MxMIndia

Tag: Sony Pictures Networks India

  • The OCCP signatories list stands now at 17

    IAMAI’s ‘Universal Self-Regulation Code’ onboards SonyLIV & Lionsgate

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has announced SonyLIV and Lionsgate as the latest amngst the leading Online Curated Content Providers (OCCPs) in India to sign the Universal Self-Regulation Code. The code has garnered support from the industry and has onboarded 15 OCCPs like Zee5, Viacom18, Disney Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, MX Player, Jio Cinema, Eros Now, Alt Balaji, Arre, HoiChoi, Hungama, Shemaroo, Discovery Plus and Flickstree.

     

    Said Tarun Katial, Chair, Digital Entertainment Committee, IAMAI: “I am overwhelmed with the support received on the code and delighted to welcome SonyLIV and Lionsgate as the 16th and 17th leading OCC providers in India to sign the ‘Universal Self-Regulation Code’. We already have India’s leading OTT providers as the signatories and expect more players to join the initiative in the coming weeks.”

     

    Added Ashok Nambissan, General Counsel, Sony Pictures Networks India: “We are delighted to join the league of signatories of the Universal Self-Regulation Code. We look to working closely with the IAMAI and other OTT players to get broader acceptance for the Code as well as the Government’s support for the industry’s efforts at self-regulation.”

     

    The Code is effective from August 15, 2020 and allows OCCPs to comply with all the guidelines in a time-bound manner. Each signatory to the code has agreed to appoint an external advisor as part of the grievance redressal mechanism within 60 days from the launch of the code – that September 4, 2020.

     

     

  • It is for a period of three years starting July 1, 2020

    Sony Pictures wins global rights to Sri Lanka Cricket

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has acquired the exclusive global media rights for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), with the exception of terrestrial, digital and radio rights for the territory of Sri Lanka which has been retained by SLC, for a period of three years starting July 1, 2020.

     

    The agreement provides SPN exclusive TV and digital rights to air all 92 days of LIVE cricket comprising 10 Test Matches, 24 ODIs and 18 T20Is sanctioned by the ICC and conducted by SLC between the senior men’s national cricket team of Sri Lanka and visiting ICC member national cricket teams along with access to Sri Lanka Cricket’s archival content. The deal also include rights to broadcast India touring Sri Lanka to play 6 T20Is and 3 ODIs with one of the series scheduled for July 2021 that will feature 3 T20Is while the date for the other series is yet to be announced.

     

    Said Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer, Distribution and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India: “Sony Pictures Networks India is the premier destination for the best of international cricket, and we are excited about continuing our partnership with Sri Lanka Cricket. The acquisition of the exclusive global TV and digital rights of Sri Lanka Cricket strengthens our cricket portfolio. Our extended partnership with Sri Lanka Cricket adds 92 days of live cricket, including two India tours to Sri Lanka, to our robust cricket calendar.”

     

     

  • UFC 249 features the interim lightweight championship between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje

    Sony Sports brings 3 UFC LIVE events to India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN) is set to return to broadcasting live UFC events this weekend with UFC 249. The event will take place at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Florida and will be aired live in the Indian subcontinent on May 10, 2020 on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 3 channels from 7.30 am IST. This will be followed by two more UFC LIVE events, UFC Fight Night: Smith vs Teixeira on May 14, 2020 and UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs Harris on May 17, 2020.

     

    Said Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer, Distribution and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India: “We are very excited to have UFC return to our broadcast with UFC 249 going out LIVE to fans all across India. Avid sports fans have been waiting for resumption of live sporting action and UFC 249 going live along with the upcoming fights events is great news for our viewers.”

     

     

  • It revisits the Indian cricket team’s victorious campaign of the 1985 B&H World Championship of Cricket

    Sony Pictures launches ‘The Blue Revolution’ to celebrate 1985 win

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN) has announced a 12-part series titled ‘The Blue Revolution’. The series revisits India’s landmark victory in the 1985 B&H World Championship of Cricket which was the first major tournament India won in coloured clothing and established its dominance in cricket across the globe.

