AMC Networks Inc.

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Hsin-Tzu Lin

by Hsin-Tzu (Teresa) Lin

ABOUT AMC NETWORKS INC. :

[1] AMC Networks Inc. Logo

Founded in 1980 (formally known as Rainbow Media Holdings LLC), AMC Networks Inc. [2] is an American Entertainment company currently standing as the one of the leading cable television broadcasters in the United States. AMC Networks owns and operates various popular channels within the cable television realm: AMC, The Independent Film Channel (IFC), Sundance TV, Women’s Entertainment TV (WE tv), and IFC Films [3]. The company also acquired Chellomedia in 2013 and through a joint venture with BBC Worldwide, now operates BBC America as well [3]. With an impressive programming portfolio, the cable network has aired many critical and popular series such as “Breaking Bad”, “Walking Dead”, and “Mad Men”, reaching more than 95 million households across the country [4].

HEADQUARTERS ADDRESS:

11 Penn Plaza,

New York, NY 10001,

United States

EXECUTIVES:

: Charles F. Dolan – Executive Chairman

: Joshua W. Sapan – President and Chief Executive Officer

: Edward A. Carroll – Chief Operating Officer

[5]

FINANCIALS AND STRATEGIES:

AMC Networks Inc. is a publicly traded company with a stock price of $77.27 as of April 16^th 2015 [3]. In its fourth quarter reports of 2014, AMC Networks exceeded expert estimates with the reported $1.15 earnings per share, vastly beating the prediction of $0.99 [6]. Its fourth quarter also showed promising numbers as the company’s revenue increased 40%[7] to $609.44 million [8], and also revealed a 24.3% jump in advertising revenues [7] to $255 million [9]. The company continues to expect the advertising sector to be the “growth driver” of the year. AMC Networks’ First Quarter 2015 report will be released May 4^th [10].

[17] Chellomedia’s Logo

It has been a fruitful and successful season for AMC Networks. With its strategic acquisition of Chellomedia[17] and partnership with BBC Worldwide, AMC Networks has greatly boosted its international revenue by 516% to $110.3 million [11], helping the company exceed estimated Q4 earnings. The company also seeks further development through striking a deal with Dish Network Corporation: to include AMC’s “Walking Dead” and “Mad Men” in Sling TV, its newly launched online video streaming service [12].

SPRING 2015 – THE SEASON OF NEW SERIES SPINOFFS:

AMC has carried numerous programs throughout its 30 years of existence. Amongst its most popular and successful are “Breaking Bad”, “Walking Dead”, and “Mad Men”. The former two of these series have sprung a spinoff off their original plot-lines, in hopes to further continue the series’ monumental success and keep their fan-base after losing “Breaking Bad” after the series has aired [26].

♦Breaking Bad and its spinoff “Better Call Saul”♦

Game changer underdog series “Breaking Bad” has finished its run, ending with 10.3 million viewers and a 5.2 rating within the adults the 18-49 demographic[13]. From its previous season (premiered in 2013), Walter White and Jesse Pinkman have brought in an astonishing 442% increase in viewership within just two years[13]. With this kind of result, AMC released a trial prequel spinoff series “Better Call Saul” earlier this year to extend the popular series further. “Saul” wrapped its first season with amazing results, raking in $2.53 million viewers overall, and very positive reviews (Click here to read why people think “Saul” might just be better than “Breaking Bad”). AMC Networks turned their best assets into best revenue generators, working to increase consumption of their most popular series even after it is gone.

♦“The Walking Dead” and its spinoff “Fear the Walking Dead”♦

One of AMC’s most popular cable television shows, “The Walking Dead”, delivered stellar numbers on its season finale. The Season 5 finale episode drew in an averaged rating of 8.2 within the adults 18-49 demographic[16] (and gathering 15.8 million viewers overall)[14]. This has been the highest rated season of “The Walking Dead” in this television season. Seeing the previous spinoff “Better Call Saul’s” success, “The Walking Dead” creator, Robert Kirkman, green-lighted another series spinoff “Fear the Walking Dead” to air in Summer 2015. The six-episode prequel mini-series[15] has already created significant anticipation within the “The Walking Dead” fan base, keeping the audience in the loop as they wait for Season 6 of “The Walking Dead” premiering in October[15].

: “Breaking Bad” spinoff – “Better Call Saul”

: “The Walking Dead” Prequel – “Fear the Walking Dead”

[18] [19]

This tactic of releasing spinoffs in order to maintain and possibly increase their audience base is currently working extremely well for AMC Networks Inc. “Better Call Saul” ended its first season strongly, and “Fear the Walking Dead” has generated great potential for its release in the summer. The success of “The Walking Dead” and “Breaking Bad” has been extremely beneficial to the company and creating a prequel/spinoff to the original series was a wise direction to lead to.

OTHER PROGRAM NEWS

AMC Networks also houses the growingly popular series “Orphan Black”, and the critically acclaimed, award winning “Mad Men”.

[21] Orphan Black Season 2 Cast

Just recently, Season 3 of “Orphan Black” ran across all 5 network channels of AMC Networks (AMC, SundanceTV, IFC, We TV, and BBC America) as a way to boost the series’ audience reach. AMC Networks COO Edward A. Carroll quotes…

“AMC Networks is a channel group known for high-quality storytelling and creating a premiere television event for ‘Orphan Black’ is a perfect opportunity to use our programming assets to help extend the reach of this quality series.”

