Tag: UEFA EURO 2016

121 million watch India-West Indies T20 match

MUMBAI: Cricket fever can never be out of season. The India vs West Indies T20 matches saw 121 million viewers tune in to watch the live telecasts on 27 and 29 August. It was almost as massive as the IPL viewership this year, according to ZAPR TV viewership data.

The preceding test matches in the same series garnered a huge viewership of 70 million, despite popular knowledge that test cricket has taken a backseat with the game’s gradual evolution to more fast-paced formats. Interestingly, a large portion of these viewers have also watched previous cricket tournaments. Do these viewers make up an audience loyal to cricket, regardless of the format in which the game is played?

The first match in the test series received the highest viewership with 22 million viewers tuned in to watch the live telecast on 21 July.

In all, 97 million watched the first T20 match played on 27 August. The telecast experienced a peak in viewership between 10pm and 11pm as the Indian team forfeited a win by just a single run.

Of the individuals who watched the India vs West Indies matches, 86 per cent of them watched the T20 World Cup, and 83 per cent also watched the IPL matches this year. While T20 matches generally have higher viewership, the India vs Zimbabwe tour which consisted of three ODI matches also garnered significant viewership.

The same viewers also followed different kinds of sports on television: 61.8 per cent of individuals who watched the India vs West Indies series watched the recent Rio 2016 Olympics.37.1 per cent of them watched the Pro-Kabaddi League and 15.2 per cent watched the famous football tournament UEFA Euro 2016.

In addition to general interest for sports content, the audience who is format-neutral and loyal to a particular sport are highly valuable. These individuals are most likely to have high affinity towards sport stars, and brands associated with that particular sport, making it conducive for brands to effectively engage with them

September 9, 2016
121 million watch India-West Indies T20 match

MUMBAI: Cricket fever can never be out of season. The India vs West Indies T20 matches saw 121 million viewers tune in to watch the live telecasts on 27 and 29 August. It was almost as massive as the IPL viewership this year, according to ZAPR TV viewership data.

The preceding test matches in the same series garnered a huge viewership of 70 million, despite popular knowledge that test cricket has taken a backseat with the game’s gradual evolution to more fast-paced formats. Interestingly, a large portion of these viewers have also watched previous cricket tournaments. Do these viewers make up an audience loyal to cricket, regardless of the format in which the game is played?

The first match in the test series received the highest viewership with 22 million viewers tuned in to watch the live telecast on 21 July.

In all, 97 million watched the first T20 match played on 27 August. The telecast experienced a peak in viewership between 10pm and 11pm as the Indian team forfeited a win by just a single run.

Of the individuals who watched the India vs West Indies matches, 86 per cent of them watched the T20 World Cup, and 83 per cent also watched the IPL matches this year. While T20 matches generally have higher viewership, the India vs Zimbabwe tour which consisted of three ODI matches also garnered significant viewership.

The same viewers also followed different kinds of sports on television: 61.8 per cent of individuals who watched the India vs West Indies series watched the recent Rio 2016 Olympics.37.1 per cent of them watched the Pro-Kabaddi League and 15.2 per cent watched the famous football tournament UEFA Euro 2016.

In addition to general interest for sports content, the audience who is format-neutral and loyal to a particular sport are highly valuable. These individuals are most likely to have high affinity towards sport stars, and brands associated with that particular sport, making it conducive for brands to effectively engage with them

September 9, 2016
SPN announces digital initiatives for UEFA EURO 2016

MUMBAI: The official broadcaster of UEFA EURO 2016, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN),has announced an extensive list of digital initiatives to improve the experience of users watching the tournament on their digital platform Sony Liv. The digital campaign is an extension of its on-air time to switch campaign, where the channel has created a personalized on-brand user experience for digital consumers to engage them before, during and after the matches throughout the tournament.

The whole platform has been built to provide a unique real-time experience which is completely led by data science. Real-time data will be captured and a lot of new data science techniques will be used to present data in a manner that will enhance the overall experience of watching these matches.

