Sony acquires Channel 8 in India

Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has made a foray into the Bengali-language TV segment with the acquisition of Channel 8, the only Bengali-language film channel in India.  The channel will be under the management of SPTI’s international networks group.

Andy Kaplan, SPTI’s president, international networks said, “We are 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.”

Channel 8, also known as Bangla Entertainment (BEPL), was launched in March 2008 and is based in Kolkata.  It originally started as a free-to-air service and will be converted to pay shortly. Channel 8 is currently available throughout West Bengal, Tripura and some parts of Assam and Orissa.

Channel 8 joins SPTI’s extensive television network business in India, Multi Screen Media Private Ltd, which includes the Hindi-language channels Sony Entertainment Television (SET), SET MAX, SAB and English-language SET PIX.  SPTI’s AXN and ANIMAX channels also air in India.