AMC Networks Inc.
AMCX, the global entertainment company behind acclaimed series The
Walking Dead, Mad Men, and Rectify, and BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of
the British Broadcasting Corporation, today announced a new long-term creative
partnership bringing together two global brands that are behind some of the
most-watched, most celebrated programming on television.
Under the terms of the partnership agreement, AMC Networks is investing $200M
to acquire a 49.9% equity stake in the cable channel BBC AMERICA, home of hit
drama series Doctor Who and Orphan Black. The agreement is structured as a
long-term equity joint venture, with BBC Worldwide retaining 50.1%. AMC
Networks will have operational control of BBC AMERICA, including affiliate and
advertising sales, will run it consistent with BBC's editorial standards and
policies, and will consolidate the results of the joint venture in its
financial statements.
Available in almost 80 million homes in the U.S., BBC AMERICA is celebrated
for its award-winning programming, including the iconic Doctor Who, dramas
Orphan Black, Luther and Broadchurch, Top Gear, the world's most popular car
show, as well as the BBC's world-renowned landmark natural history series from
the makers of Planet Earth. Its programs have been honored with hundreds of
awards including four Emmy® Awards, five Golden Globes® and 12 Peabody Awards.
With more scripted originals than any other ad-supported cable channel, BBC
AMERICA was the most critically acclaimed channel on ad-supported television
in 2013 (source: Metacritic.com 2013).
BBC AMERICA will be managed as a standalone channel within the AMC Networks
portfolio, which includes AMC, IFC, WE tv, and SundanceTV, as well as AMC
Networks International, a collection of more than 60 channels distributed
worldwide. The partnership builds on a history of close creative collaboration
between the BBC and AMC Networks, which has already resulted in the
award-winning drama series Top of the Lake, the acclaimed drama The Honourable
Woman and the upcoming One Child. As part of the agreement, AMC Networks and
BBC Television have agreed to continue to jointly pursue a number of content
investment opportunities on a range of future projects, both through BBC
AMERICA and other AMC Networks channels.
Also included in the partnership is representation of BBC World News in U.S.
distribution and domestic advertising sales. Available in over 30 million
homes in the U.S., the channel is owned and editorially controlled by BBC
Global News Ltd, has journalists in more countries than any other
international news broadcaster and is the leader in global breaking news. BBC
World News has received a host of honors including four Emmy® Awards and four
Peabody Awards, reflecting its outstanding coverage of world affairs.
"The BBC is one of the most recognized, trusted and respected brands in the
world and we are proud to partner with it to create a content offering
unmatched in the industry. I have great respect for what Herb Scannell and his
team have achieved over the past four years, elevating BBC AMERICA's profile,
performance and productions," said Josh Sapan, AMC Networks President and CEO.
"A combined AMC Networks-BBC AMERICA channel group creates a powerful
collection of networks that are among the most critically-acclaimed, with
distinct dramas and other potent content that creates a deep connection with
viewers. Our content rises to the top on many levels and is particularly
well-suited to an era of on-demand viewing and expanding consumer choice."
Tony Hall, BBC Director-General and Chairman of BBC Worldwide, added: "The
U.S. is an important market for the BBC's commercial activities. This
partnership brings together the whole BBC and will help us reach new audiences
in the U.S., strengthen BBC AMERICA's position for the long term and create
opportunities for the UK creative community. We've already worked successfully
with AMC Networks on award-winning productions of Top of the Lake and the
Honourable Woman and this partnership means we can produce even more top
quality drama together. And I hope this is the beginning of us working
together on other future projects too."
Ed Carroll, AMC Networks COO, said: "Orphan Black and Doctor Who are just two
examples of bold and original BBC AMERICA content that creates passionate
viewers and fits well alongside AMC Networks shows such as Mad Men, Portlandia
and Rectify."
Tim Davie, CEO, BBC Worldwide and Director, Global, said: "AMC Networks is the
ideal partner for BBC Worldwide. Like us, they are committed to the kind of
high-quality, unmissable content that has already gained BBC AMERICA one of
the most educated, affluent and tech savvy audiences in all of U.S.
television, with a powerful social media following. BBC AMERICA is a unique
and upscale asset, with eight straight years of ratings growth behind it. By
creating a stronger force with shared creative sensibilities, this partnership
secures the continuation of that growth into the future."
Following completion, BBC Worldwide North America will continue as a wholly
owned regional business within BBC Worldwide, focused on program and format
sales and co-production relationships, scripted and unscripted production,
consumer products, digital and live events.
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