Sony Pictures Television Networks has acquired the truTV brand in the UK.
As part of the deal with Turner Broadcasting, Sony will take a selection of current content from the truTV library, including acquired series such as Snapped, Paranormal Survivor and Ink Master. Turner will continue to represent ad sales for the channel while Sky Media will continue to sell advertising on behalf of all other Sony channels.
“The acquisition of truTV increases Sony’s already broad reach in the UK TV market and the channel’s strong mix of unscripted and original programming will be a great complement to our portfolio,” said Kate Marsh, Executive Vice President, Western Europe, International Networks at Sony Pictures Television.
truTV launched in the UK in August 2014 and reached on average 3.9 million viewers each month in 2016.
Ian McDonough, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Northern Europe at Turner added: “Since launch, truTV has delivered solid ratings and ad sales and built a loyal fan base. As such, we are delighted that UK viewers can continue to enjoy truTV’s unique blend of entertainment as part of Sony’s portfolio. Sony’s acquisition of the channel enables us to focus our energy on developing our own franchises and brands, delivering content across multiple touchpoints to our fans wherever and however they choose to engage.”
Since entering the UK TV market in 2011, Sony Pictures Television Networks has grown to become one of Britain’s top multichannel players, owning 18 channels with a combined viewership of more than 25 million people per month.Brands include Sony Channel, Sony Movie Channel and Movies4Men; the True channels – Entertainment, Movies and Crime; kids’ channels Pop, Tiny Pop and KIX as well as legacy CSC Music channels including The Vault, Flava, Scuzz, Starz, Chart Show and Chart Show Hits.
