AMC Networks, the 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 $200 million 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.”
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.
“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.
