MxMIndia

Tag: Formula 1

  • FanCode will become exclusive broadcast partner to Formula 1 streaming all race weekends in India including practice and qualifying sessions, F1 Sprint events and Grands Prix

    FanCode signs broadcasting deal with Formula 1

    FanCode will be the exclusive broadcast partner for Formula 1 in India for streaming the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The F1 season, consisting of 24 races starting yesterday in Bahrain, will be available to Indian fans on FanCode across multiple devices including smart TVs, mobile phones, and tablets.

    Speaking about it, FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco, said: “Formula 1 is among the biggest sporting properties in the world, and we’re thrilled to partner with them to bring all the exciting action to millions of fans in India. Aside from providing F1 fans with a world class experience, we look forward to taking the sport to a wider audience across the country.”

    Added Ian Holmes, Director of Media Rights and Content Creation at Formula 1: “I am delighted to announce that fans in India will be able to watch F1 on FanCode for the next two seasons. We have found a strong broadcast partner in them with expert knowledge on how we can best serve our 60 million existing fans and reach new audiences in India. Together, we will take our combined expertise to produce premium content that showcases the sporting spectacle that is F1.”

  • Every corporate has the right to decide where it parks its monies. But in Sahara’s case, the F1 investment seems a bit out of character. Almost like a ‘wannabe’ decision, so to speak.

    Anil Thakraney: No Sahara for hockey

    Must say I am quite confused why the Sahara Group would want to invest in Formula 1, an extremely niche, up market, Page 3 sport. Sahara, at least to my mind, has always had the image of being the aam aadmi’s organization, and their association with Indian cricket for all these years is par for course. And suddenly, out of the blue, they tie up with Mallya’s UB Group, and invest a whopping $100 million in the F1 team.

    Yes, every corporate has the right to decide where it parks its monies. And I can understand Mallya’s interest in F1, not just as an extension of his own flamboyant, high profile personality, but because of all the booze brands he owns. However, in Sahara’s case, the F1 investment seems a bit out of character. Almost like a ‘wannabe’ decision, so to speak. How much value they’ll eventually get out of the association remains to be seen. And am not sure if Sahara will acquire the image they probably desire.

    But the real pity is this: One sport that’s crying out for serious investment in India is hockey. Not only is it our national game, it’s a sport that connects with the masses. It may be dying because of little support from the corporate sector and the sports associations (the players have to demand meager prize monies when they win big tournaments!) but it’s still the aam aadmi sport. And this is where a company like Sahara ought to have shown interest. Not just for noble reasons, but also because they can own hockey, promote it, and make it their own. And capitalize on it once the popularity grows again. In any case hockey, in terms of branding, connects well with Sahara’s image. (By the way, I am aware the group has pitched in with prize monies on occasion for the hockey players but it’s not the same thing as owning the sport.)

    The hard truth is this: US$100 million may have been invested. But F1 in India will always be perceived as a UB Group event.

     

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    PS: Must read. An open letter to Barkha Dutt by a blogger. Good points on why social media needs to be taken seriously.

     

    Link: http://marchingonthesand.wordpress.com/2011/10/16/open-letter-to-barkha-dutt/