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Tag: N P Singh

  • This includes all BCCI international and domestic matches in the period

    Viacom18 bags BCCI TV & digital rights till March 2028

    By Our Staff

     

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India has awarded Viacom18 the contract for media rights all its international and domestic matches from September 2023 to March 2028. As part of the process, an e-auction was conducted yesterday (August 31) where eligible bidders were permitted to participate to determine the successful bidder. India is expected to play 88 matches over the next five years. This includes 36 T-20 internationals, 27 ODIs and 25 Tests.

     

    Viacom 18 has acquired the rights  for a cumulative figure of Rs 5,963 crore, pipping Sony Pictures Network, by a few hundred crore. Disney-Star was third in the fray. The awarding of the contract is, as a communique from BCCI notes, “subject to execution of definitive documentation and completion of formalities as required by BCCI, and other obligations specified in the ITT being completed”.

     

    Viacom18, it may recalled, already owns the digital rights for IPL.

     

    Said BCCI President, Roger Binny: “The recent BCCI e-auction has unequivocally demonstrated the vigour of cricket in India. The remarkable journey of Indian cricket, its meteoric rise on the global sporting arena, owes its success to the unwavering trust that people have vested in the BCCI leadership and its dedicated workforce. With the staunch support and collaboration of every stakeholder within our cricketing ecosystem, I am confident that we will continue to propel the brand BCCI to uncharted territories on the global sports stage.”

     

    Added BCCI Honorary Secretary, Jay Shah: “It fills me with immense joy and a profound sense of pride to witness the remarkable growth of brand BCCI. Today’s e-auction has propelled BCCI into the upper echelons of per-match media rights valuation, marking a monumental stride in our journey. Throughout this process, we have steadfastly upheld the principles of transparency and fairness, ensuring that all stakeholders are treated equitably. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Viacom18 for emerging successful in the e-auction, and I express my sincere gratitude to all the bidders who participated in this process. Their involvement underscores the industry’s confidence in India Cricket. I also want to acknowledge the role of market forces in reinforcing their belief and trust in us.

     

    Our underlying goal remains to strike a harmonious equilibrium between cricket and commercial interests. BCCI remains deeply committed to nurturing sports development in India through the medium of cricket. The revenue generated from media rights is an essential catalyst for nurturing grassroots cricket across the nation—a cause that resonates deeply with us. It’s the legacy we leave behind and the positive impact we create in our country’s cricketing ecosystem that truly matters.”

     

    Added N P Singh, MD & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India, in a statement: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the BCCI for a transparent and efficient e-bidding process and to the winners for securing the bilateral media rights. Our disciplined bid was grounded in market forecasts and a long-term growth strategy. We remain committed to delivering top-tier sporting entertainment as we continue to see growing enthusiasm across various sports genres.”

     

  • Spotlights mental health challenges faced by women

    Sony partners Royal Rajasthan for mental health awareness

    By Our Staff

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and Royal Rajasthan Foundation (RRF) have come together to champion the cause of mental health awareness with a campaign.

     

    The campaign film features Sonali Kulkarni, campaign ambassador, who spotlights women’s lives and experiences from all spectrums of society, highlighting the mental health challenges faced and the need for awareness to deal with them. The campaign launch saw in attendance people from different walks of life like Kamalika Guha Thakurta – Actor and Founder of Artscape, Dr Akanksha Rathi Maheshwari – Consultant Psychiatrist, Bombay Hospital; Dr. Priyanka Mahajan – Consultant Neuro Psychiatrist, Masina Hospital, Diksha Sekhri – Architect (Community Impact), Royal Rajasthan Foundation along with Manu Wadhwa – CHRO, SPNI and Ranjit Barthakur – Chairperson, Royal Rajasthan Foundation, accompanied by campaign ambassador Sonali Kulkarni, who was part of an engaging panel discussion around the importance of speaking up and being heard.

     

    Said N P Singh, Managing Director and CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI): “Women are integral to our organisation, and we have always supported and encouraged women’s empowerment. The #KhulKeBolo campaign is a poignant reminder of the mental health challenges that many women fight daily. Our partnership with RRF is driven by a shared vision to break the taboo of silence around mental health issues.”

