MxMIndia

Tag: NP Singh

  • Lele-Dutta will be spearheading the new channel and will be responsible for developing content and driving the channel's reach

    Yay! LeenaLele Dutta is Business Head for Sony’s kiddie channel

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has announced LeenaLele Dutta as Business Head for its upcoming channel in the kids’ entertainment space. With over two decades of experience in the media and entertainment industry, Lele Dutta will be spearheading the new channel and will be responsible for developing content and driving the channel’s reach and connect with its relevant target audience. The new kids channel from SPN will be called Sony YAY and is likely to be launched in mid-April.

     

    Said NP Singh, CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN)on the appointment: “The kids genre is a new territory for us and has immense potential to grow. With an impressive track record and in-depth understanding of the entertainment industry, we are confident that Leena will play a pivotal role in establishing the business. Under her able leadership, we intend to solidify a significant presence as an outstanding brand in the kids’ entertainment space”.

     

    Added Lele Dutta: “There is a lot to explore in the kids’ entertainment genre. We wish to create a brand that caters to the entertainment needs of Indian kids at the same time giving them experiences that leave lasting impressions on them. We also want to give parents, especially working mothers like me, the confidence to let kids consume our differentiated content in an environment that elevates their happiness.” “YAY! being the quintessential expression of joy and euphoria, has always been synonymous with happiness and excitement; Thus, the name, Sony YAY!”

     

  • Certain other operations and assets will be included in the final phase of the acquisition, subject to certain closing conditions, which is expected to be completed in the next few months

    Sony completes 1st of 2-phase acquisition of Ten Sports

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) and its affiliates have completed the first phase of a two-phase acquisition of the TEN Sports Network from Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE) and its subsidiaries, according to communiques received from both networks.

     

    Following the completion of this phase of the acquisition, SPN’s cluster of nine sports channels will now include: Sony SIX and Sony Six HD, Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD, TEN 1, TEN 1 HD, TEN 2, TEN 3, and TEN Golf HD.

     

    Certain other operations and assets will be included in the final phase of the acquisition, subject to certain closing conditions, which is expected to be completed in the next few months.

     

    Commented NP Singh, CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India commented: “I am delighted that the teams from SPN and ZEE have completed this core phase of the transaction in good time. SPN is now equipped, better than ever, to offer its viewers premium sporting content with a sports portfolio that includes every major sport and many international as well as domestic leagues. We are now stepping into the integration process to facilitate a seamless transition.”

     

    Added Punit Goenka, Managing Director, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited: “Great job done by the teams from SPN and Zee in facilitating the closure of this phase of the transaction. I am confident that the Ten Sports Network will reach new levels of consumer engagement under the nurturing guidance of SPN. I wish them the best. I’ll be tuning in regularly.”

     

  • Anooj Kapoor has been business head of Sab and Sony Pal. His last day at SPN is today (Jan 31)

    Sab-sob! Anooj Kapoor exits Sony Pictures Networks India. For greener pastures

    By A Correspondent

     

    Anooj Kapoor

    Anooj Kapoor, the business head of Sony’s popular channel Sab and the Sonly Pal, is moving on to pursue independent ventures. Having spent nearly a decade turning around Sab and spearheading it to even cross flagship Sony Entertainment Channel in ratings, Kapoor, an MBA from SP Jain Mumbai,who spent some early years in advertising, is moving on. His last day for punching in his attendance is today (Jan 31).

     

    Said  NP Singh, CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India:“Anooj has played a key role in the curation of Sav as a family humour channel. His contribution has been instrumental in creating a strong viewer base for Sab. As he moves on to embrace a new future, I wish him the best in all his endeavours.” Added Kapoor: “My best memories have been shaped at SPN. As I move on to pursue other dreams, I thank my team at SAB for being one of the best teams anyone can get to work with.”

     

    Kapoor is rumoured to be starting his own production company.

     

  • Once regulatory permissions are in, Sony will have Six, ESPN and TEN in its sports portfolio

    Mother-of-all-deals! Sony acquires Ten from Zee @ Rs 2.6k crore, Zee to exit sports for 4 yrs

    NP Singh of Sony Pictures Network and Punit Goenka of Zee Entertainment signing the agreement for the sale of the Ten Sports​ bouquet

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    Okay, we did know that the Zee group was keen on hiving off its sports channels. And we did know that Sony Pictures Network has major plans with sports, and has been hungry for acquisitions. But this announcement was big by all standards, and involved two broadcast superpowers.

    On Wednesday, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) announced that SPN and its affiliates have entered into definitive agreements to acquire TEN Sports Network from Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE) and its subsidiaries for 385 million US dollars. The completion of the acquisition is subject to regulatory approval.

