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  • Balaji to invest Rs 200 cr in ALT, launch in Jan ’17

    Balaji to invest Rs 200 cr in ALT, launch in Jan ’17

    MUMBAI: Balaji Telfilms’ new venture, ALT Digital, which was earlier planned to be launched in October, has been pushed to January 2017. At present, Balaji is not actively involved with programme production. In future, it plans to launch eight shows. January–March cycle is a good time for ALT launch, the management of Ekta Kapoor’s company feels.

    Balaji Telefilms raised Rs 150 crore through preferential allotment of equity shares at Rs 140 each to select global investors such as Atyant Capital India Fund – I, Vanderbilt University, GHI LTP Ltd, GHI HSP Ltd and GHI ERP Ltd. The amount has already been capitalised. So far, Balaji spent Rs 10 crore, but the real expense would start from January when it would deliver content, Balaji Telefilms group CEO Sameer Nair said while speaking to CNBC-TV18.

    The total outlay for ALT would be about Rs 200 crore in which Balaji would invest Rs 65 crore, Nair said.

    Nair said it was looking to expanding in various regions in India. Balaji Telefilms will look to air new shows on Sony, Sun TV and Doordarshan. It had been doing shows across the channels, and it was the absolute leader in the TV business. It does not have a show on Sony, and that was an opportunity, Nair said. They were also producing shows for Colors. Balaji was also looking at the DD slot policy, he said, adding that they would be bidding for a few slots there. In main GEC business, Balaji was doing good, he said.

    After reporting a loss of Rs 28 crore as compared to profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 3.92 crore for the corresponding year-ago quarter, Balaji is planning to launch 8-10 shows by FY17-end. Both, television and film segment released a weak set of numbers at Balaji this financial year. Nair said that the new shows have a much lower margin.

    Nair said that they look at TV and films numbers separately, and if one sees the TV business year on year, it actually grew on a half-yearly basis. There were new shows that would come on board, so as one could compare it with last year when they had six shows, and they were going to do 10 shows.

    Balaji released Great Grand Masti and collections were significantly affected due to piracy of the movie ahead of its theatrical release. When it came to film business, of course there had been a disappointment and, the current quarter saw the full impact of unfortunate incidents that happened with Balaji; Grand Masti ‘leaked’ 21 days before the theatrical release. Therefore, Grand Mastii and Flying Jat didn’t do well which reflected in the current quarter, Nair said.

    About the TV business, Nair said that television business worked on a revolving quarter. There was a reduced margin in the quarter when a show was launched. So, it was ideal to analysed the TV business on annual basis.

    Balaji’s plan was to get next releases of movies in the next fiscal year, he said, adding that its film business would likely book profit in FY18. On an annual basis, because Balaji was opening at 20-25 per cent, the gross margin would go up by 35 per cent, Nair said. On an annual basis, he said, Balaji could grow by about 20 per cent year on year. From the revenue point of view, that might be little lower because of other income which would be lower this year, he added.

  • Balaji to invest Rs 200 cr in ALT, launch in Jan ’17

    Balaji to invest Rs 200 cr in ALT, launch in Jan ’17

    MUMBAI: Balaji Telfilms’ new venture, ALT Digital, which was earlier planned to be launched in October, has been pushed to January 2017. At present, Balaji is not actively involved with programme production. In future, it plans to launch eight shows. January–March cycle is a good time for ALT launch, the management of Ekta Kapoor’s company feels.

    Balaji Telefilms raised Rs 150 crore through preferential allotment of equity shares at Rs 140 each to select global investors such as Atyant Capital India Fund – I, Vanderbilt University, GHI LTP Ltd, GHI HSP Ltd and GHI ERP Ltd. The amount has already been capitalised. So far, Balaji spent Rs 10 crore, but the real expense would start from January when it would deliver content, Balaji Telefilms group CEO Sameer Nair said while speaking to CNBC-TV18.

