The Hindu Business Line : SET plans licensing, digital division to tap new media

In a bid to improve its revenue earning capabilities, the company is setting up a digital and licensing business segment, which will primarily explore opportunities to sell its content to new emerging media such as mobile telephony, Web and broadband.

Mr Sunil Lulla, Executive Vice-President, has been assigned the responsibility of this business. He is expected to oversee digital marketing, brand management on the Web, mobile and wireless publishing and licensing, digital sales and syndication, home video through DVD or other formats and broadband.

Mr N.P. Singh, Chief Financial Officer, has been redesignated as Chief Operating Officer to overlook the operations of the two channels — Sony and Max. The changes are designed to meet the emerging demands of the business, Mr Singh said.

"With new opportunities in broadcasting and content management, the consumer will access our content and services, in multiple modes,'' the news release said quoting Mr Kunal Dasgupta, chief of Sony Entertainment in India. The company, according to him, is prepared for a future that is digital, wireless, integrated and provides a new landscape to entertainment.

Mr Singh will continue to oversee other business functions that include post-production, on-air promotions, finance, IT, HR and corporate development.

Mr Tarun Katial moves from being the Executive Vice-President, Programming & Response, to become the Executive Vice-President and Business Head. Mr Albert Almeida, Senior Vice-President - Marketing, SET, will now be the Business Head for Max. Both of them will report to Mr Singh.

According to Mr Singh, the digital business will be the new area of focus for Sony Entertainment during 2005. "However, we will continue to invest in growing and consolidating both Sony and Max at the positions they current stand,'' Mr Singh said.