MxMIndia

Tag: Multi Screen Media

  • Subject to regulatory approvals, Multi Screen Media Private Limited (MSM) will be renamed as Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited (SPN)

    MSM rebrands itself as Sony Pictures Networks

    By A Correspondent

     

    In sync with its intent of becoming the leading choice of television entertainment in India, Multi Screen Media (MSM) has rebranded itself. The rebranding includes both, the name as well as logo change.

     

    Subject to regulatory approvals, Multi Screen Media Private Limited (MSM) will be renamed as Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited (SPN).

     

    Andy Kaplan, President Worldwide Networks, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) said “Our channels in India represent an important part of Sony Pictures Television’s global portfolio and we are proud to be part of the fabric of the diverse Indian culture. As we celebrate bringing the best entertainment to viewers in India for 20 years, it’s only fitting that these networks be branded as part of our Sony family. Like the Sony brand, which stands for innovation, creativity and delight, SPN brings the same qualities to our viewers.”

     

    NP Singh, CEO, Multi Screen Media (MSM) added: “As MSM, we’ve served television audiences worldwide for the last 20 years, during which time we pioneered new formats, new shows and actually set the trends for television entertainment. We changed the dynamics of how cricket and cinema were viewed on Indian television and contoured a variety of genres in TV entertainment. So, while ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ and ‘Dus Ka Dum’ created new waves in television gaming, ‘Boogie Woogie’ and ‘Indian Idol’ brought the commoner’s talent on the telly. We were also the first ones to embrace the cultural fabric of India by providing SAB – an out-and-out family humour channel.”

     

    “The strategic intent behind rebranding Multi Screen Media (MSM) into Sony Pictures Network (SPN) is to align with our parent company and thereby accrue the benefit of global synergies. The new logo is our way of creating a picture from a pixel; a campaign from an idea and a revolution in progressive television entertainment. Going forward, Sony Pictures Networks will steer its helm on three levers, namely – General entertainment, sports and digital. With a comprehensive bouquet of varied channels, we are equipped today to serve India’s population both, in the urban and rural areas as well across geographies.”

     

  • Sony SIX to televise up to 14 live NBA games per week

    Sony SIX extends partnership with NBA in India

    By A Correspondent

     

    The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Multi Screen Media (MSM) announced a multiyear extension of their partnership that will provide fans with up to 14 live NBA games per week on Sony SIX. The NBA and MSM first announced their partnership during the 2010-11 NBA season.

     

    With the expanded partnership, Sony SIX will broadcast up to two regular-season games per day, in addition to NBA All-Star, the playoffs and The Finals. Sony SIX will also create customized lifestyle-oriented, off-the-court programming that engages Indian youth by bringing together talent from the NBA, Sony Entertainment and Bollywood.

     

    Prasana Krishnan

    “Our partnership with the NBA has seen basketball become the fastest growing sport in India over the last few years. This clearly indicates that the TV viewing audience for the NBA will continue to rise,” said Sony SIX and KIX Business Head Prasana Krishnan. “The launch of our customized local LIVE NBA wraparound program will also bring sports fans closer to the on-court action.”

     

    “We are excited to extend our partnership with Sony SIX to continue delivering comprehensive coverage of the NBA to our fans,” said NBA India Managing Director Yannick Colaco. “The popularity of the NBA continues to grow and, through the diversity of NBA programming on Sony SIX, we will continue attracting and engaging with existing and new viewers alike across India.”

     

    Sony SIX will continue to broadcast daily and weekly NBA highlight shows and integrate daily content from NBA TV, including team previews and recap shows. The daily 30-minute highlight programs will be broadcast in primetime every day of the season. The weekly highlight shows, hosted by a local anchor, will recap all the happenings around the NBA during the past week. For the first time in India, the NBA and Sony SIX will introduce a customized, local live NBA wraparound program every weekend throughout the season, bringing viewers closer to the game. The program will be hosted by a panel of basketball experts that will provide analysis and insight on all of the latest NBA news.

     

    The NBA and Sony SIX will also continue their focus on the development of basketball in India, beginning with the return of NBA Jam – the league’s annual basketball festival – on Oct. 24. With the expanded partnership, more NBA players, legends and dance teams will visit India throughout the year.

     

  • This collaboration between two of the most respected brands in Indian media and sports will provide a powerful portfolio of sports rights and the leading collection of digital sports assets in India

    ESPN to return partnering Sony

    By A Correspondent

     

    Multi Screen Media (MSM) and ESPN have come together in a long-term agreement to serve sports fans in India and across the Indian subcontinent. Through the collaboration they will bring new offerings to Indian sports fans including new SONY ESPN sports channels and a new multisport website and app. This collaboration between two of the most respected brands in Indian media and sports will provide a powerful portfolio of sports rights and the leading collection of digital sports assets in India.

