AMC Networks announced today a comprehensive, long-term distribution agreement with DISH Network and Sling TV that includes continued carriage of AMC Networks’ linear channels AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv and BBC World News, as well as the launch in the coming months of AMC Networks’ targeted SVOD services Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and Urban Movie Channel (“UMC”); AMC Networks’ ad-free offering AMC Premiere; and its IFC Films Unlimited streaming service.
“We’re pleased to expand on our successful longtime partnership with DISH with the launch of our diverse portfolio of growing ad-free and targeted on-demand services and continued carriage of our linear networks,” said Josh Reader, President of Distribution and Development for AMC Networks. “Much like our linear channels, our ad-free services provide passionate audiences with exceptional content and new ways to innovate with valued distribution partners like DISH as our businesses evolve together.”
AMC Networks’ ad-free and targeted on-demand offerings include: Acorn TV, the ultimate destination for commercial-free world class dramas, mysteries and comedies from Britain and beyond. Called “an essential must-have” by The Hollywood Reporter, Acorn TV has more than one million paid subscribers in the US and Canada; Shudder, an essential offering for fans of horror and suspense with the largest uncut, ad-free selection of series and films, including original hit series Creepshow and acclaimed documentary Horror Noire; Sundance Now, offers a rich selection of original and exclusive series from true crime to heart-stopping dramas and thrillers from around the world, including Discovery of Witches, Riviera and Killing for Love; UMC (Urban Movie Channel) – the first subscription streaming service created for African American audiences, features a broad mix of original series, network TV shows, classic sitcoms, and feature films; AMC Premiere, offers current seasons of hit series from AMC, BBC America, IFC and SundanceTV, anytime, ad-free, including Killing Eve, Better Call Saul, The Walking Dead plus extras including bonus footage, sneak peeks of future episodes and exclusive behind-the-scenes features; and IFC Films Unlimited – a streaming channel featuring a broad collection of theatrically-released and award-winning titles from IFC Films, the leader in quality talent-driven independent film.
The announcement came the day before the company was set to report quarterly earnings. Carriage has been a constant question on earnings calls as programming distributors, Dish in particular, take a hard public line against price hikes in a world of falling ratings on linear television. Wall Street clearly appreciated the news, sending the stock up nearly 3.4% in early trading, outpacing the overall market and most other media stocks.