     

    The series launches on May 4 and will be aired exclusively on Sony Six and Sony Six HD.

     

    Said Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer, Distribution and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India: “The Blue Revolution covers one of the most iconic moments in our sporting history and commemorates the era where India established its supremacy in the world of Cricket. At that time our World Cup winning team had seen a dip in form, however, they answered all their critics as champions do – by winning the 1985 B&H World Championship of Cricket. The celebrations that ensued with Ravi Shastri and the team in the car as well as on the ground are iconic visuals of our rich cricketing heritage and we’re bringing back these memorable games for the Indian cricket fan.”

     

    As a part of the build-up to the marquee episodes and matches, SPSN has organised a series of live interactive chat sessions with some of the Indian cricket legends and heroes of the unbeaten class of ’85 – Ravi Shastri, Roger Binny, Madan Lal and Laxman Sivaramakrishnan. The sessions will be hosted by Rajdeep Sardesai and Joy Bhattacharya, and sports enthusiasts can watch them in conversation live at @SonySportsIndia, the official Facebook page of Sony Pictures Sports Network.

     

     

  • Network’s advertising inventory is being utilised for PSAs

    Sony Pictures pledges Rs 10cr to daily wage-earners

    By A Correspondent

     

    In response to the nationwide lockdown, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has decided to contribute a fund of Rs 10 crore to support the daily wage workers in the Media & Entertainment industry.

     

    The network is reaching out to the daily wage-earners identified by their respective trade associations with free coupons which they and their families can exchange for their daily necessities like food and essential items at select retail stores. SPN is also working with its various commissioned production houses to disburse a month’s salary to each daily wage earner.

     

    Said NP Singh, Managing Director and CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN): “In light of the global pandemic, we are witnessing large communities across the world coming together to tide over the crisis. These unprecedented times have had a cascading impact on the media and entertainment industry, which employs a huge number of daily wage workers. As a conscientious conglomerate, it is our responsibility to direct efforts towards ensuring aid reaches our primary beneficiaries who have contributed to the success of the network.  Besides this initiative, we are also providing coupons to the migrant workers from this daily wage workforce, which they can trade off at certain retail outlets for groceries and essential supplies. We will leverage every opportunity to help our country at large to get through trying times like these.”

     

    Additionally, in sync with some other networks, Sony Pictures has made its channel Sony PAL, available free of charge on all DTH and cable networks to its viewers for a period of two months.

     

     

  • Every participant was presented with a certificate and medal to boost their morale

    Sony Pic organises run for visually challenged athletes

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) in association with their CSR partner, Cricket Association for the Blind of Maharashtra (CABM), hosted the first edition of the SPN Vision Run 2020 for visually challenged athletes. The run was flagged off by Rajkumar Bidawatka, Head of CSR, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) and Ramakant Satam, secretary, Cricket Association for the Blind of Maharashtra (CABM) along with television actors from Sony Pictures Networks India, at the Worli Police Camp ground. The SPN Vision Run 2020 saw over 200 visually challenged athletes accomplish a guided five km run along the Worli Sea Face route in Mumbai.

     

    Every participant was presented with a certificate and medal to boost their morale and encourage them to further themselves competitively.

     

    Said Rajkumar Bidawatka, Head of CSR, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN): “Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) is proud to support CABM in their endeavour to encourage the spirit of true sportsmanship. Empowerment through sports has been a key focus area for us. This opportunity helps us provide every athlete, a fair chance to achieve their dreams.  It gives us immense pride to play our role as catalysts in their individual journey by honing their skills and providing them an avenue to go #BeyondBoundaries.”

