ITV

Tag: Rajesh Kaul

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

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

    MUMBAI: The year 2016 saw quite a bit of shake-up in the realm of Indian sports broadcasting. Zee signed a proposal with Sony to sell its sports channels, marketed under Ten Sports brand, to the latter; the Indian cricket broad’s fight with the Supreme Court putting a question mark on IPL and its broadcast and the arrival of some professional sports leagues in India that garnered viewers as well as on-ground audience. The developments also saw sports broadcasting turn primarily into a two-horse race Star India on one side and Sony-ESPN combine on the other, while Nimbus Sports remains a comparatively small player.

    Talking to indiantelevision.com on the changing sports broadcast dynamics, Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) sports and distribution president Rajesh Kaul said, “2016 was a spectacular year for the sports cluster of Sony in terms of the growth. In January 2016, we launched the Sony ESPN channels, which scaled us up to a four-channel sports network. IPL 2016 exceeded expectations with a record viewership of 361.6 million viewers.

    “In addition to this, we also had the on-air and digital telecast of UEFA Euro 2016 on our network, one of the biggest and most watched international football tournaments in 2016. To amplify the viewing experience of the tournament, we continued our pioneering initiative of multi-language feeds and for the first time in India, there was a multi-language feed for an international football tournament with the telecast of Euro 2016 in English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam languages.”

    Acquisition of Ten Network by SPN, subject to regulatory approvals, in a deal worth US$385 million does add fire-power as the channels operate in several countries, including the Indian sub-continent, Maldives, Singapore, Hong Kong, Middle East and Caribbean.

    The Sony sports network grew majestically in 2016. From Sony Six, Six HD, Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD to a bouquet of nine sports channels (Ten Network) prove Sony is looking to be serious player.

    Asked about the most viewed sporting event on SPN in 2016, Kaul said, “2016 was a strong year for the sports cluster of SPN and we enjoyed an excellent response to a plethora of our properties in cricket, football, fight sports and basketball / NBA. Both our marquee sports events IPL 2016 and UEFA Euro 2016 got an unprecedented level of viewership. In addition to this, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and NBA in our breakfast viewing category have also seen a substantial growth in viewership this year. Over 100 million viewers sampled UFC this year and more than 140 million viewers sampled NBA season 2015-16.”

    To cash in on the growing popularity of football in India and give a contest to cricket viewership and English Premier League (still the most followed footlball league in the world), the network tried to change the Spanish La Liga playing timings for the Indian audience who are ardent followers of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Real Madrid and Barcelona. The matches were scheduled to start at 4.30 pm local time in Spain (8 PM IST). This added a huge chunk of viewership to the Spanish League and with a new La Liga office in Delhi, the league and the region’s broadcaster is surely looking to tap into the South-Asian audience.

    Talking about viewership of foreign leagues in India, Kaul opined, “The sports cluster of SPN caters to a diverse spectrum of viewers with a wide range of sports. The variety of foreign sport on SPNI is widely followed by Indian viewers.

    La Liga made a blockbuster start to the 2016-17 season by trebling its reach compared to last season. El Clasico match between Barcelona & Real Madrid is the most watched international football league match of the year (4.1 million viewers).

    UFC has seen exponential growth in ratings in 2016 with over 100 million viewers this entire year. TNA is immensely popular in India with the property being sampled by over 185 million viewers this year.

    NBA is another sport which has a wide following among Indian fans last season NBA 2015-16 being watched by more than 140 million viewers and we are expecting a strong season showing for the 2016-17 season.”

    With the television rights of La Liga in India, SPNI also has the digital rights for the Spanish League. Showcasing important matches on Sony LIV, its digital platform, SPNI has been able to get its share of sports’ digital audience. Knowing its huge potential in the Indian market, the digital platform, beamed the El Clasico live on its website and garnered huge numbers.

    “Sport is one of our key focus areas and we have the best football action available with us. We have showcased big ticketing football events like Euro 2016, Copa America Centenario as well as the El Clasico,” SPNI EVP and digital business head Uday Sodhi said, adding with a strong event line-up that includes La Liga Santandar, Sony was “truly the (Indian) home of football.”

    The network also recently showcased Bangladesh Premier League 2016 and, according to Sodhi’s claims, it turned out to be most watched cricketing event so far on Sony Liv. “In all our marketing and brand communications, we have sports as a prime genre. We have done a 360-degree campaign for promoting Sony Liv as the one-stop for the best of sporting action,” he added, highlighting the digital platform’s attempts to ride the sports bandwagon.

