AMC to ‘Reposition’ for More ‘Streaming-Focused Landscape’

AMC Networks estimates about 80% of its subscription VOD subscribers also buy at least one other “general entertainment” SVOD service, said CEO Josh Sapan on a Q2 call Tuesday. “This underscores that we are not competitive with the large services, we are compatible.” AMC thinks a higher return will come from investments in content that will “reposition our company for a more streaming-focused landscape,” said Chief Financial Officer Sean Sullivan. Its “targeted” SVOD services have been “performing quite well,” he said. “We're looking to lean into this area of our business.” It’s “early days” of the programmer's involvement with ad-supported VOD services on Pluto and Sling, said Sullivan. “We are very much viewing that as an opportunity to monetize our rich library.” AMC doesn’t feel the need to own its own platform, he said. “We have a strategic advantage to have our strong content on growing platforms throughout the industry, and we're in meaningful talks with everyone that you would anticipate.”