Welcome to the August 2012 edition of
The Newsreel, Ernst & Young's newsletter on the media and entertainment (M&E) industry.

The M&E industry in India has been witnessing increasing M&A activity across all the media segments. In the sports segment, Globosport has sold a 50% stake in its advisory business to Platinum Rye Entertainment. In the advertising segment, Publicis and Aegis have made acquisitions in the digital marketing space.

India’s film segment is witnessing increasing investments from foreign PE funds and continuing to grow significantly. In the filmed entertainment segment, L Capital, a global PE firm, has invested INR6 billion and INR1 billion in Reliance Mediaworks and PVR Cinemas, respectively. SideFX, a Pune-based 2D animation production company, has secured funding from US-based Das Star Ventures.

The country’s sports segment has also been witnessing increased activity with companies demonstrating an interest in sports other than cricket. The Sahara India Pariwar and the Jaypee Group have bought the franchises of the Hockey India League. ESPN STAR Sports has secured global broadcast rights to telecast international hockey matches under Hockey India.

With Phase III being round the corner, this month’s “In-focus” section discusses the key trends in, challenges facing and the way forward for India’s radio segment.

In the “Point of view section,” Harrish Bhatia, CEO, MY FM, shares his views on India’s radio segment.

I hope you enjoy reading this edition of The Newsreel. We look forward to your valuable feedback on it as well as your suggestions.

With kind regards,

Farokh T. Balsara
Media & Entertainment Industry Leader Europe, Middle East, India and Africa