     

    Added Ranjit Barthakur, Chairperson, Royal Rajasthan Foundation: “Here at the Royal Rajasthan Foundation – the philanthropic arm of IPL team Rajasthan Royals – our journey towards raising awareness around mental health started in 2020 with our series ‘Mind, Body and Soul’ which was led by our first-ever Royal – the late Shane Warne. As we launch the #KhulKeBolo campaign in collaboration with Sony Pictures Networks India, we continue that journey to break the shackles of silence surrounding women’s mental health. We pledge to bridge the gap between questions and solutions, fostering an atmosphere where seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. As the understanding of mental health evolves, we must treat this subject as intrinsic to everyone and not as a separate subject. Keeping this in mind, we are working towards a larger vision of making mental health awareness and destigmatisation a vital part of our work across all our projects. Let’s paint a brighter, happier canvas for all the wonderful women out there!”

     

  • The show has successfully bagged the title of one of the longest-running show on Indian television

    Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah celebrates 15 years on Sony SAB

    By Our Staff

     

    Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, a sitcom on Sony SAB, completes 15 years of telecast this year. The show has successfully bagged the title of one of the longest-running show on Indian television and features amongst the top 10 shows in the Hindi general entertainment category year on year.

     

    Asit Kumarr Modi
    Asit Kumarr Modi

    Produced by Asit Kumarr Modi, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is based on late Gujarati columnist/writer Taarak Mehta’s Duniya Ne Undha Chashma and has set a benchmark for family-friendly entertainment in the Indian television industry. On its 15th anniversary, the entire team of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the viewers for their unwavering support and promises to continue spreading laughter and positivity in the years to come.

     

    N.P. Singh
    N.P. Singh

    Said N.P. Singh, CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India: “Television is a canvas that allows us to paint stories that touch the hearts of millions. It’s our constant endeavour to create content that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact on our viewers. We believe in breaking barriers, defying conventions, and presenting unique concepts that resonate with diverse audiences. Together we strive to weave laughter, emotions, and relatability into every show, creating an unforgettable viewing experience. Our journey is fuelled by the love and support of our audience, and we remain committed to delivering joyful moments that unite families and spread smiles across the nation. On the occasion of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s 15th anniversary, I congratulate the entire team and crew on this significant milestone.”

     

    Neeraj Vyas
    Neeraj Vyas

    Neeraj Vyas, Business Head, Sony SAB: “At Sony SAB, we are dedicated to presenting stories that deeply touch the hearts of our viewers, evoking strong emotions. Our aim is to create relatable characters, that our viewers can resonate with and develop a genuine emotional connection with. Celebrating a momentous milestone, the 15-year journey of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has captured the hearts of many. The channel’s focus remains on producing family-friendly content that appeals to audiences of all ages, showcasing our passion for quality storytelling. We want to be known for weaving stories like Taarak Mehta, which take viewers on an enjoyable ride while leaving a lasting impact.”

     

    Asit Kumarr Modi, Producer of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: “When we began this endeavour 15 years ago, we never imagined the immense love and appreciation that would come our way. It feels like it was just yesterday that we started this incredible journey. To witness the love and acceptance of our viewers over the years has been nothing short of a blessing. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has not just been a show but a way of life for me. The show’s success lies in its ability to bring people together through laughter and to showcase the importance of relationships and values in today’s fast-paced world.”

     

  • To align with Sony's global ethos

    Sony rebrands channel portfolio

    By Our Staff

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has rebranded all its network channels to be more aligned with Sony’s global ethos.

     

    According to N P Singh, MD & CEO, SPNI: “The power of the Sony brand and its values have driven our work ethics so far, and today, it reflects in our channel-brand architecture as well. The work that we started three years ago has now reached fruition. We are creating a powerful unified entertainment conglomerate with a broader appeal by refocusing our existing channel portfolio in its latest look and feel.”

     

  • As it gears up to embrace SPN Vision 3.0

    Sony Pictures rejigs top deck

    By Our Staff

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has revamped its organisational structure, making several leadership changes.

     

    Rohit Gupta has transitioned from his role as Chief Revenue Officer – Ad Sales and International Business and taken on the responsibility of being SPN’s Advisor to the Management and the Board. Rajesh Kaul, in addition to his existing role as the Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution and Business Head – Sports, will take on charge of International Sales and will work in-collaboration with the Digital team to expand SPN’s brand presence and reach across the world. Neeraj Arora, currently heading International Sales will now be reporting directly to Rajesh Kaul.

