Media
Delhi HC appoints arbitrator to settle dispute between PVR INOX, Ansal Plaza Mall over sealed multiplex
The Delhi High Court has appointed an arbitrator to settle a dispute between PVR INOX and Ansal Plaza Mall. PVR INOX's multiplex was sealed due to the lessor's unpaid dues, leading to significant financial losses for the company. The court's intervention aimed to address these grievances through arbitration.
Sony, Tata Play spar over removal of TV channels from DTH packs
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and Tata Play were in conflict over the removal of SPNI channels from consumer packs. Tata Play cited declining popularity and cost savings for customers as reasons. SPNI claimed retaliation after requesting an audit of Tata Play's subscriber management system. SPNI is considering legal action due to an existing contract. Tata Play's CEO assured the move complied with regulations and allowed individual subscriptions. This dispute highlights industry challenges with competition from streaming services. The controversy mirrors a similar issue involving SonyLIV's removal from Tata Play's OTT service over payout disagreements.
Tata Play removes Sony channels from curated packs due to low viewership
Tata Play, an Indian subscription-based satellite television service provider, announced on Thursday that it will be removing Sony Entertainment channels from its specially curated subscriber packs. This decision stems from the low viewership of these channels.
Viacom18 taps YouTube India head Ishan Chatterjee as JioCinema revenue chief
Ishan Chatterjee left his position as managing director of YouTube India to become the chief revenue officer of JioCinema. This concluded his 13-year career at Google. Viacom18 also recently hired Sushant Sreeram from Amazon Prime Video as CMO. Both Chatterjee and Sreeram will report to Viacom18's CEO of digital ventures, Kiran Mani.
Star terminates $1.5 billion ICC TV rights deal with Zee
However, the broadcaster has decided to seek damages during the arbitration proceedings, which have not yet been quantified. Star had initiated arbitration proceedings against Zee before the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) on 14 March.
Adani Enterprises infused Rs 900 crore into media arm
The company has been actively evaluating assets in the media and entertainment sector. AMG acquired 76% of category I and 99.26% of category II shares of news agency IANS India earlier this year. IANS became a subsidiary of the group on January 17.
Global content studio Dori Media sets up shop in India
Dori Media Group (DMG) has launched its inaugural sales office in India, adding to its existing branches in Israel, Spain, Switzerland, and Argentina. With the aim to broaden its global sales outreach, the company's CEO Nadav Palti said that he's excited for this new branch in India, a market he said has been good for the group.
From metros to villages: The streaming wave sweeping across India
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final showcased the diverse reactions of Indian cricket fans, highlighting the varied preferences shaping content consumption. Disney+ Hotstar's strategy to stream free content on mobile devices extended its reach beyond urban centers, especially in smaller cities. The platform's freemium model balanced ad revenue with subscription offerings. Disney+ Hotstar has invested in diverse and regional content, enhancing user experience through innovative formats. Nearly half of the viewership came from non-metro areas, with a significant number of viewers consuming dubbed content. This regional focus made Disney+ Hotstar a preferred choice for advertisers, demonstrating the value of catering to India's diverse audience.
NCLT lists Disney's Star India and Reliance's Viacom18 merger plea hearing on August 1 for final disposal
In an order sheet of the hearing held on July 11, the division bench of technical member Anu Jagmohan Singh and judicial member Kishore Vemulapalli asked the parties to serve a fresh notice of final hearing to the central/state governments, tax authorities, and regulatory bodies like the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Toonsutra raises funding from Funimation founder Gen Fukunaga
Fukunaga, a Japanese-American engineer, sold Funimation to Sony, which merged it with Crunchyroll, expected to contribute 36% of Sony Pictures' profit by 2028. Fukunaga joins India's top comic app Toonsutra, founded by Sharad Devarajan and Vishal Anand, backed by leading investors. Toonsutra aims to revolutionize India's digital storytelling market.
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Media industry likely to seek reversal of Karnataka government decision on cess levy
Media and entertainment bodies have planned to request the Karnataka government to revoke the 1-2% cess on cinema tickets and OTT subscriptions. The cess would also affect TV channels and related establishments and could lead to higher consumer costs. Legal and other steps might be taken if the request is denied.
Regional print media companies to experience 8-9% revenue growth in FY25: Crisil
Regional print media companies are projected to see an 8-9% revenue increase this fiscal year due to strong advertising revenue growth and a loyal subscriber base, according to a Crisil report. The report also noted potential economic changes and shifts in consumer preferences as factors to monitor.
JioCinema partners ShareChat to provide short-form content for Olympics 2024
ShareChat and JioCinema have joined forces to provide exclusive short-form multilingual content centered around the Paris Olympics 2024 from July 26 to August 11. Celebrating the Olympic spirit, the partnership aims to deliver the best moments in regional languages and offer insights from sports legends and commentators. Viacom18, the official media rights owner of the Paris Olympics 2024, praised the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of making digital content accessible to all Indians and enhancing engagement through innovative offerings.
Sony Pictures Networks India CFO, General Counsel to retire on August 31
SPNI had recently appointed Gaurav Banerjee as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective on or before August 26, 2024, pending regulatory approvals.
India sends 100 antitrust queries for Reliance, Disney $8.5 bln merger, sources say
The $8.5 billion Reliance-Disney merger, under CCI scrutiny, includes cricket and Wimbledon rights. Creating the largest entertainment player with 120 TV channels, two streaming services, aiming for 40% ad market share, competing with Zee and Sony. The CCI examines YouTube’s role, premium video market implications, led by Mukesh Ambani's Reliance and Media Partners Asia data.
Hardik Pandya teams up with FanCode Shop to launch his brand
Hardik Pandya launched a performance wear line through a revenue-sharing deal with FanCode-owned FanCode Shop, priced from ₹999 to ₹2,299. FanCode will design, manufacture, and market the items. Rise Worldwide’s Nikhil Bardia noted this is Pandya's first licensing venture. The launch includes key items like t-shirts, vests, and jackets, diversifying from his typical endorsement deals.
