Sony Entertainment TV plans to expand its early prime time to 6pm

MUMBAI: With the launch of its new offering Peshwa Bajirao, Sony Entertainment Television has entered the 7.30 pm time slot. The channel has expanded its prime time to 7.30pm, and plans to expand it further to 6pm time band in coming 12-18 months.

Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Sony Pictures Network India CEO NP Singh said, “With this show, we begin our prime time to 7.30pm, and soon we will have a show at 7pm time-band. Our objective is to start prime time at 6pm in 12 to 18 months' time.”

Singh further added, “Sony TV’s weekend shows are running successfully. We are focusing on the growth and reach of viewership of our weekday property and that will happen by launching the new slots on the channel and the launch of new shows on those channels.”

Sony Entertainment Television EVP and business head Danish Khan said, “The intention is to expand the prime time from 6pm to 11.30pm but one thing at a time. 7.30 pm time slot we are opening now, and, hopefully by April, we will open the 7pm time band. The programming philosophy for Sony is novelty, variety and quality. We are working on banking a writing script in advance also we are shooting in advance. Like we are launching Peshwa Bajirao on Monday with 20 episodes in bank that is to drive the quality. Also we are hoping that we will bring some novel concept.”

Firstly, it was Star Plus which opened the early prime time slot and later followed by other Hindi GECs entered the space but most of the channels failed to get the positive ratings in those early prime time specially 6pm and 6.30pm. But 7pm and 7.30pm time band became the prime time for all the channels and the space become more competitive with time.

“There are seven Hindi GEC channels, and India is a huge country with a different set of audience fragmentation. It's important to have a variety in GECs. In small towns, the prime time starts early, whereas in urban India people watch television slightly late. The overall HSM numbers might not look very big but, in the sub groups of geography, some shows are blockbusters. I think there is huge appetite for early prime time,” informed Khan.

Well, how successfully Sony is able to encash the expanded prime time, only time will tell.

Sony Entertainment launches historical series 'Peshwa Bajirao'

MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television is bringing to television viewers the glorious life of India’s only undefeated warrior/commander -- Peshwa Bajirao, his unconventional ways, his principles in life, his passion and his ideologies.

A warrior such as him is not born; he was nurtured and raised with values& principles by his mother Radhabai and the astute strategies of war with a fearless approach to life were ingrained into him by his father Balaji Vishwanath. It was in the court of Maharaja Shahu where he learned the art of politics and diplomacy which made him a conqueror of both land and heart.

Peshwa Bajirao’s short but impactful life makes for a riveting story.

Sony Entertainment Television EVP & Business Head Danish Khan said, "The inspirational and compelling story of Peshwa Bajirao is relevant to our lives and times. His love for the motherland, his unconventional approach in tackling challenges and his upbringing makes for a delightful and motivational television watch. We are delighted to partner Sphereorigins' Sunjoy Waddhwa, Nilanjana Purkayasstha and their young creative team to bring this story alive.”

Sphereorigins CMD Sunjoy Waddhwa said, "We are very happy to be associated with Sony TV for the historical series “Peshwa Bajirao”. The show is based on the fierce Maratha warrior. The story focuses on the life of a legendary Peshwa, from his childhood to a great and fierce 'yodha'. We have infused all the authenticity of the story on the sets, as well as in the costumes, jewellery, armour, furniture etc. We, at Sphereorigins, are excited at the launch of the show and are optimistic that the audience will enjoy it”.

Rudra Soni, who will be seen as Bajirao, said, “I am extremely delighted to play the great warrior, Peshwa Bajirao. It is a moment of pride to be associated with this show as I was very fond of playing this character right from the time I did the movie Bajirao Mastani in which I played young Nanasaheb. I was really inspired after reading the story of Peshwa Bajirao and the Marathi legacy in depth.”

Anuja Sathe, who plays the role of Radhabai, says, “It’s a huge responsibility to play the role of Bajirao’s mother, Radhabai, and I am sure people will like the authenticity we are offering. I am glad people are anticipating and expecting one of the most riveting story telling on Indian television and Peshwa Bajirao is going to be one.”

Manish Wadhwa, to be seen as Balaji Vishwanath, says, “Given the grandness and victorious story of Peshwa Bajirao, the responsibility of parenting and making Baji a warrior was a challenge. I hope the audience connect with the show as a lot of effort has been put behind it.”

Hindustan Lever, Patanjali had largest TV ad insertions

BENGALURU: Over the last four weeks of calendar year 2016, Hindustan Lever Limited (Lever) and Patanjali have been the top advertisers in terms of number of television ad insertions according to Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC) data for weeks 49 (Saturday 3 December 2016) until week 52 (Friday 30 December 2016). The data covers Top 10 Advertiser’s Across Genre: All India (U+R) : 4+ Individuals.

Lever with 64,264 (36.19 percent), 62,655 (31.95 percent), 66,922 (29.44 percent) and 86,817 (33.40 percent) adinsertions in weeks 49, 50, 51 and 52 respectively of 2016 held numerouno position as top television advertiser in terms of ad insertions. Patanjali with 18,539 (10.44 percent), 23,430 (11.95 percent), 33,064 (14.55 percent), and 33,381 (12.84 percent)television ad insertions in weeks 49, 50, 51 and 52 respectively of 2016 stood second.

