Sony Launches New Italian Free-to-Air Channel

Sony Pictures Television Networks is launching Cine Sony, a new free-to-air channel dedicated to the world of cinema, in Italy on September 7.

The channel will launch with the free-to-air premiere of Captain Phillips, starring Tom Hanks, and will offer a slate of new and classic movies ranging from L’uomo delle Stelle to Jerry Maguire and Spider-Man 3. Cine Sony will also feature documentaries and specially commissioned programs exploring the history and culture of cinema. Its first commissions, La Fabbrica dei Sogni and Cine Classic, will be produced by Coming Soon in Rome. La Fabbrica dei Sogni is dedicated to the history of Italian cinema and is presented by author and web editor Antonio Bracco and film critic Federico Gironi. Cine Classic delves into the history of the Hollywood movie, presented by the author, radio and TV presenter LaMario.

Cine Sony replaces Capri Gourmet, which Sony Pictures Television Networks acquired in April.

“We’re thrilled to launch Cine Sony in Italy as part of our expansion in free-to-air and are excited to be adding our second channel as we build our portfolio in this key European market,” said Kate Marsh, the executive VP for Western Europe at Sony Pictures Television Networks. “Cine Sony will be a unique take on the world of cinema combining film, documentary and commentary. It will celebrate the world of cinema in Italy, a country that is rich in cinema heritage.”