SINGAPORE: Sony is looking to expand in India with plans to launch a new
channel and enter Bollywood - the Bombay-based Indian film industry -
according to a senior executive at the company.
Following the success of its Japanese anime channel, the network also
plans to introduce a 24-hour anime channel in Hong Kong.
Columbia Tristar International Television executive vice-president of
international networks, Jon Petrovich, said while the Indian market was
highly competitive it presented huge potential. He said the company is
in talks with "other groups to (set up) a platform as India becomes more
competitive".
Sony's India channel competes against two other channels and Star
TV.
"We have plans to launch another channel because it is a very lucrative
business and we have already set up strong distribution channels," he
said.
The network, which acts as a representative for CNBC advertising sales
and distribution in India, will also target overseas Indian
communities.
The timeline for both launches will be driven by the company's business
plan, regulatory matters and conditions for foreigners to operate in the
country, Petrovich said.
AXN Asia, which has featured several anime programmes in Hong Kong, also
organises the annual AXN Anime Festival. "We do have a daily animation
feature, but with the success of our Japanese channel, it makes sense to
set up a channel focused on anime for Hong Kong."
The AXN Anime Festival kicked off with an action strip contest, giving
viewers the opportunity to create their own manga-style action strip
until June 15.Further plans for AXN's expansion in Asia would be
considered once the channel breaks even.
