Sony Preps Classic-Movies Network

CULVER CITY: Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks is delivering a new digital network to the U.S. this fall, getTV, which will feature classic movies.

This will mark the third wholly owned Sony-branded channel in the U.S. The network will debut on the digital sub-channels of Univision Television Group-owned stations, though discussions are ongoing with other station groups ahead of the launch. This gives it a reach in 44 percent of all U.S. TV households, representing more than 50 million homes. The programming will primarily be made up of classic movies from the Sony Pictures library, featuring more than 3,500 films. Titles include Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge on the River Kwai and It Happened One Night.

The new channel will be managed by Superna Kalle, the senior VP of U.S. networks at SPT and general manager of Sony Movie Channel, Cine Sony Television and getTV.

"The over the air market provides a significant growth opportunity for our channels business," said Andy Kaplan, the president of worldwide networks at SPT. "We recognize the demand for premium content that appeals to audiences of all ages, which is exactly what getTV will offer."