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Tag: Sony Pictures Networks India

  • Sony Pictures Networks India renews UEFA rights for three more seasons

    Sony Pictures Networks India renews UEFA rights for three more seasons

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), has extended its collaboration with Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), with a renewal of exclusive broadcast and digital rights for showcasing the biggest European club football leagues that includes UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, UEFA Super Cup and UEFA Youth League.

    The renewal is valid from the 2024/ 2025 season till the end of the 2026-2027 season. As part of the three-season renewal, the broadcaster will have access to showcase over 1600 football matches across its channels over three seasons. Audiences in India will get a chance to watch their favorite teams like Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and more along with their favorite players like Kylian Mbappe, Mo Salah, Erling Haaland, Bruno Fernandes, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski amongst others.  These UEFA tournaments will be available exclusively on both linear television on Sony Sports Network as well as live-streamed on their on-demand OTT platform SonyLIV in the Indian subcontinent.  

    The UEFA Champions League will also be following a new format and competition system from 2024/25. From this season, four additional clubs will participate in the UEFA Champions League in a new league phase giving four more sides the opportunity to compete against the best clubs in Europe. 36 clubs will participate in this single league format in which all 36 competing clubs are ranked together. This will make this phase of the tournament even more exciting and would give the fans an opportunity to see more matches between the top teams. In addition to this, UEFA’s premier club competitions will no longer have a break in January, so fans can continue to enjoy non-stop European club football from August to May without any breaks in between.

    Sony Sports Network will continue to telecast select UEFA Champions League matches in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu and the contribution of regional language coverage to the viewership of the league’s knockout matches has gone up in recent years. Over the last three years, the incremental reach contributed by the regional coverage has increased from 25 per cent in the 2020/21 season to 38 per cent in the last season (2022/23).

    Sony Sports Network has been the home to UEFA Champions League since 2017 and this year the final is going to take place at the ‘Home of Football’, Wembley Stadium in London, England. In addition to this, Sony Sports Network continues to be the official broadcaster for the UEFA EURO 2024, Bundesliga, Emirates FA Cup, Roshn Saudi Pro League and more.

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business Rajesh Kaul said, “Sony Sports Network, with a longstanding commitment to showcasing the very best of football, takes immense pride in announcing the extension of its partnership with UEFA for the next three seasons. Through this renewed collaboration, Sony Sports Network reaffirms its dedication to delivering unrivalled access to the most prestigious club football tournaments to fans across the Indian subcontinent. Since 2020, UEFA Champions League viewership in India has surged by over 51%, attributed largely through the introduction of regional language commentary. With the forthcoming transition to a new format, featuring over 125 additional matches and up to 38 early kickoff matches per season tailored for Indian audiences, we are confident that this growth will gain momentum further. As the ‘Home of Football’ in India, we eagerly anticipate showcasing over 1600 highly competitive football matches across these leagues to our viewers.”

    UEFA Events SA marketing director Guy-Laurent Epstein said, “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Sony Sports Network. Sony Sports Network coverage of UEFA properties in India has led to the growth of its following and viewership in India. Fans in the region will be offered extensive and excellent coverage of UEFA’s Football portfolio which includes the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League, with the broadcast on Sony Sports Network and their digital platform Sony LIV.”

  • Sony Sports Network secures television broadcast rights for the tenth season of (CCL)

    Sony Sports Network secures television broadcast rights for the tenth season of (CCL)

    Mumbai: Celebrity Cricket League (CCL), a premier sportainment extravaganza, is set to enthral fans once again as it embarks on its much-anticipated tenth season. Sony Sports Network, a leading sports broadcaster in India, has bagged the live telecast rights for the season, ensuring that fans across the nation can witness the thrilling action unfold.

    The Celebrity Cricket League, now in its tenth season, is set to begin on 23 February. It will feature some of the biggest names from India’s film industry, including Salman Khan, Kichcha Sudeepa, Sohail Khan, Akhil Akkineni, Indrajith Sukumaran, Sonu Sood, Manoj Tiwari, Aarya, Jisshu Sengupta, Riteish Deshmukh, and more. The tournament will be held at various venues, including Sharjah (UAE), as well as multiple cities in India, such as Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Trivandrum and Vizag, which will also host the playoffs and finals.

    Comments:

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – distribution & international business and head of sports business, Rajesh Kaul:

    “Celebrity Cricket League has carved its niche in the hearts of cricket and cinema enthusiasts alike and showcases great entertainment value. Sony Sports Network is pleased to partner with Celebrity Cricket League to bring star-studded moments straight from the pitch to the viewers.”

