ITV

Tag: NP Singh

  • Sony Pictures-Ten Sports deal cleared by CCI

    Sony Pictures-Ten Sports deal cleared by CCI

    MUMBAI: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) yesterday tweeted its approval to the proposed acquisition of the sports broadcasting business of Ten Sports by Sony Pictures Networks India. Acquisitions beyond a threshold need approval from CCI, which keeps a check on business practices across sectors.

    In August-end 2016, ZEEL had informed the BSE about the approval by its board of directors for the proposed sale and transfer of Zee’s sports broadcasting business to Sony Pictures Networks in an all-cash deal worth US$385 million. SPNI CEO NP Singh had then said that the acquisition of Ten Sports Network would strengthen SPN’s offering for viewers of cricket, football and fight sports, complementing their existing portfolio of international and domestic sporting properties.

    Ten Sports network is currently held by two subsidiaries of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL)—Taj Television Ltd, Mauritius, and Taj Television (India) Pvt. Ltd. Sony Pictures Networks India is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation, which owns and operates the Sony Entertainment network of channels.

    Ten Sports channels being acquired are — Ten  Cricket, Ten Sports, Ten 1, Ten 1 HD, Ten 2, Ten 3, Ten Golf HD which operate in many countries including the Indian sub-continent, Hong Kong, Maldives, Singapore, the Middle East and the Caribbeans.

    Also Read:

    Sony Networks looking to change face of Indian football in ’17

    Sony to add 10 channels in 2017

    Sony Pictures to acquire Ten Sports from Zee

  • Sony targets 9m HD subs & diaspora with youth-focused Rox in Dolby quality

    Sony targets 9m HD subs & diaspora with youth-focused Rox in Dolby quality

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Network India (SPN) has launched its second channel in music genre. The group has strengthened its position in the Hindi music space bringing in Sony Rox HD, a youth-focused contemporary Hindi music high-definition channel.

    Sony Rox HD launched across key direct-to-home (DTH) and digital cable platforms such as Tata Sky, Fastway, In Cable and UCN, among other. It will showcase latest Hindi film music in high-definition visual format of 1080i resolution that is enhanced by Dolby Audio.

    True to its positioning of being a youth-focused music channel, Sony ROX HD revealed the channel look and offerings at a music-styled event that included a special performance by the first two ROX original artistes in Mumbai. The event was witnessed by select media as well as the millions of followers of the SPN network channels simulcast on Facebook Live.

    Served through a day-parted playout with unique programming initiatives, the latest channel on the block promises to be the most exciting. Its tagline: ‘Music Melody Madhoshi’ captures the approach of taking the core ingredient of the genre i.e. ‘Music’, curating and treating it through the perspective of beautiful music i.e.‘Melody’ to transcend the music experience on Sony Rox HD to a high of ‘Madhoshi’.

    Speaking at the launch, SPN CEO NP Singh said, “In the last few years, as a network, we have been growing aggressively. We have been launching more channels and expanding our portfolio in all the genres. When we launched Sony Mix, that was the first time we were getting into Bolllywood music. Six months post the launch, Mix has become the number one channel in the Hindi music space. Building on this gratifying experience, we decided to launch Hindi music super premium channel which is youth focused and which will offer you good quality video i.e 1080i with Dolby Audio. I am confident that Sony Rox HD too will be the leader in the Hindi music space.”

    SPN Hindi movies and music sluster senior EVP and business head Neeraj Vyas said, “A youth-focused contemporary Hindi music channel Sony Rox HD’s music content and programming initiatives will make it the leading hangout destination on television for 15-21-year olds. We are a ‘True-Blue HD Hindi Music Channel’ ensuring our viewers enjoy music that looks good, sounds great and feels awesome.” Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Vyas said that Sony Rox would be primarily targeting the nine million HD homes in India and the sub-continental diaspora across the globe. With Dolby collaboration, he said, Sony Rox aimed at enhancing the sound quality for the music aficianados.

    To a question on the DTH traffic moving on to OTT/VOD platforms, Vyas quipped: “It’s going to take time (in India),” adding that, in the west, in spite of good penetration of Internet and that too at a high speed, television still was a growing phenomenon.