     

    Sandeep Mehrotra has been appointed Head – Ad Sales, Network Channels. Danish Khan, Business Head – Sony Entertainment Television, Digital Business and StudioNext will take additional charge of Network Channels Licensing. Tushar Shah, Business Head, English, Factual Entertainment & Sony AATH, takes on an additional role of the newly created position of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for SPN. Aditya Mehta, in addition to his current role of Corporate Strategy and Business Development, will spearhead the formation of Data Analytics CoE to strengthen SPN’s approach to being a data driven organisation. Nitin Nadkarni, Chief Finance Officer (CFO) will take additional charge of the Broadcast Operations and Network Engineering (BONE) department. Kingshuk Bhattacharya – Head, B.O.N.E. will now report to Nadkarni.

     

    Said N P Singh, MD & CEO, SPN: “SPN has embarked on Vision 3.0 to create a future-ready organization based on a culture powered by corporate values and a management structure backed by an operating model that accelerates growth. All leadership changes announced today are reflective of that evolutionary intent.”

     

    Added Manu Wadhwa, CHRO at SPN: “The organization remodeling is a result of our constant focus to strengthen our talent and leadership capabilities and will ensure that we stay ahead of the curve in a dynamic media and entertainment industry.”

     

  • Kiren Rijiju, General Bipin Rawat and NP Singh join luminaries to rally support

    Sony Pictures Sports Network film on Olympics

    By Our Staff

     

    Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN), along with many luminaries from diverse fields, has undertaken a ‘Best Wishes Initiative’ to rally the support of the nation for the Indian contingent.
    SPSN put together a series of ‘Hum Honge Kamyab’ films on air and on their social media platforms sending their best wishes to the Indian contingent for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. The ‘Hum Honge Kamyab’ campaign has been conceptualized and created in-house by the SPSN team.

     

    Said N P Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Sony Pictures Networks India: “The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is one of the biggest sporting events across the globe and while every Indian knows about the stature of the tournament, few are aware about the athletes who represent our country. We are delighted that our campaign, ‘Hum Honge Kamyab’ has received such an overwhelming response. Our attempt is to convey our best wishes to the Indian contingent and are looking forward to a splendid performance at Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.”

     

  • Rajat Sharma, Chairman, India TV, Siddharth Jain, Managing Director (South Asia), Turner International and Rahul Joshi, Managing Director, Viacom18 are the Vice Presidents

    K Madhavan is IBF President

    By A Correspondent

     

    K Madhavan

    The IBF Board has elected Star and Disney India’s Managing Director K Madhavan as the Foundation’s new President. Madhavan will succeed NP Singh, India MD and CEO, Sony Pictures Networks, who held the position for two years.

     

     

    The IBF Board has also elected the following officebearers of IBF:

    Vice President-IBF

    ::  Rajat Sharma, Vice President-IBF and Chairman, India TV

    ::  Siddharth Jain, Managing Director (South Asia), Turner International

    ::  Rahul Joshi, Managing Director, Viacom18

     

    Treasurer-IBF

    :: Shashi S. Vempati, CEO, Prasar Bharati

     

    Said Madhavan: “It is my honour to lead IBF at a time when the Indian broadcasting sector is going through a tumultuous time, battling the pandemic and instability in the regulatory space. IBF has played an instrumental role in advocating the interests of the sector, and my predecessors have contributed immensely in evolving the foundation’s stature and purpose. I take on this role with a great sense of responsibility and commitment to champion the cause of the broadcasting sector.”

     

    Said outgoing IBF President N P Singh: “I am pleased that someone of the caliber of K. Madhavan is taking over the reins and will lead the foundation. I welcome his selection wholeheartedly. His in-depth knowledge and insights into the sector will help guide the foundation members through these challenging times. I wish him the best in this new endeavor.”

     

    K Madhavan has been an active member of IBF since 2012 and is also the Chair of CII’s National Committee on media and entertainment for the ongoing year. He started his journey with Star in 2009 and took over as the Managing Director of the Network in January 2020.

     

    The other Directors on the IBF Board are as under:

    ::  Aroon Purie, Chairman, TV Today

    ::  N P Singh, MD & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks and Director, Bangla Entertainment

    ::  I Venkat, Director, Eenadu TV Ltd

    ::  Punit Goenka, MD & CEO, Zee Media Corp

    ::  Punit Misra, CEO-Domestic Broadcast Business, Zee Entertainment

    ::  Rohit Gupta, President (Network Sales and International Business), Sony Pictures Networks

    ::  Uday Shankar, President, The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific and Chairman, Star and Disney India

    ::  Megha Tata, Managing Director (South Asia), Discovery Communications India (Co-opted Director)

    ::  John Brittas, Managing Director & Chief Editor, Malayalam Communications Ltd (Co-opted Director)

  • In its letter to Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, IBF has made several requests

    IBF seeks relief package for the broadcast sector

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), has sought the government’s support to deal with the economic crises in the television broadcast sector as a fallout of the Covid-19 outbreak in the country.