[20]

[22] Mad Men in AMC Networks is not doing as well as it should

Although considered as one of the best dramas in cable, “Mad Men” does not pull as much of an audience as it should [23]. Unfortunately, “Mad Men” was ranked #21 amongst other cable dramas last year [23]. Despite this, AMC Networks announced that the ad spaces on “Mad Men’s” season finale on May 17^th have been completely sold out [24], still indicating the affluence and importance of the show.

WHAT IS NEXT?

As AMC Networks Inc. develops, CEO Josh Sapan quotes that international expansion “continues to be a focus” and allowing AMC Networks to “capitalize long term on international pay TV growth and drive long-term value for our shareholders.” [11] With the acquisition of Chellomedia and BBC America, AMC is now transitioning towards a more global distribution to show it’s content. AMC now is available in 120 countries as well as the Sundance Channel in 70 countries [25].

AMC Networks Inc. has a bright future ahead of its path. Not only is the company busy with its national expansion with series spinoffs, but it is also seeking to expand globally to distribute its contents to the world. Global distribution would only propel AMC Networks’ development forwards and bring the company to the next level of the cable television realm.

SOURCES –

[1] AMC Network Inc. Logo. Logosandbrands.com, Retrieved April 14th 2015.

[2] AMC Network Inc. Website. Amcnetwork.com, Retrieved April 14th 2015.

[3] AMC Network Company Profile. Yahoo Finance, Retrieved April 14th 2015.

[4] AMC Network Company Information. Hoovers, Retrieved April 14th 2015.

[5] AMC Network Executives. Amcnetwork.com, Retrieved April 14th 2015.

[6] “AMC Networks Now Covered by Piper Jaffray (AMCX). Dakota Financial News, Retrieved April 14th 2015.

[7] “AMC Networks’ Walking Dead Finale Sees Record Closing”. Zacks.com, Retrieved April 14th 2015.

[8] “AMC Networks Receives “Hold” Rating from Evercore Partners Inc. (AMCX)”. Mideasttime.com, Retrieved April 14th 2015.

[9] “AMC Networks Ad Revenue Jumps on Demand for Original Programming”. Wall Street Journal, Retrieved April 14th 2015.

[10] “AMC Networks to Report First Quarter 2015 Results”. Yahoo Finance, Retrieved April 14th 2015.

[11] “AMC Networks International Operations Help It To Beat Q4 Earnings Expectations”. Deadline.com, Retrieved April 14th 2015.

[12] “Dish Network Rolls Out Sling TV, Reaches Deal With AMC”. Wall Street Journal, Retrieved April 14th 2015.

[13] “‘Breaking Bad’ series finale ratings smash all records”. Entertainment Weekly, Retrieved April 16th 2015.

[14] “‘The Walking Dead’ Season 5 Finale is Highest Rated Finale in Series History, Garnering 15.8 Million Viewers”. TVByTheNumbers.com, Retrieved April 16th 2015.

[15] “Here’s the First Teaser for The Walking Dead Spin-Off”. Vanity Fair, Retrieved April 16th 2015.

[16] “AMC’s ‘Walking Dead’ Draws Record Finale Ratings”. Variety.com, Retrieved April 16th 2015.

[17] Chellomedia’s Logo. Chellomediapaytv.com, Retrieved April 16th 2015.

[18] Better Call Saul Photo. Amcnetworks.com, Retrieved April 17th 2015.

[19] Fear the Walking Dead Photo. fansided.com, Retrieved April 17th 2015.

[20] “‘Orphan Black’ Season Premiere to Air Across All AMC Networks Channels”. Variety.com, Retrieved April 17th 2015.

[21] Orphan Black Season 2 Cast photo. TVLine.com, Retrieved April 17th 2015.

[22] Mad Men Cast Photo. pop-break.com, Retrieved April 17th 2015.

[23] “‘Mad Men’ brings prestige, if not powerful ratings, to AMC”. CNN Money, Retrieved April 17th 2015.

[24] “AMC sells out advertising space for the ‘Mad Men’ series finale”. CNN Money, Retrieved April 17th 2015.

[25] “Investors Better Call AMC Networks, Company Is Far From Walking Dead”. Seeking Alpha, Retrieved April 17th 2015.

[26] “‘Better Call Saul’: More AMC spin-offs to join ‘Breaking Bad’ prequel” Entertainment Weekly, Retrieved April 17th 2015.

DirectTV

Posted on October 5, 2014 by Nicholas Sabatino

by Nick Sabatino

Photo courtesy of www.interpretllc.com [1]

Contact Information

Headquarters: 2230 E. Imperial Hwy, El Segundo, CA 90245 Phone: (310) 964-5000 [2] Facebook: DirecTV Twitter: @DirecTV

Executives

President and CEO: Michael White Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer: Patrick T. Doyle Executive Vice President and President, DirecTV Latin America: Bruce B. Churchill [3]

President and CEO, Michael White
Photo courtesy of investor.directv.com [4]

About

DirecTV was founded in 1990 and was one of the country’s first satellite-cable providers. DirecTV offers quality television with a variety of channels, including many high definition (HD) channels. There are hundreds of channels on DirecTV and the number of channels a customer receives depends on the package that the customer buys. However, not only does DirecTV provide cable, they also provide On-Demand services, HD DVR products(recording devices) called Genie [5], and “TV Everywhere” applications so that you can enjoy your television shows or movies when you want, where you want, and on what device you choose.

