Media
Times Internet acquires exclusive rights to broadcast Indian cricket in key markets
Times Internet Ltd (TIL) has acquired exclusive rights to broadcast India's home bilateral cricket matches in North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia from September 2023 through March 2028. The rights were purchased from UK-based sports marketing company Pitch. This acquisition will boost the standing of Times Internet-owned Willow TV in North America, as it already distributes BCCI rights and other cricket boards and competitions.
Zee-Sony show runs into overtime; legal glitches behind delay: Experts
Zee-Sony merger: Legal procedures may be the primary reason for the delay, experts said. The Tokyo-based conglomerate, which is Japan's fourth-biggest company by market value, didn't give specific reasons behind the delay in closing the transaction. Sony had earlier said it anticipated the merger to be concluded by September this year.
Delhi HC restrains unauthorised streaming of ICC Cricket World Cup
The plaintiffs said they have the exclusive global media rights, including the television and digital rights for various ICC events like the World Cup, which is scheduled to be held from October 5 to November 19. They said being one of the most popular sporting events in the world, a large number of websites were likely to indulge in unauthorised dissemination of the World Cup content.
Delhi HC issues order prohibiting unauthorised streaming of ICC Cricket World Cup
The court recognized the risk of unauthorized dissemination of World Cup content by rogue websites and issued an ad-interim order restraining such websites from broadcasting or disseminating any portion of the matches. The court also directed relevant authorities to block and suspend these rogue websites.
Merger with Zee to take a few more months, Sony says
The merger between Zee Entertainment and Culver Max Entertainment, previously known as Sony Pictures Networks India, is expected to take a few more months, according to Sony. The completion of the merger was originally scheduled for the end of September but has faced controversies. The impact on Sony's earnings from the delay is still unknown.
Mukesh Ambani’s JioCinema to appoint former Google manager Kiran Mani as CEO
JioCinema, the Indian streaming TV service, is set to appoint Kiran Mani, former Google general manager, as its CEO. Mani, who previously ran Google's Android operations in the Asia Pacific region, will lead technology development for the service and establish partnerships with Hollywood studios.
Sponsors line up for World Cup at Disney Star
The company has engaged PhonePe, Mahindra, Coca-Cola (Charged), HUL (Glow and Lovely), IndusInd Bank, Mondelez and Jindal Panther as broadcast sponsors. For digital, the sponsors are Mahindra, Booking.com, Hindustan Unilever (Surf Excel), Louis Philippe, Kingfisher, Coca-Cola (Thums-Up), Black & White and MRF.
Tata Play steps out of India with a solution that global OTTs need
Tata Play has launched a white label solution for global over-the-top (OTT) aggregators, starting with a collaboration with Philippines' Cignal TV. The Tata Play Binge platform brings together content from over 26 apps in one app. Tata Play will manage the end-to-end technology platform over the cloud and is actively in talks with potential aggregators across the world. The company aims to become the backend for OTT aggregators worldwide and believes its solution will offer economies of scale and benefits to all stakeholders.
'Tata Comm to expand media & entertainment services'
Speaking on the company's media and entertainment services (MES) business unit, which has grown by 20-25% over the past couple of years, Lakshminarayanan said the Tata Group company will continue investing in building its portfolio to keep the growth momentum.
Star Sports’ Asia Cup viewership sets new records ahead of ICC World Cup 2023
The Asia Cup 2023, broadcasted by Star Sports, has set a new record for sports viewing in India. With 266 million viewers, excluding the final, it has become the most-watched edition of the tournament. The total viewing time for the tournament has increased by 75% compared to the previous edition, with over 73.5 billion minutes watched.
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Paramount realises $168 million in non-cash gain from Viacom18 stake dilution
Paramount Global has reported a non-cash gain of $168 million from diluting its stake in Indian media conglomerate Viacom18. In April, Paramount's stake in Viacom18 dropped to 13% after a strategic transaction involving Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Bodhi Tree Systems. RIL entities and Bodhi Tree Systems invested Rs 15,145 crore in Viacom18, resulting in Paramount no longer accounting for it under the equity method.
I&B sends cable companies request seeking autonomy in bouquet pricing to Trai
following a request by the All India Digital Cable Federation, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has requested the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to include the issue of granting autonomy to TV distributors in bouquet formation. The federation has asked Trai to publish a comprehensive consultation paper on the TV distribution sector.
Disney said to be in talks with RIL over future of its India business
Walt Disney Co. has reportedly engaged in preliminary discussions with potential buyers, including Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Ltd., for its India streaming and television business. The options being considered range from a complete sale of the Disney Star business to a partial transaction involving assets such as sports rights and the regional streaming service Disney+ Hotstar.
AIDCF moves TDSAT against free cricket streaming by Star India
The federation has filed a petition before the TDSAT against the Walt Disney-owned company's decision to offer the just-concluded Asia Cup and the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup for free to mobile users through its streaming platform, Disney+ Hotstar.
Information and Broadcasting Ministry working on new Broadcasting Services Bill
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) plans to introduce the Broadcasting Services Regulation (BSR) Bill 2023, which will replace the current Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995. The new bill will have a wider scope, regulating over-the-top (OTT), cable TV, direct-to-home (DTH), headend-in-the-sky (HITS), internet protocol television (IPTV), and radio.
Disney to cut target for Disney+ streaming subscribers
Walt Disney Co. is expected to fall short of its subscriber target for the Disney+ streaming service. The goal of 215 million to 245 million subscribers by 2024, set by former CEO Bob Chapek, is unlikely to be met. Disney+ has been losing customers due to price increases and declining demand in India. However, Disney has managed to narrow its losses in the streaming division through price increases.
