AMC Networks believes its content is well-suited for the kind of consumers that are attracted to a growing array of virtual MVPDs, and it’s a key reason why it’s been out in front in locking in deals with this new class of distribution.
“We think it’s really important to be wherever or passionate fans want to consume our content,” Bob Broussard, president of distribution for AMC Networks, said. “A lot of our industry-leading content does appeal to the younger demo, and they’re extremely passionate and a lot of them are mobile-first content viewers.”
Broussard’s comments come soon after AMC Networks announced that it will be offering a mix of channels and add-on subscription offerings “soon” on YouTube TV, the OTT TV service that launched Wednesday in a five major U.S. markets, with more expected to be added to that list later this year.
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In the coming weeks, YouTube TV is expected to add AMC, BBC America, IFC, Sundance TV, We TV and BBC World to its baseline $35 per month package, and make Sundance Now and Shudder available as subscription add-ons.
Broussard also pointed out that AMC Networks is currently the only non-broadcast affiliated programing group to be part of YouTube TV’s programming mix, and that the programmer’s content speaks to the kind of mobile-first consumers who will gravitate to YouTube TV.
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YouTube TV is also the latest OTT TV provider to work with AMC Networks, which also has distribution deals with services such as Sling TV, PS Vue and DirecTV Now.
Broussard stressed that the virtual MVPD era is in its early days, “but I think we’re positioned extremely well” for that segment of the pay TV market.
“We’re very pleased that the tremendous investment we've made over the years has really manifested itself in these new types of distribution deals,” he said.
