GECs
Multi Screen Media rebrands as Sony Pictures Networks
MUMBAI: Multi Screen Media, which was earlier known as Sony Entertainment Television (SET) India, has rebranded as Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) in India as the company marks its 20th year in the country. SPN will be a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment.
It was back in December 2007 that SET India was renamed as Multi Screen Media (MSM). The then CEO of the company Kunal Dasgupta had said that the new name was reflective of the company’s evolution from a pure television broadcaster to a multimedia one. And that was exactly what the company did. Today, SPN’s bouquet of channels includes a range of channels like Sony Entertainment Television (SET), Max, Max 2, Sab, Pix, AXN, Aath, Mix, Six and Kix as well as the digital entertainment channel Liv.
PlNow, as Sony completes its two decade run in the country, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) president of worldwide networks Andy Kaplan said of the re-branding, “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.”
SPN CEO NP Singh 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 humour channel.”
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
