Sony turns 20 in India: Retrospect & Prospect

MUMBAI: Glory, agony, poison, panacea… As Multi Screen Media (MSM) (erstwhile Sony Entertainment Television India) completes two decades in the Indian broadcast space, it has witnessed it all. The broadcasting company, which started with one channel, is now sixteen channels strong with even more additions in the pipeline.

In a rapidly changing scenario, where the entire ecosystem is moving towards the digital platform, there are challenges and opportunities alike. And MSM CEO NP Singh is ready to take them all head on.

A Sony veteran, Singh has been privy to the business affairs of the company for as many as sixteen years since first joining the organisation in 1999 as chief financial officer (CFO).

Even as word trickled in about MSM’s collaboration with US-based mega sportscaster ESPN Inc, came the news that the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) title sponsor PepsiCo was withdrawing as it brought ‘disrepute’ to the game. In the midst of some good news and bad, Singh’s core focus at this stage is on the network’s holistic growth.

“My focus is on aggressive growth of the network and consolidation of our existing channels. Along with this, foraying in new areas of businesses, expanding our portfolio and exploring opportunities on the rapidly growing digital platform is what we are looking at. At the same time, course correction of our flagship channel Sony Entertainment Television (SET) is a priority,” Singh says.

To that effect, MSM has made a series of changes in its management team and these are likely to reflect in the programming and content soon enough.

RETROSPECT: PIONEER OF NEW IDEAS

In its two decades of operations in India, Sony has been a pioneer of new ideas that set benchmarks in the Indian broadcast space.

“MSM as a network has pioneered a lot of new ideas, for the industry to follow. The first ever big scale live event was done by us; namely, LataMangeshkar’s live concert. Infact, we’ve had the privilege of hosting both Lataji and Ashaji in live shows.” Singh reminisces.

“In earlier days, MSM also created ripples by airing blockbuster Hindi movies on TV. It started with the airing of the evergreen movie Sholay and was followed by Border. The ratings those days were somewhere close to 30,” he informs.

While today MSM’s flagship channel SET might have lost its yesteryears’ glory, the fact remains that it aired the first ever daily soap in Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka, “The show reached a thousand episodes those days during 1998 - 2000 and used to do well against Kaun Banega Crorepati (on Star Plus),” says Singh. hose days were somewhere close to 30,” he informs. says Singh.

From CID, which recently completed a run of 19 years on Sony, to the maiden season of the interactive reality show Indian Idol, the finale of which witnessed a total of five crore votes, there have been landmarks galore for MSM. From India’s first homegrown reality show - Boogie Woogie to the now very popular reality show format - Bigg Boss, which was initially brought to India by Sony, the network has been trailblazer of sorts.  

In March 2005, Sri Adhikari Brothers’ Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) SAB TV was acquired by MSM and one of the country’s most popular scripted comedy show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has been running on the channel for almost eight years now.

In a bid to bring the glitz and glamor of the film industry on television, Sony was also a first mover in televising the Filmfare Awards.

“We were the first ever network to bring sports on a Hindi movie channel - Max in 1999. It continues to be the leader even as today there are many others who do the same. The first ever wrap around show (Extraa Innings) for cricket was done by us during the Colombo Champions Trophy. Extraa Innings is now over 12 years old, and is the highest rated wrap around show for any sport on any channel,” informs Singh.

The rationale behind telecasting cricket on a movie channel was to rope in the women audiences for the game. “In 2003, on the back of Extraa Innings, the female viewership grew by 31 per cent,” he adds.

The retrospective is indeed dotted with many a milestones.

PROSPECTS: GEC ROAD MAP, DIGITAL, SPORTS
 
“Sony Pal to have original content, ‘KBC’ back in 2016”
 
The Hindi GEC space has always been one of MSM’s biggest focus area. However, in recent times, the network’s performance in the category has been disappointing to say the least. Now with a new team in place, it might just be a matter of time before MSM’s flagship channel SET takes off again.
 
“Our flagship channel continues to be my number one priority in addition to growing the network. With that in mind, we have put a new management team in place. Danish Khan has joined as SET business head and has a new team under him catering to content, communication, promotions, research strategy and marketing. I am very confident that in the upcoming months, the new programmes to be launched on SET will increase the viewership on the channel, significantly although with a strong male audience base, Sony is already uniquely positioned at this stage.” says Singh
 
The centre of the network’s strategy right now is to create new content to lure viewers back to the channel. “We are focusing on gaining both qualitative and quantitative consumer insights so that we can feed those back into the system and create content that not only resonates with the consumer but also reflects his/her cultural ethos”, he says.
 