DirecTV’s Genie: HD DVR
Photo courtesy of www.directv.com [6]

DirecTV is a satellite-cable provider, this means that instead of just having a cable box attached to your television inside of your home, DirecTV puts a satellite dish on top of your home. Appearance is mostly the only major difference. However, DirecTV has benefits over other cable providers. DirecTV is rated #1 in overall customer satisfaction, and has been ahead of cable for the past 14 years [7].

Financials

DirecTV offers its services in the United States and in Latin America. The company currently has over 37 million subscribers in these areas, and their revenues totaled about $30 billion dollars in 2013 [8]. DirecTV is a multi-billion dollar company traded publicly on the NASDAQ with the ticker symbol DTV. Their stock currently has a volume of 899,268 and it is being traded at $87.71 per share [9]. Over the past four years DirecTV has seen a substantial increase in subscribers. With that, came an increase in their stock value. Since 2010, DirecTV’s stock has rose about 60 points and it keeps steadily going up over time. These numbers are very good for DirecTV and proves that they are becoming more successful as a company and more people are choosing their product over others.

DirecTV stock over the last four years Photo courtesy of investor.directv.com

DirecTV’s stock price over the last four years
Photo courtesy of investor.directv.com [10]

AT&T Merger

In May of 2014, DirecTV proposed a deal to AT&T to join companies and create a merger. With this merger, AT&T could improve the services that DirecTV already has. AT&T would focus on improving the Internet quality in many areas of the country that DirecTV does business [11]. With improved Internet, customers would be able to get better access to On-Demand and Pay-Per-View options that DirecTV offers. It would also better allow for the DirecTV app to be on products such as iPads and iPhones that are contracted under AT&T service, so that DirecTV can be at your fingertips wherever, and whenever you want it to be. This is the concept of “TV Everywhere.”

Over the past few months, the merger has been overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Justice Department over the legality of this merger. On November 20, 2014, DirecTV’s CEO, Michael White, said the deal should be approved next year. With this approved merger it is uncertain if DirecTV’s sales will go up. In a perfect market, the merger would cause an increase in the stock price of both AT&T and DirecTV. However, if one of the two company’s stock price starts to fall, being that both companies are in a merger, investors will sell their stock from the attached company and then both companies will have a decrease in stock price. This results in a loss of money for both AT&T and DirecTV [12].

AT&T and DirecTV Merger
Photo courtesy of www.accessnorthga.com [13]

International Expansion

In 2006, DirecTV gained 100% ownership of DirecTV Latin America [14]. With the expansion into new countries, DirecTV has asserted itself as more of a global brand. As of 2013, the number of subscribers that are from Latin America is about 18 million, which is an increase of about 9 million subscribers compared to the year 2010 [15]. With the success of expansion into Latin America, it is probable that DirecTV will expand into other markets as well and become even larger of a company. In the end of the day, it is all about getting your product to as many people as possible and making as much money as possible.

The DirecTV satellite dish portrayed as being on top of the Latin American countries where DirecTV is in. Photo courtesy of www.gigaom.com

DirecTV has expanded to Latin America.
Photo courtesy of www.gigaom.com [16]

Raycom Media

Back in September of 2014 there was a dispute between DirecTV and a broadcasting company called Raycom Media [17]. The dispute was over the broadcasting of Raycom Media’s channels through the means of DirecTV. The two companies did not come to a financial agreement by September 1st (the deadline) so for customers that had DirecTV they were unable to watch any Raycom Media channels for several days. Raycom Media is in 37 markets and 18 states, and they provide many different forms of television [18]. A major concern among people who had DirecTV and were in a Raycom Media market was the fact that they would not be able to watch some of the opening day NFL games on September 7th. Raycom and DirecTV made sure that this did not happen because of the potential financial loss that could have come from it. Agreements were made, and on September 7th customers were reinstated with their television channels.

Original Programming and What to Expect in the Future

Over the past few years DirecTV has entered into the world that Netflix and Hulu are also in. It’s the world of original programming, and it is the key to gaining more viewership, and in the case of DirecTV, more subscribers [19]. DirecTV’s goal is to have shows that viewers cannot get anywhere else. If this happens, then people may substitute the cable provider that they already have for DirecTV. DirecTV has their own channel called “Audience” that is only on DirecTV. On this channel is their newest show called Kingdom, and it came out in Fall of 2014. It stars Nick Jonas as a mixed martial arts fighter [20]. There is also a crime drama starring Thandie Newton called Rogue.

Click photo for Kingdom trailer courtesy of Youtube. Photo courtesy of www.directv.com

Click photo for Kingdom trailer, courtesy of www.youtube.com
Photo courtesy of www.directv.com [21]

There is even a special channel called “DogTV,” which is a channel specifically made for your dog to watch.

DogTV Trailer Photo courtesy of www.directv.com Commercial courtesy of www.youtube.com

Click photo for DogTV Commercial
Photo courtesy of www.directv.com
Commercial courtesy of www.youtube.com [22]

DirecTV also prides itself on its sports channels and packages. They have many packages, but their most popular one is the NFL Sunday Ticket. Every Fall if you are a customer that has NFL Sunday Ticket you can watch every NFL game that airs every Sunday [23]. New this Fall too is the introduction of NFL Fantasy Zone, a show which is all geared towards Fantasy Football. Expect growth in this department over the next few years.