    CCL founder Vishnu Induri:

    “We are pleased to announce our partnership with Sony Sports Network for the telecast of the Celebrity Cricket League on Indian television. Sony Sports Network is known for airing some of the best sports events throughout the year, and we are proud to have joined forces with a broadcaster that caters to millions of sports enthusiasts every day. Since its inception, the league has established itself as a prominent source of entertainment by offering high-quality cricketing action and has gained immense popularity. The previous season garnered an impressive cumulative TV and digital reach, exceeding 250 million viewers nationwide.”

    The upcoming season promises 20 action-packed games, featuring eight teams representing major film industries. CCL, with over 200 film celebrities participating, continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of sports and entertainment. Don’t miss out on the adrenaline-pumping moments, as CCL’s 10th season unfolds exclusively on Sony Sports Network, delivering unparalleled access to the heart of the action.

  • Sony AATH announces the world TV premiere of ‘Goyenda Gopal – Antim Pratishod’

    Sony AATH announces the world TV premiere of ‘Goyenda Gopal – Antim Pratishod’

    Mumbai: Sony AATH, a Bengali entertainment channel, brings in an element of surprise for all Gopal Bhar fans. The channel is premiering yet another Gopal Bhar movie titled ‘Goyenda Gopal – Antim Pratshod’. With several twists and turns coupled with intense drama and suspense, the movie will take viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions.

    Set against the backdrop of the pre-independence era with East India Company trying to set foot in the country, ‘Goyenda Gopal – Antim Pratshod’ depicts a series of events that occur due to the fight for power. Will Gopal Bhar with his wit and wisdom be able to uncover the conspirator rather than becoming a victim of it? Tune in to Sony AATH on 28 January 2024, 11:00 AM, and watch the witty and wise court jester, as he embarks on a whimsical adventure filled with laughter, clever anecdotes, and heartwarming moments.

    To promote the movie, the channel has launched an extensive print and digital campaign. Along with this, people can access the innovative AR filter that will give them a chance to pose with their favourite comical character – Gopal Bhar on Instagram and Facebook.

    ‘Goyenda Gopal – Antim Pratishod’ is set for the World TV Premiere on Sony AATH on January 28, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Be prepared to immerse yourself in the world of Gopal Bhar, where laughter knows no bounds.

    Comments

    Sony Pictures Networks India’s chief marketing officer & business head – English cluster & Tushar Shah

    ‘Gopal Bhar – Antim Pratishod’ is not just a movie; it is a celebration of storytelling, humour, and the enduring spirit of a beloved character. Gopal Bhar’s timeless charm and wisdom have been an integral part of our cultural tapestry, and we are excited to introduce him to a new generation through this enchanting, animated adventure.

  • SPNI renews exclusive UFC broadcast rights in Indian subcontinent

    SPNI renews exclusive UFC broadcast rights in Indian subcontinent

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), the leading sports broadcaster in the Indian subcontinent, has announced the extension of the exclusive broadcast rights for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka for five years. The terms of the agreement include exclusive television and digital media rights for a wide range of UFC events through 2028.

    The premier promotion for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) worldwide, UFC caters to a massive global audience. UFC is renowned for its top-class fights along with talented fighters and is a dream platform for fighters across the world to showcase their MMA skills. UFC features many of the world’s greatest fighters, including Israel Adesanya, Leon Edwards, Jon Jones, Islam Makhachev, Sean O’Malley, Alex Pereira, and Alexander Volkanovski. Some of the best up-and-coming fighters in UFC are coming out of Eurasia, which has a rapidly expanding fan base for the sport. And with the UFC roster inclusion of Anshul Jubli, the first fighter from India to receive win a UFC contract via winning the tournament for Asia’s best MMA prospects, ROAD TO UFC, and Puja Tomar, the first India-born female fighter, the timing could not have been better to make headway in the Indian subcontinent.

    Effective 1 January 2024, the agreement solidifies SPNI’s commitment to delivering premium UFC content to fans across the region on Sony Sports Network and SonyLiv. The comprehensive rights package includes exclusive coverage of 42 UFC LIVE events, encompassing 12 pay-per-view (PPV) and 30 fight night events each year featuring both Main Card and Preliminary bouts, along with additional content that includes UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, a variety of archive content, and Dana White’s Contender Series, a 10-episode live fight series which features up-and-coming talent trying to secure a contract with UFC .