    The total outlay for ALT would be about Rs 200 crore in which Balaji would invest Rs 65 crore, Nair said.

    Nair said it was looking to expanding in various regions in India. Balaji Telefilms will look to air new shows on Sony, Sun TV and Doordarshan. It had been doing shows across the channels, and it was the absolute leader in the TV business. It does not have a show on Sony, and that was an opportunity, Nair said. They were also producing shows for Colors. Balaji was also looking at the DD slot policy, he said, adding that they would be bidding for a few slots there. In main GEC business, Balaji was doing good, he said.

    After reporting a loss of Rs 28 crore as compared to profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 3.92 crore for the corresponding year-ago quarter, Balaji is planning to launch 8-10 shows by FY17-end. Both, television and film segment released a weak set of numbers at Balaji this financial year. Nair said that the new shows have a much lower margin.

    Nair said that they look at TV and films numbers separately, and if one sees the TV business year on year, it actually grew on a half-yearly basis. There were new shows that would come on board, so as one could compare it with last year when they had six shows, and they were going to do 10 shows.

    Balaji released Great Grand Masti and collections were significantly affected due to piracy of the movie ahead of its theatrical release. When it came to film business, of course there had been a disappointment and, the current quarter saw the full impact of unfortunate incidents that happened with Balaji; Grand Masti ‘leaked’ 21 days before the theatrical release. Therefore, Grand Mastii and Flying Jat didn’t do well which reflected in the current quarter, Nair said.

    About the TV business, Nair said that television business worked on a revolving quarter. There was a reduced margin in the quarter when a show was launched. So, it was ideal to analysed the TV business on annual basis.

    Balaji’s plan was to get next releases of movies in the next fiscal year, he said, adding that its film business would likely book profit in FY18. On an annual basis, because Balaji was opening at 20-25 per cent, the gross margin would go up by 35 per cent, Nair said. On an annual basis, he said, Balaji could grow by about 20 per cent year on year. From the revenue point of view, that might be little lower because of other income which would be lower this year, he added.

  • Sony’s Andrew Gumpert joins Paramount Pictures as COO

    Sony’s Andrew Gumpert joins Paramount Pictures as COO

    MUMBAI: Former president of worldwide business affairs and operations for Sony’s Motion Picture Group and veteran Hollywood finance authority Andrew Gumpert has joined Paramount Pictures as its chief operating officer. The film studio’s chairman and CEO Brad Grey announced the hiring of Gumpert.

    With this new role, Gumpert is in charge of business affairs, home entertainment and television transactional distribution. He will also oversee the studio’s operations ranging from strategic planning, to labor relations, to parks and resorts. Gumpert replaces long-time COO Frederick Huntsberry who was at Paramount for a decade.

    At Sony, Gumpert arranged the studio’s financial partnerships with MGM, Lone Star Capital, Village Roadshow, China’s Dalian Wanda Group, etc.

    Gumpert joined Sony Pictures Entertainment in 2005 as the executive vice president of business affairs for Columbia Pictures. Several reports suggest that Gumpert resigned from Motion Pictures Group on 8 November because of the studio’s chairman Tom Rothman’s micro-management and contentious manner. Before this, he led business and legal affairs for Miramax’s Dimension Films division.

  • Sony’s Andrew Gumpert joins Paramount Pictures as COO

    Sony’s Andrew Gumpert joins Paramount Pictures as COO

    MUMBAI: Former president of worldwide business affairs and operations for Sony’s Motion Picture Group and veteran Hollywood finance authority Andrew Gumpert has joined Paramount Pictures as its chief operating officer. The film studio’s chairman and CEO Brad Grey announced the hiring of Gumpert.

    With this new role, Gumpert is in charge of business affairs, home entertainment and television transactional distribution. He will also oversee the studio’s operations ranging from strategic planning, to labor relations, to parks and resorts. Gumpert replaces long-time COO Frederick Huntsberry who was at Paramount for a decade.