    One of the channel specials: ‘Rox Original artiste of the Month’ sets Rox HD as the first ongoing platform for upcoming Indie artistes on the national television. At the center of it all is a comprehensive music content acquisition strategy ensuring tie-ups with all the leading labels in contemporary music such as T-series, Zee Music, Sony Music, YRF, Eros Music, UTV-Disney and Tips, etc.

    Dolby Laboratories emerging markets senior director Pankaj Kedia said, “Great sound is essential for a complete cinematic entertainment experience and Dolby is excited to work with Sony Rox HD to unveil a dynamic audio experience for consumers. Together with Sony Rox HD, we aim to transform the way music is consumed in the country.”

    The channel will be promoted extensively across all Sony Pictures Networks’ HD channels, carrier platforms, coupled with print, a robust digital and social media presence to engage with audiences at different touch points.

  • Sony targets 9m HD subs & diaspora with youth-focused Rox in Dolby quality

    Sony targets 9m HD subs & diaspora with youth-focused Rox in Dolby quality

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Network India (SPN) has launched its second channel in music genre. The group has strengthened its position in the Hindi music space bringing in Sony Rox HD, a youth-focused contemporary Hindi music high-definition channel.

    Sony Rox HD launched across key direct-to-home (DTH) and digital cable platforms such as Tata Sky, Fastway, In Cable and UCN, among other. It will showcase latest Hindi film music in high-definition visual format of 1080i resolution that is enhanced by Dolby Audio.

    True to its positioning of being a youth-focused music channel, Sony ROX HD revealed the channel look and offerings at a music-styled event that included a special performance by the first two ROX original artistes in Mumbai. The event was witnessed by select media as well as the millions of followers of the SPN network channels simulcast on Facebook Live.

    Served through a day-parted playout with unique programming initiatives, the latest channel on the block promises to be the most exciting. Its tagline: ‘Music Melody Madhoshi’ captures the approach of taking the core ingredient of the genre i.e. ‘Music’, curating and treating it through the perspective of beautiful music i.e.‘Melody’ to transcend the music experience on Sony Rox HD to a high of ‘Madhoshi’.

    Speaking at the launch, SPN CEO NP Singh said, “In the last few years, as a network, we have been growing aggressively. We have been launching more channels and expanding our portfolio in all the genres. When we launched Sony Mix, that was the first time we were getting into Bolllywood music. Six months post the launch, Mix has become the number one channel in the Hindi music space. Building on this gratifying experience, we decided to launch Hindi music super premium channel which is youth focused and which will offer you good quality video i.e 1080i with Dolby Audio. I am confident that Sony Rox HD too will be the leader in the Hindi music space.”

    SPN Hindi movies and music sluster senior EVP and business head Neeraj Vyas said, “A youth-focused contemporary Hindi music channel Sony Rox HD’s music content and programming initiatives will make it the leading hangout destination on television for 15-21-year olds. We are a ‘True-Blue HD Hindi Music Channel’ ensuring our viewers enjoy music that looks good, sounds great and feels awesome.” Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Vyas said that Sony Rox would be primarily targeting the nine million HD homes in India and the sub-continental diaspora across the globe. With Dolby collaboration, he said, Sony Rox aimed at enhancing the sound quality for the music aficianados.

    To a question on the DTH traffic moving on to OTT/VOD platforms, Vyas quipped: “It’s going to take time (in India),” adding that, in the west, in spite of good penetration of Internet and that too at a high speed, television still was a growing phenomenon.

    One of the channel specials: ‘Rox Original artiste of the Month’ sets Rox HD as the first ongoing platform for upcoming Indie artistes on the national television. At the center of it all is a comprehensive music content acquisition strategy ensuring tie-ups with all the leading labels in contemporary music such as T-series, Zee Music, Sony Music, YRF, Eros Music, UTV-Disney and Tips, etc.

    Dolby Laboratories emerging markets senior director Pankaj Kedia said, “Great sound is essential for a complete cinematic entertainment experience and Dolby is excited to work with Sony Rox HD to unveil a dynamic audio experience for consumers. Together with Sony Rox HD, we aim to transform the way music is consumed in the country.”