    In addition to live events, Sony Sports Network will continue to broadcast live in Asia prime time the ground-breaking “win and advance” tournament for Asia’s top MMA prospects, ROAD TO UFC. Sony Sports Network will also have access to archive content that will further enable them to engage audiences with the rich history of the sport.

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – distribution & International business and head – sports business Rajesh Kaul,

    “We are delighted to extend our partnership with UFC for five more years. Sony Sports Network is the go-to destination for MMA fans in the Indian subcontinent. We have also seen the inclusion of ‘The King of Lions’ aka Anshul Jubli along with Puja Tomar in 2023 has raised interest for UFC in India. Our partnership extension with UFC allows us to continue the exclusive coverage of live UFC events in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu along with an expansive portfolio programming to engage our viewers.”

    UFC SVP and head of Asia Kevin Chang, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Sony Sports Network, which will remain the home for UFC in India. Sony Sports Network has been a valuable and trusted partner, helping to expand the UFC brand in many ways, from their ‘Ultimate Guide to UFC’ show, to their media and social promotions. We’re excited to extend our partnership and ushering in the next generation of Indian talent.”

    Watch the LIVE coverage of UFC on Sony Sports Ten 1 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels.

    Sony Sports Network is the premier destination for all the thrilling live action from UFC.

  • Sony SAB’s Pushpa Impossible hits 500 episodes

    Sony SAB’s Pushpa Impossible hits 500 episodes

    Mumbai: Sony SAB, renowned for its impactful storytelling and commitment to relatable content, continues to motivate viewers through its successful and long-running show, ‘Pushpa Impossible.’ As the show reaches its monumental 500th episode, Sony SAB proudly celebrates the journey of its central character, Pushpa, portrayed by the talented Karuna Pandey.

    Pushpa’s character has been synonymous with resilience, portraying an unwavering determination and bold spirit as she confronts life’s challenges with a ‘never give up’ attitude. The show has garnered immense love and appreciation for its portrayal of a single mother’s relentless pursuit of success. Coupled with her commitment to her family and community, the show has been resonating with viewers across demographics. Reflecting on the challenges she has conquered and the victories she has achieved, Pushpa’s journey is a testament to the strength that lies within individuals, inspiring audiences to face adversity with courage.

    Karuna Pandey as Pushpa Patel said, “I am humbled by the love and admiration my character Pushpa has received from the audience. This journey across 500 episodes has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and as we celebrate this milestone, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. A character that is highly relatable, Pushpa stands as a symbol of strength, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. Each episode is a shared victory with our audience, and I am excited to continue portraying Pushpa’s story, exploring new challenges, and inspiring everyone to face life’s obstacles with determination and courage.”

    Stay tuned and watch Pushpa Impossible, Mon-Sat at 9:30 pm only on Sony SAB.

  • Sony BBC Earth brings Christmas joy with ‘All Things Sweet’ and ‘Earth’ premiere

    Sony BBC Earth brings Christmas joy with ‘All Things Sweet’ and ‘Earth’ premiere

    Mumbai: This festive season, Sony BBC Earth adds to the fervour with its specially curated Christmas line-up. The channel brings in a Christmas special property titled ‘All Things Sweet’ and the premiere of ‘Earth’. With its content line-up, Sony BBC Earth promises an experience where joy, knowledge, and sweetness intertwine.

    Christmas special property ‘All Things Sweet’ features captivating shows such as ‘Inside The Factory’, delving into the intricate processes and technology of foods and goods. Giving viewers a chance to savor the delectable insights is ‘Inside the Chocolat’. Whereas ‘Inside The Christmas Factory’ showcases Britain’s largest independent chocolate maker, and explores the fascinating processes of UK’s beloved festive treats. Viewers get a chance to join ‘Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico’, as he fulfills his dream on a road trip along the Californian coastline and into Mexico, adding a flavorful touch to the holiday cheer.

    Sony BBC Earth elevates the festive spirit with the grand prime-time premiere of ‘Earth’. The captivating five-episode biography of our planet is narrated by Chris Packham. This revealing journey unfolds Earth’s epic narrative, from the first raindrops that transformed into a water world to the advent of its most incredible inhabitants – humans. People will get to delve into the dramatic storytelling prowess, and navigate through massive space bombardments, climate upheavals, and continent collisions. Join in the exploration of Earth’s transformation from a barren rock to a vibrant home for eight billion people today.

