MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks said it will launch a German version of its channel, Sony Entertainment Television, for the first time.

The new channel will broadcast in Germany this year following a carriage deal brokered between SPT Networks Germany and Deutsche Telekom.

Sony Entertainment Television will be part of Deutsche Telekom?s IPTV Service, Entertain.

Sony Entertainment Television in Germany will be a contemporary channel primarily targeting women over 30. It will offer dramas, comedies and blockbuster movies from the US and Europe.

SPT Networks Germany network director Bettina Hermann said, "Sony Entertainment Television is one of SPT?s leading global channel brands and we are very proud to bring it to Germany with Deutsche Telekom. Like all our channels here, the schedule will be tailored for the German speaking audience, with US blockbuster and first run series as well as high quality European and German telefilms.

Moreover, with its mainly female target, Sony Entertainment Television will broaden the reach of our portfolio."

SPT Networks, Western Europe senior VP Kate Marsh said, "With the addition of SET we will be operating our three complementary channel brands in one of Europe?s biggest television markets. Building our reach here is an ongoing priority, as well as continuing to expand our German language portfolio in Austria and Switzerland."

SPT Networks? German portfolio also includes the action and entertainment channel, AXN (also in HD), and the anim? and lifestyle channel, Animax. Both are available to audiences in Germany, Austria and Switzerland via cable, satellite and IPTV.

MUMBAI: The International Cricket Council has amended its management structure which would see the creation of a new post of chairman and water down the powers of president besides scrapping the post of vice-president altogether effective 2014.

Until the end of the 2014 ICC Annual Conference, the role of the ICC President will remain in its current form but from the end of the 2014 Annual Conference it will become ceremonial in nature with a term of only one year.

The term of office of the chairman will be two years. The ICC Board will appoint the chairman at its first meeting following the 2014 Annual Conference.

Meanwhile, Alan Isaac, the former chairman of New Zealand Cricket, was inaugurated as the eighth President of the ICC in succession to Sharad Pawar. Isaac will serve for a two-year term.

David Richardson was confirmed by the Conference as successor to Haroon Lorgat, who stood down after four years, as the ICC Chief Executive. Richardson, who played 42 Tests for South Africa, has been ICC?s GM- Cricket for the last 10 years.

Additionally, Russia and Hungary were confirmed as new affiliate members of the ICC but Switzerland was removed as an affiliate member, having been suspended at the 2011 Annual Conference for failing to comply with the ICC?s membership criteria and remaining unable to do so by the 2012 Annual Conference.

There are now 106 Members of the ICC.