    The channel will be promoted extensively across all Sony Pictures Networks’ HD channels, carrier platforms, coupled with print, a robust digital and social media presence to engage with audiences at different touch points.

  • Sony to add 10 channels in 2017

    Sony to add 10 channels in 2017

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India’s new strategic decision is to add entertaining and engaging channels catering to a variety of viewers to its existing bouquet next year.

    Sony has been working on its plans to expand its portfolio by adding 10 new channels which will include five sports channels. The remainder will be divided between kids, music and infotainment genres. SPN India is awaiting regulatory approval.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Sony Pictures Networks CEO NP Singh said, “The company expanded its portfolio in 2016. New channels are coming in a few months”. Singh further added, “We are integrating five Ten Sports channels, HD music channel, kids channel and infotainment channel.”

    In the beginning of 2016, Sony added two channels — Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD to its sports bouquet in collaboration with ESPN. Later that year, SPN India launched its third movie channel — Sony Wah and also came up with Sony Le Plex, an English movie channel.

    In August 2016, the network announced a deal to acquire Ten Sports Network from Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE) and its subsidiaries for US$ 385 million. The acquisition added South Asia’s leading sports network to SPN’s portfolio.

    The year seems to have been satisfying for Sony Pictures. Talking about the network’s flagship channel Sony Entertainment Television, Singh said, “The year has been good for the network. We have been able to successfully achieve leadership on weekends. Also, we have seen the audience accepting our fiction shows.” Singh added, “In the next six months, I am sure, we will see a surge in viewership on weekdays too. We climbed up from number six to three, and hope Sony will continue to grow from there.”

    The channel is bringing back the ninth season of one its iconic shows Indian Idol on 24 December.

  • Sony to add 10 channels in 2017

    Sony to add 10 channels in 2017

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India’s new strategic decision is to add entertaining and engaging channels catering to a variety of viewers to its existing bouquet next year.

    Sony has been working on its plans to expand its portfolio by adding 10 new channels which will include five sports channels. The remainder will be divided between kids, music and infotainment genres. SPN India is awaiting regulatory approval.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Sony Pictures Networks CEO NP Singh said, “The company expanded its portfolio in 2016. New channels are coming in a few months”. Singh further added, “We are integrating five Ten Sports channels, HD music channel, kids channel and infotainment channel.”

    In the beginning of 2016, Sony added two channels — Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD to its sports bouquet in collaboration with ESPN. Later that year, SPN India launched its third movie channel — Sony Wah and also came up with Sony Le Plex, an English movie channel.

    In August 2016, the network announced a deal to acquire Ten Sports Network from Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE) and its subsidiaries for US$ 385 million. The acquisition added South Asia’s leading sports network to SPN’s portfolio.

    The year seems to have been satisfying for Sony Pictures. Talking about the network’s flagship channel Sony Entertainment Television, Singh said, “The year has been good for the network. We have been able to successfully achieve leadership on weekends. Also, we have seen the audience accepting our fiction shows.” Singh added, “In the next six months, I am sure, we will see a surge in viewership on weekdays too. We climbed up from number six to three, and hope Sony will continue to grow from there.”

    The channel is bringing back the ninth season of one its iconic shows Indian Idol on 24 December.

  • Sony strengthens weekday programming; launching four shows by July ’17

    Sony strengthens weekday programming; launching four shows by July ’17

    MUMBAI: After strengthening the weekend programming with Super Dancer, Sony Entertainment Television is all set to bring one of its iconic shows — Indian Idol — back.

    “Sony has traditionally done very well as far as the weekend is concerned. So, when we started rebuilding this channel a year ago, the aim was to make Sony the number one weekend destination. I am happy to say that we have achieved that. Weekday programming is where we are going to focus now. We have launched Beyhadh which received a good opening. Weekday is a habit which will take time to be cultivated, and can’t happen in one go,” said Sony Entertainment Television EVP and business head Danish Khan.

