Sony to launch new US cable channel

Sony Pictures Television Networks is to launch its third branded cable channel in the US that will broadcast classic Hollywood movies from its library.

getTV will launch in the autumn as the third wholly-owned Sony-branded channel in the US and will premiere as a digital offering on Univision Television Group’s television stations in 24 markets. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed but Sony said it is “active discussions” with other station groups in advance of the launch.

Films on channel will come from the Sony Pictures library, which comprises more than 3,500 titles including Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge on the River Kwai and It Happened One Night.

Superna Kalle, SPT’s senior VP of US networks and general manager, Sony Movie Channel and Cine Sony Television, will run getTV.

“The over the air market provides a significant growth opportunity for our channels business,” said Andy Kaplan, president, worldwide networks, SPT. “We recognise the demand for premium content that appeals to audiences of all ages, which is exactly what getTV will offer.”