Sony’s AXN Beyond becomes beTV

Sony-owned Asian entertainment channel AXN Beyond is being rebranded as beTV with a revamped and expanded programme line up.

AXN Beyond launched in 2008 carrying Sony Pictures Television (SPT) drama, movies and reality programmes to 15 territories in Asia.

It will be rebranded as beTV from April 2 by parent company Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, with an expanded content line up and new on air look.

AXN Beyond currently airs shows such as Pan Am, Everybody Loves Raymond and A Gifted Man in English with subtitles in selected markets.

Rob Schneider’s latest sitcom Rob and reality show I Get That A Lot where celebrities are set up in everyday jobs are two new additions to the revamped programme line up.

SPT also operates AXN, Animax, Sony Entertainment Television and ONE channels in Asia.

The news comes a week after SPT announced it was launching its second branded channel in the UK carrying its feature films and telemovies. The company also acquired five channels in the territory in January, suggesting its portfolio will expand further.

SPT last week bought into UK indie Silver River Productions to increase its international production.