SPT Networks Makes Investment in Planet TV

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LONDON: Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks has taken a majority stake in the Planet TV channels group in Turkey, pending regulatory approval.

The deal includes the free-TV networks Planet Pembe, airing Turkish dramas and telenovelas; Planet Turk, which broadcasts Turkish movies; Planet Mutfak, a cooking channel; and Planet Cocuk, featuring locally produced children’s programming. Under the agreement, Satis Ofisi will continue to be the ad sales house for the Planet TV portfolio.

Lyle Stewart, the senior VP of SPT Networks for CEEMA, commented: “Turkey is an incredibly vibrant market and we’ve been looking for the right opportunity to establish a footprint there for some time. We look forward to bringing our expertise in building strong international channel brands to Planet TV to help the portfolio go from strength to strength.”

Sevin Ergun, the chairman of Satis Ofisi, said: “Planet TV has spearheaded themed TV channels in Turkey and filled a real gap in the free-to-air market. The channels have a strong identity which is reflected in the success we’ve already had among both viewers and advertisers. We believe that Sony Pictures Television’s strong brand values will allow us to further build on that success.”