Bharti Airtel Limited, Ponds India and Brooke Bond Lipton India Limited were the other brands that were present across all the 4 weeks among the top 10 television advertisers in terms of ad insertions.Smithkline Beecham was amongst the top 10 advertisers in terms of television ad insertions for weeks 50, 51 and 52. Please refer to Figure A below for list of Top 10 Advertisers across genre: All India (Urban + Rural): 4+ individuals.

As is obvious from the charts above, the total number of insertions has increased steadily from week 49 from 177,582 to 259,961 (by 82,379 insertions 46.39 percent increase) in week 52. The increase in total number of ad insertions by the top 10 advertisers between weeks 49 and 50 was 18,533 (10.44 percent); between weeks 50 and 51 was 31,169 (15.89 percent); between weeks 51 and 52 was 32,677 (14.38 percent).

Sony to add 10 channels in 2017

MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India's new strategic decision is to add entertaining and engaging channels catering to a variety of viewers to its existing bouquet next year.

Sony has been working on its plans to expand its portfolio by adding 10 new channels which will include five sports channels. The remainder will be divided between kids, music and infotainment genres. SPN India is awaiting regulatory approval.

 Sony Pictures Networks CEO NP Singh said, “The company expanded its portfolio in 2016. New channels are coming in a few months". Singh further added, "We are integrating five Ten Sports channels, HD music channel, kids channel and infotainment channel.”

In the beginning of 2016, Sony added two channels -- Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD to its sports bouquet in collaboration with ESPN. Later that year, SPN India launched its third movie channel -- Sony Wah and also came up with Sony Le Plex, an English movie channel.

In August 2016, the network announced a deal to acquire Ten Sports Network from Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE) and its subsidiaries for US$ 385 million. The acquisition added South Asia's leading sports network to SPN's portfolio.

The year seems to have been satisfying for Sony Pictures. Talking about the network’s flagship channel Sony Entertainment Television, Singh said, "The year has been good for the network. We have been able to successfully achieve leadership on weekends. Also, we have seen the audience accepting our fiction shows." Singh added, "In the next six months, I am sure, we will see a surge in viewership on weekdays too. We climbed up from number six to three, and hope Sony will continue to grow from there.”

The channel is bringing back the ninth season of one its iconic shows Indian Idol on 24 December.

Media distribution infra needs to change: Star India CEO Uday Shankar

NEW DELHI: Lack of infrastructure is impacting the media and entertainment industry and improving its current state could fuel growth in the sector, top media executives have said.

Star India CEO Uday Shankar said, “The distribution infrastructure of the industry has to change. There needs to be fundamental transformation in terms of screens for films, cable networks for television and digital infrastructure advertising."

Shankar was addressing the session on ‘How a flourishing M&E industry can deliver on India’s dream of Growth, Equity and Jobs’ during a two-day meet to mark the 89th Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Shankar is also the chairman of FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee.

In his closing remarks, Shankar said that lack of infrastructure, which was crucial for the industry was the major obstacle for growth, and improving the existing scenario by fixing few issues could fuel growth. “This is because it has the ability to employ and integrate people at the margins of the society,” he added.

The Indian Media and Entertainment industry is estimated to be worth around $18 billion, and employs about six million people.

However, he said the industry is unrecognized in terms of economic value and contribution to the country’s GDP, and represents only 0.9%. The lower contribution to the economy of the country is because the industry is stuck in a plethora of regulations including pricing of content, and lack of adequate infrastructure to monetise their content.

India Today Group chairman Aroon Purie, speaking on how the Media and Entertainment industry could deliver on India’s dream said that the television industry was impacted because of the regulations surrounding pricing of content and the disintegrated cable networks in the country. “Of the Rs 14,000 crore collected by the cable companies, only Rs 4,000 crore reaches the broadcaster,” Purie said.

Voicing similar concern on behalf of the film industry, FICCI Film Forum chairman Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra said that, though India produced around 1200 movies a year – the highest in the world – it could not monetise because of lack of theatres. “We want to have people’s theatres where the middle class family can go and watch movies at affordable prices,” Mehra said, adding that the higher number of screens directly translates into increase in revenue for film producers.

GroupM South Asia CEO C V L Srinivas said, with consumers increasingly moving to digital and social media, the government should look at integrating all its efforts in building digital infrastructure. “One-point agenda is: improving the digital infrastructure,” he added.

Sony strengthens weekday programming; launching four shows by July '17

MUMBAI: After strengthening the weekend programming with Super Dancer, Sony Entertainment Television is all set to bring one of its iconic shows -- Indian Idol -- back.

“Sony has traditionally done very well as far as the weekend is concerned. So, when we started rebuilding this channel a year ago, the aim was to make Sony the number one weekend destination. I am happy to say that we have achieved that. Weekday programming is where we are going to focus now. We have launched Beyhadh which received a good opening. Weekday is a habit which will take time to be cultivated, and can't happen in one go,” said Sony Entertainment Television EVP and business head Danish Khan.