There is also an ongoing dispute currently taking place between DirecTV and AMC. AMC is threatening to take away all of their channels (AMC, We TV, IFC, and Sundance) because they are claiming that DirecTV violated the existing deal that they had with them [24]. AMC is running campaigns during its show The Walking Dead, and DirecTV has an online petition[25]. DirecTV says that AMC is issuing a false alarm and nothing will happen. This is a developing story that needs to be kept a close eye on in the coming months.

In the near future, expect DirecTV to come up with more original content, renewal of their successful shows, expansion into new countries, and new and better deals to lure new customers to their services.

Sources

[1] DirecTV Logo. Interpret. RT: 4/30/14

[2] DirecTV Headquarters. eCorporateOffices.com. RT: 4/30/14

[3] Corporate Governance: Elected Officers. Investor.directv.com. RT: 4/30/14

[4] Michael White. Investor.directv.com. RT: 4/30/14

[5] DirecTV Genie. DirecTV.com. RT: 4/30/14

[6] DirecTV Genie. DirecTV.com. RT: 4/30/14

[7] DirecTV vs. Cable. DirecTV.com. RT: 4/30/14

[8] DirecTV 2013 Annual Report. Investor.directv.com. RT: 4/30/14

[9] Stock Quote and Chart. Investor.directv.com. RT: 4/30/14

[10] Stock Quote and Chart. Investor.directv.com. RT: 4/30/14

[11] “DirecTV CEO Expects Feds to OK AT&T Merger”. BostonHerald.com. RT: 4/30/14

[12] “3 Reasons DirecTV’s Stock Could Fall”. Fool.com. RT: 4/30/14

[13] “AT&T Agrees to Buy DirecTV in $45.8B Deal”. AccessNorthGa.com. RT: 4/30/14

[14] Company Profile. DirecTV.com. RT: 4/30/14

[15] DirecTV 2013 Annual Report. Investor.directv.com. RT: 4/30/14

[16] “DirecTV Adds Another 600,000 Latin American Users in Q1”. Gigaom.com. RT: 4/30/14

[17] “Raycom Media Restores 43 Local Stations to DirecTV Homes”. News.directv.com. RT: 4/30/14

[18] “Raycom Media Reaches Agreement In Principle With DirecTV”. RaycomMedia.com. RT: 4/30/14

[19] “DirecTV tries to join Netflix, Hulu With New Original Series Kingdom: Can They Compete?”. SheKnows.com. RT: 4/30/14

[20] “Stepping Into the Cage with Kingdom‘s Jonathan Tucker”. News.directv.com. RT: 4/30/14

[21] Kingdom Poster. DirecTV.com. RT: 4/30/14

[22] “DogTV Commercial – Been There Done That – Part 2”. Youtube.com. RT: 4/30/14

[23] “How DirecTV is Capitalizing On Growth of Fantasy Football”. Forbes.com. RT: 4/30/14

[24] “AMC Sounds Alarm About DirecTV Tussle During ‘Walking Dead’ Episode”. Variety.com. RT: 4/30/14

[25] “Don’t Let AMC Scare You!”. directvpromise.com. RT: 4/30/14

AMC Networks

Posted on March 15, 2014 by Tyler Cunningham

By Tyler Cunningham


courtesy of [1] hitstate.com

AMC Network Entertainment LLC

11 Penn Plaza – New York, NY 10001 – (646)-273-7105

HISTORY + ABOUT:

Upon its launch in 1980, AMC Networks was originally known as Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Cablevision. After 25 years of successful programming and mergers, Cablevision executives took Rainbow Media public on July 1st, 2011 under its new name, AMC Network Entertainment. [2]

courtesy of [3] imgl.wikia.nocookie.net

Now in its third year as a publicly traded company, AMC Networks owns and operates some of today’s most popular cable channels including AMC, Sundance TV, WE tv and IFC. Additionally, the company owns the independent film distributor, IFC Films, as well as the IFC Center cinema in Greenwich Village. [4] AMC Networks has a commitment to producing only the most distinctive and compelling content that engages many different audiences.

KEY EXECUTIVES:

[5]

Charles F. Dolan – Executive Chairman

[5]

Joshua W. Sapan – President & CEO

[5]

Edward A. Carroll – COO

[5]

Sean E. Sullivan – Executive VP & CFO

FINANCIALS AS OF SPRING 2014:

AMC Networks has not yet reported its First Quarter earnings for 2014, however it recently reported its Fourth Quarter & Full-Year Earnings for 2013.

The Fourth Quarter saw a net revenue increase of 18.7% to $435 million, up from $395 million in the company’s Third Quarter report. [6] And what’s more is that 2013 saw an annual net revenue increase of 17.7% to $1.592 billion, up from $1.353 billion in 2012.These increases, according to CEO Joshua Sapan, can be entirely attributed to the company’s “ability to produce content that is valuable and monetizeable.” [7]

courtesy of [8] nasdaq.com

The company is publicly traded as AMCX on NASDAQ and has seen an especially successful Spring 2014. As seen in this graph that documents AMCX’s share price since going public in 2011, the price has been at an all-time high since the beginning of 2014, hitting $78.39 per share on March 7th. This is up from $59.18 on the same day in 2013.

RECENT HAPPENINGS:

AMC’s The Walking Dead Continues its Ratings Reign –

courtesy of [9] beyondhollywood.com

Even in the face of the XXII Winter Olympics, The Walking Dead‘s mid-season premiere on February 9th still garnered 16 million viewers and maintained its position as the highest-rated program on all of television in the key 18-49 demographic. [10] The zombie apocalypse drama’s popularity is commonly attributed to its incredibly tense storytelling and excellent character development. The Walking Dead will return for its fifth season this October.