    At Sony, Gumpert arranged the studio’s financial partnerships with MGM, Lone Star Capital, Village Roadshow, China’s Dalian Wanda Group, etc.

    Gumpert joined Sony Pictures Entertainment in 2005 as the executive vice president of business affairs for Columbia Pictures. Several reports suggest that Gumpert resigned from Motion Pictures Group on 8 November because of the studio’s chairman Tom Rothman’s micro-management and contentious manner. Before this, he led business and legal affairs for Miramax’s Dimension Films division.

  • Hindi channels usher in festivities with special line-up

    Hindi channels usher in festivities with special line-up

    MUMBAI: It’s that time of the year again when television channels go full throttle to appease their viewers. With Diwali in full swing, broadcasters are betting high by undertaking several initiatives to bring television screens alive with their unique programming line-ups.

    With TV viewing expected to be higher at this time added to it is the fact that Diwali is falling on the weekend, several TV broadcasters have made it a point to create special programming during the season. To enhance the festivities of our viewers, Indiantelevision.com looks at some of the specials planned by the Hindi channels during Diwali this year.

    News Channels

    Aaj Tak

    The channel will air a show focused on spot reporting from different posts or camps of military and paramilitary forces, where our soldier stand guard on Diwali. Titled Border, the show will see the anchor going to the border or LoC post and show the country how they celebrate Diwali. This one hour show will air on 29 October at 9 pm with a repeat telecast on 30 October at 6 pm. The channel will also air a show titled Jab Desh Me Hai Diwali wherein the team will spend a day with the Army, BSF and CRPF jawans and see how they performed their Diwali puja. This show will air at 10 pm on 29 October with a repeat telecast at 10 am and 8 pm on 30 October.

    Ek Diya Shaheedon Ke Naam, will focus on Diwali of the Martyr family. The 60 minute long show will air on 30 October at 9 pm. Aye Dil ki Diwali was telecast on 29 October at 11 pm and will be repeated on 30 October at 4 pm and 11 pm. This show is an effort to light up the lives of the underprivileged children. The Aaj Tak team will travel to an orphanage in Mumbai with goodies as Diwali gifts. The children will be treated to a surprise as filmstars Ranveer Kapoor and Anushka Sharma pay them a visit.  The two actors will play games, sing songs, dance with the children and answer their questions.

    A special edition of AAA, this show will narrate the story of the Indian myth of Kuber. Titled Kuber Ka Khajana, this programme will air at 8 pm on 29 October and at12 pm and 10 pm on 30 October.  

    CNBC-TV18

    CNBC-TV18 will showcase India’s biggest and brightest market guru’s share insights and give their top stock picks to help viewers create wealth. Through their special programming line-up for Diwali, the business channel is bringing dedicated expert advice on stocks, markets, wealth creation ideas, investment insights and more.

    The channel will assess the impact of the festive season through CNBC–TV18 Festive Pulse Meter. In addition to this, there will be a fun element added with the Golden Boy of Bollywood Bappi Lahiri.

    Some of the investor focused initiatives being led by CNBC–TV18 this Diwali are:

    Muhurat Trading  on  30 October between 5.55pm to 8pm, The Big Bull wherein Udayan Mukherjee will interview Rakesh Jhunjhunwala discussing investments for the long term, the state of the markets, how Rakesh sees the markets going from one Diwali to next, etc. The show that got viewers 70 per cent returns from last year, CNBC-TV18 Hitlist is back with three experts Dipan Mehta, Prakash Diwan, Ambareesh Baliga. Programmed under wealth generation, Samvat 2073 Market Masters and Samvat 2073 God of stocks will have experts help the viewer with wealth creation ideas, investment insights and more    

    IBN7

    IBN7 has lined up exclusive Utsav programming starting from 1 October to 30 October  to bring to the viewers the excitement of the festivals.

