Starting with front-page press ad, this multi award-winning campaign went on to stir a nation-wide movement, re-engaging citizens to actively shape democracy in the 2009 General Election.
After 60 years of independence, indifference in the political process had become rife. National newspaper, Times of India (TOI), sought to inspire the disenchanted middle-class youth through an integrated campaign that not only educated citizens about their rights, but made them feel capable of shaping India’s democratic future. And it all started with a single front page press ad.
The campaign had to act as a catalyst to get indifferent youths participating in India’s political life. This would be achieved by getting the people to choose a political leader from among them to run in the 2009 General Elections.
TOI launched a long-running integrated campaign, involving press, TVCs, outdoor, online, mobile, and a reality television show, which worked over three phases.
The first step of the campaign was to generate awareness across a wide population base that included eight of India’s major cities. India Poised commenced January, 2007 with a series of press ads and TVCs. The thought-provoking advertisements highlighted India’s present situation, educating younger voters of social and political inadequacies and to challenge them to become proactively involved in shaping India’s future.
Lead India, the second phase of the campaign comprising of strong Call to Action, rolled out on Independence Day, August 2007. Another wave of press ads titled 'Do' asked people what they would accomplish if they were the leaders of the country. Those who wanted the opportunity to represent the people by becoming national leaders were asked to complete an online application form.
Sixty-four candidates were short-listed, put through a laborious selection process until eight finalists were chosen. This led to the final phase of the campaign; a 10 week reality TV show where the public assessed the final candidates so they could unite behind a winner.
Celebrities aligned themselves to the campaign, garnishing wider popular interest and appeal for the cause. Campaign momentum was also generated through strong social buzz in the form of social networking, YouTube and blogging.
Download the press ads below.
Learn more about newspaper ads has led to social media marketing with our study, How newspapers trigger viral marketing pandemics.
Sources
Times of India: Times of India's 'Lead India' campaign a success
Case studies and Management Resource: Times of India's 'Lead India' Campaign
afaqs!: TOI’s Lead India campaign to launch TVC for final phase
Times of India: Now, Lead India wins Integrated Lion at Cannes
NaAtMaD: JWT Congratulates Times of India for INMA Newspaper Marketing Honors
Live Mint & The Wall Street Journal: JWT wins Grand Prix for Lead India campaign
Ads of the World: Times of India newspaper: do