    Khan added, “There are three-four launches between January and July in 2017, and, in July, people will see a very healthy weekend. It will be gradual, step by step, but, like you have seen in the weekend, you will see weekday of Sony fulfilling expectation of the audience very soon.” Sony’s much talked about historical drama Peshwa Bajirao is slated to launch in January.

    Indian Idol is the first step in bringing back the old iconic shows of Sony. The show will be aired from 24 December on Saturday and Sunday at 8pm.

    The channel has roped in Vivo as the title sponsors, and KUV 100 and Quick Heal as the ‘Co-powered By’ sponsors. According to sources, a 10-sec ad rate for the show has been sold for Rs 1 lakh each.

    This season also marks the comeback of its original trio of judges, Farah Khan, Sonu Nigam and Anu Malik, which has come together on the platform once again, after 12 years. Their chemistry and unique style of interaction with the participants holds promise — to make this season an ultimate entertainer on the Indian television.

    While the contestants impress viewers with their talent, the judges will also mark them on three most important factors that define the Indian Idol platform – Riyaaz, Awaaz and Andaaz. The legendary singing sensation of India, Sonu Nigam, will focus on the contestants’ ‘Riyaaz’, the maestro Anu Malik will be keenly observing their ‘Awaaz’, and known for her distinguished style, Bollywood’s ace choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan will judge their ‘Andaaz’.

    The show will begin with audition episodes from across the country; episodes that witnessed lakhs of talented singers competing to make it into the top 110. Hosting the ninth season will be the charming Karan Wahi and Paritosh Tripathy.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Sony Pictures Networks CEO NP Singh said, “It’s an authentic talent hunt show with authentic talent. Indian Idol is a show which broke new ground a few years ago, and in many ways changed the landscape of reality shows in India. It worked really well for us.”

    Post the fantastic success of its most popular show Super Dancer, the channel now brings to the fore one of its biggest properties — Indian Idol. Khan informed, “We have created a dedicated time of 8pm on weekends that will continue to bring unseen talent to our viewers. Super Dancer saw some amazing dancers and now, with Indian Idol, we intend to take this legacy ahead. The original trio of judges is a wonderful combination in the world of music and their chemistry coupled with outstanding singers will surely create magic on screen.”

    Said FremantleMedia India business head Vidyuth Bhandary, “The global phenomenon of the Idol format — launched in 52 territories worldwide and rated as the No 1 show 48 times — has been watched by half a billion viewers globally, making it one of the world’s most loved shows. We are proud of our strong partnership and collaboration with Sony Pictures Networks India, and happy to announce the launch of the 9th season of Indian Idol. It’s been 12 years since the first season of Indian Idol was launched on SET making it the longest-running reality show in India with unprecedented participation.”

    The channel will soon bring back all its iconic shows such as — KBC and Dus Ka Dum.

    “Indian Idol has been a torch-bearer of sorts in terms of the non-fiction programming slate for Sony, and has proved to be a war-horse when it comes to TVR numbers. Thus, it’s great news for Sony that the show is making a return after a rather long hiatus and what’s better is that they have gone back to the earlier panel of judges, which allows the audience to find an instant connect from the word go. What’s worked for the show earlier is the platform that it has provided for stars of the future, but the fact that the show wasn’t around for four years has allowed other shows like ‘The Voice’ to create ample room for competition. It will be a great battle to be witnessed between Indian Idol’s return along with a new format in Colors’ Rising Star on the small screen in the coming days,” said a senior media planner.

  • Sony strengthens weekday programming; launching four shows by July ’17

    Sony strengthens weekday programming; launching four shows by July ’17

    MUMBAI: After strengthening the weekend programming with Super Dancer, Sony Entertainment Television is all set to bring one of its iconic shows — Indian Idol — back.

    “Sony has traditionally done very well as far as the weekend is concerned. So, when we started rebuilding this channel a year ago, the aim was to make Sony the number one weekend destination. I am happy to say that we have achieved that. Weekday programming is where we are going to focus now. We have launched Beyhadh which received a good opening. Weekday is a habit which will take time to be cultivated, and can’t happen in one go,” said Sony Entertainment Television EVP and business head Danish Khan.