Chellomedia is Offically Acquried for $1 Billion –

courtesy of [11] chellomediapaytv.com

After a lengthy courting process, AMC Networks purchased the London-based Chellomedia for $1 billion this spring. Chellomedia is a European television content distributor that owns and operates a massive collection of channels that reach an estimated 390 million homes across Europe. AMC Networks reportedly made the acquisition to broaden their European audience. [12] With net earnings of $465 million in 2013, Chellomedia is expected to now make up 20% of AMC Networks’ earnings. [13]

Final Season of Mad Men Opens to Lackluster Ratings –

courtesy of [16]

There’s no denying that Mad Men is one of the most critically-acclaimed shows in recent history, but when it comes to ratings, AMC wins some and they lose some. The seventh and final season of Mad Men premiered on April 13th to just 2.3 million viewers – their lowest premiere rating since the show’s second season in 2008. [14] Media analysts suspect that recycled, overused plot lines in season six (Don was predictably unfaithful, etc.) are to blame for the loss of public interest. [15]

New Drama, Turn, Premieres to Lukewarm Reviews –

AMC was hoping to add to its collection of hit dramas with the new Revolutionary War espionage thriller, Turn. However, it is looking unlikely that they will be able to do so. The series premiere on April 6th opened to a modest 2.1 million viewers (only .5 of them in the 18-49 demographic) and a bag of mixed reviews. [17] While some publications celebrated its arresting cinematography and stellar performances [18], most have labeled the show as “hollow,” with very little suspense or excitement to be found in its storytelling. [19] Turn – Trailer (YouTube)

UPCOMING PROJECTS:

Tech Drama, Halt and Catch Fire, to Premiere June 1st –

With Breaking Bad put to rest and Mad Men not far behind, “the question of ‘what’s next’ looms large for AMC.” [20] And many who attended the SXSW sneak peak of Halt and Catch Fire argue that the new series has what it takes to be the network’s next big smash. [21] The 1980s period drama tells the story of three techies with dreams of creating a more perfect personal computer that has the potential of replacing the most popular IBM model. The show’s riveting storytelling explores the multiple motives, burned bridges and egos involved in the fight to weaken IBM as the dominant player in the marketplace. The aptly titled series is slated for a June 1st premiere. Halt and Catch Fire – Trailer (YouTube)

courtesy of [25] amctv.com

Breaking Bad spinoff, Better Call Saul, to Premiere in November –

Diehard Breaking Bad fans were given reason to live again after a spinoff series, Better Call Saul, was announced following the show’s wrap. The show will center around Bob Odenkirk’s character, Saul Goodman, Albuquerque’s favorite crooked lawyer, and is named after the character’s hopelessly corny business slogan. The show will not be “Breaking Bad 2.0,” but rather a dive into the smattering of trouble and hilarity that ensues as a result of Saul’s shady business practices. [22] Better Call Saul – Webisode (YouTube)

courtesy of [26] leviathyn.com

Dark Comic Series, Preacher, to be Adapted for Television –

After many failed starts with other production companies, the 1990s comic book series, Preacher, will receive its first major television treatment from AMC. Preacher tells the story of Jesse Custer, a Texas preacher who becomes possessed by a supernatural entity that is half-angel, half-demon, making Custer the most powerful creature on Earth. Through his possession, he discovers that God has abandoned his responsibilities in Heaven and is now roaming freely on Earth. A preacher to his core, Custer sets out on a journey to track down God and send him back to his post. However, there are many demonic forces that will stop at nothing to keep this preacher from reaching God. The Seth Rogan-produced religious thriller is hoped to bring success similar to that of The Walking Dead. [23] A release date has not yet been set.

courtesy of [24] empireonline.com

SOURCES:

[1] – HitState, RT: 4/16/2014

[2] – Deadline, RT: 4/16/2014

[3] – imgl.wikia.nocookie, RT: 4/16/2014

[4] – AMC Networks, RT: 4/16/2014

[5] – AMC Networks – Investors, RT: 4/17/2014

[6] – AMC Networks – Investors, RT: 4/17/2014

[7] – Seeking Alpha, RT: 4/17/2014

[8] – NASDAQ, RT: 4/17/2014

[9] – Beyond Hollywood, RT: 4/17/2014

[10] – Seeking Alpha, RT: 4/18/2014

[11] – Chellomedia, RT: 4/18/2014

[12] – The Hollywood Reporter, RT: 4/18/2014

[13] – Seeking Alpha, RT: 4/18/2014

[14] – E! Online, RT: 4/18/2014

[15] – Indiewire, RT: 4/18/2014

[16] – SquareSpace, RT: 4/18/2014

[17] – Vulture, RT: 4/18/2014

[18] – The Daily Beast, RT: 4/19/2014

[19] – Variety, RT: 4/19/2014

[20] – Forbes, RT: 4/19/2014

[21] – Indiewire, RT: 4/19/2014

[22] – Screenrant, RT: 4/19/2014

[23] – The Hollywood Reporter, RT: 4/19/2014

[24] – Empire, RT: 4/19/2014

[25] – AMC TV, RT: 4/19/2014

[26] – Leviathyn, RT: 4/19/2014

AMC Networks

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Elliott Brannon

by Elliott Brannon

amc_network_logo_render

11 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 324-8500
Website: http://www.amcnetworks.com

About the Company: [3] [4]

AMC Networks (NASDAQ: AMCX) is an American entertainment company founded in 1980 whose brands include the cable networks AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, and WE tv. The company also controls IFC Films, a United States distributor of indie film.

