The International Advertising Association (IAA) India Chapter has introduced IAA Debates, presented by Campaign India. The debates intend to bring back the old style classical debate format back to dwell upon topical serious business issues and the first issue under the radar was whether print and television media are losing relevance with the growth of digital media.
With speakers taking a stand For or Against the motion, the format gave an opportunity for the speakers to raise issues and also defend their statements. Virginia Sharma of IBM, and Mahesh Murthy of Pinstorm spoke 'FOR' the motion, while Sanjay Gupta of Star TV and Arunabh Das Sharma of Times of India spoke 'AGAINST' it.
The debate began with moderator Sonali Krishna, anchor of Brand Equity show on ET Now, laying down the ground rules and requesting the audience to choose their sides, and shift their allegiances again at the end of the debate after hearing both sides of the motion. The debate started with a majority 'AGAINST' the motion. At the end of the heated debate, though there were a handful of people shifting their sides, the 'AGAINST' side emerged the clear winner.
View images from the event here
Read excerpts from the debate in the Campaign India issue dated 22 February 2013.