“UEFA EURO 2016 is going to be one of the biggest sporting events not only in India but worldwide. And we are taking this opportunity to give a very unique, engaging and immersive experience to all our users. And staying true to our campaign philosophy, with our digital initiatives we will cater to the entire spectrum of football fans. On our platform there are many innovative initiatives such as Probability Meter, Momentum Meter, Ball Position, etc. which would excite both the ardent as well as casual fans. Aimed at enhancing the user experience, the microsite features a ‘Time to Switch’ tab for both footy fans and novices alike that will make the ‘switch’ that much more enjoyable and further lift the entire experience of watching UEFA EURO 2016 on our platforms”, Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited digital business executive VP and head Uday Sodhi.

The tournament will commence on 10 June 2016, and will be telecast live on Sony Six and Sony ESPN channels at primetime slots of 6:30 pm, 9:30 pm and 12:30 am.

The match will stream live exclusively in eight countries India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan. This service is available to audience for free with no subscription cost. The matches will be streamed live on the app and will be available on iOS and Android, as well as on the specially created dedicated microsite www.sonyliv.com/euro2016.

Some of the key highlights digital users can look forward to are:

Probability Meter

The Probability Meter will provide winning probabilities for each team during the match. This probability will be calculated real-time and change on the basis of every event that occurs in the match.

Momentum Meter

Momentum Meter is a graphical representation of the momentum between the two teams. This graph will show the momentum building for both the team and the shift of momentum between the team minute by minute.

Ball Position Tracker

Ball Position Tracker is an innovative tool where users can see the plotting of the exact position of the ball on a real time basis. This is done against a graphical representation of the stadium.

Stats Meter

The stats meter will provide a real-time account of each and every event that takes place during the match which will be updated in real-time basis.

LIVE Text Commentary

Users will be able to see real time updates of the scores along with minute-by-minute text commentary of every match.

Along with this, users will also be able to access information not only about the tournament, but also about each and every participating team. Information such as Fixtures, Team Ranking, Team Results,

Historic Performances and Team as well as individual performances over the tournament will be updated on real-time basis.

Post-Match Experience

Once the match is over, users will be able to enjoy unlimited video on demand content for every match which will include complete 90 minute re-runs of the match and lots of short videos (3-10 mins) covering highlights, goals, hat-tricks, saves, free kicks, special moments, penalties etc. which will be made available both on the app as well as the microsite minutes after the match is over.

SPN has also created a fun and interesting time to switch tab on the microsite which offers interactive features to sports enthusiasts who may be novices to football. Online users can take advantage football aids that will ease them into the footy community and become an authority on the sport.

Footy 101

A must have for every footy novice; this e-pocketbook of rules will not only help understand the game, but also do it with a lot of fun! From ‘Spotting the Fraud’, ‘How to say Awesome in Football’ to ‘Foul Play’, Footy 101 is the beginner’s guide to looking like a footy expert.

A New Ball Game

It is easy for a newbie to feel lost, alone and out of place. ‘A new ball game” invites users to open up with their own stories and find a connection with others who are sharing their experiences as a new footy.

Jargonator

Footy is filled with jargon and after switching, everyone needs help understanding words like offside, red flag, etc. Confused much? Well then the Jargonator is the perfect tool to help the audience understand these footy terms with ease in a lingo that they excel at, cricket!

Sony SIX will telecast the English language feed for the tournament while Sony ESPN will give viewers the option of Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil or Telugu language feeds.

June 7, 2016
SPN announces digital initiatives for UEFA EURO 2016

MUMBAI: The official broadcaster of UEFA EURO 2016, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN),has announced an extensive list of digital initiatives to improve the experience of users watching the tournament on their digital platform Sony Liv. The digital campaign is an extension of its on-air time to switch campaign, where the channel has created a personalized on-brand user experience for digital consumers to engage them before, during and after the matches throughout the tournament.

The whole platform has been built to provide a unique real-time experience which is completely led by data science. Real-time data will be captured and a lot of new data science techniques will be used to present data in a manner that will enhance the overall experience of watching these matches.

