

recovery from government would be a big help.

At a time when advertising revenues for media houses have taken a beating because of the Covid-

19 pandemic, most media houses – print, electronic, and online - have announced drastic measures

to optimise cost such reduction of staff strength and closure of some editions /publications. Almost all

the departments in the media industry have experienced staff- and operations-related changes.

On April 16, three journalists' associations joined hands to file a public interest litigation in the

Supreme Court of India. The National Alliance of Journalists, the Delhi Union of Journalists, and the

Brihanmumbai Union of Journalists moved the apex court to halt the layoffs, furloughs and pay

cuts in the Indian media.

The PIL was filed as a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution which gives individuals the right

to move the Supreme Court if they feel that their rights have been “unduly deprived”.

Source: News Laundry https://bit.ly/3hFHLNe

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The media landscape has drastically changed since the Covid-19 outbreak. In these tough times,

journalists are also hard pressed to perform their duties under challenging circumstances and may

have limited time to discuss stories in detail with PR professionals. Some of the inputs received

from journalists across newswires and newspapers have indicated tighter deadlines for filing their

stories.

ADVISORY FOR MEDIA ENGAGEMENT

1. Time is important. Like most professionals, journalists are working with limited resources and

we need to respect their time now more. Brief, crisp and to the point is the norm and this

should be adhered to or else you

may miss the plot.

2. Connect with a journalist only if

you have a relevant and critical

information to share. Respect

the journalists time, and the lead

time. Inform and update in case

of delays and avoid “buying”

time if you not sure.

3. When pitching a story, Covid-19

pandemic is the most relevant

topic, but if there is no direct

association with the crisis, do not

try to make one – maintain social

distancing – even in the stories.

Share knowledge but in a

positive way and not be seen

trying to take advantage of this unfortunate situation. Please don’t

force fit your story. Be sensitive towards the reality of the situation

and also about the client’s reputation.

4. Research – Research – Research. As a rule, before

pitching to any journalist do your homework. Research on

the journalist, the publication’s audience, and then only

pitch a story if it’s relevant at that point of time. Ensure that

you have read something they’ve covered and the

sector/beat they’re mainly writing about.

Courtesy: Natasha Loder @natashaloder https://bit.ly/2YOmZ5u s://bit.ly/2YOmZ5u

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5. Check journalist’s social media profiles (if available) on the topical issue they are engaged in,

before you pitch a story. Respect the journalists’ time and personal space. Remember access

to email ids and phone numbers doesn’t give one the right to pitch stories or share information.

Please research and find out the status of the

publication and employment of the journalist

before the call/email.

6. Information and timing are critical so have

important facts and figures ready to answer the

journalist queries. Be brief and to the point and

ensure every interaction adds value to the

journalist’s story or research.

7. Now with partial “unlock” the media is keen to

know what corporates / brands are doing

innovatively for their employees and

end-customers, to ensure continuity of

operations. While pitching a story unrelated to

the current challenges, make sure you have

good reasons and data points for pitching the

story.

8. Personalise your pitch by doing some

research on the journalist and publication. Avoid

writing ‘URGENT’, ‘BREAKING NEWS’, or ‘TIME

SENSITIVE’ in email subject lines.

9. Avoid mass (bcc) mailing to the media list

and mass-forwards (broadcast) on Whatsapp,

SMS. Don’t forget to proofread before you send

emails.

10. Be sensitive to journalist’s privacy and

timings while sending text on WhatsApp or SMS.

Remember, your urgency might not be a priority

for the journalist as they have their own editorial

calendars and timelines to follow.

Courtesy: Team Media Update https://bit.ly/2BfWTAv

Courtesy: Team Media Update https://bit.ly/2BfWTAv

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11. Updating the media database is important but avoid calling up the journalist for her/his details.

Instead search on web & PR Whatsapp groups, check profile on Linkedin, Muckrack, social

media handles, etc.

12. Have patience and understand the meaning of silence. Journalists will reply to only those texts

in which they feel there is some relevant content for them or it is newsworthy for their editorial.

13. With limited mobility, explore video / email interviews with spokespersons/experts as several

journalists are still working from home and have limited time to interact one-on-one.

PitchPerfect: Tips from a journalist who became a PR professional

Courtesy: Jill Downie, a British ex-magazine editor and founder of luxury lifestyle PR agency Aziza Communications and Co-

Founder of The Media Network, based in Dubai .https://bit.ly/3frrnya

14. There is a webinar fatigue and journalists have to attend many corporate web events and also

news breaks from the government which are now mostly online.

15. Remember point number 4 – now and always.

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The PRCAI website has been updated and links to various resources have been provided to help Public Relations & Corporate Communications professionals

www.prcai.org

The Institute of Public Relations has also compiled a list of useful resources for understanding Covid19

https://instituteforpr.org/covid-19-resources-for-pr-professionals/

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Created by: The Practice

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Source: https://iccopr.com/members/stockholm-charter/

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Helsinki Declaration, 10 principles of ethical behavior introduced by

the International Communications Consultancy Organization at the

ICCO Global Summit in Helsinki for Public Relations Professionals.

Mindful of the considerable and increasing influence and importance of public relations, the

International Communications Consultancy Organization has launched the Helsinki Declaration, a set

of principles aimed at uniting the global PR industry under a single banner of ethical behavior.

The principles propose to unite the global PR industry under a single banner of ethical behavior, taking

into account the increasing influence of PR around the world, and the considerable dangers

associated with unethical behavior. The Declaration builds on the framework outlined in the Stockholm

Charter, which was adopted in 2003.

We encourage all the Public Relations professionals to stand by the following 10 principles:

1. To work ethically and in accordance with applicable laws;

2. To observe the highest professional standards in the practice of public relations and

communications;

3. To respect the truth, dealing honestly and transparently with employees, colleagues, clients,

the media, government and the public;

4. To protect the privacy rights of clients, organizations, and individuals by safeguarding

confidential information;

5. To be mindful of their duty to uphold the reputation of the industry;

6. To be forthcoming about sponsors of causes and interests and never engage in misleading

practices such as "astroturfing";

7. To be aware of the power of social media, and use it responsibly;

8. To never engage in the creation of or knowingly circulate fake news;

9. To adhere to their Association's Code of Conduct, be mindful of the Codes of Conduct of other

countries, and show professional respect at all times;

10. To take care that their professional duties are conducted without causing offence on the

grounds of gender, ethnicity, origin, religion, disability or any other form of discrimination

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(Compiled by PRCAI based on the Information collected from various news reports, available online and

dipstick done by PRCAI Members firms like MSL Group, PR Pundit, The PRactice, Kaizzen and crowdsourced

data from KPMG, ICRA, BARC, Public Relations (PR) groups like IPRF, OneSource, Media Insights, ICG, The

Commune, Media Connect, Media Movements, PR Warriors, PR Exchange and other groups)

Public Relations Consultants Association of India

#SupportEachOther