Sony Entertainment Television Asia’s parent firm, Multi Screen Media has initiated its imminentsports channel named “Six”.
With its launch this year, this will be the 11th sports channel commanded by two significant networks- ESPN Star Sports (ESS) and Taj Television (owned by Zee network). Sony will make an entry with its new channel, taking on rivals Star and Zee.
In between these two networks, there are 7 channels functioned which are ESPN, STAR Sports, STAR Cricket, TEN Sports, TEN Cricket, TEN Action+ and TEN Golf. Other channels involve Neo Sports, Neo Cricket and DD Sports.
As per the industry officials, the soft launch of the channel will occur at the time of fifth tournament of IPL, which started on April 4.
Since the success of IPL, the network was intending to begin a new sports channel. Now it has assessed figures to bid for the acquiring of Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) global media rights.
The broadcaster is assumed to have raised Nitesh Kripalani as business head of the upcoming channel. Currently Mr Nitesh is the senior vice-president of MSM for business development and syndication. Euro RSCG has been given the charge of creative duties.
According to Manjit Singh, CEO, MSM, “It is too early to speak on this right.” The network has ownership rights to New Zealand cricket, FA Cup football, and NBA basketball. Presently these are broadcast on Max, displaying a mix of sports and movies.
An official of a rival broadcasting sports network said, “If Sony gains the telecast gains the telecast rights, the channel may begin in July-August, at the time of India and New Zealand Test series here, presenting much required live content for the launch.”
Seven channels are run by MSM including Sony TV, SAB TV, SET Max, Sony Pix, AXN, Animax and music channel Sony Mix, and also has 17.4% share in Hindi entertainment zone, with Sony channel held on to the top.
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