    Khan added, “There are three-four launches between January and July in 2017, and, in July, people will see a very healthy weekend. It will be gradual, step by step, but, like you have seen in the weekend, you will see weekday of Sony fulfilling expectation of the audience very soon.” Sony’s much talked about historical drama Peshwa Bajirao is slated to launch in January.

    Indian Idol is the first step in bringing back the old iconic shows of Sony. The show will be aired from 24 December on Saturday and Sunday at 8pm.

    The channel has roped in Vivo as the title sponsors, and KUV 100 and Quick Heal as the ‘Co-powered By’ sponsors. According to sources, a 10-sec ad rate for the show has been sold for Rs 1 lakh each.

    This season also marks the comeback of its original trio of judges, Farah Khan, Sonu Nigam and Anu Malik, which has come together on the platform once again, after 12 years. Their chemistry and unique style of interaction with the participants holds promise — to make this season an ultimate entertainer on the Indian television.

    While the contestants impress viewers with their talent, the judges will also mark them on three most important factors that define the Indian Idol platform – Riyaaz, Awaaz and Andaaz. The legendary singing sensation of India, Sonu Nigam, will focus on the contestants’ ‘Riyaaz’, the maestro Anu Malik will be keenly observing their ‘Awaaz’, and known for her distinguished style, Bollywood’s ace choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan will judge their ‘Andaaz’.

    The show will begin with audition episodes from across the country; episodes that witnessed lakhs of talented singers competing to make it into the top 110. Hosting the ninth season will be the charming Karan Wahi and Paritosh Tripathy.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Sony Pictures Networks CEO NP Singh said, “It’s an authentic talent hunt show with authentic talent. Indian Idol is a show which broke new ground a few years ago, and in many ways changed the landscape of reality shows in India. It worked really well for us.”

    Post the fantastic success of its most popular show Super Dancer, the channel now brings to the fore one of its biggest properties — Indian Idol. Khan informed, “We have created a dedicated time of 8pm on weekends that will continue to bring unseen talent to our viewers. Super Dancer saw some amazing dancers and now, with Indian Idol, we intend to take this legacy ahead. The original trio of judges is a wonderful combination in the world of music and their chemistry coupled with outstanding singers will surely create magic on screen.”

    Said FremantleMedia India business head Vidyuth Bhandary, “The global phenomenon of the Idol format — launched in 52 territories worldwide and rated as the No 1 show 48 times — has been watched by half a billion viewers globally, making it one of the world’s most loved shows. We are proud of our strong partnership and collaboration with Sony Pictures Networks India, and happy to announce the launch of the 9th season of Indian Idol. It’s been 12 years since the first season of Indian Idol was launched on SET making it the longest-running reality show in India with unprecedented participation.”

    The channel will soon bring back all its iconic shows such as — KBC and Dus Ka Dum.

    “Indian Idol has been a torch-bearer of sorts in terms of the non-fiction programming slate for Sony, and has proved to be a war-horse when it comes to TVR numbers. Thus, it’s great news for Sony that the show is making a return after a rather long hiatus and what’s better is that they have gone back to the earlier panel of judges, which allows the audience to find an instant connect from the word go. What’s worked for the show earlier is the platform that it has provided for stars of the future, but the fact that the show wasn’t around for four years has allowed other shows like ‘The Voice’ to create ample room for competition. It will be a great battle to be witnessed between Indian Idol’s return along with a new format in Colors’ Rising Star on the small screen in the coming days,” said a senior media planner.

  • ZEEL files Ten Sports sale details with BSE

    ZEEL files Ten Sports sale details with BSE

    MUMBAI: Further to the announcement of the acquisition of its Ten Sports Network by Sony Pictures Networks India, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, issued a disclosure report to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) giving further details of the deal.

    ZEEL stated that the sports broadcasting is housed under two companies: Taj TV Ltd, Mauritius and Taj Television (India) Pvt Ltd. The first is a step down foreign subsidiary which is involved in the broadcasting and distribution of sports content through the TEN brand of TV channels owned by it and has broadcasting rights to various sports events, including those from five cricket boards. Taj Television, a domestic wholly owned subsidiary, acts as an exclusive agent in India for down-linking, marketing, distributing and ad sales of the channels owned by Taj TV.