     

     

  • SPN extends its support and encouragement towards India’s differently-abled and high-spirited sportsmen

    Sony Pictures Networks associates with the Cricket Association for the Blind

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) recently partnered with the Cricket Association for the Blind of Maharashtra (CABM), for the state level cricket tournament for the blind in Mumbai. Under its umbrella CSR theme ‘Ek India Happywala’, SPN extends its support and encouragement towards India’s differently-abled and high-spirited sportsmen.

     

    Said Rajkumar Bidawatka, Head of CSR, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN): “We at Sony Pictures Networks India, consistently strive towards creating an inclusive society. Our aim is to be catalysts of growth and success, for India’s differently abled sportspersons. It gives us immense pride to partner with the Cricket Association for the Blind of Maharashtra to provide a platform to encourage the spirit of true sportsmanship. This is an opportunity to enable rising stars within the state to hone their cricketing skills and unlock their potential to go #BeyondBoundaries.”

     

    Added Ramakant Satam, Secretary, Cricket Association for the Blind of Maharashtra: “Partnering with Sony Pictures Networks India has always been an exhilarating experience. This association brings alive the synergy in our goals and strengthens our belief of empowering India’s youth to become independent. We look forward to partnering with SPN for future endeavors.”

     

     

  • SPN’s broadcast will be on a minimum of two English language linear television channels

    SPN extends broadcast partnership with Aus Open

    By A Correspondent

     

    Tennis Australia and Sony Pictures Networks have announced a three-year extension of their broadcast relationship. SPN was selected as the exclusive television and digital rights holder for India and the subcontinent and will provide more than 200 hours of extensive coverage for each edition of the Australian Open. It will now be the home for Australian Open and all the lead-up events including the Adelaide International ATP 250 event. SPN’s broadcast will be on a minimum of two English language linear television channels, along with streaming of all 16 match courts on SPN’s video on demand service, SonyLIV.

     

    “We are delighted to not just extend but also expand our relationship with Sony Pictures Networks in India from 2020,” Tennis Australia CEO and Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said, adding: “This year’s Australian Open attracted record audiences in India which saw the key international market rise to our eighth biggest worldwide, and the third in Asia behind Japan and China. Sony Pictures Networks’ commitment to providing their most comprehensive coverage allows us to engage with Indian fans in a deeper and more meaningful way by going beyond the on-court action to tell the story of the Australian Open from all angles,” Tiley said.

     

    Said Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer, Distribution and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India: “One of the most coveted titles for any tennis player, the Australian Open has been the most watched Grand Slam in India for the past two years. We are proud to extend our relationship with Tennis Australia and will be providing over 200 hours of live and non-live content for each edition of the Grand Slam for the next three years. Our coverage will include the live matches, studio shows, highlights, build-up thematic shows, Australian Open classics and more along with a dedicated AO section on SonyLIV.”

     

     

  • These channels are now available for Rs. 12 month for this festive season

    SPN too unveils festive ad campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    After Star India, Zee and Viacom18 Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) too brings cheer to its viewers through its ‘Ab India aur bhi Happy’ offer. SPN has announced a special offer, allowing consumers to avail of a festive à-la-carte pricing of Rs.12 month on its premier entertainment channels, SET, Sony Sab and Sony Max.

     

    Said NP Singh, Managing Director & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) said: “We are grateful to the viewers that our premier entertainment channels are leaders in their respective genres. It is our constant endeavour to provide quality entertainment at great value. This festive offer includes our highly rated marquee prime time content. Our intent through this initiative is to contribute towards and complement the festive spirit.”

     

     

  • #SonaManaHai says Sony Pictures Sports Network’s new campaign

    UEFA CL on Sony Ten 2 from today

    By A Campaign

     

    Sony Pictures Sports Network will bring the upcoming season of the UEFA Champions League to Indian audiences from today, September 17, onwards. The matches featuring the best football players in premier clubs from top European leagues, will be telecast on Sony Ten 2. SPSN also recently launched its campaign for the mega tournament, #SonaManaHai, which captures the sentiments of all Indian football fans and preps them for the upcoming season.

