Sony Pictures Television Networks snap up truTV
Sony Pictures Television Networks (SPTN) has confirmed its purchase of the UK arm of truTV, the cable and satellite television channel owned by Turner, for an undisclosed sum
Under the terms of the deal SPTN will take ownership of a selection of the existing truTV content library such as Snapped, Paranormal Survivor and Ink Master while Turner will continue to represent the channel’s ad sales. Sky Media meanwhile will continue to sell advertising for Sony’s other channels.
SPTN’s existing UK channels include the Sony Channel, Sony Movie Channel and Movies4Men.
Kate Marsh, executive vice president, Western Europe, international networks at Sony Pictures Television, said: “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.”
Ian McDonough, senior vice president and managing director of Northern Europe at Turner said: “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.”
Introduced to the UK in August 2014 truTV reached an average monthly audience of 3.9m in 2016. Sony launched its own television channel on Sky back in 2011.