    The programming will showcase Navratri celebrations from across the country along with live footage of Dandia from Mumbai and Gujarat. On the occasion of Dussehra, the channel will telecast live Ravan Dahan visuals and Ram Ek Khoj – a series of 5 one-hour specials on Ramayana related legends and tales associated with the island nation.

    The channel will next focus on Karva Chauth, highlighting celebrations of the festival in Bollywood and the TV world as well as a special segment Karva Chauth Ki Kahani.

    GEC

    &TV will present & It’s Diwali, a special two and a half hour programme with leading artists from the television industry who will perform on latest chart-busters and ring in Diwali with a lot of sparkle and style. The show will air on 29 October at 8 pm.

    Actors like Jay Bhanushali, Saumya Tandon, Angoori, Anita Bhabhi, Mouni Roy, Ritwik Dhanjani, Asha Negi, Sharad Malhotra, Kratika Sengar, etc will enthrall and entertain the audience.

    Viacom18’s Colors doesn’t have any special Diwali show but has popular properties like Thapki…Pyaar Ki, Sasural Simar Ka, Shakti…Astitva Ke Eshaas Kii, Bigg Boss 10 and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa lined up for the viewers.

    Sony SAB celebrated Diwali with their annual property called SAB Ki Diwali on October 27 which was filled with colourful performances by cast of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and its other shows. Additionally, across all their shows there will be Diwali celebrations as part of programming.

    Hindi Movies

    &pictures will add a thrilling flavor to the Diwali festivities with the premiere of horror flick 1920 London on 31 October at 8 pm. Written by Vikram Bhatt and directed by Tinu Desai, the movie stars Sharman Joshi, Meera Chopra and small screen hunk Vishal Karwal in the lead.

    Sony Max and Max2 will kick- start the festivities with a specially curated movie list. Commencing from 29 October to 31 October, Sony Max’s Dilwali Dhamaka and Jashn- E- Diwali on Sony Max2 will bring a potpourri of entertaining super hits.

    While Sony Max will air titles like Mera Target, Robot, PK, Dhoom3, ABCD2, Jaani Dushman, Magadheera, Bahubali, Dilwale, Return of Rebel, etc, Max2 will telecast movies like Chandni, Yaarana, Guru, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Don, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, etc.

  • Hindi channels usher in festivities with special line-up

    Hindi channels usher in festivities with special line-up

    MUMBAI: It’s that time of the year again when television channels go full throttle to appease their viewers. With Diwali in full swing, broadcasters are betting high by undertaking several initiatives to bring television screens alive with their unique programming line-ups.

    With TV viewing expected to be higher at this time added to it is the fact that Diwali is falling on the weekend, several TV broadcasters have made it a point to create special programming during the season. To enhance the festivities of our viewers, Indiantelevision.com looks at some of the specials planned by the Hindi channels during Diwali this year.

    News Channels

    Aaj Tak

    The channel will air a show focused on spot reporting from different posts or camps of military and paramilitary forces, where our soldier stand guard on Diwali. Titled Border, the show will see the anchor going to the border or LoC post and show the country how they celebrate Diwali. This one hour show will air on 29 October at 9 pm with a repeat telecast on 30 October at 6 pm. The channel will also air a show titled Jab Desh Me Hai Diwali wherein the team will spend a day with the Army, BSF and CRPF jawans and see how they performed their Diwali puja. This show will air at 10 pm on 29 October with a repeat telecast at 10 am and 8 pm on 30 October.

    Ek Diya Shaheedon Ke Naam, will focus on Diwali of the Martyr family. The 60 minute long show will air on 30 October at 9 pm. Aye Dil ki Diwali was telecast on 29 October at 11 pm and will be repeated on 30 October at 4 pm and 11 pm. This show is an effort to light up the lives of the underprivileged children. The Aaj Tak team will travel to an orphanage in Mumbai with goodies as Diwali gifts. The children will be treated to a surprise as filmstars Ranveer Kapoor and Anushka Sharma pay them a visit.  The two actors will play games, sing songs, dance with the children and answer their questions.