    With the Internet’s reach increasing in India, which also ups the potential of products riding it, dwelling on digital platforms’ strategies in general, Sodhi said, “With 350 million internet users in India (65 per cent users being mobile only) and projections of crossing 700 million internet users by 2020, there is huge potential in India that’s yet to be tapped. Online video is thriving and 50 per cent of total mobile data traffic is video. Youth is driving the mobile data usage and sports is one of the top online video genres.”

    So, what’s in store for 2017? “For the sports cluster of SPN, 2017 would be one of the biggest years and epic too as IPL would have its 10th edition. In addition, Kaul elaborated, adding there will also be two major FIFA events (2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup). Since the juniors’ championship will be the first FIFA even to be hosted in India, there is lot of anticipation and it could, according to him, change the whole landscape of football as a sport in India.

  • El Clasico among most viewed global annual sporting events, says Sony’s Rajesh Kaul

    El Clasico among most viewed global annual sporting events, says Sony’s Rajesh Kaul

    MUMBAI: Spain’s leading football league La Liga’s official broadcasters in India — Sony Pictures Networks India president, distribution and sports Rajesh Kaul has said that El Clasico was among the most viewed annual sporting events in the world and they enabled football fans who could not watch the match live at Barcelona’s Camp Nou, an opportunity to experience one of the most heavily anticipated games of the season with football legends, Luis Garcia and Frederic Kanoute.

    La Liga, which launched its India office in New Delhi recently, screened in Delhi and Mumbai European-style live match between FC Barcelona & Real Madrid CF, popularly called the ‘E l Clasico.

    Meanwhile, a number of Europe’s major leagues, including the Spainish La Liga, the Bundesliga in Germany, Italy’s Serie A and France’s Ligue 1, include a mid-season break. England manager Gareth Southgate has meanwhile questioned whether the introduction of a winter break in the premier league would improve fortunes in major tournaments. Southgate, who was handed a four-year contract last week having impressed the FA during four matches as interim manager, said any negative effects of England’s fixture-packed winter schedule were an “assumption”.

    The lack of a winter break during the season has often been considered one of several factors contributing to England’s international failures in recent years, with some premier league managers claiming the gruelling festive period pushes players to their limits. Traditionally, English football had a busy Christmas period when teams frequently play several matches in a short period, with just a few days rest between games.

    Mumbai and Delhi hosted European style fan park screenings. Garcia and Kanoute attended the events and engaged with the fans.

    The match concluded in a draw with some high action in the last minute of the game. Both cities witnessed unprecedented support from the fans, as they took over the stadia to support their respective clubs.

    Both clubs had a large fan following in India, and for the first time, their fans had a chance to experience the El Clasico in a fan park atmosphere with a football carnival focussed around the match. The evening included giant screens, competitions and fan engagement activities, food & beverage stalls both in Mumbai (Khar Gymkhana) and in Delhi (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium).

    La Liga president Javier Tebas said that theit aim was to take La Liga across the world, and further establish the league as one that was inclusive and is global. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid were hugely popular in India and they feel that they owe the passionate fans of the league, a chance to experience such an event.

    Garcia, who played for Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona in La Liga, said it was a fantastic atmosphere at the screening and it was wonderful to see such enthusiasm from the crowd.

    Kanoute, who attended the Mumbai screening, said he was glad to see such tremendous support for Spanish football in India, it was an evenly fought contest and was a treat for all.

  • El Clasico among most viewed global annual sporting events, says Sony’s Rajesh Kaul

    El Clasico among most viewed global annual sporting events, says Sony’s Rajesh Kaul

    MUMBAI: Spain’s leading football league La Liga’s official broadcasters in India — Sony Pictures Networks India president, distribution and sports Rajesh Kaul has said that El Clasico was among the most viewed annual sporting events in the world and they enabled football fans who could not watch the match live at Barcelona’s Camp Nou, an opportunity to experience one of the most heavily anticipated games of the season with football legends, Luis Garcia and Frederic Kanoute.

    La Liga, which launched its India office in New Delhi recently, screened in Delhi and Mumbai European-style live match between FC Barcelona & Real Madrid CF, popularly called the ‘E l Clasico.

    Meanwhile, a number of Europe’s major leagues, including the Spainish La Liga, the Bundesliga in Germany, Italy’s Serie A and France’s Ligue 1, include a mid-season break. England manager Gareth Southgate has meanwhile questioned whether the introduction of a winter break in the premier league would improve fortunes in major tournaments. Southgate, who was handed a four-year contract last week having impressed the FA during four matches as interim manager, said any negative effects of England’s fixture-packed winter schedule were an “assumption”.

