The Hindu Business Line : Sony BMG to tap mobile, digital arenas

Speaking to Business Line, Mr Shridhar Subramaniam, Managing Director, said: "The new technologies are evolving and are a dynamic business to be in. We intend embracing the new technologies in the mobile and digital space and create content to engage in them."

The company is now on the look-out for the "right" partners to engage in this new venture.

"We would like to enhance our content in these new technologies and engage the right partners in the business model. However, there are other compelling issues and there is still no clear legislation about music downloads," he added.

Besides, Sony Music is looking at other ways to exploit the synergies within other group companies in the country.

For instance, Sony Music intends taking up talent management on behalf of Sony Television for its talent-based shows such as Indian Idol and Fame Gurukul.

"We have already signed a joint venture with Sony Television for seven artistes and this is a new initiative for us in the field of talent management."

In the recent past, Sony Music has recorded the music for Indian Idol's winner, Abhijit Sawant. "We will help in marketing such artistes for a fee."

Other potential synergies would include releasing titles in the form of VCDs and DVDs from the forthcoming Sony produced flicks as part of recently signed deals with Indian producers.

Sony Music has floated a division for home entertainment and has been releasing VCDs and DVDs by acquiring music and video rights.

Sony World, the retail network for Sony Electronics, would also help in selling the labels from Sony Music. "Today we have almost 300 Sony World shops and wherever possible we will see ways in which we can push our content," said Mr Subramaniam.

Recently, Mr Howard Stringer, the first non-Japanese Chairman and CEO of the $67-billion Sony Corporation, paid a visit to India with the intentions of revamping its operations in India and synergising the functioning of all group companies.

The companies include the television entertainment network, Sony Entertainment, the electronics business under Sony India, Sony Music, Sony Pictures, and the mobile communications company, Sony Ericsson.

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