    A special edition of AAA, this show will narrate the story of the Indian myth of Kuber. Titled Kuber Ka Khajana, this programme will air at 8 pm on 29 October and at12 pm and 10 pm on 30 October.  

    CNBC-TV18

    CNBC-TV18 will showcase India’s biggest and brightest market guru’s share insights and give their top stock picks to help viewers create wealth. Through their special programming line-up for Diwali, the business channel is bringing dedicated expert advice on stocks, markets, wealth creation ideas, investment insights and more.

    The channel will assess the impact of the festive season through CNBC–TV18 Festive Pulse Meter. In addition to this, there will be a fun element added with the Golden Boy of Bollywood Bappi Lahiri.

    Some of the investor focused initiatives being led by CNBC–TV18 this Diwali are:

    Muhurat Trading  on  30 October between 5.55pm to 8pm, The Big Bull wherein Udayan Mukherjee will interview Rakesh Jhunjhunwala discussing investments for the long term, the state of the markets, how Rakesh sees the markets going from one Diwali to next, etc. The show that got viewers 70 per cent returns from last year, CNBC-TV18 Hitlist is back with three experts Dipan Mehta, Prakash Diwan, Ambareesh Baliga. Programmed under wealth generation, Samvat 2073 Market Masters and Samvat 2073 God of stocks will have experts help the viewer with wealth creation ideas, investment insights and more    

    IBN7

    IBN7 has lined up exclusive Utsav programming starting from 1 October to 30 October  to bring to the viewers the excitement of the festivals.

    The programming will showcase Navratri celebrations from across the country along with live footage of Dandia from Mumbai and Gujarat. On the occasion of Dussehra, the channel will telecast live Ravan Dahan visuals and Ram Ek Khoj – a series of 5 one-hour specials on Ramayana related legends and tales associated with the island nation.

    The channel will next focus on Karva Chauth, highlighting celebrations of the festival in Bollywood and the TV world as well as a special segment Karva Chauth Ki Kahani.

    GEC

    &TV will present & It’s Diwali, a special two and a half hour programme with leading artists from the television industry who will perform on latest chart-busters and ring in Diwali with a lot of sparkle and style. The show will air on 29 October at 8 pm.

    Actors like Jay Bhanushali, Saumya Tandon, Angoori, Anita Bhabhi, Mouni Roy, Ritwik Dhanjani, Asha Negi, Sharad Malhotra, Kratika Sengar, etc will enthrall and entertain the audience.

    Viacom18’s Colors doesn’t have any special Diwali show but has popular properties like Thapki…Pyaar Ki, Sasural Simar Ka, Shakti…Astitva Ke Eshaas Kii, Bigg Boss 10 and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa lined up for the viewers.

    Sony SAB celebrated Diwali with their annual property called SAB Ki Diwali on October 27 which was filled with colourful performances by cast of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and its other shows. Additionally, across all their shows there will be Diwali celebrations as part of programming.

    Hindi Movies

    &pictures will add a thrilling flavor to the Diwali festivities with the premiere of horror flick 1920 London on 31 October at 8 pm. Written by Vikram Bhatt and directed by Tinu Desai, the movie stars Sharman Joshi, Meera Chopra and small screen hunk Vishal Karwal in the lead.

    Sony Max and Max2 will kick- start the festivities with a specially curated movie list. Commencing from 29 October to 31 October, Sony Max’s Dilwali Dhamaka and Jashn- E- Diwali on Sony Max2 will bring a potpourri of entertaining super hits.

    While Sony Max will air titles like Mera Target, Robot, PK, Dhoom3, ABCD2, Jaani Dushman, Magadheera, Bahubali, Dilwale, Return of Rebel, etc, Max2 will telecast movies like Chandni, Yaarana, Guru, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Don, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, etc.