    The lack of a winter break during the season has often been considered one of several factors contributing to England’s international failures in recent years, with some premier league managers claiming the gruelling festive period pushes players to their limits. Traditionally, English football had a busy Christmas period when teams frequently play several matches in a short period, with just a few days rest between games.

    Mumbai and Delhi hosted European style fan park screenings. Garcia and Kanoute attended the events and engaged with the fans.

    The match concluded in a draw with some high action in the last minute of the game. Both cities witnessed unprecedented support from the fans, as they took over the stadia to support their respective clubs.

    Both clubs had a large fan following in India, and for the first time, their fans had a chance to experience the El Clasico in a fan park atmosphere with a football carnival focussed around the match. The evening included giant screens, competitions and fan engagement activities, food & beverage stalls both in Mumbai (Khar Gymkhana) and in Delhi (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium).

    La Liga president Javier Tebas said that theit aim was to take La Liga across the world, and further establish the league as one that was inclusive and is global. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid were hugely popular in India and they feel that they owe the passionate fans of the league, a chance to experience such an event.

    Garcia, who played for Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona in La Liga, said it was a fantastic atmosphere at the screening and it was wonderful to see such enthusiasm from the crowd.

    Kanoute, who attended the Mumbai screening, said he was glad to see such tremendous support for Spanish football in India, it was an evenly fought contest and was a treat for all.

  • SPN India to broadcast ‘El Clásico’ at prime time on 3 Dec

    SPN India to broadcast ‘El Clásico’ at prime time on 3 Dec

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) is all set to broadcast one of the most anticipated matches between Spain’s fiercest rivals — FC Barcelona and Real Madrid – El Clásico.

    The coverage will be simulcast at primetime in India on 3 December at 8:15 pm on Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Sony ESPN & Sony ESPN HD as well as on the SonyLIV app and website. To enhance the experience of the highly-anticipated clash, SPN has innovated with a wraparound show that will be broadcast live from the Fan Park at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in New Delhi.

    The segment called the ‘El Clásico Show’ will be helmed by the former LaLiga star Luis Garcia along with host, Marc Edwards. It will showcase Luis Garcia reviewing the pre and post-analysis of the anticipated game before the kick-off until the end.

    The show will commence at 8:15 pm, followed by the half time analysis of 15 minutes and will conclude with a 20-minute post-match review. The ‘El Clásico Show’ will also be streamed live on SonyLIV app and website for digital audiences.

    Sony Pictures Network distribution and sports business president Rajesh Kaul said, “For the first time in India, viewers will get to see Barcelona and Real Madrid at prime time. As a sports network, we have amplified the experience for the fans by not only giving them a prime time viewing experience but also giving fans an opportunity of being a part of the live screening of the match in Mumbai and Delhi for the first time with La Liga stars — Luis Garcia & Frederic Kanoute.”

    La Liga president Javier Tebas added, “La Liga is thrilled to be able to share such an important match as El Clásico with all of its fans in India. We hope that they all attend and enjoy the huge party that we’ve prepared in New Delhi and Bombay. It’s going to be unforgettable for all the local fans.”

  • SPN India to broadcast ‘El Clásico’ at prime time on 3 Dec

    SPN India to broadcast ‘El Clásico’ at prime time on 3 Dec

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) is all set to broadcast one of the most anticipated matches between Spain’s fiercest rivals — FC Barcelona and Real Madrid – El Clásico.

    The coverage will be simulcast at primetime in India on 3 December at 8:15 pm on Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Sony ESPN & Sony ESPN HD as well as on the SonyLIV app and website. To enhance the experience of the highly-anticipated clash, SPN has innovated with a wraparound show that will be broadcast live from the Fan Park at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in New Delhi.

    The segment called the ‘El Clásico Show’ will be helmed by the former LaLiga star Luis Garcia along with host, Marc Edwards. It will showcase Luis Garcia reviewing the pre and post-analysis of the anticipated game before the kick-off until the end.

    The show will commence at 8:15 pm, followed by the half time analysis of 15 minutes and will conclude with a 20-minute post-match review. The ‘El Clásico Show’ will also be streamed live on SonyLIV app and website for digital audiences.

    Sony Pictures Network distribution and sports business president Rajesh Kaul said, “For the first time in India, viewers will get to see Barcelona and Real Madrid at prime time. As a sports network, we have amplified the experience for the fans by not only giving them a prime time viewing experience but also giving fans an opportunity of being a part of the live screening of the match in Mumbai and Delhi for the first time with La Liga stars — Luis Garcia & Frederic Kanoute.”

