The Whisper Group produces sports entertainment shows, including coverage of NFL, the Paralympics, Formula One, SailGP, Women’s Super League, International Cricket and W Series, amongst others.
Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has taken an undisclosed stake in UK-based non-scripted and sports-skewing production outfit The Whisper Group.
This investment is in line with SPT’s strategy of diversifying the group’s production portfolio, which has included the launching of a pop culture-focused creative label Human Media in 2018 and Silvergate Media in December 2019.
The Whisper Group was co-founded by CEO Sunil Patel, broadcaster Jake Humphrey and former F1 driver and current F1 commentator David Coulthard.
The SPT investment will begin with immediate effect and the deal brings to an end the involvement of the Channel 4 Indie Growth Fund with Whisper. In 2015, the Fund took a minority stake in the burgeoning company, which proved to be the springboard that the company needed at that time.
Commenting on the deal, Patel said: “This is big news for Whisper. Our absolute belief is that Entertainment is Everything and Sony Pictures Television is one of the top players in the entertainment world. Sport is at our heart and we’ll remain committed to immersive sports broadcasting, however, we have other ambitions which this move can help us to realise. We are keen to grow internationally and to develop formats that can help build an exciting IP catalogue.”
Co-founder David Coulthard added, “The company’s progression from 2010, when we were established, to now has been remarkable and this significant agreement marks a new stage for Whisper and its continuing growth. The weight of experience and expertise at Sony Pictures Television can directly help us progress into new areas while continuing with our award-winning sports coverage, which is what attracted SPT to us in the first place.”
SPT president, International Production Wayne Garvie remarked: “Whisper has become one of the most talked-about production companies in the UK. Very quickly, they have established themselves as an innovative leader in sports content. We are thrilled to be joining Sunil, David, Jake and the team in helping to take Whisper to the next level.”
