SPT buys two Italian channels

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is moving into the Italian free-to-air market for the first time with the acquisition of two channels.

The Sony Pictures Television Networks (SPTN) arm of the business has acquired NekoTV and Capri Gourmet from Television Broadcasting System (TBS).

The two networks have been broadcasting on the Italian DTT platform since 2011. SPT says revised schedules and programming details for the channels will be released in the coming weeks.

The move follows SPT’s acquisition of the UK version of TruTV, less than three years after it was launched into the market by Turner Broadcasting, earlier in February.

Kate Marsh, SPTN’s executive VP of Western Europe and international networks, said: “Western Europe is an important growth region for SPTN and we are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to invest further in Italy in the fastest-growing sector of the television market, DTT, allowing us to reach more viewers.

“We already offer the number one commercial kids’ network in the UK free-to-air market and this latest acquisition further expands our free-to-air footprint while bringing an exciting new dimension to SPTN’s networks business in Italy.”

Costantino Federico, owner of TBS, said: “We have been operating in Italy for the last 25 years and have nine channels on the DTT platform. Sony’s acquisition of NekoTV and Capri Gourmet enables us to focus our energy on our other channels and business in the Italian territory.”

The announcement coincides with AXN and AXN Sci-fi ceasing to broadcast on Sky Italia’s pay TV platform.

The deal is subject to regulatory approval.