Additionally, Sony will also bring back the next season of KBC, with its superlative host Amitabh Bachchan next year.
 
MSM’s third Hindi GEC, Sony Pal, which was launched as a female-centric channel did not take off as was expected. However, where original shows failed, old shows did the turnaround for the channel. The channel, which currently has archival content from Sony’s library as well as airs South Indian movies, may get back original shows in the future.
 
“In a few months’ time if we see viewership increasing further, which we are seeing right now, then we will start bringing original content again on Pal. I have a blue print of what I want to do over the next six months,” he says.
 
DIGITAL
 
MSM has also been aggressively moving on the digital front with its over-the-top (OTT) platform Sony Liv.
 
“We are exploring opportunities on the digital platform as it is growing rapidly and we want to be a major part of the action. We’ve taken baby steps towards it by launching Sony Liv. In the last one year, we have upped the ante. Recently we launched our first original series Love Bytes, which already got 1.5 million video views. This resulted in a 300 per cent growth in our video consumption on the digital platform,” says Singh emphasising on digital.
 
Sony Liv’s growth strategy will be two-pronged. While the platform will develop new original shows for the digital platform, it will also aggregate a lot of third party content. “One of the key aspect of the collaboration with ESPN is to co-create a multi sport app where we will use the expertise of ESPN-Cricinfo,” informs Singh.
Even as the digital medium is witnessing immense growth in India, players are yet to figure out a concrete revenue model. While a few of them are providing content for free, others have opted for a pay model. “There’s a classical debate going on across the globe about which models is better. As I see it, currently, we have all our content on AVOD (advertising supported video on demand). But we will start putting up some of our marquee content in SVOD (subscription supported video on demand). Again, we were the first ones to put content on the SVOD platform. FIFA 2014 was one of our subscription based products available on Liv Sports,” Singh says.
 
“We believe that any marquee content should be primarily subscription led, and then eventually free. However, at this stage, a lot of models are being experimented with.
 
 With MSM poised for the next phase of growth and expansion with multiple strategies across its businesses, the network’s road ahead will be watched with keen interest.
 
SPORTS
 
MSM has an extensive sports bouquet at this stage and the primary of them is IPL, which now is making headlines as PepsiCo expressed its desire to opt out of the sponsorship deal.
 
“Any sponsor opting out from IPL won’t affect MSM,” Singh tells Indiantelevision.com. “We have seen a change of sponsors before too but the tournament continued and kept growing,” he adds.
 
“MSM has made aggressive acquisitions of football properties this year and plans to create a lot of wrap around and editorial programming for it. And now, our collaboration with ESPN has given us an opportunity of presenting international level editorial content. 
 
With MSM poised for the next phase of growth and expansion with multiple strategies across its businesses, the network’s road ahead will be watched with keen interest.

YuppTV takes three Sony channels to Singapore market

MUMBAI: As part of its endeavor to provide TV viewers globally with Indian TV soaps and serials, YuppTV - the subscription-based internet TV provider, has launched Multi Screen Media's (MSM) three Hindi channels in Singapore. 
 
The channels are the Hindi general entertainment channels (GEC) Sony Entertainment TV and Sab as well as movies and special events channel Max.
 
With this move, YuppTV has strengthened its offering in the Singapore region. YuppTV delivers 200+ Indian TV channels worldwide in 13 Indian languages, as Live TV.
 
“Meeting the high demand for Indian television offerings, we are pleased to take three of India’s most popular channels to the TV viewers in Singapore. We are confident that the Indian Diaspora will be delighted to watch their favourite shows on Sony Entertainment Television, SET Max and SAB. The premium content that YuppTV is offering to the viewers across the world continues to grow and expand its scope as we add leading channels to our catalogue. This launch we trust will be the source of much pleasure to viewers across Singapore,” said YuppTV CEO Uday Reddy.

Discovery Channel completes 20 years in India

MUMBAI: Discovery Channel, which celebrates 20 years of airing in India this Independence Day, will telecast a three-part series that will bring alive pages from history books, placing viewers at the epicenter of the story of contemporary India.
 
Rejoicing historic moments, Discovery Channel's India Emerges: A Visual History will unfold archival footage to narrate the story of the birth of independent India. The channel will air the programme from 14 to 16 August every evening at 8 pm.
 
Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and GM South Asia Rahul Johri said, “It’s a proud moment for us as we complete 20 glorious years in India. What further amplifies the excitement is we celebrate this day on the 69th year of our independence. Marking this momentous occasion, we are happy to bring forth a programme that will narrate the stories of India and its emergence. The special line-up will revive the many memories of independence and unveil some of the intriguing facts of India’s freedom.”
 
