Sony launches second Italian free-to-air channel
Details
Joseph O'Halloran
| 04 July 2017

On the heels of the launch of kids’ channel POP in May 2017, Sony Pictures Television Networks is expanding its free-to-air (FTA) footprint and increasing investment in the Italian market with Cine Sony.

Launching on 7 September and replacing Capri Gourmet, which Sony Pictures Television Networks acquired in April 2017, Cine Sony will be dedicated to the world of cinema, taking advantage of Sony Pictures’ cinema heritage with a mix of film, documentaries and behind the scenes programmes. It will launch with the FTA premiere of Captain Phillips, and will offer a slate of both new and classic films ranging from L’uomo delle Stelle, to Jerry Maguire and Spiderman 3, along with revealing documentaries and specially commissioned programmes exploring the history and culture of cinema.

Cine Sony’s first commissions, La Fabbrica dei Sogni and Cine Classic will be produced by Coming Soon in Rome. La Fabbrica dei Sogni is a programme dedicated to the history of Italian cinema presented by author and web editor Antonio Bracco and film critic Federico Gironi; while Cine Classic delves into the history of the Hollywood movie, presented by the author, radio and TV presenter LaMario.

The Italian expansion also follows key FTA investments in the UK where Sony Pictures Television Networks owns and operates the No 1 commercial kids channel and the No 2 and No 3 FTA film channels in the territory. Viacom International Media Networks* Pubblicità & Brand Solutions will represent advertising sales for Cine Sony, with Persidera providing DTT capacity.

“We’re thrilled to launch Cine Sony in Italy as part of our expansion in free-to-air and are excited to be adding our second channel as we build our portfolio in this key European market.,” remarked Kate Marsh, executive vice president, Western Europe, Sony Pictures Television Networks. “Cine Sony will be a unique take on the world of cinema combining film, documentary and commentary. It will celebrate the world of cinema in Italy, a country that is rich in cinema heritage.”