    The Ten Sports channels being acquired include Ten 1, Ten 1 HD, Ten 2, Ten 3, Ten Golf HD, Ten Cricket, Ten Sports that operate in several countries including the Indian sub-continent, Maldives, Singapore, Hong Kong, Middle East, Caribbean.

    What this means is that the Zee group which had pioneer private league sports with the Indian Cricket League,  will now exit sports for the moment. For, as part of the deal, there is a non-compete clause which prevents Zee from getting into sports. This will also prevent Zee from participating in the auctions for the Indian Premier League due next year.

     

    It may be noted Ten Sports holds broadcast rights to major cricket boards (South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe). In addition, Ten Sports holds rights to wrestling (WWE), football (UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, French League, English Football League Cup), tennis (WTA Events, ATP events), golf (European Tour, Asian Tour, Ryder Cup, US PGA Championship, LPGA Tour, Professional Golf Tour of India and Golf Channel Block), athletics (Asian Games, Commonwealth Games), motor sports (Moto GP) and cycling (Tour de France) events.

     

    Commenting on the acquisition, NP Singh, CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India said: “I welcome Ten Sports to the Sony family. The acquisition of Ten Sports Network will strengthen SPN’s offering for viewers of cricket, football and fight sports, complementing our existing portfolio of international and domestic sporting properties. It also aptly demonstrates SPN’s commitment to providing a broad range of sporting entertainment to fans across India and the sub-continent.”

     

    Andy Kaplan, President, Worldwide Networks, Sony Pictures Television added: “India has been a strong driver of Sony Pictures’ growing networks business for two decades, and sports continue to play a significant role in that growth. The acquisition of TEN Sports, following the launch of SONY ESPN channels, will mean that our Indian networks would reach over 800 million viewers and broadcast many of the most popular and prestigious sporting events in the world.”

     

    Punit Goenka, Managing Director, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE) said: “This is a landmark deal for Zee and a step towards a strategic portfolio shuffle as we grow our general entertainment business both in the domestic and overseas markets. While we have grown our sports business over the last 10 years through acquisition of content at competitive prices, our focus now is on transforming ourselves into an all-round media and content company, comprising of five verticals, viz. broadcast, digital, films, live events, and international business; and we continue to move rapidly towards our set business goals. While I have always been proud of our sports business, I strongly believe that Sony will add more value to it by taking it to even greater heights. I wish them all the success.”

     

    According to industry and market observers, the move should help shore up the bottomline for Zee Entertainment. Sports has been a downer for Zeel, having not been able to measure up to the power of Star India in terms of rights for various sporting events, said an analyst on anonymity. “It’s better to not be a laggard, then just be in business for the sake of having your fingers in every pie.”

     

  • Rohit Gupta and Rajesh Kaul have been with SPN for 14 years and 8 years respectively

    Sony Pictures Networks realigns key portfolios

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) has announced a re-alignment of key management portfolios. In the re-aligned organizational structure SPN’s International business gets consolidated within the network’s sales and syndication business, and also its sports business gets more closely aligned to the distribution business.

     

    Consequently, Rohit Gupta’s role gets expanded to President, Network Sales & International Business, Sony Pictures Networks while Neeraj Arora, Business Head for SPN’s International business will now report to Rohit Gupta. Other elevations include, Rajesh Kaul whose role has been expanded to President, Distribution and Sports, Sony Pictures Networks and Prasana Krishnan, Business Head for SPN Sports business will now report into Rajesh Kaul.

     

    NP Singh, CEO, Sony Pictures Networks commented: “This realignment is configured to further our global business ambitions. It allows us to maximize complimentary synergies existing within the network and augment SPN’s consideration as a partner-of-choice by brands and businesses, alike.”

     

    Rohit Gupta and Rajesh Kaul have been with SPN for 14 years and 8 years respectively.

     

  • The campaign implores every Indian in every corner of the world to build an empowered India

    IPL’s new thematic for Season 9 – ‘Ek India Happywala’

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) unveiled the new campaign for Season 9 of VIVO IPL. The campaign, ‘Ek India Happywala’ implores every Indian in every corner of the world to build an empowered India – a nation that respects differences in its cultural fabric but at the same time rises above those differences to create an atmosphere of dignity and harmony.

     

    NP Singh, CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India said: “At the outset, let me start with a note of thanks; not only to all sports fans and enthusiasts for giving VIVO IPL the crowning status of an iconic brand but also to BCCI for giving us an opportunity to partner with them, in the journey of relaying the best of cricket to our viewers.”

