Animax UK!
(Posted on Wednesday, 11 April 2007 by Victoria Harris)
 Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) is in advanced discussions for the launch of its Animax animé channel brand in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and France following a roll-out in central Europe.
SPTI has today rebadged the A+ programme block it acquired in Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic and Slovakia last October with the Animax name. The move is the first step towards a wider European drive for the brand, including moves into mobile and online.
The company said it would be making further announcements regarding expansion plans for Animax over the next few weeks. The animé channel is already firmly established in Asia and Latin America, where it is one of SPTI's most successful channels, airing 24 hours a day in 36 million homes in 38 countries and in 11 languages.
The European roll-out is kicking off in central Europe with the A+ overhaul, where the Animax brand has already been teased to viewers. A+ has four million subscribers and airs between 20.00 and 02.00 each day. SPTI is due to revise this later in the year with additional programming and time slots.
"SPTI's Animax channel is already the most widely distributed animé service outside of Europe and has a clear leadership position in both Asia and Latin America," said SPTI senior VP of international networks Ross Hair.
"Today marks the first step in the expansion of Animax in Europe, where we believe it has enormous potential as a multiple platform offering via TV, PC or mobile."
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