“UEFA EURO 2016 is going to be one of the biggest sporting events not only in India but worldwide. And we are taking this opportunity to give a very unique, engaging and immersive experience to all our users. And staying true to our campaign philosophy, with our digital initiatives we will cater to the entire spectrum of football fans. On our platform there are many innovative initiatives such as Probability Meter, Momentum Meter, Ball Position, etc. which would excite both the ardent as well as casual fans. Aimed at enhancing the user experience, the microsite features a ‘Time to Switch’ tab for both footy fans and novices alike that will make the ‘switch’ that much more enjoyable and further lift the entire experience of watching UEFA EURO 2016 on our platforms”, Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited digital business executive VP and head Uday Sodhi.

The tournament will commence on 10 June 2016, and will be telecast live on Sony Six and Sony ESPN channels at primetime slots of 6:30 pm, 9:30 pm and 12:30 am.

The match will stream live exclusively in eight countries India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan. This service is available to audience for free with no subscription cost. The matches will be streamed live on the app and will be available on iOS and Android, as well as on the specially created dedicated microsite www.sonyliv.com/euro2016.

Some of the key highlights digital users can look forward to are:

Probability Meter

The Probability Meter will provide winning probabilities for each team during the match. This probability will be calculated real-time and change on the basis of every event that occurs in the match.

Momentum Meter

Momentum Meter is a graphical representation of the momentum between the two teams. This graph will show the momentum building for both the team and the shift of momentum between the team minute by minute.

Ball Position Tracker

Ball Position Tracker is an innovative tool where users can see the plotting of the exact position of the ball on a real time basis. This is done against a graphical representation of the stadium.

Stats Meter

The stats meter will provide a real-time account of each and every event that takes place during the match which will be updated in real-time basis.

LIVE Text Commentary

Users will be able to see real time updates of the scores along with minute-by-minute text commentary of every match.

Along with this, users will also be able to access information not only about the tournament, but also about each and every participating team. Information such as Fixtures, Team Ranking, Team Results,

Historic Performances and Team as well as individual performances over the tournament will be updated on real-time basis.

Post-Match Experience

Once the match is over, users will be able to enjoy unlimited video on demand content for every match which will include complete 90 minute re-runs of the match and lots of short videos (3-10 mins) covering highlights, goals, hat-tricks, saves, free kicks, special moments, penalties etc. which will be made available both on the app as well as the microsite minutes after the match is over.

SPN has also created a fun and interesting time to switch tab on the microsite which offers interactive features to sports enthusiasts who may be novices to football. Online users can take advantage football aids that will ease them into the footy community and become an authority on the sport.

Footy 101

A must have for every footy novice; this e-pocketbook of rules will not only help understand the game, but also do it with a lot of fun! From ‘Spotting the Fraud’, ‘How to say Awesome in Football’ to ‘Foul Play’, Footy 101 is the beginner’s guide to looking like a footy expert.

A New Ball Game

It is easy for a newbie to feel lost, alone and out of place. ‘A new ball game” invites users to open up with their own stories and find a connection with others who are sharing their experiences as a new footy.

Jargonator

Footy is filled with jargon and after switching, everyone needs help understanding words like offside, red flag, etc. Confused much? Well then the Jargonator is the perfect tool to help the audience understand these footy terms with ease in a lingo that they excel at, cricket!

Sony SIX will telecast the English language feed for the tournament while Sony ESPN will give viewers the option of Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil or Telugu language feeds.

June 7, 2016
ESPN in collaboration with SPN launches ESPN.in & ESPN app

MUMBAI: With long-term collaboration with Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN), ESPN has introduced an exciting new mobile-first multi-sport digital offering in India today with the launch of the ESPN.in website and the ESPN app.

With an emerging multi-sport landscape in India, the new site and app will further reinforce ESPN’s market leadership, authority and expertise in digital media, bringing an elegant, lively and more personal sports experience to Indian and subcontinent fans across mobiles, tablets and computers. ESPN.in site and app will also be carrying rights video content for sporting events from SONY LIV, SPN’s digital streaming platform, and SPN’s new Sony ESPN sports channels.