     

    “With the launch of IPL, BCCI roped in the best cricketers from cricket-playing nations, created city-teams within India and thus defined a new playing field for T20 cricket. As the exclusive Television broadcaster of IPL, Sony suffused dollops of entertainment to increase the viewership of the game. So from being a largely male-dominated viewership in 2008, today VIVO IPL is a family activity, enjoyed as much by women and children.”

     

    “Over the last 9 years, we have extensively promoted IPL, not only on television but across other mediums like print, outdoor and digital. Our marketing campaigns have become cultural mnemonics in household conversations. Right from ‘Ek Desh. Ek Junoon’ in 2009 to ‘India Ka Tyohaar ‘ in 2015, our message was clear – Lets spread the cheer. And now, “Ek India Happywala’ is our earnest attempt to engage viewers in conversations that will spread the cheer to our children, because it is our children who will inherit this world from us.”

     

    “From programming content to contribution to society, we want to make ‘Ek India Happywala’ our call to action. So, at Sony Pictures Networks India, our CSR initiatives will be cascaded under the aegis of ‘Ek India Happywala’. This is our way of ensuring that the ethos of the campaign stays alive much after VIVO IPL Season 9 is over.”

     

    “All-in-all, IPL has been an enjoyable, learning experience. It’s been driven internally in our network with great passion and commitment. For us, it has germinated memories; both big and small. We are looking forward to serving the viewers during Season 9 and 10 of VIVO IPL, and yes, many years, after that as well.”

     

    VIVO IPL 2016 will be aired in Hindi on Sony MAX and Sony SIX. In addition, Sony SIX will also carry Tamil, Telugu and Bengali language feeds. Sony SIX HD as well as the SONY ESPN cluster of channels will air the English language feed of VIVO IPL.

     

  • In what's essentially a rights-driven game, the launch of Sony ESPN's SD and HD channels next week is under doubt

    Will Sony ESPN make a dent?

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    UEFA Euro 2016, 2018 FIFA World Cup La Liga BBVA, Serie A TIM, Emirates FA Cup, UEFA European Qualifiers for 2018 WC, FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, Australian Open, Hopman Cup, Mubadala World Tennis Championship, Champions Tennis League, UFC, NFL, ATP 1000, ATP 500, ATP 250 and ATP World Tour Finals… what do all these sports events mean to you? Exciting? Or unappetising?

     

    Well, that’s the programming line-up on Sony ESPN channels that was unveiled to the media yesterday when Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN), in collaboration with ESPN, announced the launch of its two new channels, SONY ESPN and SONY ESPN HD, set to go live next week – January 17, to be precise. With this, SPN has expanded its sports cluster to four channels – Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD, Sony SIX and Sony Six HD, thereby widening its footprint in sports entertainment in India and the sub-continent. Meanwhile, Sony Kix has been dispensed with.

     

    So will the entry of ESPN make a dent in the market? Well, for Sony Pictures Network which is experiencing some rough weather in entertainment, it surely increases bragging rights. But, remember, sports is all about another kind of rights. While ESPN is a huge brand, just being a well-known name doesn’t mean much. And even a Baba Ramdev can start a channel if he has the monies and can manage to comply with all the eligibility requirements, and by ideally buying an old sports channel.

     

    The various tournaments Sony ESPN has are good, but are they the kind which will NOT kill competition. The Australian Open timings aren’t really India-friendly, nowhere like Wimbledon and the French Open. The FIFA World Cup is two years away.

     

    There’s only the IPL that Sony has and none of the other key ICC tournaments are with the group. Even EPL and the Formula 1 encounters aren’t in the kitty.

     

    There is no Golf to talk about and UEFA Euro 2016 is the only one with a huge draw this year. Other than the IPL of course, but that’s already being aired on Sony Max and Sony Six and their respective HD versions. It’s possible though that some IPL encounters may well air on Sony ESPN.

     

    Meanwhile, the launch of these new channels represents the first steps in the collaboration between SPN and ESPN to power content, across both, the television and digital platforms.

     

    The benefit will be from SPN’s powerful existing portfolio of sports and content, plus ESPN’s leadership position in sports and more than 1000 hours of programming per year from its portfolio of sports rights, original programming, award-winning sports documentaries and studio programmes.

     

    Later this year, the collaboration between SPN and ESPN will also see the launch of a new multisport digital website and app that will complement the SONY ESPN channels, as well as the existing leadership of ESPNcricinfo and Sony LIV’s digital offerings.

     

    Said NP Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Sony Pictures Networks India: “As a network, SPN is focused on becoming the first choice in television and digital entertainment. Our collaboration with ESPN is a targeted step in that direction as it helps us ink another milestone in our growth trajectory. Not only that, the launch of the SONY  ESPN cluster of channels validates our intent to provide stylized, high-quality and insightful international sporting content to viewers in India and across the Indian sub-continent.”

