Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) and FIVER announced today that FIVER has secured the broadcast rights to the hit online drama, Sofia’s Diary. Sofia’s Diary is a new multi-platform series which has recently premiered on the social networking site, Bebo. The series follows the life of 17-year-old Sofia Taylor (newcomer Rachel Hyde-Harvey), charting her ups and downs as she adjusts to a new life living with her dad, step mum and baby step-brother after being sent to London by her mum after getting into trouble at school. In a reverse of the trend to make existing TV shows available online, the two- to three-minute internet episodes will air on FIVER from end of April.

The series is already proving a phenomenal success online among teens and 20 somethings – a generation that is looking beyond mainstream media to shape its worldview. The debut episode of the series, which airs on the internet at www.bebo.com/sofiasdiary, received more than one million views in its first 48 hours. Since its online debut, almost half a million people are viewing each episode. Among the highlights of the show are Sony BMG acts, The Ting Tings and The Script which are woven into the storyline.

Commenting from FIVER, Hannah Barnes, Director of Programmes for FIVER and Five US, said: “I’m thrilled to be working in partnership with Bebo and SPTI in what is an exciting broadcasting first in the UK. Quality programming for 16-24s is booming on the internet, and our decision to showcase Sofia’s Diary shows our commitment to 16-24s, which is part of our wider strategy in building a further connection with this group.”

Commenting from SPTI, Antony Root, Senior Vice President, European Production said: “We are moving our production business quickly to meet the needs of viewers who want to access our content across multiple platforms. Sofia’s Diary is a unique entertainment offering and we are delighted with the success Bebo has had with the show. We are sure that FIVER viewers will also be excited to hear it’s about to air for the first time on TV.”

Joanna Shields, Bebo’s President, said:

“This news represents a milestone for television broadcasting. Fiver’s enthusiasm for Sofia’s Diary shows that it wants to play a role pioneering the next stage of entertainment.

“Sofia’s Diary is not simply another video series webcast over the internet: it’s a truly interactive experience based on the concepts of social networking, participation and creative contribution. When we commissioned the show for Bebo, we believed that providing an entirely engaging experience, on multiple media platforms, was perfect for our key demographic of 16-24 year olds.

“The popularity of Sofia’s Diary and Bebo’s premiere online drama, KateModern, is evidence that young people are consuming media content in a completely new way.”