MxMIndia

Tag: SPN

  • 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.”

     

     

  • Sneha has played a valuable role in shaping the diversity agenda of SPN

    Sneha Rajani moves on from SPN

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sneha Rajani, Head of Sony Pictures Networks (SPN’s) film production division, has quit the organisation. She has been instrumental in launching Sony Max, the leading Hindi movie channel. In addition, Rajani played a key role in shaping the diversity agenda of SPN, enabling an inclusive work environment.

     

    Said NP Singh, Managing Director & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN): “At an organisational level, Sneha’s contributions have been game changing. She has successfully chaperoned the organization’s growth from launching Sony Max, India’s leading Hindi movies channel to leading our flagship channel, SET, and establishing SPN’s theatrical division – SPNP and many more. She has been an active crusader for dignity and has led the diversity team at SPN, shaping the organization into a truly inclusive workplace. Her dedication and commitment to the organisation’s cause has been unflinching and symbolic of her loyalty. Sneha’s exit later next month will leave a large void in SPN’s management team. My best wishes are with her.”

     

     

  • 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.”

     

     

  • As a part of this project, SPN reached out to over 180 drought-hit villages across Maharashtra

    Sony Pictures reaches out to parched villages in Maha with potable water

    By A Correspondent

     

    With its CSR theme of ‘Ek India Happywala’, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has reached out to the interiors of drought hit Maharashtra to address the issue of potable water.

     

    As a part of this project, SPN reached out to over 180 drought-hit villages across Maharashtra. Water tankers were sent to the interior regions of Maharashtra to provide access to safe drinking water in over 180 villages and reached out to over 85,000 people. With this initiative, SPN provided each of the drought affected villages with over 12,000 litres of potable water. This project was activated across districts like Latur, Wardha, Amravati, Dhule, Jalna, Beed, Osmanabad and Nanded.

     

    Said Rajkumar Bidawatka, Head – CSR, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN):
    “At Sony Pictures Networks, we are always striving to build a better society through our corporate social responsibility programme. The main goal of this project was to contribute towards building a better life for people by creating access to a basic necessity such as water. This initiative is a step forward in our endeavor to support and help build a sustainable society.”

     

     

  • 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.”

     

     

  • The Olympic Channel and other IOC digital platforms will also feature highlights and replays of key events

    SPN bags rights for Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

    By A Correspondent

     

    The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has been awarded the broadcast rights in India and the Indian subcontinent for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, as well as the Winter Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020. The Olympic Channel and other IOC digital platforms will also feature highlights and replays of key events.

     

    In addition, the IOC and SPN will collaborate on creating a permanent Olympic Channel home within the SonyLIV service. Programming will feature year-round coverage of Olympic athletes and sports, highlighting locally relevant original content produced by SPN and Olympic Channel.

     

    Said NP Singh, MD & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India: “As an organisation, we continue to play a leading role in shaping and meeting the entertainment needs of the evolving consumer base across television and digital platforms in India. The Olympic Games is the largest and most prestigious international sports competition in the world with over 200 countries participating. The addition of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 broadcast and digital rights complements our portfolio of International sports events and properties.”

     

    Added Thomas Bach, President, IOC: “As a dynamic sports and media market, India and the Subcontinent is an important strategic region for Olympic broadcasting. The IOC is pleased to be working with Sony Pictures Networks India to collaborate together to bring the best coverage of Tokyo 2020 and the Youth Olympic Games to fans across the region, on their platform of choice, with the aim of inspiring young people to engage with Olympic sports and the Olympic values.”

  • A unique interactive second screen experience, “Extraaa Innings” for passionate cricket lovers

    SPN launches programming initiatives for India tour of Australia

    By A Correspondent

     

    For the upcoming cricket series between India and Australia (Nov 21 to Jan 18), Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has announced several initiatives to enhance the viewing experience.

     

    Said Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer Distribution and Head – Sports, Sony Pictures Networks India: “Cricket is more than just a sport; it is an emotional experience for Indians. Being the one-stop destination for international bilateral series, with rights to eight cricket boards, we are always looking for ways to elevate this experience. The superb line-up of panellists and commentators will give our viewers a holistic perspective on the matches. Along with that, our second screen initiative – Extraaa Innings – will ensure that the fans have a more immersive experience during the series.”

     

     

  • SPN to show all races of ABB FIA Formula E Championship for further two seasons

    SPN extends TV & digital rights partnership with ABB FIA Formula E Championship

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Network India (SPN) will continue to broadcast each round of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship for a further two seasons across the Indian sub-continent – including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

     

    Said Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer Distribution and Head – Sports, Sony Pictures Networks India: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with ABB FIA Formula E after the positive response and viewership we have seen over the past year. This series is especially exciting given the innovation and the potential it has for the future. At SPN, we are focused on providing a multi-sport viewing culture and the ABB FIA Formula E Championship further strengthens our vast portfolio.”