iWorld
SPI International (FILMBOX) launches 7 thematic channels and VOD Content – Exclusively on SonyLIV Web and App in India
Global media group SPI International (FILMBOX) and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) have signed a distribution agreement to launch seven thematic channels from SPI’s worldwide TV portfolio exclusively on SonyLIV. SonyLIV streams are accessible online, on mobile devices (Android and iOS), web and m-web.
From this month, SonyLIV’s TV line-up will include the following SPI’s channels:
– FilmBox ART HOUSE – an international movie channel featuring classic masterpieces of world cinema by such prominent directors as Kurosawa, Fellini, Hitchcock, Antonioni, Visconti along with an impressive selection of art house titles and independent films from all over the world. The channel also presents award-winning movies from top film festivals including Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Sundance, Tokyo, Hong Kong and many more.
– FIGHTBOX – a 24X7 martial arts network with live broadcast of international MMA events and other TV programming covering more than thirty combat sport disciplines.
– FAST&FUNBOX – a sports/lifestyle channel featuring coverage of international shows and competitions in such disciplines as car racing (Formula One), motorcross, snowboarding, sailing and many more
– DOCUBOX – a unique documentary channel presenting documentary films and television programming devoted to nature, science, history and human civilization
– FASHIONBOX – a worldwide TV network focusing on fashion trends, top designers and shopping
– 360TuneBox – an independent international music video network showcasing breakthrough artists from all over the world and the best of art music video
– GAMETOON – SPI’s brand new worldwide entertainment TV channel for millennials revolving around gaming and eSports. The Gametoon channel features highlights of popular video games, entertainment content from gaming youtubers, video game tournaments (e-sports) with million dollar prize pools and much more.
e-commerce
ONDC names Vibhor Jain MD and CEO; Rohit Lohia joins as CBO, Manoj Thakur as CTO
Leadership formalised as open commerce network sharpens focus on scale and user value
The Open Network for Digital Commerce has formalised Vibhor Jain as managing director and chief executive officer, cementing a leadership transition at India’s ambitious open commerce platform as it pushes for scale and relevance.
Jain, who had been serving as acting chief executive officer since April last year following the exit of Thampy Koshy, steps into the role with effect from 7th April , according to a report by The Economic Times. He previously served as chief operating officer at the government-backed network, which enables buyers and sellers to transact across applications through an open, interoperable system.
Setting out his strategy, Jain underscored the network’s differentiated architecture. “Going forward, we are concentrating on what open, interoperable infrastructure can uniquely enable, things that no single platform has the incentive or the architecture to do,” he said.
He added that the immediate priority is to widen ONDC’s impact across user cohorts often underserved by platform-led commerce. “My priority is to deepen the value ONDC creates for the people it exists to serve: kisaans, karigars, kiranas, gig workers, first-time investors, and daily commuters across India,” he said.
Jain also flagged leadership reinforcement within the organisation, noting that ONDC has “a strong and exciting leadership team in place”, with Rohit Lohia joining as chief business officer and Manoj Thakur as chief technology officer.
With over 18 years of experience spanning entrepreneurship and consulting, Jain brings a track record in technology-led, large-scale transformation programmes and internet businesses. At ONDC, he has been closely involved in shaping strategy and operations as the network seeks to move digital commerce away from platform-centric models towards an open network approach.
Before ONDC, Jain worked with JUMO, where he helped set up the fintech firm’s India operations, and led the India launch of Mobike, handling regulatory, policy and operational aspects of its market entry. Earlier, he co-founded Atlanta Healthcare, an air quality management company, and spent more than a decade in consulting roles at Andersen and EY, advising governments on public policy and technology-driven reforms, including work on the Aadhaar programme and tax systems.
The mandate is clear but the path is complex. As ONDC attempts to rewrite the rules of digital commerce, Jain now carries the burden of turning open architecture into mass adoption, in a market still dominated by platform power.