    Sony AATH, Sony Pictures Networks India CMO & business head – English cluster Tushar Shah, “Christmas is a time for families to come together, share stories, and create lasting memories. To make this day more memorable, we have curated a special line-up ‘All Things Sweet’ that adds to the spirit of the season. We are also premiering ‘Earth’ that treats people to the journey of the planet’s evolution. With our content, we hope to rekindle the magic of Christmas and make viewers Feel Alive.”

    As we usher in this season of joy, Sony BBC Earth invites viewers to join in for an unforgettable experience with an all-day long anthology ‘All Things Sweet’ followed by the prime-time premiere of ‘Earth’ from 9 pm to 10 pm on 25 December 2023!

     

  • Sony PIX brings back PIX Arena Bingo Nights for its viewers

    Sony PIX brings back PIX Arena Bingo Nights for its viewers

    Mumbai: Sony PIX is bringing back its most awaited IP in the gaming category ‘PIX Arena Bingo Nights’. Adding a dash of PIX, to the popular Bingo, Sony PIX is the frontrunner in launching a unique live play-along gaming experience on-air in the English movie category. The channel is airing a special line-up of movies complementing the Bingo nights to amp up the excitement and adrenaline rush.

    Giving viewers a strong enough reason to stay amazed, PIX Arena Bingo Nights is back with its third season. The property engages with Hollywood movie fans giving them a chance to win exciting prizes! Keeping in line with the Bingo tradition, the channel has planned exciting giveaways for four corners, three lines, and the full house. The Bingo-special line-up includes interesting titles such as Morbius, Monster Hunter, and Unchartered. The ‘watch and win’ contest gives winners a chance to win exciting prizes such as smart watches, ear pods, and Bluetooth speakers.

    The games are planned on 23 December, 30 and 6 January respectively.

    Sony AATH business operations head and Sony Pictures Networks India head – marketing & insights, English cluster Rohan Jain, “At Sony PIX we believe in creating enriching experiences for our viewers through engaging innovations. We have seen three successful runs of PIX Arena Bingo Nights, and the testament to it is the phenomenal response received from the audience. We aim to make this an enjoyable experience for our viewers as they look forward to such engaging initiatives during festive season.”

    So, what are you waiting for? Log on to www.sonypixbingo.com and let your inner film fanatic go ‘Bingo’!

  • Sony BBC Earth makes people ‘Feel Alive’ with metaverse experience

    Sony BBC Earth makes people ‘Feel Alive’ with metaverse experience

    Mumbai: Sony BBC Earth, a trailblazer in the realm of factual entertainment, brings forth an innovation in the metaverse space. Recognised for its awe-inspiring content and compelling storytelling, the channel is poised to redefine engagement by integrating its brand promise of making people ‘Feel Alive’ with fascinating virtual worlds.

    The brand has developed two virtual worlds offering an unparalleled journey into the metaverse. Sony BBC Earth is giving viewers an opportunity to step into the polar region and witness the breath-taking Aurora lights, inhabited by enchanting beings like penguins, seals, and polar bears. Tropical rainforest gives a chance to take a walk through alongside the lush green canopy teeming with exotic animals such as the Toucan, Cheetah, Crocodile, and Jackal. The brand is offering a virtual expedition alongside captivating creatures, offering a unique opportunity to experience the wild within the confines of the city.

    Sony BBC Earth in collaboration with The Little Flea Market is extending the metaverse experience to people of all ages. It promises a visual extravaganza, and an immersive adventure, providing attendees with an experience like never before.

    Sony AATH business operations head and Sony Pictures Networks India head – marketing & insights, English cluster Rohan Jain: “Sony BBC Earth’s promise of making viewers ‘feel alive’ goes beyond the content that we showcase. By creating some of the most pristine and inaccessible terrains on Metaverse, we are glad to offer an opportunity to experience the wonders of the world like never before. This is a testimony to both our technical prowess as well as commitment towards creating experiences that take people closer to the nature.”

    Scheduled for the 8, 9, and 10 December 2023, from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm, at the MMRDA Grounds, BKC, Mumbai, the Sony BBC Earth metaverse kiosk is all set to curate unique and eclectic experiences.

