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Tag: sports

  • ZEEL reports steady Q1 FY2018 results

    MUMBAI: It’s been a hectic first quarter of FY 2018 for homegrown media power house — the Essel Group promoted Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel). The company has gone ahead for some corporate restructuring and has also declared its Q1FY2018  financials which, if not impressive, at least deserve a pat on the back, at a time when industry is coping with the GST transformation that the government has imposed on the industry.

    First, on to the financials. Q1 2018.

    On a consolidated basis, Zeel has notched up total revenues of Rs 1540.3 crore (Rs 15.4 billion),  an EBITDA of Rs 484.4 crore (31.4 per cent margin) and profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 251.6 crore (16.3 per cent margin).

    Advertising revenues for Q1 FY2018 are at Rs 966.5 crore (Rs 9.67 billion), which after adjustment for the acquisition of Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd (RBNL) and the sale of its sports business to Sony Pictures Networks India, was at Rs 868.8 crore.

    Its international advertising revenue was at Rs 57.8 crore for the quarter.

    Subscription revenues for Q1 2018 were at  a healthy Rs 479.1 crore. Domestic revenue from subscription grew a healthy 14.5 per cent to Rs 378.88 crore – showing that the network is starting to bear the fruits of the government-backed Indian television industry’s digitization drive. International subscription revenues were at Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion).  Overall, its international revenues (excluding sports business) were at Rs 194.7 crore, including other sales and services of Rs 36.9 crore.  The adverse impact of currency appreciation and region-specific issues have contributed to the decline in revenues, says a Zeel press release.

    Qualifying Zeel’s performance managing director & CEO Punit Goenka said: “It was yet another satisfying quarter with a strong financial and operating performance. During the quarter, we recovered from the impact of demonetization and the growth in the first two months was strong. However, the momentum was disrupted in June in the run-up to GST implementation. The advertisers reduced ad spends on existing brands and launched fewer products as distribution chain was not fully prepared for seamless transition to the new regime. Despite the challenge, our domestic ad revenue grew by 7%. Notwithstanding the short-term impact, we believe that GST will aid the advertising spends in the long-run.”

    Zeel completed the acquisition of the remainder 49 per cent equity stake in Indiaweb Portal which runs a clutch of online sites, apart from Fly By Wire International Pvt Ltd post 30 June 2017. Both have become wholly owned subsidiaries.

    Goenka says the acquisition of India Webportal “which is the third ranked online content publisher in the country, gives us an opportunity to reach and understand digital consumers through its various offerings. The acquisition is part of our strategy to strengthen the digital presence. It operates a suite of websites focusing on different genres including news, sports and entertainment.”

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  • Sony ropes in Tendulkar as it rebrands sports portfolio, adds two HD channels

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Network is all set to rebrand its sports portfolio, including ESPN. SPNI’s bouquet of sports channels includes TEN 1, TEN 2, TEN 3 and Sony 6, which are set to see significant changes.

    SPNI has also roped in Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador for sports. Sony has grouped its sports brands under the business vertical — Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN).

    With the addition of two HD channels, Sony TEN 2 HD and Sony TEN 3 HD, 11 channels dedicated to bringing the best domestic and international sporting action to viewers, Sony reinforces its position as one of the largest broadcasters of sports in the Indian sub-continent.

    Programming break-up of 11 channels comprising five SD and six HD channels:

    Sony 6 and Sony 6 HD —– Cricket

    Sony TEN 1 & Sony TEN 1 HD: Wrestling entertainment

    Sony TEN 2 & Sony TEN 2 HD: Football

    Sony TEN 3 & Sony TEN 3 HD: Sporting events in Hindi

    Sony ESPN & Sony ESPN HD — International sports

    Sony TEN Golf HD —— Non-stop golf action

    Also Read:

    ITW bags ad rights from Sony, India series sponsor & partners’ announcement shortly

    Sports channels ratings dive in week 26

    FIFA U-17 draw: Hosts India to take on U.S. in Delhi

    U-20 & U-17 FIFA ’19 bidding for host launched, Sony to telecast U-17 in seven countries

  • Sindhu wins Magic Bus & Sports Illustrated award

    MUMBAI: India’s sports media brand Sports Illustrated (SI) India Magazine concluded the sixth edition of ‘Maruti Suzuki Sportsperson of the Year’ Charity Gala Awards on 6 July in Mumbai. Sportsperson of the Year is the most coveted Sports Awards franchise globally, acknowledging the performances and sporting excellence of athletes and teams for their outstanding achievements.