In 2012, the company’s revenues increased from $1.188 billion in 2011 to $1.353 billion, a growth of 13.9%. AMC Network’s overall income also increased 11.1%, maturing from $327 million in 2011 to nearly $463 million in 2012. Company stock prices have also increased about 18% since January (as of April 3, 2013).

Brands: [5]

AMC was first launched in 1984. Since then, the network has gone on to become the only cable network in history to receive the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row and the only cable network to win the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama for three years in a row. AMC’s popular original series include Mad Men, Breaking Bad, and The Walking Dead.

IFC is the Independent Film Channel and was initially launched in 1994. The channel airs original series such as Onion News Network and Portlandia as well as numerous indie films and other syndicated television shows.

Sundance Channel was founded by Robert Redford in 1996. Its original series include Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and All On The Line.

WE tv is a network targeted at women and was first launched in 1997. Popular original series include Braxton Family Values and Bridezillas.

IFC Films distributes independent films throughout the U.S. This division also controls the feature film production company, IFC Productions.

Key Executives: [1]

Josh Sapan, President & Chief Executive Officer of AMC Networks

Charles Dolan Executive Chairman
Josh Sapan President & Chief Executive Officer
Charlie CollierPresident & General Manager, AMC
Jennifer Caserta Priore President & General Manager, IFC
Sarah Barnett Executive Vice President & General Manager, Sundance Channel
Kim Martin President & General Manager, WE tv

Recent News (January-April 2013):

April 1: The season three finale of AMC‘s The Walking Dead on March 31st delivered 12.4 million viewers total and 8.1 million viewers age 18 to 49 with a 7.4 HH rating, making it the #1 TV program for the week and #1 television show for the overall season amongst adults age 18-49 [6].

AMC’s new logo and tagline

During the airing of the finale, AMC debuted its brand new logo and tagline, replacing its old tagline, “Story Matters Here,” with “Something More.” Linda Schupack, AMC’s executive vice president of marketing explained that, “AMC: Something More further refines our focus on- and off-air and speaks to our promise to viewers to provide an experience that is unexpected, unconventional and uncompromising” [7].

March 21: AMC released a trailer for its newest original series, Low Winter Sun, a police drama set in Detroit based on a 2006 British miniseries.

The show is being co-produced by AMC Studios and Endemol Studios. Its credits include executive producer Chris Mundy, who has previously worked on CBS’s Criminal Minds [8].

March 13: James Maiella was appointed as the new senior vice president of corporate communications at AMC Networks. Maiella will overlook business and trade relations for all of the companies cable networks as well as IFC Films. He will work alongside the company’s other current senior vice president of corporate communications, Georgia Juvelis [9].

March 12: AMC Networks launched YEAH!, a movie streaming service. Movies are currently available on www.YEAHTV.com, which carries classic films with added bonus features, such as interviews with filmmakers and story notes, only available exclusively through the service. Users must pay $5 to watch a movie and its additional bonus features or can pay $2 to watch a movie without the added content. The service is only available online through a computer for now, but an iPad app is set for release this summer [10].

March 5: Anchor Bay Entertainment and AMC Networks completed a home entertainment distribution deal, giving Anchor Bay the rights to distribute DVD and Blu-ray releases of AMC, IFC, and Sundance original series throughout the United States and Canada. Some specific digital distribution deals are also included in the agreement.

Sundance’s Rectify and AMC’s Low Winter Sun, which have both not debuted yet, will be the first series distributed under the new deal. Anchor Bay has worked closely with AMC Networks in the past, serving as the home entertainment distributor for AMC’s The Walking Dead [11].

February 25: Sundance Channel and AMC reached an agreement giving Sundance Channel syndication rights to the off network premiere of AMC’s Breaking Bad.

Breaking Bad’s Walter White

This agreement comes in lieu of the upcoming premiere of Sundance Channel’s first ever scripted series, Rectify, which is produced by the same group behind Breaking Bad [12].

Rectify is set to premiere on April 22, 2013 at 10:100pm et/pt [13].

February 21: WE tv greenlighted a new unscripted reality series, Glam & Gold, starring olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross and two-time Super Bowl champion Aaron Ross. Filming is already underway in Austin and Jacksonville. Glam & Gold joins a host of other WE tv shows starring African-Americans including Mary Tary and Braxton Family Values [17].

February 15: IFC Films secured North American rights to the indie neo-noir thriller, The Canyons, starring Lindsay Lohan and James Deen and directed by Paul Schrader. The film will premiere in early summer at a Special Presentation at the Film Society of Lincoln Center in conjunction with a day-and-date release. Schrader’s film will also be simultaneously released on a variety of other digital platforms [18].

February 11: The Walking Dead’s February 10th airing of its season 3B premiere on AMC delivered 12.3 million viewers. With 7.7 million viewers age 18-49, the episode delivered the highest rating for a television series in basic cable history for that demographic.

The series’ average viewership in season 3 for adults 18-49 was 6.8 million, making it the #1 program of the season amongst that age range [14].

February 5: Joel Stillerman, executive vice president of programming, production, and digital content for AMC, announced a two-year first look deal with Stacey Sher and Michael Shamberg of Double Feature Films. Shamberg and Sher are both two-time Academy Award nominees and have worked on a variety of films together including Django Unchained, Erin Brokovich, and Garden State [15].

