Black Entertainment Television (BET) founder and former CEO Robert L. Johnson’s new media company, RLJ Entertainment (a content distribution company which owns and operates UMC – Urban Movie Channel, the urban-focused subscription streaming service, and Acorn TV, the premier streaming service for British mystery and drama), has formed a strategic partnership with AMC Networks, the company behind several of the most recognized brands and shows in entertainment, including AMC, BBC AMERICA, WE tv (a leading network for African American audiences), SundanceTV, AMC Networks International, IFC, and IFC Films. The announcement was made by Johnson, and AMC Networks President and CEO Josh Sapan.
The partnership builds on each company’s long track-record of successfully developing high-quality content for targeted audiences and capitalizing on new technology and changing viewing habits to make that content available to consumers.
As part of the agreement, AMC Networks will provide support and investment that will accelerate the distribution and development of diverse content and independent films from RLJ Entertainment across multiple platforms, including its direct-to-consumer streaming video-on-demand channels: Acorn TV and UMC, which is quickly becoming a leading destination for African American and urban viewers, with a rapidly growing fan base seeking diversity of creative voices.
By aligning Acorn TV and UMC with AMC Networks and its channels and film business – most notably BBC AMERICA, WE tv and IFC Films, which serve similar audiences — Acorn TV and UMC will have the potential to cross-promote, develop and distribute content ultimately reaching even more viewers.
Commenting on the new partnership and investment by AMC Networks, Mr. Johnson stated, “I am both delighted and excited that RLJ Entertainment is joining with the AMC Networks family to help capitalize on the opportunities that exist to provide consumers with more diverse content across multiple platforms. RLJ Entertainment has a leading position, through Acorn TV with British television programming, and through UMC with quality urban-focused content, and independent films that we will be able to further develop and grow with the capital and support of AMC Networks.”
Johnson continued: “Josh Sapan, who I am proud to call a friend and whom I’ve known for more than 20 years, is a visionary CEO and an absolute advocate for producing and delivering to audiences of all interests the best in quality and award-winning entertainment. As founder of RLJ Entertainment, I look forward to the future of this new chapter in our business and entering into a relationship with one of the most dynamic and creative content companies in the entertainment industry.”
“We have deep respect for Bob Johnson and the many businesses he’s built, from BET to Acorn TV and UMC” said Josh Sapan, President and CEO of AMC Networks. “Bob is a talented entrepreneur with a real understanding of the power of strong brands and a proven ability to identify and provide premium content to a wide range of audiences by tapping into the demand for content that uniquely fits their specific consumer interests. Much like the early days of cable, and AMC Networks’ own history of providing quality programming to targeted audiences, RLJ Entertainment’s Acorn TV and UMC appeal to consumers with quality programming that represents diverse voices. Our investment is a strategic opportunity to provide capital and additional resources to RLJ Entertainment as they continue to explore their many opportunities for growth, and while we consider the many potentially powerful synergies with our innovative partners at the BBC, and our own WE tv network.”
