Sony buys stake in Dori Media’s channels

Nadav Palti

Sony Pictures Television is bolstering its channels line-up with a deal for 50% of several of the entertainment nets operated by producer and distributor Dori Media.

SPT Networks will buy 50% of the Viva and Viva Plus channels in Israel as well as accompanying Viva Walla free VOD service.

The channels and VOD service carry telenovela fare from Dori Media and third parties. They are carried on all of Israel’s pay platforms

The deal also covers the toddler-focused Baby TV channel in Indonesia, which SPT will take 50%. The net is carried on the Indovision pay TV platform.

Financial details were not disclosed and regulatory approval is required from Israeli authorities. In addition to the channels, SPT is also buying into Dori’s technical services business Dori Media Ot and its EPG operation.

Last April SPT took a 50% stake in Dori’s Indonesian pay TV telenovela channel Televiva. As part of the same transaction, SPT Networks will also acquire a 50% stake in Dori Media’s Electronic Program Guide operations and a 50% stake in DMG’s majority holding in Dori Media Ot, which provides technical services including dubbing, subtitling and closed captions.

“This acquisition builds on our strategy to capitalise on channels opportunities around the world, which includes entering new markets,” said Andy Kaplan, president of SPT’s worldwide networks. “We’ve had a great experience working with the DMG team and are happy to be expanding our relationship.”

Nadav Palti, President and CEO of DMG, added: “SPT Networks’ decision to expand our working relationship in Indonesia, and in Israel for the first time, reflects the strength of our position in two excellent markets.”