Sony buys Indonesian novela channel stake

Sony Pictures Television Networks has acquired a 50% stake in an Indonesian pay TV telenovela channel.

The company has paid Israel-based Dori Media Group an undisclosed amount for the stake in the network, Televiva.

The move boosts SPT Networks’ presence in the region, which currently comprises pay channels AXN, Sony Entertainment Television, beTV, One and Animax.

Andy Kaplan, president, worldwide networks for SPT, said: “The joint-venture agreement demonstrates our continued commitment to the Indonesian pay TV marketplace. Televiva complements our bouquet of channels and we look forward to working closely with DMG for continued success.”

Televiva runs telenovela content dubbed into Bahasa Indonesian and primarily targets females aged 15-plus. It is carried exclusively on Indonesia’s largest pay TV provider, Indovision.

SPT claimed Indonesian pay TV penetration is expected to grow from 2.4 million homes to 5.5 million by 2016.