Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has acquired A+, a branded anime block that airs on children’s channel Minimax in Central Europe. A+ joins SPTI’s international networks group of more than 45 channels worldwide, and will be operated and controlled by SPTI’s international networks group from the company’s offices in the U.K. Day-to-day operations will be handled by Minimax, working closely with SPTI’s team in Budapest.
A+ launched in January of 2005 and can be seen on Minimax in Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. According to SPTI, the network will continue to carry anime programming in the same time slot, between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. daily. In addition to servicing this new channel, the SPTI team in Budapest will maintain responsibilities for their high-energy entertainment channels AXN, AXN Sci-Fi and AXN Crime.
‘The acquisition of A+ is an excellent opportunity for SPTI to develop a well established channel that already commands a loyal following in the 15- to 25-year-old age group,’ says SPTI senior VP Ross Hair. ‘The commercial rationale for this acquisition is compelling given an existing subscriber base in excess of four million homes, the potential for incremental distribution revenues and the appeal of the channel to advertisers.’
The only dedicated anime programming outlet in the region, A+ is a ratings leader in the 8 p.m. time slot with kids 13-17. Most of the animated programming on Minimax is aimed at the 4-12 age group, and includes classical stories such as Frakk and Bob and Bobek, as well as well as international favorites Little Robots, Noddy, Thomas & Friends, Maya and Miguel, The Ugly Duckling and Me and Jakers! The Adventures of Piggely Winks.
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