  • Star, Sony or Etc, BCCI will have the last laugh

    Star, Sony or Etc, BCCI will have the last laugh

    MUMBAI: If you have the set-up, we have the story. If you have the money, we have got the ideas. In spite of all IPL bidders prepared to make the highest bid for the media rights, what are the chances that BCCI may favour the ones who have the infrastructure and wherewithal to give the game maximum and utmost exposure and BCCI the best mileage? A level playing field for IPL broadcast rights bidders is suspect.

    The India digital rights and rest of the world rights are for five IPL seasons each, between 2018 and 2022 and the Indian sub-continent television rights being offered are for 10 IPL seasons (2018 – 2027).

    It is being speculated that broadcasters may have the upper hand in the selection of the winner of IPL media rights. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said it has sold 18 tenders for the IPL rights. However, experts speculate that the tendering process may have been tilted in favour of television broadcasters.

    The row is connected to the format in which bids had to be submitted. The original tenders had specified that separate bids would have to be made for the three buckets into which media rights have been divided — India digital rights, television broadcast rights for the Indian subcontinent, and a third one for international media rights.

    In the new bundled versus separate format, if a single bidder were to quote higher than the sum of individual bidders globally, that bidder could walk away with all the rights. This change will significantly benefit Sony Pictures and Star India one of which may pocket all IPL rights. BCCI changed the bidding pattern and dynamics to permit consolidated bids across digital, TV, and international, the Times of India had reported.

    The probable winners hence could be Sony Pictures or Star India. These two broadcasters only seem to be keen for television broadcast rights, the biggest media rights component. This modification could make it uncertain for international or digital rights bidders to compete for those rights. Crucial interest was shown by Amazon, Twitter, and Reliance Jio, and by ESPN and Sky Sports for digital rights and international rights.

    Sources familiar with the tendering process said that BCCI reserved the right to pick either separate bids or consolidated bid. Bidders were earlier asked to give a separate value for each of the three packages. But, later, bidders were allowed to put in a single figure for all three rights, making it difficult for BCCI to compare consolidated bids against bids for individual rights pieces.

    By permitting TV broadcasters to put in one figure for all three packages, it seems to have nullified the international or digital bidders such as GroupM, Amazon, or ESPN, from being able to bid at par with the established TV broadcasters.

    This could also bring down the number of stakeholders BCCI may have to deal with. The new proposed change will also keep out deals between the BCCI and international broadcasters in key territories.

    Sports broadcast giant Star India and its competitor, Sony Pictures Network, seem to be in neck-and-neck race for television broadcast rights. The latter has been arguing with BCCI that its existing contract grants it the first right of refusal. While SPN enjoyed the telecast rights to Twenty-20 tournament since inception in 2008, Star India has been making inroads into IPL system. SPN has grown the property on television with innovations around language feeds, marketing, and monetising the IPL from a distribution and advertising stand-point. The 2016 edition of the IPL reached nearly 350 million TV viewers in India, a significant boost over 2015’s 200 million viewers thanks to the addition of rural households in the reporting of television viewership.

    Vinit Karnik, business head, ESP Properties, had told Business Standard, that, “It is no longer about the bouquet or distribution. The biggest change in the sports broadcast landscape is that the rights will now be awarded on the basis of production and packaging. When there are only two options, the organiser will go for the one that will present the property in the best way possible. Investments in sports production should increase now.”

    ALSO READ-

    Top court throws out BCCI’s review petition on Lodha recommendations

    18 prospective bidders for IPL Media Rights

  • Star, Sony or Etc, BCCI will have the last laugh

    Star, Sony or Etc, BCCI will have the last laugh

    MUMBAI: If you have the set-up, we have the story. If you have the money, we have got the ideas. In spite of all IPL bidders prepared to make the highest bid for the media rights, what are the chances that BCCI may favour the ones who have the infrastructure and wherewithal to give the game maximum and utmost exposure and BCCI the best mileage? A level playing field for IPL broadcast rights bidders is suspect.