From mainstream sports in India and the subcontinent, to the best of ESPN’s comprehensive coverage of global sports that interest South Asian fans, ESPN.in and the ESPN app will bring fans closer to the games, leagues and athletes they love via world-class digital products.

Both the site and app will offer the best cricket coverage (powered by ESPNcricinfo), but also give fans a one-stop destination for world-class news, features and videos across sports currently underserved by any digital offering in the region, such as football, hockey, badminton, tennis, Formula 1, kabaddi and more.

The new ESPN.in and ESPN app brings Indian and subcontinent fans a clean, dynamic presentation for ESPN’s content and storytelling, including scores, news, video, features, stats and more. Additionally, they will feature LIVE streaming video content of select sporting events in collaboration with Sony LIV.

The launch of the app and website are the latest developments in the collaboration between Sony Pictures Networks India & ESPN. ESPN.in and the ESPN app, will both carry SONYESPN branding and will feature cross-promotional integration with Sony LIV, the digital streaming platform from Sony Pictures Networks (SPN).

Earlier this year, this collaboration resulted in the launch of 2 new sports television channels; namely, Sony ESPN as well Sony ESPN HD. The long-term agreement leverages a winning combination of two of India’s most respected media brands, and serves Indian and subcontinent fans via their combined expertise and high-quality compelling content.

ESPN India and South Asia head & VP Ramesh Kumar said, “ESPN has a strong connection with fans in India and around the world because we are fans ourselves, driven by a similar obsession for sports. The launch of our multi-sport products showcases our digital leadership and offers sports fans outstanding news, features and video experiences around top sports of interest to Indian fans. They also provide the perfect complement to our television collaboration with Sony Pictures Networks India as well as reinforce ESPN’s signature ‘Game around the Game’ analysis across platforms”.

Sony Pictures Networks India Digital Business executive vice president & head Uday Sodhi said, “Sony LIV has been instrumental in bringing the best of entertainment to the digital millennials. Sports is an integral part of our offering. Together with ESPN, we are geared to increase our offering manifold.”

PERSONALIZATION
Passions for sport are intensely personal and ESPN has made it easy to personalize the user experience on both ESPN.in and the ESPN app — and rewards fans for doing so. A powerful personalization engine lets every fan select their favorite sports, leagues and teams, and then prominently delivers the latest scores, news, video and images related to those in a distinct ‘Favorites’ section. After registering on either the site or the app, a fan can set their Favorites, which will then work seamlessly across both the site and the app, and on any device – mobile, tablet, laptop, desktop – where they are logged in.

Users of the ESPN app can also set custom tailored notifications, so they will be alerted with all the latest developments for their Favorites, general news and more.

COMPREHENSIVE CONTENT AND COVERAGE
ESPN is the #1 digital sports publisher in India, and around the world – known for its insightful content with personality and its unbiased reporting and analysis with authority.

June 2, 2016
ESPN in collaboration with SPN launches ESPN.in & ESPN app

MUMBAI: With long-term collaboration with Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN), ESPN has introduced an exciting new mobile-first multi-sport digital offering in India today with the launch of the ESPN.in website and the ESPN app.

With an emerging multi-sport landscape in India, the new site and app will further reinforce ESPN’s market leadership, authority and expertise in digital media, bringing an elegant, lively and more personal sports experience to Indian and subcontinent fans across mobiles, tablets and computers. ESPN.in site and app will also be carrying rights video content for sporting events from SONY LIV, SPN’s digital streaming platform, and SPN’s new Sony ESPN sports channels.

From mainstream sports in India and the subcontinent, to the best of ESPN’s comprehensive coverage of global sports that interest South Asian fans, ESPN.in and the ESPN app will bring fans closer to the games, leagues and athletes they love via world-class digital products.

