Sony Corp.’s Sony Pictures Television Networks on Thursday unveiled the acquisition of truTV from Time Warner’s Turner unit in the U.K.
Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
The deal includes SPTN taking a selection of the existing truTV content library with acquired series such as Snapped, Paranormal Survivor and Ink Master. Turner will continue to represent ad sales for the channel while Sky Media will continue to sell advertising on behalf of all other Sony channels.
Since its launch in the U.K. TV market in 2011, Sony Pictures Television Networks has grown to become one of the top multichannel players in the country, owning 18 channels in the U.K., and reaching a combined viewership of more than 25 million people per month.
truTV launched in the U.K. in August 2014 and reached on average 3.9 million viewers each month in 2016.
“The acquisition of truTV increases Sony’s already broad reach in the U.K. TV market and the channel’s strong mix of unscripted and original programming will be a great complement to our portfolio.” said Kate Marsh, executive vp Western Europe, international networks at Sony Pictures Television.
Ian McDonough, senior vp and managing director of northern Europe at Turner added: “Since launch, truTV has delivered solid ratings and ad sales and built a loyal fan base. As such, we are delighted that U.K. viewers can continue to enjoy truTV’s unique blend of entertainment as part of Sony’s portfolio.”
