New York City / Warsaw — 24 June 2013 — AMC/Sundance Channel Global, the international division of AMC Networks (NASDAQ: AMCX), announced today that it will launch a dedicated Sundance Channel feed for the Polish market. Sundance Channel Polska will be available on the Eutelsat Hot Bird 13C satellite starting 1 July as a 24/7 linear network in high definition.
The network will feature a diverse and engaging selection of first run original drama and other iconic programming, along with award-winning and locally appealing independent films and documentaries.
With a dedicated feed, Sundance Channel Polska will soon cater specifically to local audiences via Polish language on-air promos, versioned programming and grassroots promotions. Previously the network has been available as part of Sundance Channel's regional feed in Eastern Europe. The transition to a fully dedicated feed will begin this year and reach completion in the early part of 2014.
"Poland continues to be one of the most important growth markets for Sundance Channel across Europe," commented Marco Frazier, VP Global Distribution, AMC/Sundance Channel Global. "We are excited to launch a tailored feed that will enable us to offer even more relevant programming and promotions locally. This development demonstrates our long-term commitment to providing high quality, independent-minded entertainment to audiences in Poland."
The announcement follows explosive growth across Poland for Sundance Channel in recent months. The network is available on the three leading DTH platforms in the region as well as eight of the top ten cable systems, including Cyfrowy Polsat, NC+, Orange, UPC Poland, TOYA, Multimedia Polska and other operators.
The network just premiered the Sundance Channel original production "Rectify" from the awardwinning team behind "Breaking Bad" to widespread acclaim across Poland. Created and written by Ray McKinnon, the powerful and absorbing drama has been commissioned for a second season, which will premiere exclusively on Sundance Channel Polska next year.
Sundance Channel will broadcast a dynamic range of programming throughout the summer in Poland. In July, this will include the acclaimed documentaries March of the Living and The War on Kids, along with narrative features Jelly and Lovers of Hate, among many others. The network will celebrate the summer music festival season throughout August with a line-up of specials featuring performances from some of music's hottest acts. This will include Arctic Monkeys, Maroon 5, Calvin Harris, Alphabeat, La Roux, Little Boots, Kanye West, Rufus Wainwright, Editors and others. Autumn premieres will be announced in the coming weeks.
Additional information about Sundance Channel can be found by visiting
www.sundancechannelglobal.com.
Today's news follows rapid distribution growth for Sundance Channel across Europe and Asia over the past few months. This includes new network launches in Belgium, France and the Philippines. Sundance Channel will also launch in several countries in Latin America in September on DIRECTV.
| * | * | * |
About AMC/Sundance Channel Global
AMC/Sundance Channel Global delivers compelling and globally renowned entertainment to audiences worldwide in multiple languages through locally tailored programming services, cutting edge media and subscription television platforms. The international arm of AMC Networks Inc., the division's flagship channels include Sundance Channel and WE tv and are broadcast in both high and standard definition. Sundance Channel was founded by Robert Redford and showcases acclaimed independent films, from the newest festival award winners to the genre's most beloved movies. Central to Sundance Channel's appeal is its broadcast of original series from leading talent both in the US and abroad, including celebrated series Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and Hell on Wheels. Recently launched in Asia, WE tv is a leading entertainment brand in the US and caters to audiences who can't get enough of celebrity driven reality and other widely appealing lifestyle programming.
About AMC Networks Inc.
Dedicated to producing quality programming and movie content for more than 30 years, AMC Networks Inc. (NASDAQ: AMCX) owns and operates several of the most popular and awardwinning brands in cable television. AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv, and IFC Films produce and deliver distinctive, compelling and culturally relevant content that engages audiences across multiple platforms. The company also operates AMC/Sundance Channel Global, an international programming business, and AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, a full-service network programming origination and distribution company.
# # #