Sony rebrands Indian channels group

Sony Pictures Television has rebranded Multi Screen Media after the Indian television networks operator turned 20 over the weekend.

MSM will now be known as Sony Pictures Networks, which more clearly defines it as an SPT company.

SPN’s networks include the generalist Sony Entertainment Television, Hindi premium movies-focused MAX, English-language entertainment-skewed AXN, Bangla movie channel AATH, English-language movie net PIX, a youth-centric sports network called KIX, and premium sports, music and digital channels.

“As MSM, we’ve served television audiences worldwide for the last 20 years, during which time we pioneered new formats, new shows and actually set the trends for television entertainment,” said NP Singh (pictured), who leads the rebranded group as CEO.

“The strategic intent behind rebranding Multi Screen Media into Sony Pictures Network was to align with our parent company and thereby accrue the benefit of global synergies. With a comprehensive bouquet of varied channels, we are equipped today to serve India’s population both, in the urban and rural areas as well across geographies.”

SPT has long held a stake in SPN, with a US$271 million deal back in June 2012 bringing its total ownership to around 94%.

Until December 2007, MSM was known as Sony Entertainment Television India, but rebranded after growth in various media sectors.

Sony Pictures Entertainment-owned SPT also came close to taking a 30% stake in Telugu-language broadcaster MAA Television Networks in 2012, but the deal didn’t materialise and earlier this year 21^st Century Fox’s Star India acquired the business.

Indian broadcasting has become increasingly lucrative to international investors thanks to the emergence of a wider middle class over the past decade.