January 15: AMC and Fox Television Studios announced a new agreement that will bring AMC’s The Killing back to the network for a third season. The agreement brings Veena Sud back as the series’ executive producer and showrunner and also brings back lead actors Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman. Production of the show’s new season began on February 25 in Vancouver [16].

References:

AMC Networks

Posted on September 19, 2012 by jeblanco

by Jose Blanco

Courtesy of underconsideration.com

Key Exceutives

Charles Dolan	Executive Chairman
Josh Sapan	President & Chief Executive Officer
Ed Carroll	Chief Operating Officer
Sean S. Sullivan	Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Jamie Gallagher	Executive Vice President & General Counsel
John P. Giraldo	Chief Accounting Officer
Bob Broussard	President, AMC Networks Distribution
Rob Doodian	Executive Vice President, Human Resources
Ellen Kroner	Executive Vice President, Communications & Marketing
Steven Pontillo	Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer
David Evans	Senior Vice President, Broadband
Paul Rehrig	Senior Vice President, Business Development

Highest Competitors

1. Showtime

2. HBO

Corporate Headquarters

AMC Networks Inc.
11 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10001
Main Phone #: (212) 324-8500

Brief Network Description

Previously known as Rainbow Media Holdings (a division of the Cablevision, the American cable television company), AMC Networks [1] is a public entertainment company that focuses on specialty television and independent film production based in New York City. Within their branch of premium cable television channels, AMC Networks focuses on producing original content through their multiple channels (AMC, WE tv, the Sundance Channel, and IFC). On July 1^st of 2011, Cablevision made AMC Networks [1] become a publicly traded company, leaving former Rainbow Media president, Josh Sapan, as President and CEO of AMC Networks. Previously recognized for their airing of classic movies, the company began producing original content in 2007 with the launch of programs such as “Mad Men” in AMC (their most popular channel to which the company was named after).

Courtesy of Zap2it.com

Ever since, AMC Networks has promoted the creation of high-quality original content in their programming. With hit shows such as “The Walking Dead”, “Mad Men”, and “Breaking Bad”, all of which have received critical acclaim and popular appraisal, AMC Networks has marked its presence in the television industry, especially with through their channel AMC. As their tagline states; “Story matters here.”.

This Year for AMC Networks

Third Quarter 2012 Results

AMC Networks has been seemingly busy this year, given to their known legal dispute [2] with DISH Network early on this summer that led the American cable company to “drop” all of AMC Networks’ programming since this July to early October until the dispute was finalized. A deeper analysis regarding to the legal dispute and it’s result will continue further along the reading. Given to situations such as the previously stated, the company’s operating income (OI) decreased 8% in its Q3 [3] of this year (in comparison to Q3 of 2011) to a total of $87 million and its AOCF (adjusted operating cash flow) decreased 10.9% to $110 million (Q3 as well). According to AMC Networks’ most recent quarterly report, these blatant decreases in OI and AOCF are due to “ the impact of the litigation and associated carriage dispute with DISH Network.”. Now, OI also decreased due to “flat operating income at national networks and a $9 million increase in the operating loss at International and Other.” Normally when the network refers to its “International and Other” operation, its regarding its independent film production company IFC films, but AMC Networks is currently working on expanding its market on a global scale by opening up markets in Asia, Latin America, Europe, Canada, and Africa. [4]

Regardless of the networks decreasing OI and AOCF, the company has seen a steady increase in net revenues this year by a significant 17% ($332 million by the en of this year’s Q3 ) and an increase of 40% in share value this year (AMCX)[5], a share which is now traded at $52.25. These revenues, which were off set by their legal disputes, were due to not only the success of their programming but also to their growth in digital and licensing distribution (which is one of the primary reasons for the incitement of their current and past conflicts with cable companies such as DISH Network) through deals with online platforms such as Amazon.com, Netflix, and iTunes. Within their national networks, this led to an increase of 24.3% of revenues to $199 million [3]. Although use of online platforms has increase, Josh Sapan announced at the 40th Annual UBS Global Media and Communications Conference that took place recently on Dec. 4th “Our company has taken a rather more restrained approach on making our shows more accessible online. As a matter of policy its not good for the ecosystem, we chose to very selectively to sell our content.” then adding “We will support it. We will have to carefully manage where our rights go. We are in a position to balance that quite well and we have been compensating it for some time. We will be a good and healthy participant.” while referring to these online platforms [4].

DISH Network and AMC Networks

Now, what is this huge legal mumbo jumbo with DISH Network all about? AMC Networks current strategy consists of profit maximization through affiliate fees [5]. What they do is come up with two to three hit programs (“The Walking Dead”, “Mad Men”, and “Breaking Bad”) which make the channel indispensable to the carrier then fill the rest of the channels programming with inexpensive content such as non-fiction/reality programming (“Comic Book Men”, “Whisker Wars”). As posted in an article by Bill Gurley regarding affiliate fees on Abovethecrowd.com; “How can a cable company not offer “Mad Men”.” And they can’t and AMC knows so. Hence within their contracts they bundle up their other channels and relatively go better off in the contract [5].

Courtesy of infospace.ischool.syr.edu

“DISH felt that the network had devalued its admittedly popular dramas… by selling them to outlets such as Netflix, iTunes, and Amazon.com” according to an article on fool.com [6]. DISH felt as if they were being cut out and not just that, but AMC was demanding an increase in affiliate fees (which makes sense do to the success of their programs). DISH argued that AMC’s ratings did not meet with their demands. Given to their disagreements, DISH dropped all programming from AMC Networks in July 2012. But AMC, as well put in fool.com, “won’t be bullied”[6] .