    La Liga president Javier Tebas added, “La Liga is thrilled to be able to share such an important match as El Clásico with all of its fans in India. We hope that they all attend and enjoy the huge party that we’ve prepared in New Delhi and Bombay. It’s going to be unforgettable for all the local fans.”

  • SPN India acquires BPL 2016 broadcast & digital rights

    SPN India acquires BPL 2016 broadcast & digital rights

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India has acquired the broadcast and digital rights of the fourth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League 2016.

    The tournament, which is known as the biggest cricket extravaganza in Bangladesh, will commence today (4 November) and will be telecast on Sony Six and Sony Six HD as well as streamed live on SonyLIV app and website.

    The on-air broadcast rights include the telecast of 43 live matches of the tournament in the Indian Sub-continent. Along with live streaming, SonyLiv will also be providing fans with a lot of exclusive Video-On-Demand (VOD) content like highlights, best sixes, best catches, fielding and more.

    The Bangladesh Premier League 2016 which is now in its very successful fourth season has grown in its popularity which each edition. The tournament is played in the T20 format and will feature a total of seven teams which include six teams from the previous season and the addition of one new franchise from Khulna and Rajshahi. Apart from Khulna and Rajarshi, the other teams are Comilla Victorians, Barisal Bulls, Rangpur Riders, Dhaka Dynamites and Chittagong Vikings. This season of the tournament will see the likes of some of the biggest names in cricket – Dwayne Bravo, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Dwayne Smith.

    The first match of BPL 2016 will be played between Rajshahi Kings and Comilla Victorians at Dhaka. The top four teams from the group stage will qualify for the knockout stage which includes the semi-finals, the eliminator and the final match. The semi-finals of BPL 2016 will take place on 8th December, 2016, while the final will be played on 9th December, 2016, in Dhaka.

    Sony Pictures Network distribution and sports business president Rajesh Kaul, “Sony Pictures Networks India has been in the forefront of bringing and popularizing theT20 league format of cricket. Following our previous offerings of Indian Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, South African T20 league & Karnataka Premier League, we are pleased to announce the addition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) to our T20 cricket portfolio. The BPL line-up is particularly impressive with International cricketers like Chris Gayle, Thisara Perera, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo and more that our viewers can look forward to.”

  • SPN India acquires BPL 2016 broadcast & digital rights

    SPN India acquires BPL 2016 broadcast & digital rights

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India has acquired the broadcast and digital rights of the fourth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League 2016.

    The tournament, which is known as the biggest cricket extravaganza in Bangladesh, will commence today (4 November) and will be telecast on Sony Six and Sony Six HD as well as streamed live on SonyLIV app and website.

    The on-air broadcast rights include the telecast of 43 live matches of the tournament in the Indian Sub-continent. Along with live streaming, SonyLiv will also be providing fans with a lot of exclusive Video-On-Demand (VOD) content like highlights, best sixes, best catches, fielding and more.

    The Bangladesh Premier League 2016 which is now in its very successful fourth season has grown in its popularity which each edition. The tournament is played in the T20 format and will feature a total of seven teams which include six teams from the previous season and the addition of one new franchise from Khulna and Rajshahi. Apart from Khulna and Rajarshi, the other teams are Comilla Victorians, Barisal Bulls, Rangpur Riders, Dhaka Dynamites and Chittagong Vikings. This season of the tournament will see the likes of some of the biggest names in cricket – Dwayne Bravo, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Dwayne Smith.

    The first match of BPL 2016 will be played between Rajshahi Kings and Comilla Victorians at Dhaka. The top four teams from the group stage will qualify for the knockout stage which includes the semi-finals, the eliminator and the final match. The semi-finals of BPL 2016 will take place on 8th December, 2016, while the final will be played on 9th December, 2016, in Dhaka.

    Sony Pictures Network distribution and sports business president Rajesh Kaul, “Sony Pictures Networks India has been in the forefront of bringing and popularizing theT20 league format of cricket. Following our previous offerings of Indian Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, South African T20 league & Karnataka Premier League, we are pleased to announce the addition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) to our T20 cricket portfolio. The BPL line-up is particularly impressive with International cricketers like Chris Gayle, Thisara Perera, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo and more that our viewers can look forward to.”

  • SPN India to broadcast FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016 tomorrow

    SPN India to broadcast FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016 tomorrow

    MUMBAI: The sports cluster of SPN will broadcast the eighth edition of one of the biggest futsal tournament in the world, the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016.

