Latest news with #SonyPicturesNetworksIndia
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pitch perfect: Startup-themed content takes centre stage on TV and OTT
Startup-themed content is gaining traction as a strategic programming choice for India's TV and streaming platforms, with industry stakeholders saying it helps attract younger audiences, support monetisation, and offer a fresh approach to stand out in a crowded content landscape. "These shows reflect the aspirations and the anxieties of today's society. Entrepreneurship is no more limited to business families, it is increasingly accepted and favoured as a career option for many. It is part of popular culture and drives conversation in today's India," said Danish Khan, business head – digital, Sony Pictures Networks India. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category CXO Others Degree Data Science others Operations Management MBA Data Analytics Leadership Digital Marketing Product Management Cybersecurity MCA Project Management Design Thinking PGDM Healthcare Finance Artificial Intelligence Technology Public Policy Data Science Management healthcare Skills you'll gain: Operations Strategy for Business Excellence Organizational Transformation Corporate Communication & Crisis Management Capstone Project Presentation Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow Chief Operations Officer Programme Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Technology Strategy & Innovation Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation Leadership in Technology Management Cybersecurity & Risk Management Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Technology Officer Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Customer-Centricity & Brand Strategy Product Marketing, Distribution, & Analytics Digital Strategies & Innovation Skills Leadership Insights & AI Integration Expertise Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Starts on Apr 7, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Strategy Development Expertise Emerging Technologies & Digital Trends Data-driven Decision Making Leadership in the Digital Age Duration: 40 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Digital Officer Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Several major platforms are investing in this space. SonyLIV has seen success with Shark Tank India, now heading into its fifth season. Zee Entertainment is launching Ideabaaz, a grassroots innovation show developed in partnership with Ideabaaz Tech. JioStar's TV and streaming platforms have introduced shows like Her Start-Up Show, Start-Up Singam (in Tamil), and the earlier Bengali-language My Start Up Show – Dhonni Meyer Upakkhan. Amazon Prime Video has tried out Mission Start Ab, while MX Player has produced drama shows like Hustlers and the biopic Physics Wallah. According to industry sources, a start-up themed web series typically costs between Rs 1 crore and Rs 3 crore, while a non-fiction show ranges from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.2 crore. Start-up themed fiction projects tend to have higher talent costs, whereas talent expenses are relatively low in non-fiction. Khan added that the theme has strong appeal, especially for younger audiences. "We are most likely to see this theme play out in popular content in various formats – both scripted as well as non-scripted," he said. According to Ashish Pherwani, lead-media and entertainment at EY India, startup-themed programming has evolved into a distinct genre across both fiction and non-fiction. He noted that it reflects a broader societal shift where wealth creation is not only accepted but also increasingly celebrated. 'This also signals a behavioural change, with young people increasingly motivated to build something of their own. The trend is rooted in India's growing role as a major economy in the Global South,' he said. 'Unlike in the West, where such shows often take on a more ruthless tone, Indian adaptations are tailored to local sensibilities, offering a more uplifting and celebratory narrative. Ultimately, the success of these shows will hinge on the strength of their storytelling and production values.' WPP Media South Asia COO Ashwin Padmanabhan noted that startup-related programming is a new category of content that extends beyond entertainment to form a complete ecosystem. "India is teeming with ideas and entrepreneurs, big and small, who continue to struggle. Building an ecosystem that supports multiple communities of small businesses and startups is essential," he added. Ideabaaz is focused on identifying and funding entrepreneurs from Tier 2 and 3 cities. A Zee spokesperson said the show helps tap into various consumer cohorts and offers Indian entrepreneurs from smaller cities an opportunity to showcase their business ideas and innovations at both national and international levels. By allowing pitches in multiple languages, it aims to break accessibility barriers and provide access to funding and mentorship, the spokesperson added. The reality formats typically involve founders presenting their ventures to a jury of well-known startup founders, pitching for funding and mentorship. In the fiction space, SonyLIV is working on 13th - Some Lessons Aren't Taught in Classrooms, a drama set in the startup world. Experts say that TVF Pitchers, a breakout show on YouTube from The Viral Fever, helped popularise the genre and established TVF as a leading content studio.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Sandeep Mehrotra steps down as ad sales head at Sony Pictures Networks India
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced the departure of Sandeep Mehrotra , Head of Ad Sales – Network Channels, who will be stepping down from his role owing to personal reasons. Mehrotra, a seasoned media and advertising professional, played a key role in steering the network's ad sales strategy during a period of transformation. Under his leadership, SPNI's sales function witnessed growth, navigated market shifts, and established new revenue streams in an evolving media environment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now Undo Reflecting on his tenure, Mehrotra said, 'After careful consideration, I've decided to step down due to personal reasons. It has been a rewarding journey building a strong team, achieving key milestones, and fostering lasting industry relationships. I'm grateful to have contributed to SPNI's growth and to be part of a culture driven by ambition, collaboration, and integrity.' Gaurav Banerjee, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Pictures Networks India, acknowledged Mehrotra's contributions, stating, 'After a successful tenure leading Sales for our Network Channels, we sincerely thank Sandeep for his invaluable contributions, steadfast commitment, and the positive energy he brought to the organisation and our client partners. We respect his decision and wish him all the best.' Live Events
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mukund Acharya joins SPNI as chief technology officer to drive technology-led transformation
Sony Pictures Networks India ( SPNI ) has announced the appointment of Mukund Acharya as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective June 19, 2025. In his new role, Acharya will spearhead the company's consolidated technology portfolio, encompassing the Enterprise Technology Group (ETG), LIV Technology , and Broadcast Operations and Network Engineering (B.O.N.E.). He will be responsible for driving SPNI's digital transformation agenda, fostering innovation and ensuring strategic alignment between business goals and technology initiatives across the network's linear and digital platforms. With over 29 years of experience in leading technology teams and delivering large-scale transformations, Acharya brings deep expertise in platform engineering, scalability, and product innovation. He joins SPNI from Disney+ Hotstar (Now JioStar), where he served as Head of Engineering. During his tenure, he led several mission-critical projects, including the integration of JioCinema and Hotstar apps, and the seamless delivery of marquee events like the ICC World Cups 2023, 2024, and 2025. His prior experience includes senior technology leadership roles at Yahoo, InMobi, and other global organisations. Acharya will report to Gaurav Banerjee, managing director and chief executive officer, SPNI, and will also work closely with the leadership of Sony LIV to support its next phase of platform evolution and growth. Commenting on the appointment, Banerjee said, 'Mukund's proven leadership in technology-led transformation makes him an invaluable addition to our team. As we expand our digital and broadcast capabilities, his role will be critical in aligning our technology roadmap with our vision for growth and innovation.'