     

    MSM’s existing Sony KIX sports channel will be rebranded SONY ESPN and the two companies will launch other new channels in the coming months. Along with SONY SIX, all the channels will deliver a powerful sports lineup to sports fans.

     

    In collaboration with MSM, ESPN will launch a co-branded localized multisport website and app, which will provide coverage of cricket, football, tennis, the NBA, badminton, field hockey and more. MSM’s SONY LIV will also benefit from the collaboration, increasing its current sports offerings significantly. ESPNcricinfo will continue to deliver comprehensive coverage and will complement and cross-promote the new digital properties and sports channels.

     

    Among the new co-branded multisport website, sonyliv.com and espncricinfo.com, sports fan will receive sports content from across categories, geographies and time zones.

     

    There will be a robust social media presence for the new co-branded media platforms and, an online programming guide for television.

     

    Components of the collaboration require regulatory approvals, for which the process is currently underway.

     

    NP Singh

    NP Singh, CEO, Multi Screen Media (MSM) said: “Our partnership with ESPN is just what the sports aficionado has been waiting for. Stylized, insightful sports content presented by the best sportscasters in the business. For consumers in India and the subcontinent, sports television viewing will change dramatically since they will soon have access not only to more content but also the widest array of sports lineup, ever available.”

     

    “MSM’s association with ESPN is holistic and embraces both television and digital formats. Not only are we about to set the frontiers in sports content and distribution but we will most likely set the trends as well. Going further, both companies will also explore collaboration on the development of other original sports programs.”

     

    Russell Wolff, Executive Vice-president and Managing Director, ESPN international added: “ESPN’s focus around the world is simple:  to serve sports fans. This exciting, long-term collaboration between ESPN and MSM will serve Indian sports fans with exceptional products, content and coverage through the combined strengths and expertise of our two companies, which each have a strong heritage of leadership and innovation in India.  We are very excited to be working with Sony, one of the leading television channels in India, on the opportunities that lie ahead.”

     

    MSM’s current sports rights portfolio in India includes the UEFA Euro 2016, top European football leagues (including La Liga, The FA Cup and Serie A), the NBA, the NFL, the IRB Rugby World Cup, UFC, TNA Wrestling, NASCAR and more.

     

    ESPN will add to that by delivering more than 1000 hours of programming per year from its portfolio of sports rights, original programming and studio programs.  Live sports content in the deal includes major U.S. college football (including the College Football Playoff and comprehensive coverage of the college football bowl season); major U.S. college basketball (including the March Madness® NCAA Championship Tournaments); NCAA college sport championships from baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer; Boxing (including Premier Boxing Champions and ESPN’s Big Fights Library); X Games; ESPN Films Emmy-Award Winning 30 For 30 documentaries and more.

     

  • This strategic multi-year deal will give Sony PIX access to Universal’s latest movie releases

    MSM inks a multi-year deal with NBCUniversal

    By A Correspondent

     

    Multi Screen Media Pvt. Ltd. (MSM), which owns and operates the Sony network of television channels India announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with NBCUniversal International Distribution. As a result of this agreement, Sony PIX (a part of the MSM Network) will now have access to Universal Pictures’ new U.S. theatrical releases, in addition to numerous other beloved titles from the studio’s vast film catalogue.

     

    NBC Universal has had a landmark year with Universal Pictures breaking records for the industry’s highest-grossing year ever for a studio at the domestic, international and worldwide box offices; enjoying the biggest year of all time for any studio in 43 international markets; and is the first studio ever to have three films (Minions, Jurassic World, Fast & Furious 7) each cross over the $ 1 billion mark in the worldwide box office in a single year. The studio also recently passed the $ 5.53 billion mark at the worldwide box office, breaking the record for highest-grossing year – ever – for a studio in industry history. The current worldwide total to date is an unprecedented $6.38 billion.

     

    This strategic multi-year deal will give Sony PIX access to Universal’s latest movie releases such as Fast & Furious 7, Jurassic World, Ted 2, Pitch Perfect 2 and Illumination Entertainment’s Minions, as well as the first installment in the studio’s various blockbuster franchises such as Jurassic Park, The Mummy, The Fast & Furious, The Hulk and Despicable Me. Sony PIX will also be able to provide their viewers with access to other hit films from the studio such as Gladiator, the first three films in the Rambo franchise, King Kong, Schindler’s List, Ted, Notting Hill, amongst others.

