Mergers, acquisitions and parterships: SPNI's key moves under NP Singh

Sony Pictures Network India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer NP Singh announced on Friday that he has urged the organisation to look for his successor. 

In a detailed statement, Singh expressed that until a replacement is found, he will continue to serve as SPNI's CEO and MD. 

Singh had a 25 year long stint with the media giant, and shared over a statement how during his stint, SPNI established industry benchmarks, expanded its reach, and achieved many noteworthy accomplishments. 

The Merger 

Under Singh’s leadership SPNI pursued a significant merger with Zee Entertainment Enterprises, which, although ultimately unsuccessful, demonstrated SPN's ambition to consolidate and expand its market presence​. Days after the deal was terminated, Singh had written in an internal communication, "As we close the chapter on our proposed merger with ZEEL, I want to take a moment to talk to you – not just as your CEO but as someone who has been on this journey with you. This change in our plans allows us to step into a new phase of our story, which I believe is full of promise.”  

Launch of SonyLIV  

Another major accomplishment for the company was the launch of SonyLIV. In January 2013, the network forayed into video-on-demand with the launch of its OTT platform, SonyLIV. Its library consists of content from the network's channels in India such as SET and Sony SAB. 

In 2020, when the company completed 25 years, Singh had mentioned in a letter, “From one channel, bit by bit, we became a 24-channel network with a digital OTT service SonyLIV, a film production arm, SPN Productions, and a content creation studio, Studio NEXT.” 

“Innovation is the bedrock of business at Sony and our latest offering, Sony LIV reiterates our commitment to engage and interact with our audience in a whole new way. Through LIV, we want to strengthen our viewership in the digital space and provide the best entertainment preferences to our audience” Singh had said in a statement, about the launch of the platform. 

IPL on SET MAX 

Under Singh’s leadership, the network explored the uncharted territory of T20 cricket in India aka IPL in 2007. “We invested in it when there were hardly any believers and molded it into one of the most valuable sports entertainment properties in the country. Rest, as they say, is history,” he had said.  

New Zealand Cricket media rights 

In a deal pegged at $90-$100 million (Rs 749-Rs 833 crore) according to media reports, SPNI recently acquired New Zealand Cricket (NZC) media rights for the Indian market. It already owns media rights to the England and Sri Lanka cricket boards, and will broadcast NZC matches on both TV and digital platforms from May 2024 to April 2031. 

The rights deal includes two India tours to New Zealand, comprising 24 matches across test matches, one-day internationals (ODIs) and T20 internationals. 

UFC-SPNI deal 

UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization and part of TKO Group Holdings together with SPNI announced in January about the extension of a multi-year rights agreement, ensuring that SPNI will remain the exclusive media home for UFC in India and the Indian subcontinent through 2028. 

Under the renewed partnership, SPNI will continue to broadcast 42 live UFC events, including 12 numbered pay-per-view events and 30 UFC Fight Night events, along with additional content that includes original programs UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, a variety of archive content, and Dana White's Contender Series, a 10-episode live fight series which features up-and-coming talent trying to secure a contract with UFC . 

Acquisitions and Partnerships 

SPN made strategic acquisitions such as SAB TV, TEN Sports, and Sony Aath, which significantly bolstered its portfolio in general entertainment and sports​ under Singh’s guidance. The network also partnered with BBC Worldwide to launch Sony BBC Earth, a premium factual entertainment channel​. 

“Acquiring SAB took our entertainment business to another level, giving us a strong market share of Hindi general entertainment. We acquired TEN Sports to further strengthen our place in sports entertainment and that too worked well for us. Another acquisition that has worked really well is Sony Aath,” Singh wrote in his letter on the network’s 25th anniversary. 

Sony Marathi and Sony YAY! 

The launch of Sony Marathi and Sony YAY! represented SPN's foray into regional and children's entertainment. Sony YAY! distinguished itself with unique, homegrown content​. “We took our time to launch a kid’s channel, Sony YAY! The new channel had to come up with a unique proposition in a cluttered category, and it did so through homegrown content; again, a category first. Our foray into the regional language space with the recent launch of Sony Marathi shows great promise,” he said. 

Recognition and Awards 

Singh was named "Media Person of the Year 2021" by the International Advertising Association, highlighting his influential role in transforming SPNI and the broader media landscape in India. 

Strategic Content Investments 

Under Singh's leadership, SPN produced and broadcasted various iconic shows and movies, such as "Shakuntala Devi," "Soorma," and "Piku," which resonated with audiences for their progressive and inspirational narratives​. “Through rigorous focus, our flagship channel SET has been turned around and now, is a torchbearer for relevant, progressive content. Presently, our footprint pervades the categories and genres of English, regional and factual entertainment besides Hindi entertainment, sports and movies,” Singh had said. 

Corporate Social Responsibility

SPN launched various social programs under the 'Ek India Happywala' initiative, focusing on education, environment, and empowerment, which had a significant societal impact under Singh’s leadership.