     

    Added Prasana Krishnan, EVP & Business Head, Sports Cluster, Sony Pictures Networks: “ESPN has always had a strong connect with Indian audiences. Our partnership with ESPN will further strengthen our Sports bouquet with four channels SONY ESPN, SONY ESPN HD, Sony SIX and Sony SIX HD. Our programming line-up starts with the Australian Open followed by marquee football properties like Liga BBVA, Serie A TIM and FA CUP leading to UEFA EURO 2016 will give every sports fan a reason to celebrate our extensive offering clubbed with analysis presented by expert panelists.”

     

    Said Mike Morrison, Vice President & General Manager, ESPN Asia Pacific: “For more than 35 years, ESPN has been known for its quality, personality and authority. The launch of these channels, and the complimentary digital properties in the months ahead, creates a world-class multi-media stage on which the combined expertise and resources of our two companies can deliver amazing content and products to Indian fans.”

     

  • The new name reflects an integrated brand alignment as it allows us to leverage the strength of the Sony parentage, says CEO NP Singh

    It’s now official. The Sony network will be called Sony Pictures Network

    By A Correspondent

     

    Even before it started in 1994, as journalists we would call it Sony TV. But the flagship entertainment channel was called Sony Entertainment Television, and in those days when there was no Set Wet gel, it took us some time to get used to referring to the channel as SET. Nahiiiiiiiiin!

     

    And then somewhere along its 21-year journey, the company was called Multi Screen Media, and us in the mainstream media (MSM again) were are asked to call it MSM. Some would even refer to it as MSM Sony. When the IPL happened in the late 2000s, SET Max was referred to as Sony Max, as it will now be called we understand.

     

    Why it was called Multi Screen Media in the first place, one wonders. Well, whatever be the reason, from now, Sony is going to be called Sony.  And the Bravia will also be prefixed with that.

     

    Here’s what NP Singh, CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India has said in a statement:

    “After 20 years of successfully experimenting with many firsts including redefining how cinema and cricket are viewed on Indian television, Multi Screen Media (MSM) has renamed itself as Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN).  The new name reflects an integrated brand alignment as it allows us to leverage the strength of the Sony parentage. Naturally, we are guided by a new wave of optimism as we set forth on a journey of exploring new vistas of entertainment.  Sony Pictures Networks India will continue to serve its audiences across geographies. More channels, more genres, more content, more movies, more digital and more television. This is our 6-fold path to serve the multitude of viewers whose hopes and expectations, we are aiming, to exceed. Our focus will remain on becoming the first choice in television and digital entertainment in the country.”

     

    Hmmm. This is the time to celebrate the new name getting official. Ay, Soniye, let’s bring out the bubbly.

     

  • 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.”

     

  • 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.”

     

  • Multi Screen Summary: BBC Earth is home to the BBC's award-winning factual programmes and the work of some of the world’s foremost factual film makers

    Sony BBC Earth set for India launch

    By A Correspondent

     

    Media Private Limited (MSM) has signed a deal with BBC Worldwide to bring BBC Earth, a new premium factual channel, to Indian audiences.

     

    BBC Earth is home to the BBC’s award-winning factual programmes and the work of some of the world’s foremost factual film makers. It showcases the incredible wonders of our universe, from the smallest creature under the microscope to the limitless expanses of space and brings viewers face to face with heart pounding action, mind blowing ideas and the wonder of being human.

     

    The channel, called Sony BBC Earth on air, will broadcast in HD and will be available in Tamil, English and Hindi across India.

     

    NP Singh

    NP Singh, Chief Executive Officer, MSM said: “This partnership with BBC Worldwide gives us an unparalleled edge in distributing factual programming to viewers across MSM’s network in India and to sharing with them, some of the best television content ever. Sony BBC Earth will combine information and entertainment in real surroundings. And audiences that crave the virgin thrill and adventure of exploring natural environments, demystifying science and rewriting history will find it difficult to meander away from this channel. We are confident that within a short span of time, this new channel will carve its own distinct positioning in the minds of the discerning Indian viewer.”

     

    Paul Dempsey, President, BBC Worldwide Global Markets said: “This is a pioneering model for us. By working with a respected local partner of the calibre of MSM we can bring BBC Earth’s world class content to a new audience who we know have a huge appetite for premium factual programming.”

     

    BBC Worldwide will draw on its extensive catalogue of programming and reputation for excellence in the premium factual, while MSM which runs the Sony network of television channels in the country has extensive experience and expertise not only in programming but also in operating and distributing televised entertainment both, in India and across the globe.

     

    Both, the formation of the JV as well as the launch of Sony BBC Earth is subject to necessary regulatory approvals in India, for which the process is currently underway.