    Sports Illustrated India has always honoured individuals and teams that have made an impact in the world of Indian sports. Keeping in mind the brand philosophy of promoting sports at grassroots level in India, this year’s gala was in association with Magic Bus—an award-winning NGO that steers children towards a better life with better awareness, better life skills, and better opportunities, in the journey from childhood to livelihood. The funds raised will be used towards the betterment of these under-privileged children.

    Some of the award categories in which the athletes were felicitated were:
    1. Special award for service to sports: Jayant Rastogi, CEO – Magic Bus (presented by Ms Parineeta Sethi and Simon Clays)

    2. Team of the year: Jr. Hockey Team- Captain Harjeet Singh (presented by Pragyan Ojha)

    3. Coach of the year: Pullela Gopichand (presented by Mr. Vinay Pant)

    4. Editor’s Award for excellence: Devendra Jhajharia (presented by Jwala Gutta and Vivek Mukherjee)

    5. Editor’s Award for excellence: MariyappanThangavelu (presented by Jwala Gutta and Vivek Mukherjee)

    6. Editor’s Award for excellence: Varun Bhati (presented by Jwala Gutta and Vivek Mukherjee)

    7. Outstanding Contribution to sports: K Arumugam (presented by Bhaichung Bhutia)

    8. Athlete of the year: Gaurav Gill (presented by Amir Khan)

    9. Gamechanger of the year: K.L Rahul

    10. Extreme Performer of the year: ShivaKeshavan (presented by Sanjeev Mantri and Richa Chadha)

    11. Lifetime Achievement Award: Abhinav Bindra (presented by Amit Khanna, Herbalife & Shayamal Vallabhjee)

    12. Community Development through sports: Milind Soman (Received by Usha Soman) (presented by Angad Bedi and Parineeta Sethi)

    13. Inspirational athlete of the year: Deepa Malik (presented by Taapsee Pannu)

    14. Living Legend: Milkha Singh

    15. Sportsperson Of The Year: PV Sindhu (presented by Parineeta Sethi & Ajay Khanna, Herbalife)

    It was a star-studded evening where some of India’s sports icons such as P.V. Sindhu, Pullela Gopichand, KL Rahul, Abhinav Bindra, Deepa Mallik, Bhaichung Bhutia, Gaurav Gill and Shiva Keshavan were felicitated. Bollywood wasn’t left far behind as Richa Chaddha, Tapsee Pannu and Angad Bedi also graced the occasion.

    Sports Illustrated India senior publisher Vivek Pareek said, “The Maruti Suzuki Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Charity Gala is the perfect platform to recognize and celebrate performance in sports. We have consistently supported all sports in India and the diverse attendance is proof of that. Sports is not limited in appeal or reach, and it is in this diversity that it finds its strength. We will continue to fight for sports and support sportspersons.”

    Sports Illustrated India editor Vivek Mukherji said, “Sports Illustrated has lived up to its commitment to sports and India’s sportspersons again with this year’s Awards. Our magazine’s founding principles of integrity and fairness ensure that all sports find an equal voice. We’re growing from strength to strength and we’re very excited about the future of sports in India. We hope to continue playing a large part in it.”

    Magic Bus founder Matthew Spacie said, “It was a great event and I thank Sports illustrated India for giving Magic Bus this huge platform. We share the same core principles of uplifting society through sports and it is fantastic to see the complete support of the sports fraternity, I’m very grateful that our work has been recognized at this iconic forum. We look forward to many years of associations with Sports Illustrated India.”

    Through this association, Sports Illustrated India aims to continue their journey and ensure sports is made accessible for all as well as for the welfare of upcoming athletes.

  • Sports promotion: Rathore averse to leaning on govt

    NEW DELHI: Becoming an achiever gives a different spirit to one’s personality. But, even accepting a challenge is strength in itself even if one loses.

    Minister of state for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore, a former shooting champion, said this at the concluding session of the one-day Sports Conclave organized by Doordarshan Sports to discuss ways in which India can become a sports superpower.

    It was telecast live by interlinking various kendras throughout the day on 28 May 2017. The meet held at the Central Production Centre of Doordarshan in south Delhi had several experts including sports writers and even former sportspersons discussing various subjects.

    It was inaugurated in the morning by Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu and discussions also featured Union sports minister Vijay Goel and sports ministers of different states apart from eminent sports personalities.   

