Sony launches first branded British TV channel

March 15, 2011

Sony Pictures Television announced the lineup on Monday for its inaugural Sony-branded TV channel in Britain which launches on April 7.

The channel, carried on Sky and accessible to regular Sky customers, kicks off with hospital drama "Hawthorne," starring Jada Pinkett Smith, who also executive produces.

Kate Marsh, who is heading the venture, said Sony was mainly targeting women aged between 25 and 54 years old, although "that doesn't mean men are banned. They're not.

"We feel there's space for a quality, scripted entertainment channel where our audience can indulge in a bit of 'me-time' with a mix of new and familiar content," she said.

Sony will draw on its movie library, with Sofia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette," "The Da Vinci Code," "All the King's Men" and "Philadelphia" airing during April.

It will also bring back serial drama "Dawson's Creek" and feature "Huff" as well as several British television series including "Hotel Babylon" and "Hustle."