    The India digital rights and rest of the world rights are for five IPL seasons each, between 2018 and 2022 and the Indian sub-continent television rights being offered are for 10 IPL seasons (2018 – 2027).

    It is being speculated that broadcasters may have the upper hand in the selection of the winner of IPL media rights. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said it has sold 18 tenders for the IPL rights. However, experts speculate that the tendering process may have been tilted in favour of television broadcasters.

    The row is connected to the format in which bids had to be submitted. The original tenders had specified that separate bids would have to be made for the three buckets into which media rights have been divided — India digital rights, television broadcast rights for the Indian subcontinent, and a third one for international media rights.

    In the new bundled versus separate format, if a single bidder were to quote higher than the sum of individual bidders globally, that bidder could walk away with all the rights. This change will significantly benefit Sony Pictures and Star India one of which may pocket all IPL rights. BCCI changed the bidding pattern and dynamics to permit consolidated bids across digital, TV, and international, the Times of India had reported.

    The probable winners hence could be Sony Pictures or Star India. These two broadcasters only seem to be keen for television broadcast rights, the biggest media rights component. This modification could make it uncertain for international or digital rights bidders to compete for those rights. Crucial interest was shown by Amazon, Twitter, and Reliance Jio, and by ESPN and Sky Sports for digital rights and international rights.

    Sources familiar with the tendering process said that BCCI reserved the right to pick either separate bids or consolidated bid. Bidders were earlier asked to give a separate value for each of the three packages. But, later, bidders were allowed to put in a single figure for all three rights, making it difficult for BCCI to compare consolidated bids against bids for individual rights pieces.

    By permitting TV broadcasters to put in one figure for all three packages, it seems to have nullified the international or digital bidders such as GroupM, Amazon, or ESPN, from being able to bid at par with the established TV broadcasters.

    This could also bring down the number of stakeholders BCCI may have to deal with. The new proposed change will also keep out deals between the BCCI and international broadcasters in key territories.

    Sports broadcast giant Star India and its competitor, Sony Pictures Network, seem to be in neck-and-neck race for television broadcast rights. The latter has been arguing with BCCI that its existing contract grants it the first right of refusal. While SPN enjoyed the telecast rights to Twenty-20 tournament since inception in 2008, Star India has been making inroads into IPL system. SPN has grown the property on television with innovations around language feeds, marketing, and monetising the IPL from a distribution and advertising stand-point. The 2016 edition of the IPL reached nearly 350 million TV viewers in India, a significant boost over 2015’s 200 million viewers thanks to the addition of rural households in the reporting of television viewership.

    Vinit Karnik, business head, ESP Properties, had told Business Standard, that, “It is no longer about the bouquet or distribution. The biggest change in the sports broadcast landscape is that the rights will now be awarded on the basis of production and packaging. When there are only two options, the organiser will go for the one that will present the property in the best way possible. Investments in sports production should increase now.”

    ALSO READ-

    Top court throws out BCCI’s review petition on Lodha recommendations

    18 prospective bidders for IPL Media Rights

  • Sony brings month-long Pro-Wrestling League S2 on 15 December

    Sony brings month-long Pro-Wrestling League S2 on 15 December

    MUMBAI: The biggest olympic league in the world and much acclaimed Pro Wrestling League (PWL), in association with Wrestling Federation of India, launched last year, is back in Season 2 with “Double Dhamaka”. World’s biggest Olympic sports league and the longest running Live TV show surpassed the television presence of many televised leagues and garnered millions of eyeballs.

    The Second season of the league is set to kick-start from December 15, 2016. PWL today announced numerous additions in the second season featuring eight teams instead of six with an increase in players’ pool to 80 from the initial draft of 54. From 18 days, the multi-city league moves on to a month-long second edition of PWL.

