Sony Pictures Television International, which operates a TV network in India under Multi Screen Media Pvt Ltd, has acquired Channel 8, a Bengali language film channel based in Kolkata, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition marks the entry of Multi Screen Media (owner of TV channels such as Sony, Set MAX, ANIMAX, AXN and PIX) in West Bengal.
The announcement was made by SPTI President, international networks group, Andy Kaplan.
Some years earlier, MSM had acquired SAB TV, a Hindi comedy channel. Channel 8 boasts of an extensive library of Bengali films and telefilms and is available in West Bengal, Tripura and some parts of Assam and Orissa.
Total advertising spent on general entertainment channels in West Bengal is said to be close to Rs 250 crore (Rs 2.5 billion).
The channel will be managed by SPTI. "The international networks group is continuously looking for new opportunities to expand, whether it's through acquisition or via the launch of an entirely new channel," said Kaplan.
"We're excited by the prospects of Channel 8 and the revenue potential for us in the Bengal region."