They retaliated by launching ads denouncing DISH’s decision to drop them from programming. With campaigns such as the “Put Zonbies Back” ad that showed footage of people costumed as zombies scrawling through the streets of New York City (in real life) promoting their apocalyptic series “The Walking Dead” and retaliating the carrier’s decision to drop it’s programming.

These campaigns gave way to fan made spoofs and responses that demanded DISH to bring back AMC programming.

They did not stop there. Through their advertising, they gave DISH customers a week to “switch” providers and leave DISH [7].

Many doubted on AMC’s success given that their viewership had decreased 7%-9% in July when compared to 2011, according to the video by the Wall Street Journal [8]. With these decreases in ratings, AMC gave advertisers free time spaces in online streaming trying to push the ratings up. “You’d be surprised, there’s been a bit of a drop off since the black out started (referring to ratings when DISH dropped AMC)… these are niche products and as a result don’t have the same financial impact.” argued the WSJ [8].

Before the premiere of the third season of “The Walking Dead”, both parties agreed upon a settlement [9]. AMC and Cablevision would receive $700 million and receive a 20% stake with Voom HD, which offers up to 21 channels of HD programming. DISH acquired wireless spectrum licenses that cover up to 45 separate markets.

Television Channels

Courtesy of wikemedia.org

A speciality cable television channel that focuses on providing original content such as their hit shows “The Walking Dead”, “Mad Men”, and “Breaking Bad” and airing classic films.

Recent News

People at the WSJ must have been biting their tongues when the “The Walking Dead” premiered on Oct. 14^th and received 10.87 million viewers. But the real breakthrough [10]came with the show’s midseason finale that reached 15.2 million viewers on the night of the premiere, a 58% increase in comparison to its previous season finale (yet this was only the mid-season finale) and breaking records for cable television. It surpassed all other fall programs that appeal to the 18-49 age demographic such as “the Big Bang Theory” and “Modern Family”. Plus, the show’s new follow-up talk show “the Talking Dead” received a viewership of 2.2 million.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUvKSXO_Ipc

In February, AMC will premiere two new non-fiction tv-shows, “Immortalized” and “Freakshow“, “The Walking Dead“, “the Talking Dead“(both returning Feb. 14th 2013), and the hit reality tv show “Comic Book Men” will also return that same month [11].

Courtesy of media.sundancechannel.com

The Sundance Channel is a cable television channel that airs original programming, independent films, documentaries, and short films plus recent news regarding the current year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Recent News

The Sundance Channel announced in November its upcoming releases of 5 new dramas of high caliber talent and “non-formaulative” story lines. These new premieres include shows such as “Valentines”, based off a novel by Olaf Olafsson and produced by Robert Redford that follows the life of a New York lawyer and his three daughters. Other shows include “Death in the Modern Age”, “T”, and “Behind the Sun” [12].

Courtesy of patrickgallo.weebly.com

The IFC Channel (Independent Film Channel) airs independent film, original programming, and news and buzz relate to the independent film industry. IFC airs programs that range from slightly off comedies such as “Portlandia“, the multiple chapters of the R. Kelly “hip-hopera” “Trapped in the Closet“, to the absurdity behind beard competitions in the reality tv show “Whisker Wars“.

Recent News

AMC Networks has entered into fierce negotiations with Verizon in the past month concerning contract renewals. Pressure has also escalated in negotiations with Timewarner concerning the networks low-rated channels that are being bundled with their stronger channels such as AMC. Both carriage companies have threatened to drop [13] the networks programming as a result of weak ratings from both IFC and WE tv.

Courtesy of 1.bp.blogspot.com

WE tv airs is a cable television channel that targets women and women’s issues. Programming includes documentaries, some original programming, talk shows, fashion shows, older feature films, and some re-runs of other TV shows. Their latest hits include “Mary Mary“, a program that follows the lives of the famous gospel duo composed of the two ATkins-Campbell sister, Erica and Tina.

References

1. AMC Networks Homepage http://www.amcnetworks.com/default

2. Dish Network Settles Suit With AMC -WSJ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203406404578070960821103982.html

3.Third Quarter Report of AMC Networks 2012 http://www.amcnetworks.com/release_release_press.jsp?nodeid=6602

4.40th Annual UBS Global Media and Communications Conference http://cc.talkpoint.com/ubsx001/120312a_im/?entity=15_EJSUBIR

5.http://abovethecrowd.com/2010/04/28/affiliate-fees-make-the-world-go-round/

6.http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2012/10/22/amc-and-dish-work-out-a-new-deal-the-zombies-are-b.aspx

7.http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2012/07/15/amc-breaking-bad-news-for-dish-but-its-great-for-i.aspx

8. Drama of the Lost Dish Network http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAWgizbYfGw&feature=player_embedded

9. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/amc-back-dish-lawsuit-settled-381472

10. AMC’s “The Walking Dead” is The First Cable Series to Beat Every Other Show of the Fall Broadcast Season in Adult 18-49 http://www.amcnetworks.com/release_release_press.jsp?nodeid=6607

11. http://www.amctv.com/

12.Sundace Channel’s New Shows http://www.amcnetworks.com/release_release_press.jsp?nodeid=6601

13.http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-03/time-warner-cable-threatens-to-drop-low-rated-networks.html