    To a question, Rathore said sports had to be adaptable and this was evident from the way it had adapted to television. “Use the situation to your advantage and you will find kids are always ready to play.”
     
    Rathore also said that a sportsperson could only succeed if he had family support if one wanted to choose sports as a career. At the same time, it was not necessary to depend on the government for everything. As an example, he said he encouraged the people in his constituency to create a kabaddi team and was surprised when even girls volunteered.

    Not merely that, he found some people on their own volunteering either to create smooth grounds, or mow the grass, or do other things that they did on their own. But, all this needed behavioral change and the will power and administrative capability.

    To to a question, he said that he had found that as a sportsperson he had tended to become a little eccentric.

    The second session Edit Page had eminent sports writers from different publications.
    The third session ‘State’ of the Nation had four sports ministers of different states: Chetan Chauhan (Uttar Pradesh); Anil Vij (Haryana), Yashodhara Raje Scindia (Madhya Pradesh), and Arvind Pandey (Uttarakhand).

    The next session on ‘India mai hai dum’ featured five figures from the world of badminton from Hyderabad, Jameshedpur, Calicut, Agartala, Pune and other centres of excellence. It was conducted by Ms Ashwini Poonappa.

    This was followed by a session on Indian Sports = Today and Tomorrow at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

    The Making of the Olympians moderated by the renowned Ashwini Nachappa at Central Production Centre Delhi and Doordarshan Kendra Guwahati saw the participation of eminent sportspersons.

    Vision 2020 and 2024 at CPC Delhi featured a discussion anchored by Ashwini Nachappa which had Baldev Singh from the Prime Minister’s Task Force, and TFA and Sports Head Mukul Vinayak Choudhari.

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  • Milo campaign shows how critical is sports for kids

    MUMBAI: Milo Ready to Drink is a recently launched cocoa-malt milk beverage crafted specially for growing children, and has lower sugar with less than 10 grams of added sugar per pack (180 ml).

    Milo has unveiled its national advertising campaign ‘Milo — Grow with sports.’ Milo believes that sports helps imbibe life values that set the foundation for a child’s future. With this new TVC, it aims to underline the importance of sports in the growing years, making it a must-have nourishing beverage for kids, to excel in the same.

    In the new ad campaign, Milo is building on the fact that a mother’s greatest wish is to see her child succeed and fulfill his/her potential. While she does her best to prepare the child for life ahead, she knows that success in life needs more than skills learnt from books. Through sports, children will learn to persevere through hardship, find courage over fear, work as a team, find self-belief, be respectful and learn how to lead.

    Dairy, Nestlé India GM Arvind Bhandari said, “Milo believes that sports is critical for personality development and helps kids grow holistically in their formative years. We hope that mothers understand our message and nurture their children with Milo as they grow with sports.”

    The 45-second TVC features children participating in various sports like Football, Basketball, Athletics and Kabaddi with a voice over that highlights the prominence of sports in life. The video leads to a child’s victory in a race post which his mother gives him Milo to replenish his energy. Towards the end, the ad highlights the much loved international taste of Milo RTD, based on our unique ingredient ACTIV-GO™, which contains PROTOMALT™, Vitamins (B2, B3, B6, B12), and minerals (Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus). Milo RTD has lower sugar with less than 10 grams of added sugar per pack (180 ml).

    ‘Milo — Grow with sports’ campaign is being aired across prime time on National & Regional TV (Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam) as well as Facebook and YouTube.

    Watch the ad campaign here:

  • Digital, sports & events co GSC to make Aus, NZ buys, receives funds

    MUMBAI: Global Sports Commerce (GSC) and its affiliate Techfront International, a supplier of in-stadium LED screens, as well as integrated sponsorship and digital solutions for sports and media events, has received funding to support acquisitions of Screencorp in Australia and Oled & Carniegie in New Zealand.

    BlackRock’s Private Credit team arranged sole financing for the combined transaction.

    The intended acquisitions will enable GSC to deepen penetration of the Australian and New Zealand digital sporting solutions markets, while entering the fast-growing digital billboard sector. Techfront Australia, a subsidiary of Techfront International, enjoys market leadership in Australia and New Zealand as partner to the AFL, All Blacks, NZ Cricket and in association with MKTG for Cricket Australia & Big Bash League.

    GSC CEO M S Muralidharan said, “These acquisitions will facilitate deep engagement with sports for GSC and Techfront and amounts to a template for replicating a successful model throughout Europe and North America. BlackRock’s support provides Techfront with greater impetus, and contributes to the consolidation of sports commerce worldwide via use of technology such as Commerce Optimiser.”

