Culver City, California and Zurich, Switzerland – Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks and Dori Media Group (DMG) announced that they have entered into an agreement whereby SPT Networks will acquire 50% of the VIVA and VIVA Plus channels and the VIVA Walla online free video-on-demand (FVOD) service in Israel, along with 50% of DMG’s Baby TV operations in Indonesia. Completion of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions including Israeli regulatory approvals.
Andy Kaplan, President of SPT’s worldwide networks, said, “This acquisition builds on our strategy to capitalise on channels opportunities around the world, which includes entering new markets. 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, commented, “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. We are excited to be working more closely with them and are confident these ventures will flourish.”
The VIVA branded telenovela channels, VIVA and VIVA Plus, are carried by all Israeli multi-channel platforms. VIVA boasts high viewership loyalty and is continuously amongst the four most popular entertainment cable television channels in Israel according to HOT Telecom’s audience measurement system. The co-branded online FVOD service VIVA Walla, which offers telenovelas, continues to attract high viewership.
Baby TV is Indonesia’s first channel for toddlers ages three years and younger. It broadcasts 24 hours a day and commercial free on pay TV platform Indovision, as well as on subscription service Top TV. The channel features programming that introduces babies to the natural world, assisting with the development of primary skills by inspiring delight and curiosity.
As part of the same transaction, SPT Networks will also acquire a 50% stake in Dori Media’s Electronic Programme 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.
