Sony Pictures Television (SPT) and Dori Media Group (DMG) announced today that they have entered into an agreement whereby SPT will acquire 50% of the VIVA and VIVA Plus channels and the VIVA Walla online free video-on-demand (FVOD) service in Israel, along with 50% of DMG’s Baby TV operations in Indonesia.
Andy Kaplan, President of Sony Pictures Television’s worldwide networks, said: “This acquisition builds on our strategy to capitalize on channels opportunities around the world, which includes entering new markets. We’ve had a great experience working with the DMG team and are happy to be expanding our relationship.”
Nadav Palti, President and CEO of DMG, commented: “SPT’s decision to expand our working relationship in Indonesia, and in Israel for the first time, reflects the strength of our position in two excellent markets. We are excited to be working more closely with them and are confident these ventures will flourish.”
The VIVA branded telenovela channels, VIVA and VIVA Plus, are carried by all Israeli multi-channel platforms. VIVA boasts high viewership loyalty and is continuously amongst the four most popular entertainment cable television channels in Israel according to HOT Telecom’s audience measurement system. The co-branded online FVOD service VIVA Walla, which offers telenovelas through Walla.co.il, continues to attract high viewership.
Baby TV is Indonesia’s first channel for toddlers ages three years and younger. It broadcasts 24 hours a day and commercial free on leading pay TV platform Indovision, as well as on subscription service Top TV. The channel features programming that introduces babies to the natural world, assisting with the development of primary skills by inspiring delight and curiosity.
SPT Networks will also acquire 50% stakes in Dori Media’s EPG (Electronic Program Guide) operations and DMG’s holding in Dori Media Ot, which provides technical services including dubbing, subtitling and closed captions.
ABOUT SONY PICTURES TELEVISION
Sony Pictures Television (http://www.sonypicturestelevision.com), a Sony Pictures Entertainment company, is one of the television industry’s leading content providers. It produces and distributes programming in every genre, around the world and for a multitude of platforms. In addition to one of the industry’s largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) boasts a current program slate that includes top-rated daytime dramas and game shows, landmark off-network series, original animated series and critically acclaimed primetime dramas, comedies and telefilms. In addition to its US production business, SPT has 18 wholly-owned or joint venture production companies in 10 countries and also maintains offices in 31 countries. SPT’s worldwide television networks portfolio includes 126 channel feeds available in 168 countries, reaching more than 980 million cumulative households worldwide. SPT also creates original content for and manages SPE’s premium video website, Crackle. Additionally, SPT owns US production company Embassy Row and is a part owner of cable channel Game Show Network (GSN), 3D channel 3net, and national U.S media sales company ITN Networks, Inc. SPT advertiser sales is one of the premier national advertising sales companies and handles the commercial inventory in SPT’s syndicated series as well as the Rural Media Group and DrOz.com.