    Wrestling Federation of India president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, emphasized,“While local ‘Dangals’ enjoyed unprecedented live spectators, data suggests that on TV, wrestling emerged as the most watched Olympic sport for Indian audience in the last 12 months.” He added, “PWL had direct impact on recent Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik, as she got an opportunity to study, share & compete alongside the best wrestlers in the world during PWL.”

    ProSportify founder & promoter Kartikeya Sharma, reiterated,“We’ve created a friendly format for TV viewing sports fans whilst keeping the ethos, mat rules and rich tradition of the game intact. Additionally, our three innovations worked heavily in PWL’s favour. Essentially, converting an individual sport into a Team Game with boys & girls representing the same team. Secondly, introduction of ‘Toss’& subsequently ‘Player Blocking’ added a sense of suspense, excitement & drama in the competitive fast-paced game”.

    Sony Pictures Network president- Sports & Distribution, Rajesh Kaul, said, “At Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN), we are committed to bringing the best of International sports as well as supporting domestic sports leagues. Given India’s affinity towards wrestling which is ingrained in our culture, the PWL garnered impressive viewership in its inaugural year on our network and earned the distinction of being one of the top three domestic leagues in India.”

    PWL was launched with the aim to provide international platform to the deserving talent across India to compete with worlds best wrestlers in India. The most watched Olympic sport league in India also reached out to newer pockets and increased players fan following. Internationally the league has established as the most successful league, as a result we will now feature over 40 international wrestlers as compared to 24 last year. With this PWL becomes the biggest league with maximum Olympians playing in India.

  • Sony brings month-long Pro-Wrestling League S2 on 15 December

    Sony brings month-long Pro-Wrestling League S2 on 15 December

    MUMBAI: The biggest olympic league in the world and much acclaimed Pro Wrestling League (PWL), in association with Wrestling Federation of India, launched last year, is back in Season 2 with “Double Dhamaka”. World’s biggest Olympic sports league and the longest running Live TV show surpassed the television presence of many televised leagues and garnered millions of eyeballs.

    The Second season of the league is set to kick-start from December 15, 2016. PWL today announced numerous additions in the second season featuring eight teams instead of six with an increase in players’ pool to 80 from the initial draft of 54. From 18 days, the multi-city league moves on to a month-long second edition of PWL.

    Wrestling Federation of India president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, emphasized,“While local ‘Dangals’ enjoyed unprecedented live spectators, data suggests that on TV, wrestling emerged as the most watched Olympic sport for Indian audience in the last 12 months.” He added, “PWL had direct impact on recent Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik, as she got an opportunity to study, share & compete alongside the best wrestlers in the world during PWL.”

    ProSportify founder & promoter Kartikeya Sharma, reiterated,“We’ve created a friendly format for TV viewing sports fans whilst keeping the ethos, mat rules and rich tradition of the game intact. Additionally, our three innovations worked heavily in PWL’s favour. Essentially, converting an individual sport into a Team Game with boys & girls representing the same team. Secondly, introduction of ‘Toss’& subsequently ‘Player Blocking’ added a sense of suspense, excitement & drama in the competitive fast-paced game”.

    Sony Pictures Network president- Sports & Distribution, Rajesh Kaul, said, “At Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN), we are committed to bringing the best of International sports as well as supporting domestic sports leagues. Given India’s affinity towards wrestling which is ingrained in our culture, the PWL garnered impressive viewership in its inaugural year on our network and earned the distinction of being one of the top three domestic leagues in India.”

    PWL was launched with the aim to provide international platform to the deserving talent across India to compete with worlds best wrestlers in India. The most watched Olympic sport league in India also reached out to newer pockets and increased players fan following. Internationally the league has established as the most successful league, as a result we will now feature over 40 international wrestlers as compared to 24 last year. With this PWL becomes the biggest league with maximum Olympians playing in India.