Sony Rebrand for Multi Screen Media

MUMBAI: Multi Screen Media (MSM), which operates a portfolio of channels in India, has rebranded as Sony Pictures Networks.

The move comes as MSM marks its 20th anniversary in the Indian television business. Its portfolio today consists of the Hindi-language entertainment service Sony Entertainment Television (SET), the movie networks MAX and MAX 2 and the family comedy entertainment channel SAB, plus PIX for English-language movies, the Indian feed of AXN, AATH for Bangla movies, MIX for music, SIX for sports and other channels.

Andy Kaplan, president of worldwide networks for Sony Pictures Television (SPT), said:  “Our channels in India represent an important part of Sony Pictures Television’s global portfolio and we are proud to be part of the fabric of the diverse Indian culture. As we celebrate bringing the best entertainment to viewers in India for 20 years, it’s only fitting that these networks be branded as part of our Sony family.  Like the Sony brand, which stands for innovation, creativity and delight, SPN brings the same qualities to our viewers.”

NP Singh, the CEO of SPN, added: “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. We changed the dynamics of how cricket and cinema were viewed on Indian television and contoured a variety of genres in TV entertainment. So while Kaun Banega Crorepati and Dus Ka Dum created new waves in television gaming, and Boogie Woogie and Indian Idol brought the commoner’s talent on the telly, we were also the first ones to embrace the cultural fabric of India by providing SAB—an out-and-out family humor channel.”