     

    NP Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Multi Screen Media (MSM) said, “We are extremely pleased to announce this deal with NBCUniversal. We always strive to get top quality content for our viewers. With access to Universal’s movie titles, we have put ourselves in a position to get the best movies that Hollywood has to offer. I am confident that with this deal, viewer needs will be well-met and their enhanced movie experience will steadily increase viewer loyalty to Sony PIX – our English movie channel.”

     

    Belinda Menendez, President, NBCUniversal International Distribution & Networks said, “With one of the world’s fastest growing major economies, we see tremendous growth potential in India and this deal reinforces how important this market is to NBCUniversal. Further, we have always had a wonderful relationship with MSM/Sony PIX and are thrilled to partner with them to expand our reach in India and bring Universal’s new blockbuster hits and beloved library titles to their viewers in India.”

     

  • MSM Media Distribution Pvt. Ltd, the wholly owned subsidiary of Multi Screen Media, has been ranked 31st amongst Top 50 India’s best companies to work for in 2015 by the Great Place to Work Institute India

    MSM distribution co is a ‘great places to work’

    By A Correspondent

     

    MSM Media Distribution Pvt. Ltd, the wholly owned subsidiary of Multi Screen Media (Sony Entertainment Network), has been ranked 31st amongst Top 50 India’s best companies to work for in 2015 by the Great Place to Work Institute India in association with the Economic Times. In the  television  Industry, MSM Media is  the only company to feature in this prestigious list.

     

    NP Singh

    Speaking on the announcement, NP Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Multi Screen Media Pvt Ltd and Chairman of the Board, MSM-MD said, “I am deeply elated to see my team resonant the vision I envisaged for MSM MD and work towards making it a reality. MSM MD culture is built around exceptional people, and there’s nothing more rewarding than hearing that our colleagues feel deeply connected to the organisation on an emotional level. I look forward to the team achieving further milestones in the years to come.”

     

     

    Rajesh Kaul

    Said Rajesh Kaul, President, MSM Media Distribution: “We are a team of passionate people with core values that create a great culture within the organization. This is the primary reason for our unprecedented success year on year.”

     

     

    Hema Malhotra

    Hema Malhotra, Director, Human Resources, MSM Media Distribution,  had this to say on the recognition, “It’s indeed a privilege to be featured in the Great Places to Work. Our workplace is one that attracts people that are characterised by inclusive environments in which all employees participate in the cultural life of the organisation. We as an organisation also believe in working hard and partying even harder.”

     

  • BBC earth inspires audiences by sharing the incredible wonders of our universe

    MSM & BBC Worldwide announce partnership on BBC Earth in India

    By A Correspondent

     

    On Earth Day, Multi Screen Media Private Limited (MSM) and  BBC Worldwide announced the intention to form a strategic partnership to launch BBC Earth, a new premium factual television channel in India.

     

    BBC Worldwide will draw on its extensive catalogue of programming from the BBC’s foremost factual film makers and reputation for excellence in the factual genre, while MSM which runs the Sony network of television channels in the country has extensive experience in operating and distributing television channels in India.

     

    BBC Earth inspires audiences by sharing the incredible wonders of our universe. The channel showcases the work of the world’s foremost factual film makers as it seeks to take audiences on a thrilling journey of discovery. From the smallest creature under the microscope to the limitless expanses of space, BBC Earth brings viewers face to face with heart pounding action, mind blowing ideas and the wonder of being human.

     

  • One of SONY KIX’s flagship offerings would be the Pepsi IPL, which begins from April 8 this year and will be telecast on the channel in English, Tamil & Telugu

    After Six, Sony out with second sports channel – KIX

    By A Correspondent

     

    Multi-Screen Media (MSM) announced the launch of the new sports channel named SONY KIX, which is set to broadcast the best in sports and entertainment in India. The channel is MSM’s second foray in sports after SONY SIX.

     

    As part of its line-up, KIX will air the Pepsi IPL, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Australian Open Tennis Championship, National Football League (NFL), Rugby World Cup 2015, premier fight sports properties such as Glory World Series and CSI Boxing alongside some marquee events in football and rugby.

     

    NP Singh

    Speaking at the launch of KIX, NP Singh, CEO, MSM commented, “Sports has always been a core focus for us right from our early days. Our entertainment and movie channels such as SET, MAX and PIX have also, over the years, broadcast some of the landmark sports events both in India and internationally. While the resounding success of SIX in less than 3 years was a deciding factor to launch KIX, there was also this need to cater to the clear demand seen in the market for largely, alternative sports programming.  KIX promises to be a great addition to our mix of channels and will go on to complement SIX in more ways than one with exciting and iconic properties such as Pepsi IPL, UFC and NFL among many others.”

