Broadbandindia Magazine

Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has acquired Channel 8, the only Bengali language film channel in India. The channel will be under the management of SPTI’s international networks group and marks SPTI’s  entry into the Bengal region. The deal will help Sony to compete with the likes of Star India and Zee  Entertainment in Indian regional entertainment space.

“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 Andy Kaplan, president, international networks, SPTI.

Kaplan continues, “We’re excited by the prospects of Channel 8 and the revenue potential for us in the Bengal region. We look forward to providing even more high-quality Bengali-language programming in the region.”  For this buy-out, SPE had sought clearance from Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), the nodal body for clearing foreign investment in India, for acquiring the stake. As per Indian regulations, 100% FDI is  permitted in non-news TV channels. Channel 8 was launched in March 2008 and is based in Kolkata. It has licensed an extensive library of Bengali films and telefilms and is already among the top channels in the Bengal region of India. It originally started as a free-to-air service and will be converted to pay shortly.