CRICKET RIGHTS
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has acquired TV and digital rights to all New Zealand-based men’s and women’s cricket matches into India and associated territories for the next seven years. The deal is valid from May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2031, encompassing India’s tours of New Zealand in the 2026-27 and 2030-31 summers, as well as all other bilateral Tests, ODIs, and T20Is played in New Zealand during the period. All matches will be broadcast across SPNI’s sports channels and streamed on SonyLIV. SPNI’s digital rights in India will be co-exclusive with Prime Video for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. While a value for the deal was not disclosed, industry sources estimate it at $100 million.
SPNI MD and CEO N.P. Singh said: “New Zealand is renowned for its exceptional sportsmanship and strength; it’s one of the most respected cricket teams globally. It is our privilege to deepen and nurture the bond between this esteemed team and its passionate fan base in India.”
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Diana Puketapu-Lyndon, chair of New Zealand Cricket, added: “With world-class sporting tournaments in their portfolio, Sony Pictures Networks India is one of the premiere sports content providers in India and we look forward to our association.”
DOCUMENTARY
U.K. broadcaster ITV and The Slate Works have announced a new documentary examining the time when Theresa May was Prime Minister of Britain, with unique access to her. The 60-minute “Theresa May: The Accidental PM” is due to air in June and delves inside May’s premiership during her three years in office, having taken power after David Cameron’s resignation following the Brexit referendum in 2016, and examines her treatment by some from within her own cabinet and many more from her own back benchers. The documentary is produced and directed by Sam Collyns and executive produced by Neil Grant and Adam Wishart.
LAUNCH
BBC Studios has revealed that premium British drama channel BBC First will premiere in Malta on April 1, partnering with the country’s largest operators Melita, GO Plc and Epic Malta. April highlights include “Press,” “Blue Lights,” “Death in Paradise” and “Beyond Paradise.”
STREAMING
South Asian content focused streamer ZEE5 Global has revealed that Indian superhero film “HanuMan” has become the second biggest Telugu-language opener on the platform to date (day 1 viewership) after “RRR” and the second biggest opener across all films this year after “Sam Bahadur.” Since its launch, “HanuMan” has contributed to some 60% of the platform subscriptions from the U.S. alone, the streamer said.
Archana Anand, chief business officer at ZEE5 Global, said: “The Telugu blockbuster, ‘HanuMan,’ captures the ethos of South Asian culture in totality by weaving together elements of tradition and modernity. Following its remarkable theatrical run, its world digital premiere on our platform has been a remarkable success, quickly becoming one of the top titles on the platform and yet another driver of the growing demand for Telugu content globally and especially in the U.S. on ZEE5. “
