Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is expanding its free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) business with the launch of the Sony One Channel Portfolio in Europe.
The move will see SPE launching 54 FAST channels on LG Channels, Samsung TV Plus and TiVo+ in Europe this month.
Sony One’s channels will be programmed for local markets, with content being broadcast primarily in each region’s native language. Territories at launch include the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland.
The channels include Sony One Comedy TV which offers shows such as Seinfeld, The Nanny and The Goldbergs; Sony One Thriller TV with series such as Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul and Justified; classics channel Sony One Faves including titles like Bewitched, Community and Dawson’s Creek; and Sony One Dragons’ Den devoted to the business entertainment series.
SPE said the expansion of its FAST business is in line with the strategy to make its wide-ranging content available to everyone, wherever they are, via a diverse array of platforms.
In addition to Sony One, SPE’s FAST offerings include Sony KAL Hindi, its Hindi destination in the US and Canada, and its portfolio of Spanish-language FAST channels for the US Hispanic audience; and FAST channels in Mexico and Brazil.
“Sony Pictures recognizes the potential of the free ad-supported television space to engage new viewers globally with our extensive feature film and TV series catalogue spanning 100 years. Our entry into the FAST space in Europe reflects our dedication to making premium content accessible to audiences on new and important distribution channels,” said Pete Wood, SVP, Digital Sales, Distribution at SPE.
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