Sony Pictures Networks India's decision to sublicense popular crime series "CID" to Netflix is a business move to address a worldwide audience and generate new sources of income. This partnership allows "CID" to have its presence outside of its traditional viewership on Sony TV and SonyLIV via Netflix's wide network all over the world.
Industry experts believe that this syndication model will not impact SonyLIV's subscriber base materially but will add to revenue through the route of licensing. Netflix is helped by diversifying its content mix and increasing its attractiveness to Indians. The deal is a part of a broader trend in streaming where older content is made profitable through the use of strategic licensing deals.
As Netflix continues to expand, with estimated revenues of $43 billion-$44 billion in 2025, such partnerships are crucial to boost its content pool and remain competitive in the industry.
Source: Exchange4Media, BizAsiaLive