Khan added, “There are three-four launches between January and July in 2017, and, in July, people will see a very healthy weekend. It will be gradual, step by step, but, like you have seen in the weekend, you will see weekday of Sony fulfilling expectation of the audience very soon.” Sony's much talked about historical drama Peshwa Bajirao is slated to launch in January.

Indian Idol is the first step in bringing back the old iconic shows of Sony. The show will be aired from 24 December on Saturday and Sunday at 8pm.

The channel has roped in Vivo as the title sponsors, and KUV 100 and Quick Heal as the 'Co-powered By' sponsors. According to sources, a 10-sec ad rate for the show has been sold for Rs 1 lakh each.

This season also marks the comeback of its original trio of judges, Farah Khan, Sonu Nigam and Anu Malik, which has come together on the platform once again, after 12 years. Their chemistry and unique style of interaction with the participants holds promise -- to make this season an ultimate entertainer on the Indian television.

While the contestants impress viewers with their talent, the judges will also mark them on three most important factors that define the Indian Idol platform – Riyaaz, Awaaz and Andaaz. The legendary singing sensation of India, Sonu Nigam, will focus on the contestants’ ‘Riyaaz’, the maestro Anu Malik will be keenly observing their ‘Awaaz’, and known for her distinguished style, Bollywood’s ace choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan will judge their ‘Andaaz’.

The show will begin with audition episodes from across the country; episodes that witnessed lakhs of talented singers competing to make it into the top 110. Hosting the ninth season will be the charming Karan Wahi and Paritosh Tripathy.

Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Sony Pictures Networks CEO NP Singh said, “It’s an authentic talent hunt show with authentic talent. Indian Idol is a show which broke new ground a few years ago, and in many ways changed the landscape of reality shows in India. It worked really well for us.”

Post the fantastic success of its most popular show Super Dancer, the channel now brings to the fore one of its biggest properties -- Indian Idol. Khan informed, “We have created a dedicated time of 8pm on weekends that will continue to bring unseen talent to our viewers. Super Dancer saw some amazing dancers and now, with Indian Idol, we intend to take this legacy ahead. The original trio of judges is a wonderful combination in the world of music and their chemistry coupled with outstanding singers will surely create magic on screen.”

Said FremantleMedia India business head Vidyuth Bhandary, “The global phenomenon of the Idol format -- launched in 52 territories worldwide and rated as the No 1 show 48 times -- has been watched by half a billion viewers globally, making it one of the world’s most loved shows. We are proud of our strong partnership and collaboration with Sony Pictures Networks India, and happy to announce the launch of the 9th season of Indian Idol. It's been 12 years since the first season of Indian Idol was launched on SET making it the longest-running reality show in India with unprecedented participation.”

The channel will soon bring back all its iconic shows such as -- KBC and Dus Ka Dum.

“Indian Idol has been a torch-bearer of sorts in terms of the non-fiction programming slate for Sony, and has proved to be a war-horse when it comes to TVR numbers. Thus, it's great news for Sony that the show is making a return after a rather long hiatus and what's better is that they have gone back to the earlier panel of judges, which allows the audience to find an instant connect from the word go. What's worked for the show earlier is the platform that it has provided for stars of the future, but the fact that the show wasn't around for four years has allowed other shows like 'The Voice' to create ample room for competition. It will be a great battle to be witnessed between Indian Idol's return along with a new format in Colors' Rising Star on the small screen in the coming days,” said a senior media planner.

Sony Pix to telecast 'Fast and Furious'; eighth slated for April '17

MUMBAI: Fourteen years, countless stunts, hundreds of damaged cars and seven films all narrows down to one thrilling movie series of all time, The Fast and Furious series. Sony Pix is all geared up to bring the Fast and Furious Pixathon (Part 1-5 and 7) all day on 17 December starting from 9 am.

The concept of the movie is inspired by Racer X and has renowned directors like Rob Cohen, John Singleton, Justin Line, James Wan and Gary Gray on board who have created a storm with each installment. The plot revolves around illegal street racing, thefts and series of action packed sequences that showcases swanky cars hovering in the air in beautiful locations with the best cast from the industry.

The series has grossed a total of $ 3,900,497,522 worldwide and opened to rave reviews each time it came out with its installment and gave the audience some serious mind rush. Each of the film have managed to create a ripple effect globally with death defying stunts and action.

Furious 7 also marks the final performance of the late Paul Walker and the film was dedicated to his memory. The movie ends at Dom and Brian bidding each other farewell and driving off in separate directions, who knew that a slight glimpse of the next installment would take the audience on a different ride altogether.

The much awaited Fast and Furious 8, which is slated for an April 2017 release, will also have its TV premiere on Sony Pix.

Film	Time
The Fast and Furious	9AM
2 Fast and 2 Furious	11:30 AM
Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift	1:30PM
Fast and Furious 4	4PM
Fast 5	6PM
Furious 7	9PM