     

    Said Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer, Distribution and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited: “Sony Pictures Sports Network are the flagbearers for UEFA Champions League, the best football club tournament in the world, in India. UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of glory for both the clubs as well as the players and the passionate fans. Our audience can look forward to a more exciting viewing experience through a series of programming initiatives this season including a live studio show with celebrated ex-football players providing expert analysis on our channels. It is #SonaManaHai for all our viewers September 17 onwards.”

     

    Added Neville Bastawalla, Head, Marketing & On-Air Promotions, Sports Channels, Sony Pictures Networks India: “#SonaManaHai urges viewers to stay awake and not miss out on all the exciting action from the best football players and teams in UEFA Champions League. Our campaign speaks to two broad sets of audience, the football fans who are unable to stay awake to watch the matches and fringe viewers who are not very familiar with UEFA Champions League however have a fear of missing out on rewarding experiences. Through this insight, we have created a first of its kind clutter breaking campaign to increase the appeal and viewership of the tournament.  In order to reach out to a wider audience across multiple markets, the on-air film, #SonaManaHai has been rolled out in four languages – English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali.”

     

    Said Raghu Bhat, Founder, Director, Scarecrow M&C Saatchi: “When Messi and Salah are scoring, football fans are snoring! UEFA Champion’s League is the greatest and the most discussed football event on earth but matches happen late night. We want this campaign to be the caffeine shot that makes a football fan stay up and watch it live on Sony Pictures Sports Network instead of on YouTube the morning after.”

     

     

  • The network has also incorporated changes to the Code of Conduct

    SPN implements policy change to promote inclusivity at workplace

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has taken a step forward on its commitment towards inclusivity. With an aim to build a conducive environment for all employees, the network has revised its company policies to be gender-neutral.

     

    As a part of this initiative, the network will extend medical benefits and insurance coverage for declared partners. According to the new amendment, there is a shift from maternity/ paternity policies to common parental policies and an expansion to the definitions of primary and secondary caregivers. Primary caregivers will now include all employees who have nominated themselves as the primary caregiver in case of adoption/surrogacy. While secondary caregivers will include all employees, who have had a child in the past six months but not delivered the child and not nominated themselves as primary caregivers in adoption/surrogacy cases.

     

    To ensure equal safety for all the employees, the network also incorporated changes to the Code of Conduct. According to which, the definition of sexual harassment will now include hate speech/ bigotry and intolerant remarks on LGBT+ community in general. In addition to rendering policies as gender neutral, SPN has also announced infrastructural changes such as gender neutral washrooms in their Mumbai and Gurugram offices.

     

    Said Manu Wadhwa, Chief Human Resource Officer, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN): “At Sony Pictures Networks, we value the diversity of our people and always aim to encourage inclusion to foster a favorable working environment for all. With the recent modifications in our policies, we want to reassure our employees that SPN is an equal opportunity employer where we believe that our people are happiest when they bring their whole selves to work comfortably without any apprehensions.”

     

     

  • The extended partnership with UFC will help SPN to build on the popularity of combat sports in the Indian subcontinent

    SPN retains exclusive media rights of UFC until 2023

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Networks has retained the exclusive media rights for the premier mixed martial arts promotion, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) till 2023. The extended partnership with UFC will help SPN to build on the popularity of combat sports in the Indian subcontinent.

     

    Said Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer, Distribution and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India: “UFC is the gold standard for the sport of MMA across the globe and features the highest level of talent in their roster. Over the past few years, we have seen a steady growth in consumption of the sport and around 100 million viewers watched UFC on Indian television in 2018. UFC has garnered a dedicated fan base over the past few years and is one of the most watched fight sports properties in India. To meet the growing demand for UFC content, we will telecast both live events and non-live content on the SONY TEN 2 channels.”