    Techfront Australia CEO Neil Maxwell said, “The addition of these companies provides TFA with an unparalleled scale in the Australian and New Zealand markets. We are now able to cater to an increased number of sports and in the process, provide broader offerings along with an enhanced level of service.”

    BlackRock head of Asian credit Neeraj Seth commented, “GSC and Techfront’s dominant position in key cricket markets, plus growing involvement in football, rugby, tennis and other sports, make it an attractive investment opportunity. Private credit has become an important source of flexible capital for mid-market companies at a time when banks are being constrained from providing financing to Asian companies.”

    He added, “BlackRock is well-positioned to provide companies such as GSC and Techfront with capital throughout multiple Asian jurisdictions. This enables such organizations to expand at the same time as allowing us to equip our investors with diverse sources of investment return.”

    GSC provides dynamic solutions, along with sponsorship & commercial management and premier consultancy. It’s affiliated units work with sports organisations such as FIFA, ICC, BBCI, UEFA, IAAF, EPL, IPL, Bundesliga, IPL and AFL, all via various subsidiaries and partners.

    Techfront continues to be at the forefront of LED innovation, by developing the proprietary Go-Green Technology, the world’s first Ultra High-definition 4K HD and being the first globally compliant LED technology company as certified by FIFA and the UEFA.

    BlackRock, a global leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services with AUM US$5.1 trillion, helps with a range of products that include separate accounts, mutual funds, iShares® (exchange-traded funds), and other pooled investment vehicles.

  • Significant viewership & fans in east and south India, not just north: NBA

    Significant viewership & fans in east and south India, not just north: NBA

    MUMBAI: Basketball, as a sport, has grown by leaps and bounds in the country. In an exclusive discussion with indiantelevision.com, National Basketball Association (NBA) India managing director (MD) Yannick Colaco revealed his plans and ideas on how the game can be taken to the next level.

    The MD shared his thoughts on making basketball a pan-Indian game, explaining, “I don’t think it is only concentrated in north India, contrary to the general idea. Looking at the broadcasting consumption, it’s not restricted to northern states as we’ve got significant numbers and ratings from the east and some of the best basketball teams in the country come from the southern states.”

    The MD stated that he wants basketball to become the No. 2 sport in the country, a task which needs some working for now. With Sim Bhullar and Satnam Singh’s foray and exploits into NBA, the country is tapping into its talent for such inspiring stories.

    public://Satnam--Bhullar.jpg
    Sim Bhullar and Satnam Sing

    Talking about 2016 as a whole, Colaco said that the year was defined by two key events. “The first one will obviously be the official launch of nba.com in India, which saw significant consumption online in the Indian market. The second one will be the continuation of localising our global product — basketball, easing the way we present the game, and ‘Around the Hoop Show with Sony Six’ which got good numbers in terms of audience as  well.”

    On his plans to boost the game in 2017, the executive said, “We don’t look at it on a day-to-day, month-to-month or year-to-year basis. We want to see basketball as the No. 2 sport in the country. It’s not going to happen in a few months, it is going to take a while and a lot of investment. We will continue to make the attempts and we are committed to the game in the long term.”

    About the importance of growth at the grassroots, the MD also said that the organisation was working at that level and it was very important for the diversified growth of the game throughout the country.

    On whether basketball has an edge over other games, the former CEO of Nimus Sports said, “It’s a pretty simple game. You don’t need complex equipment or tracks of land. There are no complex rules and all you need is a flat surface, a ball and a hoop. You can play alone; you can play with five people, a 3-on-3 or 1-on-1. The only other game which is similar in this sense is football, but it still needs a lot of space.”

    The game certainly has seen a growth trend in the last few years and can become one of India’s most watched and played if the growth remains constant. Work at the grassroots level has been one of the defining factors for basketball in India, owing to which a lot of new players have come to the fore as passion builds.

  • Significant viewership & fans in east and south India, not just north: NBA

    Significant viewership & fans in east and south India, not just north: NBA

    MUMBAI: Basketball, as a sport, has grown by leaps and bounds in the country. In an exclusive discussion with indiantelevision.com, National Basketball Association (NBA) India managing director (MD) Yannick Colaco revealed his plans and ideas on how the game can be taken to the next level.

    The MD shared his thoughts on making basketball a pan-Indian game, explaining, “I don’t think it is only concentrated in north India, contrary to the general idea. Looking at the broadcasting consumption, it’s not restricted to northern states as we’ve got significant numbers and ratings from the east and some of the best basketball teams in the country come from the southern states.”