     

    In its letter to Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, IBF has made the following requests:

     

    1. Regulatory moratorium for the sector for at least next 18 months.

    2. Phased resumption of production activities.

    3. Extension of moratorium period for GST payment.

    4. Mandating digital payments of subscription and advertising dues to broadcasters.

    5. Advisory to DPOs in respect of release of payment of subscription fees for the period up to February 29, 2020

    6. Waiver of processing fee and temporary live up-linking fee for live sporting events for a period of one year from the resumption of normal business activities.

    7. Increase in time period of one to two years for operationalisation of new channels which have been granted permission.

    8. Suspension of requirement of Performance Bank Guarantees in respect of channels sought to be launched for a period of one year.

    9. Waiver of carriage fee due to Prasar Bharati for three months (April, May and June) for FTA channels on Prasar Bharati’s Free Dish Platform.

    10. Deferment of payment due to Prasar Bharati for Free Dish carriage by 31 March 2020 be deferred until July 2020.

    11. All pending refunds even exceeding Rs. 5 Lacs should be urgently processed.

    12. The first instalment of advance tax (due on 15 June 2020) should be done away with and taxpayers be allowed to pay the 2nd instalment (due on 15 September 2020) directly without any interest liability

    13. The due date for deposit of TDS for the months of March and April 2020 should be extended to 31 May 2020 without any interest liability.

    14. Extension /waiver of permission for FX payments for foreign satellite transponder hiring.

    15. Lower rate of TDS from 10 to 2 per cent on subscription revenues

    16. Payment of stamp duty on agreements should be deferred upto expiry of ninety (90) days’ from the date of lifting of nationwide lockdown.

    17. Allow discharge of GST reverse charge obligation through GST input credit rather than paying in cash.

    18. Extend all existing stay of income tax demand for next 6 months without any new hearing.

     

    Said N P Singh, President, IBF: “The outbreak of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown have posed several challenges for the television broadcast sector.  With complete cessation of  production  of  television  shows,  cancellations  of  live  sporting  events  and  scheduled advertisements, advertisement  bookings  nosediving  by ~50 per cent;  delays  in  payments  by advertising agencies/advertisers and distribution platform operators, the Broadcast sector is facing the brunt of the slowdown,” adding: “Moreover,  while  we  welcome  the  compliance  and  statutory  relaxations  granted  by  the Government in its latest notification of Apri 15l, the broadcast sector is seeking a stimulus package from the Government in the form of economic relief and regulatory flexibility so that all Broadcasters especially the smaller businesses can be helped to get back on track. IBF has also requested the Government for reduction in GST rate on Digital services (B2C), automatic  refund  of  input  credit  and  immediate  processing  and  issuance  of  lower withholding order (LTDS)”.

     

     

  • Wadhwa was associated with Coca-Cola, as the Head of Human Resources – India and South West Asia

    Sony Pictures appoints Manu Wadhwa to head HR

    By A Correspondent

     

    Manu Wadhwa

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has appointed Manu Wadhwa as Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) for the network. In her last assignment, Manu was associated with Coca-Cola, as the Head of Human Resources – India and South West Asia.

     

    Said N P Singh, Managing Director & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN): “It is our constant endeavour to build SPN as an engaging and empowering workplace. As a member of SPN’s leadership team, Manu will play a vital role in working towards this goal. She will lead the HR function and I am confident that under her leadership, we will continue to build a culture that attracts and retains the best talent.”

     

     

  • Bhalwankar has been associated with SPN since 2014

    SPN India appoints Ajay Bhalwankar to spearhead its upcoming Marathi GEC

    By A Correspondent

     

    Ajay Bhalwankar

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has appointed Ajay Bhalwankar as the Business Head for its upcoming Marathi general entertainment channel (GEC).

     

    Prior to taking charge of the Marathi GEC, he was Chief Creative Director at Sony Entertainment Television (SET) where his role was to provide creative leadership and direction to propel the channel amongst the top players across genres. Ajay has also served as content head for Hindi GECs at ZEE.