  • Sony AATH announces the World TV Premiere of ‘Goyenda Gopal – Shesh Chakranto’

    Sony AATH announces the World TV Premiere of ‘Goyenda Gopal – Shesh Chakranto’

    Mumbai: Sony AATH, one of the leading Bengali entertainment channels, is delighted to announce the premiere of the Gopal Bhar movie titled ‘Goyenda Gopal – Shesh Chakranto’. The saga of conspiracy with Gopal Bhar getting into the shoes of the detective to save the King and the Kingdom continues with more challenges and interesting turn of events.

    Produced by Ssoftoons Pvt. Ltd, ‘Goyenda Gopal – Shesh Chakranto’, is set in the pre-independence era with East India Company trying to set foot in the country. The movie portrays the ongoing power tussle between Robert Clive and the Nawab of Murshidabad, and Maharaj Krishnachandra’s involvement to set his claim on the throne. Will Gopal Bhar be able to rescue the situation and save his king and the kingdom? Tune in to Sony AATH on 12 November, 11:00 AM, and watch ‘Goyenda Gopal – Shesh Chakranto’ to know more.

    Gopal Bhar made his cinematic debut with the film Goyenda Gopal – Daaba’r Chal’ in August 2023. The first movie clocked a phenomenal response from the viewers across age groups. ‘Goyenda Gopal – Shesh Chakranto’ is all set to captivate audiences with its comic charm, bringing to life the legendary folk character, Gopal Bhar, in a new and engaging way.

    To promote the movie, the channel has launched an extensive campaign that includes Print, Metro stations, and digital activation. Along with this, an innovative AR filter is being released that will give people a chance to pose with their favourite comical character – Gopal Bhar on Instagram and Facebook.

    ‘Goyenda Gopal – Shesh Chakranto’ is set for the World TV Premiere on Sony AATH on November 12, 2023, at 11:00 AM. Be prepared to immerse yourself in the world of Gopal Bhar, where laughter knows no bounds.

    Comments

    Sony Pictures Networks India CMO & business head – English cluster & Sony AATH Tushar Shah :

    We are grateful for the incredible love and response received for Gopal Bhar’s debut movie. Taking the experience a notch higher, we are premiering ‘Goyenda Gopal – Shesh Chakranto’. We believe that the movie will add more drama, suspense, and humour, and make for a good family viewing experience.

  • Sony BBC Earth launches Earth Champions

    Sony BBC Earth launches Earth Champions

    Mumbai: In a momentous stride towards captivating storytelling, Sony BBC Earth has announced the launch of its marquee property ‘Earth Champions’. Earth Champions which began as an Instagram live session, will now inspire viewers as interesting three-minute capsules, whisking them away on an extraordinary voyage through nature’s kaleidoscope. The property will go live on the channel on 6 November 2023.

    Narrating stories of nature enthusiasts to ordinary citizens from all walks of life, ‘Earth Champions’ intends to shed light on the tremendous power of individual actions that collectively become a force of positive change. Sony BBC Earth aims to honour and celebrate real-life heroes each month addressing issues of forest restoration, waste management, water, and air purification, etc. at a personal, household, or community level.

    Packaged as an on-air property with promotions across social media, Sony BBC Earth’s Earth Champions has undergone a quirky makeover with a gripping script intertwined with befitting music. The inaugural episode of Earth Champions will feature ‘Mr. Jadav Payeng’, also known as the Forest Man of India. Hailing from Assam, Payeng has transformed the barren lands into a thriving man-made forest. He is also the proud recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award for his selfless and tireless efforts.

    Sony BBC Earth, through its landmark shows such as Blue Planet II, Climate Change: The Facts, and A Perfect Planet has united viewers from around the nation, instilling a profound connection with the natural world. The channel has been raising awareness about the imperative of sustainability and building a community of loyalists through its various initiatives.

    Sony AATH business operations head and Sony Pictures Networks India Head – marketing & insights, English cluster Rohan Jain:

    “With Earth Champions, we aim to embark on a mission to empower individuals and communities to showcase the profound impact of their eco-friendly actions. Through this extraordinary initiative, we invite people from across the nation to join us on an exhilarating journey toward a greener and more sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference and create a legacy for generations to come.”

    Reforestation hero and Padma Shri awardee, the remarkable ‘Forest Man of India’ Jadav Payeng:

    “I am deeply honored to be a part of Sony BBC Earth’s Earth Champions. It is a great initiative that inspires people and evokes a sense of eco-consciousness in them. It fills my heart with joy and gratitude to witness the power of collective action creating a lasting impact that benefits our planet.”