Sony Pictures Television Networks (SPTN) has reached an agreement with Television Broadcasting System (TBS) to acquire the Italian free-to-air DTT channels Neko TV and Capri Gourmet for an undisclosed sum.
The two channels have been broadcasting since 2011; Sony will reveal it programming plans for the two channels in the coming weeks.
The news follows the acquisition of Turner’s truTV in the UK, just two weeks ago.
“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,” said Kate Marsh, SPTN executive vice president, Western Europe, international networks.
“We already offer the No 1 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.”
“We have been operating in Italy for the last 25 years and have nine channels on the DTT platform,” added TBS owner Costantino Federico.
“Sony’s acquisition of NekoTV and Capri Gourmet enables us to focus our energy on our other channels and business in the Italian territory.”
As it made its acquisition, SPTB also announced that its AXN and AXN Sci-fi would cease to broadcast on Sky Italia’s pay-TV platform.
