Sony launching new Black and White channels in Europe

Sony Pictures Television is launching new versions of its AXN channel in central Europe.

AXN is SPT’s action channel brand and the new channels are AXN Black and AXN White, which will replace AXN Sci-Fi and AXN Crime in the region. The Black and White brands have previously rolled out in Iberia, but this marks the first time they have been seen outside of that region.

In central Europe, AXN White will be more female-focused with drama series from US and Europe while AXN Black will be programmed with faster-paced scripted series and unscripted shows, more targeted at a male audience.

Shows on AXN Black will include Spartacus and Justified and the launch line-up for AXN White includes Jennifer Love Hewitt’s The Client List and feature films including Eat, Pray, Love.

Both new channels will launch in central Europe from October, reaching Poland, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Slovakia.

SPT’s regional portfolio of channels now stretches to AXN, AXN Black, AXN White and AXN Spin and Animax.

“We’re thrilled to introduce two new AXN branded channels for Central Europe,” said John Rossiter, general manager, SPT Networks, central Europe. “This latest addition significantly expands our offer with fast-paced action heroes on AXN Black and inspiring, character-led story telling on AXN White.”