    The MD stated that he wants basketball to become the No. 2 sport in the country, a task which needs some working for now. With Sim Bhullar and Satnam Singh’s foray and exploits into NBA, the country is tapping into its talent for such inspiring stories.

    public://Satnam--Bhullar.jpg
    Sim Bhullar and Satnam Sing

    Talking about 2016 as a whole, Colaco said that the year was defined by two key events. “The first one will obviously be the official launch of nba.com in India, which saw significant consumption online in the Indian market. The second one will be the continuation of localising our global product — basketball, easing the way we present the game, and ‘Around the Hoop Show with Sony Six’ which got good numbers in terms of audience as  well.”

    On his plans to boost the game in 2017, the executive said, “We don’t look at it on a day-to-day, month-to-month or year-to-year basis. We want to see basketball as the No. 2 sport in the country. It’s not going to happen in a few months, it is going to take a while and a lot of investment. We will continue to make the attempts and we are committed to the game in the long term.”

    About the importance of growth at the grassroots, the MD also said that the organisation was working at that level and it was very important for the diversified growth of the game throughout the country.

    On whether basketball has an edge over other games, the former CEO of Nimus Sports said, “It’s a pretty simple game. You don’t need complex equipment or tracks of land. There are no complex rules and all you need is a flat surface, a ball and a hoop. You can play alone; you can play with five people, a 3-on-3 or 1-on-1. The only other game which is similar in this sense is football, but it still needs a lot of space.”

    The game certainly has seen a growth trend in the last few years and can become one of India’s most watched and played if the growth remains constant. Work at the grassroots level has been one of the defining factors for basketball in India, owing to which a lot of new players have come to the fore as passion builds.

  • Catch ’em young: Ministry hunts for sports talent

    Catch ’em young: Ministry hunts for sports talent

    NEW DELHI: The Sports Ministry is to set up a Talent Search Portal shortly to give a fair opportunity to talented children from every nook and corner of the country to pursue their dreams of achieving excellence in sports. Jolted by the poor performance of India at the Rio Olympics, the ministry had already begun a process to examine India’s performance.

    The plan is to target talented children of eight years and above.
    Efforts will be made to involve National Sports Federations, corporate houses and other stake-holders in the programme.

    Sports Minister Vijay Goel said in a statement that details of the performance and potential of a child including video and photographs could be uploaded on the portal by children, their parents, relatives, teachers and others on the portal. A format will be available on the portal to capture the key details of the child.

    After due scrutiny, children with potential will be given an opportunity to appear for a battery of tests which could be conducted at the nearest Sports Authority of India Centre and others. Those who pass will be admitted to the training centres of SAI.

    The ministry will also persuade the state governments and others to admit some of such children in their centres. Such talented children who are not able to leave their current places of residence for any reason may be offered a scholarship to help them pursue excellence in sports.

    The portal will allow talented children to stake their claim for support including admission to sports training centres from the comforts of their homes and will simplify procedures. It will be particularly beneficial to the disadvantaged sections of the society.

  • Catch ’em young: Ministry hunts for sports talent

    Catch ’em young: Ministry hunts for sports talent

    NEW DELHI: The Sports Ministry is to set up a Talent Search Portal shortly to give a fair opportunity to talented children from every nook and corner of the country to pursue their dreams of achieving excellence in sports. Jolted by the poor performance of India at the Rio Olympics, the ministry had already begun a process to examine India’s performance.

    The plan is to target talented children of eight years and above.
    Efforts will be made to involve National Sports Federations, corporate houses and other stake-holders in the programme.

    Sports Minister Vijay Goel said in a statement that details of the performance and potential of a child including video and photographs could be uploaded on the portal by children, their parents, relatives, teachers and others on the portal. A format will be available on the portal to capture the key details of the child.

    After due scrutiny, children with potential will be given an opportunity to appear for a battery of tests which could be conducted at the nearest Sports Authority of India Centre and others. Those who pass will be admitted to the training centres of SAI.

    The ministry will also persuade the state governments and others to admit some of such children in their centres. Such talented children who are not able to leave their current places of residence for any reason may be offered a scholarship to help them pursue excellence in sports.

    The portal will allow talented children to stake their claim for support including admission to sports training centres from the comforts of their homes and will simplify procedures. It will be particularly beneficial to the disadvantaged sections of the society.