     

     

    NP Singh

    Said N P Singh, MD & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN): “The Marathi content viewers have a growing appetite for local content which resonates with their cultural fabric. By catering to this audience, SPN will expand its regional footprint. Ajay will play a vital role in delivering a channel experience that is relatable yet compelling. With extensive experience and in-depth understanding of the industry, I am confident that under Ajay’s leadership, SPN will make an impressive debut in the Marathi entertainment space.”

     

     

  • This agreement with ECB gives SPN the rights to both televise and digitally broadcast within the Indian subcontinent

    Sony acquires exclusive media rights from ECB

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India has acquired exclusive media rights from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for the Indian subcontinent for a period of five years starting in 2018 through 2022.

     

    This agreement with ECB gives SPN the rights to both televise and digitally broadcast within the Indian subcontinent, men’s and women’s international matches, including Test matches, T20 Internationals and ODIs, played in England.

     

    With this acquisition, SPN’s exclusive cricket portfolio includes most of the major international cricket boards, namely, Cricket Australia, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Pakistan Cricket Board, Sri Lanka Cricket, Cricket South Africa, Cricket West Indies and Zimbabwe Cricket Board.

     

    Said N P Singh, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, SPN:

    “The acquisition of media rights of ECB for a five-year term, effective now through 2022, provides for some exciting cricket viewership. Cricket is a passion for most Indians and this term of ECB games includes three tours of the Indian cricket team which promises some thrilling cricket, the first of these coming close on the heels of the hugely exciting South Africa series. SPN will now be home to almost all international away series giving our fans a one-stop destination to view their favourite stars in action. We remain committed to building a multi-sports culture in India and we will lead sports broadcast action during June to September 2018 by airing FIFA for football fans and ECB games for cricket lovers.”

     

     

  • The channel will go live at 8pm on Monday and will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu and in SD and HD

    Sony BBC Earth to launch on March 6

    By A Correspondent

     

    N P Singh, CEO, Sony Pictures Network, India, Paul Dempsey President, Global Markets, BBC Worldwide, Saurabh Yagnik, EVP and Business Head, Sony English Cluster

    The Sony BBC Earth channel will go live on March 6, 2017 at 8pm.The premium factual entertainment channel is being launched by MSM Worldwide Factual Media, a joint venture between Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) and BBC Worldwide.

     

    The channel will bring award-winning, premium factual content from the BBC and will feature acclaimed film-makers and storytellers like Sir David Attenborough, Steve Backshall, Ben Fogle and Gordon Buchanan.  It will be available in both SD and HD in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

     

    As a run-up to the launch, the channel has created a brand film with its ‘Feel Alive’ Ambassador Kareena Kapoor Khan Said NP Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Sony Pictures Networks India on the launch: “Sony Pictures Networks is known to create compelling and differentiated brands across all genres that it operates in. Nurtured as a JV partnership, Sony BBC Earth, combines the strengths of both partners; including fascinating content, estimable brand equity and superior sales and distribution prowess.This gives Sony BBC Earth a distinct positioning and watchability. I am confident that this channel will be amajor player in its category.”

     

    Added Paul Dempsey, President Global Markets, BBC Worldwide:“Our relationship with Sony has been a long one, built in the first instance on our production business, and one that has since grown across all key areas of BBC Worldwide’s operations.  We partner with them to bring top programmes like Sherlock, Orphan Black and Top Gear on AXN to our fans in India, and now, this joint venture which is a pioneering model for us. By working with a respected local partner of the caliber of Sony Pictures Networks, we look forward to bringing BBC Earth’s world class content to a new audience who we know has a huge appetite for premium factual programming.”

     

    Said Saurabh Yagnik, EVP and Business Head, English Cluster, Sony Pictures Networks India, while expressing his bullishness on the channel: “SPN’s philosophy is to create brands based on deep consumer understanding. We have worked extensively with viewers to sharpen our insights into what they want and have synergised this understanding with our compelling content and storytelling. Our brand positioning of ‘Feel Alive’ captures the emotion of subliminal happiness which viewers experience when they consume our content. This has been brought to life through a clutter-breaking film featuring our ‘Feel Alive’ ambassador, Kareena Kapoor Khan – whose persona embodies positivity, happiness and full of life demeanour that naturally blends with what our channel and its content stands for.”