MxMIndia

Tag: Sony Pictures Networks

  • 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.”

     

  • With Star Sports snapping up sports properties in the last few years and also developing their own, industry observers feel that they are ready to break the bank when the IPL rights come up for bidding in 2017

    Sony-ESPN deal to heat up sports broadcasting industry

    By Soumalya Santikari

     

    Sports fans across India are overjoyed following the Sony-ESPN deal. When the American sports broadcaster decided to end its 18-year-old joint venture with STAR in South East Asia, viewers were sad that they will no longer more be able to watch cult shows such as ‘SportsCenter’ or some of the top sportscasters associated with the channel.

     

    After its split with STAR, ESPN had a clause which stated they wouldn’t be able to re-enter the Indian market for a period of three years in sports broadcasting. They were present in the digital medium with ESPNCricinfo and their move to collaborate with MSM (Sony Pictures Networks) did take industry observers by surprise.

     

    Prasana Krishnan

    Speaking to Economictimes.com, Prasana Krishnan, EVP & Business Head for Sports, Sony Pictures Networks India (earlier MSM Network) said that the ESPN deal is in complete sync with the aggressive growth strategy earmarked for the sports channels.

     

    “Sports is a very important vertical for us and we have been investing aggressively in this area. Our portfolio now includes some of the biggest events and leagues and we have been setting new benchmarks in sports coverage. ESPN shares similar values and is an acknowledged leader, both, in India and worldwide.

     

    “So this combination of Sony Pictures and ESPN promises to set new benchmarks and enhance the viewership experiences of sports fans,” he said.

     

    Prasana, however, declined to comment on the creative or editorial collaborations with ESPN. He said they are yet to take a call on the programmes they can source from ESPN’s library and other global offerings.

     

    With Star Sports snapping up sports properties in the last few years and also developing their own, industry observers feel that they are ready to break the bank when the IPL rights come up for bidding in 2017.

     

    Regarding bidding of sports properties, Prasana didn’t reveal the commecial agreement between Sony and ESPN.

     

    But the biggest benefit for Sony in this deal will be their digital properties as they would get access to some top-quality sports programmes and Prasana outlined his plans.

     

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

     

    Analysts also feel that ESPN’s return won’t necessarily mean that bidding rights for sports properties will hit the roof.

     

    “Apart from cricket, no broadcaster has really paid any significant amount to acquire rights of sports properties. The two most most successful sports after cricket last year were ISL & Pro Kabaddi League, both in which Star has a stake. However, It will be important for Sony to create smartly packaged content…the ESPN tie-up will definitely help achieve the same,” Jigar Rambhia- Maxus Client Leader – ESP (Entertainment Sports and Partnerships) said.

     

    It would be interesting to see how the most aggressive player in this space – Star Sports – reacts to the entry of its previous partner. But till then, the sports broadcasting industry can only anticipate how the two giants battle it out for supremacy.

     

    Source:The Economic Times

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  • 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.”