     

    One of SONY KIX’s flagship offerings would be the Pepsi IPL, which begins from April 8 this year and will be telecast on the channel in English, Tamil & Telugu. The telecast will be in conjunction with that of SIX and MAX, which will show the tournament in English and Hindi, respectively.

     

    Prasana Krishnan, Business Head, SONY SIX said, “SONY KIX will not only be an extension of our sports portfolio but it also serves as an opportunity for us to expand the sports viewership in the country. We have already acquired and have a very strong portfolio of rights including to some of the major sports hitherto unseen on Indian television. We will continue to build on this and expand our range of offerings. ”

     

  • Industry estimates say the broadcaster could make up to Rs 950 crore from advertising this year

    MSM makes most of IPL ‘mauka’, nets 9 sponsors

    By Ravi Teja Sharma

     

    Multi Screen Media, the official broadcaster of the Indian Premier League, has managed to sign up nine sponsors for season eight even as the ongoing Cricket World Cup is giving it stiff competition. The league has signed up Amazon and Vodafone as presenting sponsors this season and advertisers including Hero MotoCorp, Intex Mobiles, Cardekho.com, Pepsi, Vimal Pan Masala and Paytm as associate sponsors, according to Rohit Gupta, president of Multi Screen Media.

     

    Rohit Gupta

    “We had eight sponsors last year but this year we might have to increase our sponsorship slots to 12,” said Gupta. Although Gupta declined to comment on the revenues that Multi Screen Media expects to get from IPL 8, industry executives indicated that the broadcaster could make up to Rs 950 crore from advertising this year, coming close to its revenue figure in 2013, when the league had 76 games.

     

    With 60 games, IPL made about Rs 800 crore last year. IPL has been riddled with controversies over the past few years, especially the spotfixing and betting scandal that rocked it in 2013. However, Gupta said such controversies do not impact viewership.

     

    “For consumers, it is the best cricket being played and till the cricket is good, viewership won’t drop,” he said.

     

    In 2014, despite the controversies, a watershed election and the first half of IPL being moved to the United Arab Emirates, the tournament saw its viewership grow 7% from that in the previous year, to 192 million from about 175 million.

     

    Ratings for IPL, according to Gupta, have been stable for the past three to four years.

     

    With the IPL coming close on the heels of World Cup, advertisers were cautious initially, Gupta said. “But we were able to convince them because we had ratings to back us.”

     

    Vinit Karnik, national director, sports and live events at GroupM ESP said it was never an either-or situation between the World Cup and IPL for advertisers.

     

    “India has an appetite for both, which is what was proven in 2011 as well,” he said, pointing out that IPL is a seasonal league and people have planned marketing campaigns around it. “It is part of the calendar for marketers now,” he added.

     

    Controversies have, however, impacted the brand value of the league.

     

    According to brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance, IPL’s brand value peaked in 2010 at $4.13 billion but dropped to $2.92 billion in 2012. It picked up again in 2013 to rise to $3.03 billion.

     

    Another brand valuation firm American Appraisal India pegged the value of the IPL at $3.2 billion before the start of the 2014 edition of the tournament.

     

    Source:The Economic Times

    Copyright © 2015, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.

    All Rights Reserved, Licensed to republish

     

  • The channel is also available on leading cable operators like DEN, Siti Cable, Hathway and InCable to name a few

    Tata Sky adds MAX 2 to its bouquet

    By A Correspondent

     

    Multi Screen Media’s second Hindi movie channel – ‘MAX 2’, will now be available on Tata Sky. The channel will reach out to millions of households across the country further to its association with Tata Sky thereby expanding its viewer base via the DTH platform.

     

    Besides Tata Sky, MAX 2 is available on other DTH platforms comprising Videocon d2h, Airtel, Dish TV and Reliance Digital TV. The channel is also available on leading cable operators like DEN, Siti Cable, Hathway and InCable to name a few.

     

    Speaking on the association with Tata Sky, Neeraj Vyas, Sr. EVP & Business Head, MAX & MAX2 said, “We are pleased to announce the availability of MAX 2 on India’s leading DTH platform – Tata SKY which widens the channel’s reach. We have received numerous requests from Tata Sky viewers for showcasing MAX 2 and are convinced that our association will help us reach out to a larger audience. We are sure the subscribers will love the channel and will enjoy savoring the timeless films of Indian cinema.”

