Sony Reloaded: Can Cricket, Content, and a Comeback King Revive Its India Game?

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) is making a dramatic turnabout, relying heavily on digital, new leadership, and cricket. The reboot comes more than a year after its ill-starred merger with Zee Entertainment and is now being led by Gaurav Banerjee, former Star India content chief, who has taken over from NP Singh as MD and CEO.

 

Key Highlights:

 

- Leadership Transition: Gaurav Banerjee assumes the leadership role with a mandate to repair fiction content, drive streaming, and hone distribution

- Digital Focus: SonyLiv now forms the focal point of SPNI's growth strategy with new originals and sports content lined up

- Cricket Rights: Sony has purchased exclusive media rights to Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments up to 2031 and England and Wales Cricket Board match rights

- Programming Overhaul: Sony Entertainment Television (SET) is overhauling its prime time schedule with shows like Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Aami Dakini, and mythological series

- YouTube Reach: SET is still an online giant with 184 million subscribers, fourth in the world

- Finances: SPNI posted ₹839 crore profit on ₹6,510 crore revenue in FY24

 

Sony's strategy for India is now a mix of upscale digital programming, sports television broadcasting, and local growth. The company, under Banerjee and global head Ravi Ahuja, is betting on accelerating the pace and taking on contenders like JioStar and Disney.

 

Source: IndianTelevision.com, Economic Times, Financial Express