Sony to Launch Kids’ Channel Pop in Italy

Sony Pictures Television Networks’ (SPTN) first Italian free-to-air TV channel is slated to launch early next month as Pop.

Following SPTN’s acquisition of Neko TV from Television Broadcasting System, the network will rebrand as Pop and feature a variety of new and exclusive premieres. Pop, which debuted in the U.K. in 2003, is meant for young viewers between the ages of 6 and 9. The channel will become available in Italy on May 4. It will offer such children’s series as The Deep, Kuu Kuu Harajuku, The Insectibles and Power Rangers Ninja Steel.

Pop will also work with local production companies; the first collaboration is with Maga Animation to create a series of short-form animation interstitials. In addition, the channel will be complemented by a website featuring interactive games, Pop’s exclusive Artpad and videos.

Kate Marsh, the executive VP of Sony Pictures Television’s Western Europe international networks division, said: “Today marks a new era in our European business, as we announce the launch of Pop—SPTN’s leading kids’ brand and first free-to-air channel in the growing Italian DTT market. Sony’s Pop television network has been a big hit with kids elsewhere in Europe and now we’re thrilled to launch the channel in Italy, offering kids and families popular program franchises and first-run shows such as Kuu Kuu Harajuku, Wild Kratts and The Insectibles, which will be completely new for Italian free-to-air audiences, and exclusive to Pop.”