(21 October 2005 2:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Action oriented AXN will launch in Italy on the Sky Italia satellite platform on 29 October 2005.

AXN now reaches close to 100 million households in over 50 countries throughout Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. Launching on Channel 134 as part of Sky's basic service, AXN will provide viewers with adrenaline-filled programming 24 hours a day. All programming, both acquired and locally produced, will be broadcast in Italian.

SPTI senior VP intl networks Ross Hair said, AXN has delivered an impressive track record of success in every market it has launched. In our key European markets ranging from Spain to Poland, AXN's stellar ratings and its advertiser-friendly demographics have made the network a favourite throughout the region. We are pleased to be part of Sky's platform and look forward to entertaining Italian audiences for years to come.”

AXN's programme offering covers shows like The Shield starring Michael Chiklis. The hardest-hitting police drama on television, the show has broken the conventional formula of the genre and is tough, uncompromising and compelling. AXN will also bring Italian viewers the first chance to see the sci-fi fantasy Mutant X and hip sports entertainment programme AXN Shakedown, an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the globally popular World Rally Championship.

Sky italia GM programming Kathryn Fink said, “AXN will be a great addition to SKY basic tier and we have high expectations for this quality action channel on the platform. We are very committed to continuing to broaden and strengthen the offer for our now more than 3.3 million subscribers and it is a pleasure collaborating with Sony Pictures Television International to help us achieve this goal.”

With the launch of AXN in Italy , the channel can now be seen in 12 European countries including Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Israel and the nations of Central Europe including Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria.