AMC Networks has completed the acquisition of a 49.9% share of the equity in BBC America for a total amount of $200 million, and has operational control, including affiliate and advertising sales. The announcement made by the channel yesterday speaks of a new, long-term creative partnership, bringing together two global brands that are behind some of the most watched television programming of the world.
Under the terms of the agreement, AMC Networks Inc. has invested $200 million in a 49.9% participation in BBC America, the rest of the 50.1% stake being retained by BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the British Broadcasting Corporation. Thus, all the “Doctor Who meets The Walking Dead” jokes circulating around the internet since the first announcement of the deal have just come true.
AMC Networks is home of a group of acclaimed television series, including the popular The Walking Dear, Mad Men and Rectify. BBC America is known for several of its award-winning series, including Doctor Who (the longest running science fiction TV series in the world, and also the most successful one based on longevity), Orphan Black, Broadchurch and the insanely popular car show Top Gear. BBC America will maintain its status as a standalone channel within the AMC Networks portfolio. Besides, as part of the agreement, BBC and AMC have agreed to maintain their joint pursuit of a number of content investment opportunities on a range of future projects, both through BBC America and AMC Networks channels.
“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. 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.”
Josh Sapan, AMC Networks President and CEO