     

  • The beleaguered Hindi Channel is going in for a content revamp and will be up for a relaunch

    Sony Pal not shutting yet, set for a revamp

    By A Correspondent

     

    There have been many rumours about the status of Multi Screen Media’s second Hindi general entertainment channel Sony Pal over the last few weeks, months possibly. The channel hasn’t fared too well in terms of television audience ratings ever since it launched on September 1.

     

    Despite boasting of shows from well-known production houses, the channel ratings were even lesser than some of the re-run channels of the established networks. Yesterday, as there was buzz that the channel is going in for re-runs of old Sony Entertainment Television properties, MSM issued a statement:

     

    Sony PAL was launched five months ago subsequent to which the channel carried out extensive research. Basis the research channel is in the process of realigning its content strategy. Sony PAL has achieved extensive distribution as a pay channel and will continue to be an important asset for the MSM Network.”

     

    A media agency veteran who MxMIndia spoke to was unimpressed and felt that the going is going to be tough for Pal if the changes initiated are not dramatic. “Remember, Zee is launching &TV from March, and all the other GECs are not sitting pretty in the meantime.”

     

    Indeed. But, then, like in the various soaps and tele-dramas, one can always expect a twist somewhere. Let’s wait for the revamp.

     

  • Liv Sports will offer both live and video-on-demand match content

    MSM’s Liv Sports bags exclusive rights for UEFA Euro 2016 Qualifiers

    By A Correspondent

     

    Multi Screen Media (MSM) announced that Liv Sports, its digital sports entertainment destination www.livsports.in holds the Mobile and Internet Broadcast rights of the UEFA Euro 2016 Qualifiers for India. The Qualifying schedule is currently underway, starting September 2014 and it will run through November 2015. Liv Sports will offer both live and video-on-demand match content, with rich and informative statistics and analysis. The 2016 UEFA European Championship is scheduled to be held in France from 10 June to 10 July 2016.

     

    The power packed digital destination will enable viewers to watch the live telecast of the qualifying tournament at a nominal rate of USD 3 per match and will also offer video-on-demand highlights. The video-on-demand content on Liv Sports will include Match Highlights, Goals, Penalties, Red Cards, Free Kicks and Misses.

     

    Uday Sodhi, Executive Vice-President & Head- Digital- Sony Entertainment Network commented, “We are immensely excited to bring to you the Qualifying matches for the 15th European Championship for men’s national football teams – Euro 2016. Since our inception as the Official Mobile and Internet Broadcaster for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, the idea behind LIV Sports was to offer quality content that is mass inclusive and not designed to cater only to ardent sports fans. We are committed to keep every cross section of our consumers actively engaged through high quality interactive sports content.”

     

  • The new deal gives AXN access to all content distributed by CBS

    AXN India and CBS Studios announce television content deal

    By A Correspondent

     

    Multi Screen Media’s leading English Entertainment Channel in India, AXN, has announced a multi-year content deal with CBS Studios International. The new deal gives AXN access to all content distributed by CBS, including the exclusive rights to air some of CBS’s biggest existing television series, like Hawaii Five-0 and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, as well as the rights to all new shows produced by CBS Television Studios.

     

    CBS Studios International distributes some of the best long-running shows, like Blue Bloods, Survivor, Elementary, Beauty and the Beast, NCIS, Hawaii Five-0, among others. This year’s line-up has shows including CSI: Cyber, a spin-off of the hit CSI franchise focused on the Cyber Crime Division of the FBI, and NCIS: New Orleans, a spin-off of the popular NCIS procedural set in the Big Easy. Other new CBS dramas include Madam Secretary, which stars Téa Leoni as the newly appointed Secretary of State, and Scorpion, about an eccentric genius and his team of brilliant misfits who help protect against high-tech threats of the modern age.

     

    NP Singh

    Commenting on this occasion, NP Singh, CEO, Multi Screen Media, said, “This acquisition marks a memorable milestone in the journey of MSM. It has been our endeavour to create a differentiation for our viewers through product offering and innovations, both through our marketing and content novelties. The CBS deal allows us to more effectively build and deliver a rich library of content to our viewers, thereby strengthening the commitment of MSM to the Indian entertainment market.”

     

    “We are thrilled to expand our relationship with AXN India and deliver more of our world class programming to audiences across India and the subcontinent,” said Barry Chamberlain, President of Sales, CBS Studios International. “We have an exciting slate of new and returning content that will be right at home on the channel.”