Both the site and app will offer the best cricket coverage (powered by ESPNcricinfo), but also give fans a one-stop destination for world-class news, features and videos across sports currently underserved by any digital offering in the region, such as football, hockey, badminton, tennis, Formula 1, kabaddi and more.

The new ESPN.in and ESPN app brings Indian and subcontinent fans a clean, dynamic presentation for ESPN’s content and storytelling, including scores, news, video, features, stats and more. Additionally, they will feature LIVE streaming video content of select sporting events in collaboration with Sony LIV.

The launch of the app and website are the latest developments in the collaboration between Sony Pictures Networks India & ESPN. ESPN.in and the ESPN app, will both carry SONYESPN branding and will feature cross-promotional integration with Sony LIV, the digital streaming platform from Sony Pictures Networks (SPN).

Earlier this year, this collaboration resulted in the launch of 2 new sports television channels; namely, Sony ESPN as well Sony ESPN HD. The long-term agreement leverages a winning combination of two of India’s most respected media brands, and serves Indian and subcontinent fans via their combined expertise and high-quality compelling content.

ESPN India and South Asia head & VP Ramesh Kumar said, “ESPN has a strong connection with fans in India and around the world because we are fans ourselves, driven by a similar obsession for sports. The launch of our multi-sport products showcases our digital leadership and offers sports fans outstanding news, features and video experiences around top sports of interest to Indian fans. They also provide the perfect complement to our television collaboration with Sony Pictures Networks India as well as reinforce ESPN’s signature ‘Game around the Game’ analysis across platforms”.

Sony Pictures Networks India Digital Business executive vice president & head Uday Sodhi said, “Sony LIV has been instrumental in bringing the best of entertainment to the digital millennials. Sports is an integral part of our offering. Together with ESPN, we are geared to increase our offering manifold.”

PERSONALIZATION
Passions for sport are intensely personal and ESPN has made it easy to personalize the user experience on both ESPN.in and the ESPN app — and rewards fans for doing so. A powerful personalization engine lets every fan select their favorite sports, leagues and teams, and then prominently delivers the latest scores, news, video and images related to those in a distinct ‘Favorites’ section. After registering on either the site or the app, a fan can set their Favorites, which will then work seamlessly across both the site and the app, and on any device – mobile, tablet, laptop, desktop – where they are logged in.

Users of the ESPN app can also set custom tailored notifications, so they will be alerted with all the latest developments for their Favorites, general news and more.

COMPREHENSIVE CONTENT AND COVERAGE
ESPN is the #1 digital sports publisher in India, and around the world – known for its insightful content with personality and its unbiased reporting and analysis with authority.

June 2, 2016
SPN launches regional language feeds for UEFA EURO 2016 in India

MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has launched multi-language feeds for its international football property UEFA EURO 2016. The network will roll-out feeds in six languages namely English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam for the tournament.

The company is aimed at bringing the tournament closer to the TV viewing audience by presenting the content in a localized format for viewers across Indian markets through its multiple language feed.

Regional feeds for broadcasting sports properties was a pioneering initiative by SPN in India with the Bengali feed on Sony AATH for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

UEFA EURO 2016 is one of the biggest international football tournaments in the world and will commence on 10 June 2016 until the finals that take place on 10 July 2016. It showcases the best of football and will have some of the finest European teams including the two time defending champions, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Italy, England and many more playing for the coveted title of European Champions.

The network recently launched its time to switch campaign with a notion of viewers switching from other sports to football and the multi-language feeds giving viewers another reason to switch to the tournament.

The tournament will be telecasted live and exclusive on Sony SIX and Sony ESPN channels at primetime slots of 6:30 pm, 9:30 pm and 12:30 am. Sony SIX will telecast the English language feed for the tournament while Sony ESPN will give viewers the option of Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil or Telugu language feeds. On the digital front, Sony LIV will live stream all the matches.

May 23, 2016
SPN launches regional language feeds for UEFA EURO 2016 in India

MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has launched multi-language feeds for its international football property UEFA EURO 2016. The network will roll-out feeds in six languages namely English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam for the tournament.