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mukund Acharya joins Sony Pictures Networks India as chief technology officer
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has appointed Mukund Acharya as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective today. He joins SPNI from Disney+ Hotstar (now JioHostar), where he was Head of Engineering. In his new role, Acharya will lead the company's consolidated technology portfolio, which includes the Enterprise Technology Group (ETG), LIV Technology, and Broadcast Operations and Network Engineering (B.O.N.E.). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest today with in Shriram's ULIP Shriram Life Insurance Undo He will drive SPNI's digital transformation agenda, champion innovation, and ensure strategic alignment between business goals and technology initiatives across the company's linear and digital platforms. Bringing over 29 years of experience in leading technology teams and executing large-scale transformations, Acharya offers deep expertise in platform engineering, scalability, and product innovation. Live Events During his tenure at JioStar, the merged entity formed after the merger of Star India and Viacom18, he oversaw critical projects, including the integration of the JioCinema and Hotstar apps, and the seamless delivery of major events such as the ICC World Cups in 2023, 2024, and 2025. His previous roles include senior technology leadership positions at Yahoo, InMobi, and other global organisations. Acharya will report to Gaurav Banerjee, Managing Director and CEO of SPNI, and will also collaborate closely with the leadership team at Sony LIV to support the next phase of the platform's evolution and growth. Commenting on the appointment, Banerjee said, 'Mukund's proven leadership in technology-led transformation makes him an invaluable addition to our team. As we expand our digital and broadcast capabilities , his role will be critical in aligning our technology roadmap with our vision for growth and innovation.'
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tata Play drops Sony channels from packs
Mumbai : Direct-to-home (DTH) operator Tata Play has begun removing Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) channels from its subscriber packs, reviving a standoff with the broadcaster similar to last year's, multiple sources told to one source, SPNI is demanding a 10–15% increase in annual subscription fees from Tata Play—a proposal the latter is resisting amid ongoing challenges such as customer churn and stagnant average revenue per user (ARPU).Tata Play has 18 million subscribers while SPNI has 27 linear TV channels across entertainment and overall lack of subscriber growth is straining the relationship between broadcasters and distribution platforms, putting pressure on their revenues. Another source said Tata Play is reducing subscription pack prices by ₹15–20 for affected customers. Typically, broadcasters and distribution platforms renew content deals annually in April. While SPNI did not respond to ET's queries, Tata Play said the move is part of a routine exercise to optimise packs based on user behaviour. The company noted that customers can choose to reinstate the dropped channels if they wish. Under Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) guidelines, distribution platforms must offer TV channels on an à la carte basis even if those channels are removed from bundled packs. 'Pack downgrading along with corresponding drop in price is an ongoing process at Tata Play, where certain channels are dropped for subscribers displaying frequent deactivation. These subscribers have the option of giving a missed call and reinstating the dropped channel instantly,' a Tata Play spokesperson said. A senior media executive said distribution platforms often resort to tactics such as dropping channels from subscription packages during negotiations. 'Ultimately, both sides are dependent on each other for survival, so a resolution is inevitable,' he added. A senior executive at a distribution platform pointed out that regular price hikes by broadcasters are making linear TV less attractive compared to streaming services, many of which are bundled with mobile data and broadband plans. 'Content cost already accounts for over 50% of a distribution platform's expenses and continues to go up every year even as customer churn is a reality,' said the executive. During the earnings call on May 8, Zee Entertainment deputy CEO Mukund Galgali had stated that the Q4 subscription revenue remained flat Q-o-Q due to a slowdown in the linear subscription, which was partially offset by the increase in digital subscription revenue. This isn't the first time Tata Play has modified its offering in relation to SPNI. In August last year, a similar removal took place, with the company attributing the decision to declining viewership of Sony Entertainment Television (SET), SPNI's flagship Hindi general entertainment channel. After reaching an amicable resolution, SPNI channels were reintroduced across all packs. Broadcasters such as JioStar, Zee Entertainment, and SPNI have recently raised their bouquet rates by over 10%, with JioStar—which emerged from the merger of Star India and Viacom18—implementing an 18% hike. However, distribution platforms say they are unable to pass the full increase on to subscribers due to pricing sensitivity. "The broadcasters are taking the price up a bit. But yes, we are seeing how we can accommodate that and how we can pass very small costs to the customer side. As you know, the market is still sensitive," GTPL Hathway chief strategy officer Piyush Pankaj had said during the Q4 earnings call.