The special line-up will take viewers back into history of India’s freedom struggle, which spans the period of the British Raj in India, winding its way through tumultuous decades of the Indian freedom movement. The programme will talk about the battles of 1948, 1965 and 1971, the regime of Indira Gandhi, the period of Emergency, Operation Blue Star among others. 
 
The footage will take viewers to the stroke of midnight and also along new borders where a devastating partition will be unfolded. Having made its way through the ages, the series will culminate on the emergence of a strong, progressive and vibrant India that came into being after many challenges.

Cartoon Network turns 20; celebrates with new shows, contest

MUMBAI: As it celebrates its 20th anniversary in India this year, Cartoon Network is pulling out all stops to showcase shows, movies and contests in a month-long stunt.
 
The Happy Birthday Cartoon Network programming line-up not only includes current shows such as Horrid Henry and Oggy and the Cockroaches but also reinvigorated versions of classic series such as The Flintstones, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy and Courage the Cowardly Dog. 
 
Beginning 4 May, the shows will be aired from Monday to Friday at 11 am.
 
Additionally, Cartoon Network is giving one lucky child and his/her family a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to the recently launched Cartoon Network Amazone waterpark in Thailand. 
 
All kids have to do is watch the Happy Birthday Cartoon Network block at 11 am throughout May and answer simple questions. Other exciting prizes such as tablets and PSPs will also be up for grabs.
 
This summer, Cartoon Network will be launching new content not only from its international portfolio but also from its stable of local Indian shows such as Roll No 21 along with movies such as Mighty Raju: Superhero School, Sonic Boom Dhamaal Aur Dhoom and Sholay Adventures. 
 
New episodes of Cartoon Network Originals’ global hit franchises Steven Universe and The Amazing World of Gumball will also be aired. In addition to this, the channel will be launching two brand new Cartoon Network Original series called Uncle Grandpa (in May) and Clarence (in June).
 
Turner International India South Asia managing director Siddharth Jain said, “Since its inception in 1995, Cartoon Network has been the leading channel in the genre thanks to the adulation and loyalty of our fans across generations. We look forward to the future with innovative and engaging content forming our cornerstone to success.”
 

IPL Season 8's growth has been unprecedented: Rohit Gupta

MUMBAI: The eighth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has offered all that it is known for - full houses, power packed performances and nail-biting last over match finishes.
 
While the million dollar league offers a lot of players a chance to showcase their prowess, it also offers brands a platform that promises to multiply their reach and visibility. While Amazon India has upped itself as a presenting sponsor, brands like Hero Moto Corp, Cardekho.com and Vimal Pan Masala are debutants.
 
Official broadcaster Multi Screen Media (MSM) started the eighth edition with a packed ad inventory. When queried as to whether there was a possibility of new brands coming on board, MSM president Rohit Gupta said, “We have an absolutely packed inventory and there is no room for new brands to explore the option this year.”
 
It may be recalled that Sony, in association with BCCI, took an initiative to give on-ground experience to spectators who could not make it to the stadiums with Pepsi IPL Fan Park. Terming the initiative a huge success, Gupta said, “Fan Park was a joint initiative to make spectators feel more engaged. IPL is an event of happiness and joy, which can only come with mass gathering in India and Fan Park is the platform, which caters to that need of followers. There is no motive behind monetising or putting ads in Fan Parks. It’s just a joint initiative to give audience an enhanced experience.”
 
As the television industry goes through a rating dull phase due to unavailability of official records, Pepsi IPL season 8’s reach and viewership figures cannot be determined. Not the one to be perturbed by it, Gupta opined, “There is no problem with the non-availability of ratings. We have social media analysis, which signifies much more engagement. Not only that, IPL always offers something new and extraordinary and fans closely follow the tournament.”
 
On the response so far, he said, “The growth has been unprecedented so far and by the end of the tournament, we will have one of the best IPL in its history. All the advertisers are happy with the progress so far and that certainly makes me happy.” 
 
IPL in its history. All the advertisers are happy with the progress so far and that certainly makes me happy.”
 
 

Sony on correction course; set to launch 4 new shows.

MUMBAI: 2014 was a middling year for Sony Entertainment Television (SET). Though the audience saw the channel experimenting with new concepts and shows, a few earned some fame, while the others failed to grab eyeballs.

SET made some smart moves, whether it was getting out of the studio and moving closer to the audiences in season eight of Kaun Banega Crorepati or Amitabh Bachchan's television debut in the fiction format - Yudh, which was touted to be India's most expensive show in that segment (Rs 3 crore per episode). While the channel’s hopes were riding high on the latter, the dark content was unpalatable for the audience.

