Wednesday, September 9, 2009

SPE expands into Indonesia

Original source: Hollywood Reporter - Patrick Frater

Sony Pictures Entertainment Networks has become the latest multi-national TV group to expand its presence in Indonesia.

The group has struck a deal to launch four of its pay-TV channels on Aora, its second pay-TV platform in the fast-growing territory.

Last month SPENA announced that its two newest channels -- AXN Beyond and Sony Entertainment Television -- would launch on Indovision alongside pre-existing channels AXN and Animax.

The Aora deal saw AXN and AXN Beyond launch immediately on Aora, while Animax and SET will launch later this year.

"The effort to expand our reach in Indonesia is picking up speed," said Ricky Ow, SPENA's senior vice president and general manager.

Last month too, Lionsgate saw its two new Asian channels -- Thrill and KIX -- take to the air for the first time anywhere with carriage on Indovision.

Packaged by Tiger Gate Entertainment, Thrill is a 24-hour linear channel focused on Asian and Hollywood thriller-horror-suspense, while KIX is an Asian action channel featuring action reality shows, extreme sports, fight events and action movies.

The channels will be launched on the remaining Indonesian platforms this month and follow with launches in Singapore and Hong Kong before the end of the year.