Besides other changes in broadcasting, this merger will have an immediate impact on the media rights auction for the BCCI bilateral rights, scheduled for August 31. The perception is that Zee and Sony, combined, will become a formidable player and pose a significant challenge to Disney Star and Viacom 18, the other major players in the cricket broadcasting industry.
However, not everyone in the industry is as optimistic. "The merger could have a negative impact on the premiums for media rights as the market consolidates," says Karan Taurani of Elara Capital, who closely monitors developments. He believes that the merger might benefit the broadcasters more than the regulator, in this case, the BCCI. "It could lead to positive effects for platforms/broadcasters and result in better returns on their investment."
IDFC FIRST Bank outbid competition from Sony Sports, the sports broadcaster, which was venturing into title sponsorship realm for the first time.
Sony's participation is a bit of a surprise and it may also be an indication of the things to come by. With the BCCI media rights auction just less than a week away (on August 31), the Sony Corporation may be the firm to watch out for in the online bidding.
Only three broadcasters show up for submitting technical bids; it will now be a three-way race among Sony, Star and Viacom.
It's understood that other entities such as Zee and FanCode did not participate, along with two other multinational companies, Google and Amazon. As a result, the competition for the television and digital rights of international games in India will involve a three-way battle between two traditional rivals, Sony and Star, and one newcomer, Viacom 18.
Mostly it will be same like IPL, digital rights with viacom and tv rights with star
Viacom not interested in tv rights and star not interested in digital rights.
Mostly it will be same like IPL, digital rights with viacom and tv rights with star
Viacom not interested in tv rights and star not interested in digital rights.