The company is aimed at bringing the tournament closer to the TV viewing audience by presenting the content in a localized format for viewers across Indian markets through its multiple language feed.

Regional feeds for broadcasting sports properties was a pioneering initiative by SPN in India with the Bengali feed on Sony AATH for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

UEFA EURO 2016 is one of the biggest international football tournaments in the world and will commence on 10 June 2016 until the finals that take place on 10 July 2016. It showcases the best of football and will have some of the finest European teams including the two time defending champions, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Italy, England and many more playing for the coveted title of European Champions.

The network recently launched its time to switch campaign with a notion of viewers switching from other sports to football and the multi-language feeds giving viewers another reason to switch to the tournament.

The tournament will be telecasted live and exclusive on Sony SIX and Sony ESPN channels at primetime slots of 6:30 pm, 9:30 pm and 12:30 am. Sony SIX will telecast the English language feed for the tournament while Sony ESPN will give viewers the option of Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil or Telugu language feeds. On the digital front, Sony LIV will live stream all the matches.

May 23, 2016
Taste the Feeling by artist Avicii is the anthem for Coca-Cola UEFA EURO 2016 campaign

MUMBAI: Taste the Feeling by artist Avicii will be the anthem for the Coca-Cola UEFA EURO 2016 campaign as it complements the creative idea that the pleasure of drinking beverage makes the moment more special.

“It’s always our ambition to feature great music that people will remember and love decades from now. And we think we’ve done that with this campaign. As we searched for the perfect song, this one stood out from day one as something really special.” said Coca-Cola Global Music Group Director Joe Belliotti.

“I really liked the original demo and after a few intense weeks in the studio working on the production, we were able to present an amazing final product. Conrad was a great partner and we are excited that the song will be featured in the UEFA EURO 2016 campaign for Coca-Cola so fans around the world can enjoy it,” said the artist Avicii.

On Avicii’s participation in the project, Belliotti added, “We have worked with Avicii since 2011 on several projects, and he knows how to create optimistic music that resonates with listeners around the world. He has a melodic and musical sensibility that draws you in. He creates songs with a modern feel but adds traditional instruments to the mix.”

Commenting on the collaboration of Coca-Cola with music agency Deviant Ventures for the overall music, Deviant Ventures Chief of Possibilities Umut Ozaydinli said, “For the anthem, we wanted to pair Avicii with a relative newcomer. Conrad Sewell has been on our radar ever since last year. Avicii’s signature production with Conrad’s unique vocals made the perfect mix for a summer hit”

March 11, 2016
Taste the Feeling by artist Avicii is the anthem for Coca-Cola UEFA EURO 2016 campaign

MUMBAI: Taste the Feeling by artist Avicii will be the anthem for the Coca-Cola UEFA EURO 2016 campaign as it complements the creative idea that the pleasure of drinking beverage makes the moment more special.

“It’s always our ambition to feature great music that people will remember and love decades from now. And we think we’ve done that with this campaign. As we searched for the perfect song, this one stood out from day one as something really special.” said Coca-Cola Global Music Group Director Joe Belliotti.

“I really liked the original demo and after a few intense weeks in the studio working on the production, we were able to present an amazing final product. Conrad was a great partner and we are excited that the song will be featured in the UEFA EURO 2016 campaign for Coca-Cola so fans around the world can enjoy it,” said the artist Avicii.

On Avicii’s participation in the project, Belliotti added, “We have worked with Avicii since 2011 on several projects, and he knows how to create optimistic music that resonates with listeners around the world. He has a melodic and musical sensibility that draws you in. He creates songs with a modern feel but adds traditional instruments to the mix.”

Commenting on the collaboration of Coca-Cola with music agency Deviant Ventures for the overall music, Deviant Ventures Chief of Possibilities Umut Ozaydinli said, “For the anthem, we wanted to pair Avicii with a relative newcomer. Conrad Sewell has been on our radar ever since last year. Avicii’s signature production with Conrad’s unique vocals made the perfect mix for a summer hit”

March 11, 2016