Sony 2006 Annual Report Download - page 36

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Sony Pictures Television International
Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) is the division of Sony
Pictures Entertainment responsible for all television businesses
outside of the United States. On the heels of a successful year
ended March 31, 2006, SPTI continues to expand by launching new
channels, producing local language TV programs and signing new
distribution deals with international broadcasters and other media
outlets. SPTI is responsible for licensing Sony Pictures’ feature films
and television programming to television, mobile and digital content
delivery outlets outside the U.S.
During the year ended March 31, 2006, SPTI’s distribution business
achieved significant growth. SPTI recently added oversight and man-
agement of rights in new media outside the U.S., including mobile,
wireless, on-demand and Internet protocol television, allowing SPTI
to create new licensing opportunities with current and new clients.
SPTI solidified its position as the leading local language television
producer among all major Hollywood studios with hit original scripted
shows in such countries as Germany, Italy, Chile, Spain and Russia.
The Nanny, Married with Children and Who’s the Boss? are among
the many shows localized by SPTI’s production group, responsible
for over 9,000 hours of programming in 25 countries.
The networks group also experienced significant growth in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. Beginning with the launch of
Sony Entertainment Television (SET) in September 1995, a 24-hour
Spanish-language general entertainment network seen throughout
Latin America, SPTI’s networks portfolio has grown to include over
40 channels outside the U.S. SPTI’s channels can be seen in more
than 100 countries, reaching over 240 million homes worldwide and
delivered in nine languages. SPTI’s branded networks include SET;
Animax, the destination for the ultimate anime experience; and AXN,
an action-adventure entertainment channel.
SPTI’s international networks group’s biggest success story is in
India, where SPTI’s business began in October 1995 with SET, a
Hindi-language general entertainment channel, and has now grown
into a broadcasting powerhouse including MAX, a Hindi-language
events and cricket channel; SAB, a Hindi-language general entertain-
ment channel for India’s heartland; and PIX, a new English-language
movie channel.
Known for its mix of innovative concepts, glamorous events and
“Bollywood” blockbusters, SET reaches over 45 million households
in India. SET is also available in the United States, the United Kingdom,
Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand,
Singapore, Nepal, Bangladesh, the Maldives and Malaysia.
SET’s Hindi version of the Colombian soap opera Yo Soy Betty,
La Fea (“I Am Betty, the Ugly”) was so popular that the lead character
was featured as the cancellation insignia used by the post office in
India, an honor usually reserved for prominent political and historical
figures. Will Smith, who has starred in many Sony Pictures feature
films, traveled to India in February 2006 to help SPTI launch PIX.
Smith even appeared on Indian Idol, the local version of American
Idol. Among the most popular shows on SET India are local versions
of the reality show Fear Factor and the game show Deal or No Deal,
as well as original scripted dramas. In October 2005, Sony Chairman
Howard Stringer recognized SPTI’s success in India by paying a visit
to SET India’s Mumbai headquarters to help the network celebrate
its 10th anniversary.