New York, NY — 24 July 2013 — AMC/Sundance Channel Global, the international division of AMC Networks (NASDAQ: AMCX), has appointed industry veteran Gustavo Lopez to the newly created position of Vice President of Global Distribution and Business Development for Latin America.
Today’s news follows last month’s agreement with DIRECTV Latin America to launch Sundance Channel in September. The network will be available for the first time in seven Latin American countries, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Sundance Channel is also being made available for distribution to other pay-TV operators across the region.
Based in Miami, Lopez will oversee the distribution of Sundance Channel throughout Latin America. This includes oversight and management of affiliate sales and marketing throughout the region. He will report to Ed Palluth, Executive Vice President, Global Distribution, AMC/Sundance Channel Global.
Palluth commented, “Gus is a seasoned media executive who brings with him a wealth of experience across Latin America. His strong negotiating skills and industry relationships will help propel the growth of Sundance Channel as we continue to serve audiences and distributors with high quality, globally renowned entertainment.”
Prior to joining AMC/Sundance Channel Global, Lopez was Vice President and Regional Counsel for Discovery Communications and managed all legal and regulatory matters affecting the company’s business in Latin America and the US Hispanic market. Before joining Discovery he was Senior Director, Legal Affairs for the HBO Latin America Group. He began his career as an attorney in the international corporate department of White & Case LLP, where he represented clients in various cross-border corporate, financing and acquisition transactions.
Lopez received his JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a BA in History from the University of Miami. He has native fluency in both English and Spanish and is proficient in Portuguese. In addition, he currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade and the Television Association of Programmers Latin America as well as serves as Chairman of the Legal Committee of the Latin America Multichannel Advertising Council.
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 programming featuring the best of food, weddings and fashion.
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.
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