    The opening game of the tournament between the host country Columbia and Portugal will be simulcast on Sony Six, Sony Six HD and Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD at 625 am IST on 11 September.

    With the telecast of the first premier Futsal in July this year, the sports cluster of SPN became forerunners in bringing futsal to the Indian viewers. The league saw legends of football and futsal come together for the first time in a unique and pioneering model. The success of the tournament has led to a considerable spike in the demand for futsal viewing.

    The FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, is an international championship, organized by FIFA and held every four years, between two football World Cups.

    The reigning champions, Brazil, will defend their title this year with some of their marquee players like Fernandinho and Falcao expected to create futsal magic with their footwork. Up until now, Brazil and Spain have been the only two countries who have claimed the title of Futsal World Cup champions, with Brazil winning five and Spain winning two times.

    SPN sports and distribution president Rajesh Kaul said, “The FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, is the biggest futsal tournament in the world and we are happy to bring this experience to our Indian football fans. It is a known fact that futsal has massive potential in India. With the broadcast of the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, the popularity of the game is expected to further increase considerably. With plenty of football fans lapping up the skills, it won’t be long before futsal becomes the norm of the nation.

    With the acquisition of some of the key European football properties like the UEFA EURO 2016, LaLiga, Serie A etc., we have tried to bring to our audiences unmatched viewing experiences. With the telecast of Premier Futsal and now the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, we aim to diversify our football broadcast portfolio to a large extent,” Kaul added.

  • SPN India to broadcast FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016 tomorrow

    SPN India to broadcast FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016 tomorrow

    MUMBAI: The sports cluster of SPN will broadcast the eighth edition of one of the biggest futsal tournament in the world, the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016.

    The opening game of the tournament between the host country Columbia and Portugal will be simulcast on Sony Six, Sony Six HD and Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD at 625 am IST on 11 September.

    With the telecast of the first premier Futsal in July this year, the sports cluster of SPN became forerunners in bringing futsal to the Indian viewers. The league saw legends of football and futsal come together for the first time in a unique and pioneering model. The success of the tournament has led to a considerable spike in the demand for futsal viewing.

    The FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, is an international championship, organized by FIFA and held every four years, between two football World Cups.

    The reigning champions, Brazil, will defend their title this year with some of their marquee players like Fernandinho and Falcao expected to create futsal magic with their footwork. Up until now, Brazil and Spain have been the only two countries who have claimed the title of Futsal World Cup champions, with Brazil winning five and Spain winning two times.

    SPN sports and distribution president Rajesh Kaul said, “The FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, is the biggest futsal tournament in the world and we are happy to bring this experience to our Indian football fans. It is a known fact that futsal has massive potential in India. With the broadcast of the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, the popularity of the game is expected to further increase considerably. With plenty of football fans lapping up the skills, it won’t be long before futsal becomes the norm of the nation.

    With the acquisition of some of the key European football properties like the UEFA EURO 2016, LaLiga, Serie A etc., we have tried to bring to our audiences unmatched viewing experiences. With the telecast of Premier Futsal and now the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, we aim to diversify our football broadcast portfolio to a large extent,” Kaul added.

  • SPN India telecasting Rio para-athletes strive for excellence

    SPN India telecasting Rio para-athletes strive for excellence

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has further cemented its commitment towards the cause of games with the acquisition of the broadcast and digital broadcast rights of Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

    As a continuation of its endeavour to support India’s sports talent, SPN will showcase regular updates and highlights of the Indian contingent’s performance at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games on Sony SIX and Sony ESPN channels as well on its digital platform SonyLIV. The telecast has begun and will continue till 19 September, 2016.

    SPN will telecast the highlights of the day sessions and night sessions in two separate 60-minute capsules.

    Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, a major international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities, governed by the International Paralympic Committee is taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Adding on to the massive level of interest, India is represented by its largest-ever contingent of 19 Indian athletes that will compete across 10 disciplines. Viewers will get a chance watch and support the Indian para-athletes strive for sporting excellence.

    SPN Sports and distribution president Rajesh Kaul said, “The sports cluster of SPN has continued to show its support to the cause of differently-abled sports in India”.

    “India is proudly rooting for the 19 para-athletes who are in Rio right now and there is an increasing public interest to watch how they perform at this International event. We will telecast the highlights of both sessions so that viewers can watch a round-up of the Paralympian’s performance.”

    “Ek India Happywala” is the theme under the aegis of which SPN runs its CSR programme. It focusses on creating a positive impact in our ecosystem and is built on three pillars: empowerment, education and environment.