(New York, NY – November 21, 2014) – AMC Networks today announced the appointment of Sarah Barnett to the position of President and General Manager, BBC AMERICA. As was recently announced, AMC Networks operates BBC AMERICA as a joint venture with BBC Worldwide.
Currently president and general manager of AMC Networks’ SundanceTV, Barnett will begin her new role early next year, overseeing both BBC AMERICA and SundanceTV for an interim period until a successor at SundanceTV is named. BBC AMERICA’s current general manager, Perry Simon, will enter into an exclusive production deal with BBC Worldwide North America with development commitments already in place at BBC AMERICA and AMC Networks.
Based in New York City, Barnett will lead BBC AMERICA’s day-to-day operations, including the channel’s overall creative and brand strategy, production and development, digital strategy and marketing. She will continue to report to Ed Carroll, Chief Operating Officer of AMC Networks.
Barnett’s appointment marks a return for her to BBC AMERICA and the BBC, where she began her career and held various roles in production and marketing before her decade-long run at SundanceTV.
“Sarah has had a remarkable tenure guiding SundanceTV through a dramatic evolution, taking the network ad-supported and establishing it as a formidable player in the scripted drama space,” said Carroll. “Sarah’s appetite for creative risk-taking and her strong leadership skills are well suited to this new role and we look forward to her building on BBC AMERICA’s successes, as the network continues to establish itself as a showcase for high quality shows that resonate with critics and audiences alike.”
Tim Davie, CEO of BBC Worldwide, said: “I’m delighted Sarah is to lead BBC AMERICA as the new General Manager within the joint venture. She has a fantastic track record in the kind of intelligent, creative content that is BBC AMERICA’s hallmark. And as a highly respected, collaborative team leader I have every confidence she will deliver success for both joint venture partners.”
“BBC AMERICA is flourishing on so many levels and I’m thrilled to be returning at such an exciting time,” said Barnett. “I leave SundanceTV proud of the creative, dedicated team that has done a terrific job elevating and growing the network and I know many more successes lie ahead.”
Named head of SundanceTV in 2009, Barnett quickly redefined the channel as a timely and vital television brand by introducing distinctive dramatic series. Barnett launched the network’s scripted strategy in 2010 with the Golden Globe-winning “Carlos,” and has since overseen a slate of high quality, auteur-driven series that have consistently captured critical acclaim and industry awards, including “Rectify,” “Top of the Lake,” “The Honorable Woman,” “The Red Road,” “Restless,” “Appropriate Adult,” “The Returned,” and the upcoming “One Child,” a co-production with the BBC.
Barnett joined SundanceTV in 2005 as Senior Vice President of Creative Marketing. Previously, she was Vice President – On-Air for BBC AMERICA for four years, after spending 12 years with the BBC in London, where she directed and produced for both BBC radio and television. Barnett earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in history of art from the University of Warwick in West Midlands, United Kingdom.
About AMC Networks:
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 award-winning brands in cable television. AMC, IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv, and IFC Films produce and deliver distinctive, compelling and culturally relevant content that engages audiences across multiple platforms. The company also operates BBC America through a joint venture with BBC Worldwide. In addition, the company operates AMC Networks International, its global division. More information is available at www.www.amcnetworks.com