On the fiction soap front, the channel’s high bet with Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar starring Ronit Roy did not do as well as expected. Other fiction series like Humsafars, Hum Hai Na and Tum Aise Hi Rehna only saw a glimmer of hope.

Reason: Female audiences didn’t stick on and male audiences continued to come on to the channel’s popular shows like CID, Aahat, Crime Patrol and Bhanwar.

However, now the channel is on a correction course and is all set to woo its existing audiences once again as well as rope in new viewers. SET SVP and business head Nachiket Pantvaidya revealed that in order to up the channel’s entertainment quotient, five new shows will go on air over the next two - three months.

Not just to intrigue the audience but to also provoke thought and reactions from them, the channel aims to attract newer audiences (mainly female) with high-concept shows backed by a powerful star cast.

First up, starting 13 April, the channel will launch Reporters, revealing the challenging world of news in a contemporary way. As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, the show, produced by Rose Audio Visuals, revolves around the life of journalists with an intense underlying love story.

It will air every Monday-Thursday at 9 pm competing with shows like Diya Aur Baati Hum (Star Plus), Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat (Colors), Laut Aao Trisha (Life OK), Chidiya Ghar (Sab) and Kumkum Bhagya (Zee TV).

Second up, the channel kicked-off auditions for its singing reality show, Indian Idol Junior 2 in Kolkata on 4 April. After Kolkata, the audition process will move to Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai on 11 April, 18 April and 25 April respectively. The show is expected to go live in the month of May.

The third new show from SET’s stable is the mythological show titled Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman. Produced by Contiloe Productions, it will depict the life of Lord Hanuman. The series is set to hit television screens from 4 May. For the record, Contiloe Pictures is currently producing Maharana Pratap, Adaalat and Bhanwar on Sony.

With growing popularity of the mythological genre, Sony will add yet another show to its kitty titled Suryaputra Karn. The show is produced by Swastik Pictures, which had also produced Mahabharat for Star Plus.

Suryaputra Karn will cover life journey of the Great Archer of Indian history Karna, who always craved for legitimacy, had been extremely loyal to his friend and the only one who could defeat Arjun. The promos for the same have already created a buzz. Sources close to the channel say that the show will hit airwaves in May.

Last but not the least, the channel is set to further awaken the masses with period drama called Rani Mahal. Produced by Lost Boy Productions, it stars Sakshi Tanwar in a leading role and will hit television screens in June.

Rubbishing media reports of it being a remake of Game Of Thrones, producer Vikas Gupta said, “This is nowhere close to Game of Thrones.”

It may be recalled that as its first step towards a revamped programming strategy, Sony launched the Ram Kapoor starrer Dil Ki Baatein on 23 March, which is telecast from Monday to Thursday at 9:30 pm.

It remains to be seen whether Sony's fresh line-up of shows manages to propel the channel up on the ratings chart.

Sony to push digital platform Liv for 'Indian Idol Junior' auditions

MUMBAI: It’s time for all the little ones to strengthen their vocal cords and showcase their talent as Indian Idol Junior (IIJ) is back with a bang on Sony Entertainment Television. And this time round, Sony is looking at giving its digital platform - Sony Liv a push via the show’s auditions.
 
For the first time ever, IIJ will give a chance to the audience to be a part of the auditions through a digital process called Digital Ace.
 
To take part, all kids have to do is upload their best audio or video performances on the Sony Liv website or the Sony Liv app. A digital jury will review all the performances and will select 12 kids who will be called to Mumbai for the Jury Round. Out of the 12 performances, the top four will get an opportunity to perform in front of the show’s judges.
 
This second edition of IIJ will be judged by Vishal Dadlani, Salim Merchant and Sonakshi Sinha. Singer Shalmali Kholgade will be the special judge for the auditions. 
 
The first leg of the auditions kickstarted in Kolkata on 4 April and saw outstanding participation from kids. The city also saw the show bring in a new twist to the audition process with the announcement of digital auditions.
 
SET SVP and marketing head Gaurav Seth said, “After the over-whelming response received last season, we are delighted to announce the commencement of Indian Idol Junior auditions. We would like to urge all the kids to show their singing talent and be a part of the new season. Digital Ace will only help kids to give the long lines a skip and impress the judges through their audios or videos. It’s definitely an endeavor that will help aspirants all over.”
 
 
Dadlani added, “I am thrilled to be part of Indian Idol Junior once again. Looking at such talented kids is an inspiration in itself. Kolkata has always given us some of our best contestants and this time too we were not disappointed. We are also looking forward to the performances of the winners of the Digital Ace. We are sure this season is going to be an equally exciting one.”
 
After Kolkata, the audition process will move to Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai on 11 April, 18 April and 25 April respectively.