Sundance Channel Global Expands with New European Launches
Geraud Alazard Appointed Vice President of Marketing
New York, NY, 3 October 2013 – AMC/Sundance Channel Global, the international division of AMC Networks (NASDAQ: AMCX), has announced today new launches for Sundance Channel in Europe. The company has also appointed Geraud Alazard as Vice President of Marketing, AMC/Sundance Channel Global. Bruce Tuchman, President of AMC/Sundance Channel Global, made the announcements today ahead of the company’s participation at MIPCOM.
Sundance Channel has launched as a 24-hour linear network on the cable/IPTV platform Bouygues Telecom in France, one of the fastest growing pay TV platforms in France. This partnership adds to the network’s broad distribution in France on Numericable, Virgin, SFR on Neufbox and Free. In addition, Sundance Channel is now available as a 24-hour network on the cable TV operator VOO/BeTV in Belgium for French-speaking audiences. This deal enables Sundance Channel to be seen widely across Wallonia to complement the network’s extensive distribution across Brussels and Flanders on Belgacom and Telenet. Both deals include access to authenticated on demand programming.
In Eastern Europe, Sundance Channel has experienced substantial growth in recent months. The network has expanded in Poland, where it has been widely seen across numerous pay-TV platforms, via recent deals with Inea, Promax and many other local operators. The network is now also being carried on UPC Hungary in standard definition and high definition on the basic tier, which has significantly increased distribution throughout the country. Sundance Channel has previously been available in high definition on UPC Hungary. Today’s announcements follow numerous recent launches, including Sundance Channel’s debut last month for the first time across Latin America.
The company has also made a personnel announcement to help bolster growth across the globe. As Vice President of Marketing, Alazard will oversee marketing and multiplatform media campaigns for AMC/Sundance Channel Global to support affiliates and drive consumer and distributor demand for the company’s international brands, Sundance Channel and WE tv. Based in New York, he will report to Tuchman. He will also report to Ed Palluth, EVP Global Distribution, on affiliate marketing matters related to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
Alazard has an extensive background in international marketing and distribution. Most recently, he served as managing director at PureScreens in Paris, France, where he negotiated and executed distribution on European pay-TV platforms for The Museum Channel. Prior to this role, Alazard served as Director of Marketing, Sales and Business Development at Televista, which operates French lifestyle channel Vivolta. He has also held positions at A+E Television Networks in the US and Germany. He holds a MS in International Corporate Strategy from ESSEC Business School, Thunderbird Graduate School and a BS in Politics and Management from Sciences-Po Paris, Heidelberg Universität.
Tuchman commented, “These exciting launches reinforce the strong demand for the globally renowned, high quality programming exclusively available on Sundance Channel.” He continued, “Geraud is an accomplished brand strategist with a wealth of valuable experience. His experience in identifying global marketing and distribution opportunities will enable him to play a key role in our rapid multi-platform expansion.”
Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of first run original drama and other iconic programming, award winning and locally appealing independent films and documentaries. It is available to pay-TV operators as a standard and high definition linear television channel, VOD service and via mobile and online authenticated streaming. Additionally, select VOD program offerings are available during theatrical windows so audiences can watch films that are still in theatres from the comfort of their own homes.
In addition to Sundance Channel, AMC/Sundance Channel Global offers WE tv in Asia, a women’s lifestyle focused network featuring top industry figures in food, weddings and fashion with acclaimed series by Bobby Flay, Rachael Ray and Joe Zee, inspiring viewers with their expertise and innovation.
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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 award-winning 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.
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