Sony Corp. is considering entering the digital satellite broadcasting business through investing in Japan Sky Broadcasting Co., which was founded by media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and Japanese businessman Masayoshi Son, Sony officials said Jan. 24.Sony last month began negotiating to become a major investor in JSkyB. The satellite broadcaster is currently held equally by Murdoch's News Corp. and Son's Softbank Corp., to make better use of Sony Group's software contents, such as movies and music, the officials said. Murdoch is willing to invite Sony into the firm, although the actual shareholding ratio for Sony is still under negotiation, according to the officials.Softbank also said Sony's participation, backed by its high-quality software and broadcasting devices, will contribute to making this project a success. The Sony officials would not release details of the plan, but the electronics giant is apparently looking for a role that is not limited to merely supplying movies or music programs.In the digital satellite business, Sony holds 5 percent of PerfecTV Corp., a company jointly established by four major trading houses and Japan Satellite Systems Inc.