    It further elaborated that the sports broadcasting business contributed Rs 631 crore (net of inter company transactions), constituting 10.79 per cent of the consolidated revenue and a loss of Rs 37.20 crore in FY2015-2016.

    The sale deed involves SPN India, picking up ZEEL’s entire stake in the Indian subsidiary. Taj TV Mauritius would on a slump sale basis be selling its sports broadcasting business to Aqua Holdings Investments, Mauritius and MSM Asia Ltd, UK –affiliates of Sony Pictures Networks.

    The company states that the entire transaction would take four to five months to be completed and is subject to regulatory approvals and also certain precedent conditions being fulfilled.

  • ZEEL files Ten Sports sale details with BSE

    ZEEL files Ten Sports sale details with BSE

    MUMBAI: Further to the announcement of the acquisition of its Ten Sports Network by Sony Pictures Networks India, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, issued a disclosure report to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) giving further details of the deal.

    ZEEL stated that the sports broadcasting is housed under two companies: Taj TV Ltd, Mauritius and Taj Television (India) Pvt Ltd. The first is a step down foreign subsidiary which is involved in the broadcasting and distribution of sports content through the TEN brand of TV channels owned by it and has broadcasting rights to various sports events, including those from five cricket boards. Taj Television, a domestic wholly owned subsidiary, acts as an exclusive agent in India for down-linking, marketing, distributing and ad sales of the channels owned by Taj TV.

    It further elaborated that the sports broadcasting business contributed Rs 631 crore (net of inter company transactions), constituting 10.79 per cent of the consolidated revenue and a loss of Rs 37.20 crore in FY2015-2016.

    The sale deed involves SPN India, picking up ZEEL’s entire stake in the Indian subsidiary. Taj TV Mauritius would on a slump sale basis be selling its sports broadcasting business to Aqua Holdings Investments, Mauritius and MSM Asia Ltd, UK –affiliates of Sony Pictures Networks.

    The company states that the entire transaction would take four to five months to be completed and is subject to regulatory approvals and also certain precedent conditions being fulfilled.

  • SPN India acquires ZEEL’s Ten Sports for USD 385 mn

    SPN India acquires ZEEL’s Ten Sports for USD 385 mn

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) today announced that SPN and its affiliates have entered into definitive agreements to acquire TEN Sports Network, owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Zee) and its subsidiaries, for $ 385 million.

    However, completion of the acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals.

    The acquisition will add to SPN’s existing portfolio of channels TEN 1, TEN 1 HD, TEN 2, TEN 3, TEN Golf HD, TEN Cricket, a Zee-Sony co-branded official statement stated.

    TEN Sports which operates in several countries, including the Indian sub-continent, Maldives, Singapore, Hong Kong, Middle East, Caribbean, 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 Europe 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.

    “I welcome TEN Sports to the Sony family. The acquisition of TEN Sports Network will strengthen SPNI’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,” the official statement quoted SPNI CEO NP Singh as saying.

    SPN’s sports properties include cricket (IPL, CPL, Ram Slam), football (FIFA 2018 World Cup Russia, UEFA Euro 2016, FIFA World Events including FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 in India, European and South American Qualifiers for FIFA WC 2018, FIFA Confederations Cup, LaLiga, Serie A, FA Cup, Copa America Centenario, International Champions Cup), tennis (Australian Open, ATP 1000 and 500 World Tour Events, Champions Tennis League), fight sports (TNA, UFC, Pro Wrestling League), basketball (NBA) as well as NFL and Premier Futsal.

    Commenting on the deal, speculated in the media and financial circles for quite some time now, Zee MD Punit Goenka 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.”

    Further dwelling on a restructuring and re-jigging of portfolios currently on in Zee, Goenka added: “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 five verticals — broadcast, digital, films, live events, and international business. 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.”
    Sony Pictures Television President, Worldwide Networks, Andy Kaplan said in a statement: “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.”

    ALSO READ:

    Ten Sports proposed sale: Biz acumen trumps emotions

    http://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/sports/ten-sports-proposed-sale-biz-acumen-trumps-emotions-160831